Improvement in Syria Creates Chances to Find Political Solution: Zarif

MOSCOW— Recent positive developments in the situation in Syria bring about a “historical opportunity” to achieve a political solution to the conflict, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday, according to Sputnik.

“Today, the situation of the government and people of Syria has improved, while extremist and radical groups find themselves in unfavorable conditions, which brings about a historical opportunity to find a political solution [to the crisis in Syria],” Zarif said, as quoted by the press service of the Iranian government.

 According to the Iranian foreign minister, the conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Bahrain and other countries of the Middle East should not be resolved through military means, but through a political process, which stipulates that the people should define the future of their countries.

Zarif also argued that foreign countries could offer assistance to pave the way for the political solution to crises, but should refrain from imposing their will on the conflict-affected nations, while stressing that Syrian talks in Kazakh capital of Astana have brought positive results, and will continue to be an efficient platform for the reconciliation of the Syrian crisis.

Zarif Hopes Int’l Ties to Intensify During Rouhani’s 2nd Term

In another context,  Zarif expressed hope for the comprehensive development of Tehran’s international relations during Hassan Rouhani’s second term as the country’s president, the Iranian government’s press service said in a statement published on an official news portal on Saturday.

“We pay much attention to the enhanced international ties. I hope that taking into account that the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) had managed to remove significantly the constraints for these connections, the four upcoming years will be the four years of the comprehensive development of Iran’s relations with the world,” Zarif said in the statement.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered to pursue such policy during Rouhani’s inauguration ceremony as well as at the cabinet meeting, Zarif noted. Rouhani himself said at the inauguration ceremony that the development of Iran’s international ties was not only prompted by the country’s choice but also by the need for ensuring the global security, the minister also said.

Rouhani was re-elected for the second term at May 19 presidential election after gaining 57 percent of ballots. On August 5, Rouhani was sworn in as Iran’s President.

H.M