Iran, Turkey urge for ceasefire in Syria prior to Geneva II conference

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad- Javad Zarif and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu urged here on Wednesday for a ceasefire in Syria prior to potential Geneva II conference.

 "All the entities who have the power should cooperate for a political solution to Syria crisis. Also, all of us should make efforts for a ceasefire in Syria prior to Geneva II conference," said the Iranian foreign minister.


 With the establishment of a ceasefire before the winter, Iran and Turkey will be able to send humanitarian aid to the Syrian people hit by the war, said Zarif.


 Iran and Turkey will keep exchanging views for settling the crisis in Syria, he added.


 For his part, Davutoglu said he agrees with his Iranian counterpart in that "before the Geneva II meeting, we should help a ceasefire in Syria."


 Also, "attempts should be made for the success of Geneva II conference," said Davutoglu.  


 "Iran and Turkey are united over many of issues in the region, and the problems in Syria, Lebanon and other regional states will be solved if two countries further join hands," he added.


 In June 2012, powers and some neighbors of Syria, including Iraq, Turkey and Persian Gulf states, agreed in Geneva on a transitional government in Syria as a means to achieve a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis.


 Later, Geneva II talks were suggested by Russia and the United States in an attempt to develop mechanisms to implement earlier agreements.


 Iran has said that it will not accept any precondition for attending the Geneva II meeting.


 The Islamic republic is the main regional ally of the Syrian government and Turkey supports the opposition groups. Despite the different stances over Syria, Iran and Turkey have close political, economic and cultural ties.