Zarif made the remarks at a press conference at Rafic Hariri International airport after arriving in the Lebanese capital Beirut late on Sunday.

“We believe that a political solution is the only way to end the crisis in Syria. The sole path to end extremism, terrorism, and sectarianism is to accept the Syrian people’s demand through ballot boxes,” Zarif said.

He added that Iran does not seek an invitation to attend the peace conference, scheduled to be held in Switzerland on January 22.

“Iran will participate in the upcoming Geneva 2 talks on Syria if it is invited without any preconditions. However, we are not seeking this invitation.”

The talks aim at finding a political solution to the deadly crisis that has gripped Syria since 2011.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Zarif said Iran and Lebanon are faced with common challenges such as terrorism.

He also praised the Lebanese government for capturing Majed al-Majed who masterminded the twin bombings outside Iran’s Embassy in Beirut last November.

The Iranian foreign minister also said the ties between Tehran and Beirut are of great importance as Lebanon plays a key role in the region and that the Lebanese have long resisted the Israeli regime occupation.

RA/NJF