Iranian, Russian Diplomats Discuss Crisis in Syria

Senior officials from the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia held talks over ways to end the crisis in Syria, IRNA reported.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held a meeting in Tehran on Wednesday. They discussed a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria.

The two sides also talked about how to aid the Syrian people and to restore stability in the country.

 “Now there is a good opportunity in Syria for a political solution to the crisis, and those who back diplomatic approaches can play a critical role in tackling the crisis by supporting a political process,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

Bogdanov, who is also Russian President Vladimir Putin’s special envoy for the Middle East, welcomed discussions between Tehran and Moscow over the crisis in Syria, saying talks between the two sides have paved the way for a “unique” ground in bilateral ties.

Iran supports establishment of democracy in Syria and Iraq, says Abdollahian

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian  said that Iran supports establishment of democracy in Syria and Iraq.  According to the Foreign Ministry website, Amir Abdollahian while speaking to an Arab news outlet, called Iraq’s recent parliamentary elections a success.

He noted that high turn out in Iraq’s elections which was the first election after the withdrawal of US forces was a great achievement for the Iraqi nation and government.

The elections was the Iraqi nation‘s ˈNoˈ to terrorism and foreign interference and a step forward to establishment of peace and democracy in the region, the official noted.

Rejecting Tehran’s interference in Iraq, he stressed that Iran enjoys spiritual influence in the whole region, including Iraq, adding that such an influence is rooted in the historical, cultural, religious and geographical commonalities shared by the two nations.

Tehran will continue its strategic relations with Baghdad, he said, adding that Iran-Iraq bilateral cooperation benefits the entire region, particularly the two nations.

As to the upcoming Syrian presidential elections, he underlined that Iran recognizes Bashar al-Assad as the legitimate president of Syria.

He called on all regional and international players involved in the crisis in Syria to help resolve it.

He underlined the need for settlement of the crisis in Syria through diplomacy.

R.S