Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov slammed the withdrawal of Iran invitation to Syria peace conference as was a "mistake" that cast a shadow on the reputation of the global body.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov slammed the withdrawal of Iran invitation to Syria peace conference as was a "mistake" that cast a shadow on the reputation of the global body.

"Of course this is a mistake," Lavrov told reporters, adding: “But no disaster has happened.”

"In any case we are talking about a one-day event on January 22 to which some 40 foreign ministers of various states including from the most remote regions have been invited."

"Of course, despite the largely ceremonial nature of this event, Iran's absence from a list of 40 states cannot but cause questions."

"The symbolism is still important," the top Russian diplomat added.
"I am just sorry that this whole story did not boost the authority of the United Nations."

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has revoked, under pressure from the United States, his invitation to Iran to take part in the international conference.