Iran Welcomes Russia’s Assistance to Syria in Fighting ISIL

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian welcomed Moscow’s firm determination to help Syria in its ongoing fight against the foreign-backed terrorist groups.

“We welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision for serious fight against terrorism in Syria and probably helping Iraq in the future,” Amir Abdollahian said on Thursday night.

The Iranian deputy foreign minister underlined that Moscow’s decision to carry out military operations against Takfiri terrorist groups in Syria is praiseworthy particularly as the US-led coalition that was formed for fighting the ISIL has done nothing to suppress the terrorist group after nearly one year.

“We believe that Moscow’s measures are important and effective for fighting terrorism at the present juncture,” he added.

The Iranian deputy foreign minister underlined that Tehran will continue to help the Damascus government in its fight against terrorism.

On October 1, Russia’s upper house of parliament approved  the use of Russia’s Air Force in Syria, following a request by Syrian government.

Russia last week started carrying out airstrikes in Syria against the positions of the ISIL, a terrorist group originating in Iraq, which also grew a power base in neighboring Syria and launched a surprise offensive in Iraq, taking control of large parts of both countries.

Syrian officials have welcomed Iran and Russia’s military assistance in campaign against terrorism.

“Syria welcomes Iran and Russia’s military partnership in fight against the ISIL in Syria and assumes the efforts made by these countries as legal, distant from the double-standards and in line with safeguarding our national security,” Jamal Rabe’eh, a senior Syrian legislator, told FNA in September.

The Syrian foreign minister also said early September that Damascus might ask Moscow to send troops to fight alongside the government forces against terrorist groups in the war-torn country if necessary.

 Moreover, Syria’s envoy to the United Nations said earlier that Russia had every right to carry out airstrikes against the ISIL on the country’s soil.

Also, Iran, Syria and Iraq have inked several defense cooperation agreements based on which Tehran gives consultations to Damascus and Baghdad in fighting against the terrorist groups.

FNA

R.S