Terrorism, a menace to whole Asia: MP

Tehran– Parliament Vice Speaker Hassan Abutorabi Fard says terrorism is presently posing a real threat to the whole Asian continent.

He made the remarks while addressing the opening session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) First Executive Council and Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs Meetings here on Monday.

He said growing regional and continental cooperation as well as enhancement of performance of the APA will be of very valuable outcomes for the governments of member states in fighting terrorism, IRNA reported.

Realizing the decisive status of the APA in maintaining peace and tranquility in the vast Asian continent, he noted, Iranian parliament has always attached great importance to the body and tried to further strengthen it.

He said that terrorism, as the biggest manifestation of extremist outlooks, has inflicted not just west of Asia but contaminated even the farthest points in east of the continent, imposing a real menace to life across the continent.

Turning to situation in Syria, the Vice Speaker said the bitter incidents in the brotherly nation, persuaded Iran to cooperate with regional and international powers who are members of the APA with the objective of working out a political solution out of the present conditions which is inflicting plight on defenseless Syrian people.

He said that Syria, an active member of the APA with sensitive position in the organization, deserves support and backing from other member states.

The Iranian parliamentarian urged all member states to take significant steps toward building peace in Syria.

18 delegations from across Asia are participating in the two-day event.

M.Wassouf