Iran Reiterates Diplomacy as Only Solution to Crisis in Syria

TEHRAN- A senior Iranian official has reiterated Tehran’s stance on the necessity for resolving the crisis in Syria through a political approach that respects the will of the Syrian nation.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had a telephone conversation with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, on Sunday to discuss the latest developments pertaining to international talks aimed at settling the crisis in Syria.

“The settlement of the crisis [in Syria] is only possible through a political approach and respect for the Syrian people’s will, based on Syrian-Syrian talks between the government and those opposition groups that believe in a political approach,” Amir-Abdollahian added.

The senior Iranian diplomat stated that preparing a list of opposition groups, which are committed to a political process, alongside a list of terrorist groups depends on negotiations between all influential parties and efforts by the United Nations.

De Mistura, for his part, said Iran plays an important role in resolving the crisis in Syria.

The phone conversation came after more than 100 members of “opposition” groups from inside and outside Syria took part in a two-day meeting in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, which began on December 9.

H.M