Geneva, January 23 (RHC)-- Most participants in the Geneva II talks favor Tehran's involvement in resolving the crisis in Syria, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

The Russian diplomat said: "I talked to most of the participants of the conference and have not heard from any of them that the current format is ideal. Many have voiced their concern that Iran is playing a very important role in this political process and we must find a way to involve Tehran in Syria talks," said Sergei Lavrov.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon invited Iran on Sunday to take part in the Geneva II conference over the Syrian crisis. However, he revoked the invitation under pressure from the United States, Saudi Arabia and the so-called National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces.

Lavrov had earlier called Iran's absence in the Geneva II talks "a profanation" and "an unforgivable mistake." The Russian diplomat said that Iran is among the countries that has a direct interest in the settlement of the Syrian crisis "without any additional damage to the stability of this most important region of the world."