UK, France insist Iran must explicitly accept Geneva I conference on Syria

 British and French representatives on Monday insisted that Iran must "explicitly" accept the 2012 Geneva I Communique on Syria before it attends Geneva II Conference scheduled this week."The UK Government's position is clear. Iran must clarify that it publicly accepts the purpose of Geneva II Conference which is the implementation of the Geneva I Communique, if they want to participate in the Geneva process. The Secretary-General is aware of our position," British Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant told reporters on his way to the Security Council to discuss the situation in the Middle East.French Ambassador Gerard Araud also told reporters in answer to questions "I believe Iran has to accept explicitly Geneva I as basis for the negotiations. The ball is in Iran's court." Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, on his part, said the Syrian opposition's threat to withdraw from Geneva II Conference in protest of Iran's participation would be a "big mistake." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon late Sunday announced his decision to invite Iran to Geneva II after many "conversations" with global leaders, and after assurances from Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif that Tehran "understands that the basis of the talks" in Geneva II is the "full implementation" of Geneva I which calls for a transitional governing body with full executive powers.Ban also said Iran "may" issue a statement confirming what Zarif told Ban. Today Iran refused to issue such a statement, according to press reports. Ban told the Council in a statement on the issue that "intensive and urgent discussions are underway and I will have more to say about the situation later in the day." For the moment, he added, "let me just appeal again for all involved to keep the needs of the Syrian people foremost in mind."