Zarif Likely to Meet John Kerry in New York

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, has announced a potential meeting with his American counterpart John Kerry in New York. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Mr. Zarif, who is in the U.S. to participate in an international conference on Syria, stated on Thursday, December 17, that the possible meeting with John Kerry would focus on the 'implementation of the JCPOA' (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). The Iranian Foreign Minister also mentioned that he would have other meetings with members of the 1+5 and other participating countries regarding 'regional and international issues.' The third international conference on Syria is scheduled to take place on Friday in New York, following two previous rounds held in Vienna, Austria. Iran and Russia are the only countries in the world that have sent military forces to Syria in support of Bashar al-Assad's government and support his continued presidency. Mr. Zarif emphasized in New York that 'the determination of Syria's fate and future without foreign powers' influence and preconditions is the right of every individual Syrian.' He referred to 'the preconditions set by foreign powers' as 'the reason for the continuation of the war and bloodshed in Syria over the past four years.' IRNA also reported that Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated that 'the resolution of the issue of holding meetings between Syrian opposition delegations and the Syrian government is progressing slowly,' but 'it is hoped that progress will be made at the Syria Support Group meeting in New York.' These comments come as many global powers and regional countries blame Bashar al-Assad as the main culprit of the civil war and the political crisis in Syria over the past five years. These countries argue that Bashar al-Assad, as the main cause of the death of over 250,000 people and the displacement of millions of other Syrians, cannot remain in power.