Hisham Marwa, a member of the Syrian Coalition’s Legal Committee, said that the insistence of some Western countries on Iran’s participation at Geneva 2 means “dissuading the Syrian Coalition and the revolutionaries from participating in the conference, which will thwart any peaceful solution which the the conference seeks to bring about.” Marwa also said that “the convening of Geneva II must not be complicated any further. However, the insistence of some countries on Iran’s participation is further complicating the situation.” Marwa went on: “The insistence on Iran’s participation is a kind of political provocation. The Syrian Coalition’s rejection of Iran’s participation is not based on sectarian motives, but it is accurate implementation of international law. Since Iran has not yet agreed to Geneva I Communiqué, it cannot take part in Geneva II. It is still counting on Assad’s winning the war, though he has been defeated by the will of the Syrian people, who directed a heavy blow to dictatorships.” Marwa expressed surprise “at the arrogant Iranian position, whose stubbornness surpassed that of the Assad regime.” He also said that “we did not oppose Russia’s participation in Geneva II, despite it is Assad’s staunchest ally. However, Russia’s approval of Geneva I Communique entitles her to be one of the participants in Geneva II.” In response to Brahimi’s remarks on the involvement of Iran in the outcome of Geneva II- even if it does not directly participate in the conference- Marwa said “that Brahimi is politically appeasing Iran” after he lost hope in persuading the Syrian people in engaging it as a peacemaker in Geneva 2.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)
