Al-Moallem: Presidency is not under discussion

GENEVA, (ST)-“undoubtedly, Syria hopes to make Geneva 2 conference a success as a first step to launch an inter- Syrian dialogue on the Syrian soil only to  meet the people’s aspirations without any external  intervention, “underscored Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem.

Speaking to reporters ,prior arrival at Geneva, al-Moallem, who is heading Syria’s delegation to the said conference,made it clear that  the US has failed to form an considerable  delegation of the Syrian “opposition” as it should be, in implementation of the UN Security Council resolution No.2118,” .Moreover, the UN has also yielded to the western pressures as regards non-inviting  the national opposition parties in Syria.

Asked about statements released by some figures of the so-called “the opposition coalition”, al-Moallem  replied:” the issue of the President and regime are “red lines for us and for the Syrian people,” adding that the issue of the presidency would not be under discussion.

As for the context of the invitation to Geneva 2 conference, al-Moallem renewed Syria’s reservation on it through a clear letter which was previously sent to the UN Secretary General, saying “the context of the invitation doesn’t go in line with our political, legal stance, nor with the Syrian people’s aspirations. Hopefully, we are here in Geneva  ,in a bid to form a united Syrian and international stance as regards  confronting terrorism which hit Syria and the region.”

Replying to a question on Iran’s participation in the conference, the minister  said “Iran’s vital role cannot be ignored as regards  boosting  stability in the region. Actually, non –inviting Iran to the said conference is a big mistake,”.

Al-Moallem further explained that  states which refused to invite Iran need but  the continuation of the situation in the region as it is, adding “The UN’s invitation to Iran, then withdrawing it, can’t be described in the political logic except mockery.”

On whether the invitation to Saudi Arabia to the conference was a sign  to a retreat of its role in bankrolling  terrorism or not, al-Moallem said “we are neither rely on this nor wait. We have no idea  about Saudi’s intention to change its policies in light of the invitation, as it frankly announced that even if other states have changed their stances, it will not change its policy,”.

M.Daoud