Dialogue-Based Political Settlement Only Way to Solve Crisis in Syria: Zarif

TEHRAN, (ST)- Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned of the terrorism and extremism threatening the region and called for a unified stance as to deal with the countries supporting the terrorist organizations.

During his meeting with Belgium’s Senate Speaker Christine Defraigne in Tehran on Saturday, Zarif said dialogue-based political settlement is the only way to solve the crisis in Syria.

He pointed out that terrorists affiliated to “Jabhat al-Nusra”, “Daesh” and other terrorist groups are taking advantage of the financial and military support provided to them by the Western and some regional countries to escalate their attacks in different Syrian areas in a blatant violation to the cessation of hostilities agreement.

 He affirmed that the Syrian people should decide their own fate and should have the final say as regards resolving the crisis, but “regretfully some are trying to create obstacles by withdrawing from the Geneva talks, in reference to “Riyadh opposition” boycott of the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva.  

On her part, Defraigne, welcomed expansion of political, economic and parliamentary relations and cooperation between the two countries.
The Islamic Republic of Iran as a major player in the region has always played a significant role in restoring peace and stability to the region, she said.

Hamda Mustafa