Tehran Favors Political Solution to Syria’s Crisis: Speaker
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani underlined Tehran’s support for the political resolution of the conflict in Syria.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran supports a political solution that will stop terrorist atrocities in Syria and is based on democracy and people’s vote,” Larijani said Sunday upon his arrival at Damascus airport.
He added that any solution to the crisis should be based on the Syrian people’s will.
Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since March 2011.
The US and its regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey – have been supporting the terrorist militants operating inside Syria for more than three years.
More than 191,000 people have been killed in over three years of fighting in the war-ravaged country.
Asked about Russia’s initiative for Syrian-Syrian dialogue, Larijani said Tehran has been informed about Russia’s efforts, adding that Moscow seeks a serious dialogue with the participation of both government and opposition representatives.
The Iranian official also noted that his Syria visit is aimed at holding talks with high-ranking Syrian officials on the current situation.
He is scheduled to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a short time.
A number of senior officials including Chairman of the Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi and Deputy Foreign Minister for African and Middle Eastern Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian accompany Larijani in his 4-day tour which will take him to Lebanon and Iraq as well.
Prior to his departure, Larijani told reporters at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport that regional, security and parliamentary issues will be on his agenda during his meetings with Syrian, Lebanese and Iraqi officials.
