Kerry Says Iran Could Join Syrian Peace Talks
ISTANBUL—Secretary of State John Kerry said that Iran may become involved in Syrian peace talks to be held in Geneva this month, a possibility that members of the opposition have resisted.
Mr. Kerry's comments on Sunday were the first by an American official indicating that the Iranians could be invited to the conference. Russia and the United Nations special envoy for Syria have said that Iran should participate, to the objection of France, Saudi Arabia and, until Mr. Kerry's comments on Sunday, the U.S.
But the Syrian Opposition Coalition opposes Iran's participation, according to opposition officials, and declined to put the matter on their agenda in a preparatory conference for the talks now taking place in Istanbul that ends on Monday. Tehran would need a formal invitation to attend the peace talks, scheduled for Jan. 22 in Geneva.
"Well, Iran could participate very easily if they would simply accept publicly the Geneva I premise on which Geneva II is based…which calls for a transition government," said Mr. Kerry. "Now, could they contribute from the sidelines? Are there ways for them conceivably to weigh in? Can their mission that is already in Geneva be there in order to help the process? It may be that there are ways that that could happen."
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303433304579302400724443862
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