Dialogue is Only Solution to Crisis in Syria,Al-Moallem, Salehi Stress

TEHRAN, (ST)_Addressing a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Ali Akbar Salehi on Saturday, Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Walid Al-Moallem made it clear that  the Syrians will not tolerate impingement on the national sovereignty or accept dictates as they cling to political independence and reject violence and foreign interference.

” according to the Constitution and law ,the Syrian Arab army is performing its national role in defending Syrian citizens and their properties ,” underscored al-Moallem.

”We do believe that the Syrians  are to decide their own future and leadership through the ballot box,” the minister affirmed.

“the entire world is involved in the ongoing crisis in Syria but Syria is steadfast thanks to the steadfastness of our people, the resolve of its leadership and the support of friends,” al-Moallem said.

Commenting on the dialogue,Al-Moallem said:” ”We offer the necessary assurances to all who want to participate  in dialogue inside or outside the country…the dialogue train was put on the track, so  we believe that the solution to the crisis is political.”

“sources of terrorism must be dried up and consequently violence will be halted only to make the dialogue a success,” he added.

To stop violence,al-Moallem went on to say, joint efforts must be exerted  to press Turkey, Qatar and others who are backing terrorism and arming terrorist groups who are shedding the Syrians’ blood and destroying their infrastructure.

Al-Moallem called on the Syrians to come to dialogue, adding ”We say to all Syrians: Enough with bloodshed…Let’s join hands in building Syria,” al-Moallem added.

He indicated that President Bashar al-Assad had announced a political program for solving the crisis and a committee was set up for its implementation, noting that “22 meetings with the political parties inside were held and the legal procedures were undertaken, not to mention the needed assurances for those willing to take part in dialogue.”

”We are open to political solution, but he who wants it should not punish the Syrian people. Washington can stop bloodshed if it wanted a solution, and we find it strange that the emir of Qatar complained that the UN Security Council did not strike Syria.”

Al-Moallem assured that the Russian stand on Syria remains unchanged as it is based on the international law and the UN charter, especially rejecting foreign interference and the use of force to promote political agendas.

For his part,Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salihi has called on the Syrian opposition to hold talks with the government in order to end the escalating violence.

“mercenaries and non-Syrian armed forces are deepening the crisis in Syria and unfortunately certain countries are supporting them,”Salihi added.

Salihi noted ,”if other countries stop supporting mercenaries,the situation in Syria will swiftly progress towards stability”.

M.D