Putin presses for involvement of Iran in upcoming Syria meet

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Tuesday for Iran to be included in an upcoming meeting to discuss a way to end the bloodshed in Syria.

Putin made his remarks during a press conference in Amman after meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah.

The Geneva conference, scheduled for this weekend, will convene several countries to discuss a transition plan for Syria, as the country closes in on a year and a half of fighting.

“The more Syria’s neighbors are involved in the settlement process the better. Ignoring these possibilities, these interests would be counterproductive, as diplomats say. It’s better to involve Iran,” Putin said. He added that ignoring Iran would complicate the process.

The Russian president’s comments puts him at odds with Washington, which is against Iran’s participation in the UN-sponsored conference and has pressed for a call for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down as a prerequisite for attending.

Iran is a close ally of the Syrian regime.

Russia is also a traditional ally of the Syrian regime and, along with China, has blocked UN resolutions calling for sanctions against the Syrian government.

Last week, a Russian boat carrying refurbished helicopter gunships bound for Syria turned back following a British decision to revoke its insurance.