Iran to Continue Advisory Assistance to Syria: Spokesman
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari underlined that the country’s military advisers will continue their missions in war-hit Syria at the request of the Arab country's government.
“Based on the request of the Syrian government, (Iran’s) military advisory assistance has been given to the country and will be continued,” Jaberi Ansari said at his first press conference in Tehran on Sunday.
He further denied claims about the Islamic Republic’s military presence in Syria, saying, “We have received no request (from Syria) for military presence, but in case of a request, it will be considered within the framework of the principles and policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Earlier on Sunday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian vehemently denied claims that Iran is withdrawing its military advisers from Syria, and said, “Iranian military advisers are continuing their counterterrorism measures.”
Amir Abdollahian also rejected some media reports on alleged disagreements between Tehran and Moscow over Syria and said that both Iran and Russia “are seriously helping the Syrian army in fighting against terrorism”.
The Iranian diplomat further described as “positive” Russia’s move against terrorism in Syria which are underway in coordination with the Syrian government.
Syria has been gripped by civil war since March 2011 with Takfiri terrorists from various groups, including Daesh (ISIL), currently controlling parts of it.
According to the United Nations, more than 250,000 people have been killed and one million wounded during the conflict.
