Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 26
By Rahim Zamanov - Trend:
Ali Akbar Velayati, a top adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution, said on January 26 that Geneva talks on Syrian crisis are not likely to have successful results.
"The base of Geneva talks is not acceptable," Velayati said.
"The Syrian opposition is consisted of supporters of terrorists, extremists, and foreign-backed elements, so they are not eligible to negotiate with the Syrian government," the adviser explained.
Velayati, who is the international affairs advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, further added that Iran as a powerful country peruses its own interests in the region and international arena.
UN-Arab League envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi said on January 25 that two face-to-face meetings between delegates from the Syrian government and the opposition in Geneva have not achieved much.
Brahimi also said that the talks in Geneva may last longer than expected.
The envoy further said Saturday's afternoon meeting focused on humanitarian affairs.
Brahimi went on to note that a convoy carrying humanitarian aid will reach the city of Homs on Jan.27.
The talks on January 26 will focus on people who have been kidnapped or held prisoner, according to Brahimi.
Delegates from the Syrian government and the opposition are meeting in Geneva amid fundamental differences. The negotiations aim to achieve small concessions with no full peace deal in sight.
The Syrian National Coalition wants the formation of a transitional government without President Bashar al-Assad. The government has categorically dismissed the demand.
On January 19, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon invited Iran to take part in the Geneva II conference. However, he took it back less than 24 hours later after the invitation provoked strong objection from the United States, Saudi Arabia and the Syrian National Council.