International Shia News Agency

Iranian Parliament Speaker starts tour of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq

SHAFAQNA – Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has conferred with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to discuss ways to promote bilateral ties and cooperation, the situation in Syria, and regional developments.

Larijani arrived in Syria on Sunday on the first leg of a four-day regional tour that will also take him to Iraq and Lebanon.

During the meeting, Assad reaffirmed Syria’s resolve to help eradicate terrorism and extremist ideologies “that are menacing the region and the world.”

Syrians are also keen to work for national reconciliation across Syria on a parallel track with combating terrorism, he added.

He went on to say that the Syrian people are proud of the historically brotherly relations binding them with the people of Iran “that have witnessed many successes on the bilateral and regional levels over the past few decades.”

Iran’s stance on Syria is greatly appreciated by the country’s citizens, Assad noted, and he highlighted Syria’s resolve to increase cooperation with Iran to serve the common interests of the two countries and to help establish security and stability in the region.

Larijani applauded the Syrian people for their steadfastness in countering the terrorists targeting their country’s security and stability.

The people of Iran will not hesitate to provide support to Syria, he said, noting that Tehran is in favor of national dialogue among Syrian factions to maintain Syria’s sovereignty and national unity.

‘Iran stands by Syrian government and people’

Earlier in the day, during a meeting with Syrian People’s Assembly Speaker Mohammad Jihad al-Laham, Larijani said the Syrian government and people have succeeded in solving many problems and they should work to safeguard their achievements.

“Iran stands by the Syrian government and nation,” he stated.

He also praised Syria’s resistance against terrorism, saying that it has been effective.

Al-Laham thanked the Iranian government and people for their support of the Syrian nation.

U.S.-led campaign against ISIL is charade: Larijani

Upon arrival at Damascus International Airport, Larijani said the U.S.-led coalition’s campaign against ISIL militants is nothing more than a charade.

The campaign against terrorist groups can bear fruit only through the “efforts and resistance” of nations, he said, adding, “The Islamic Republic of Iran supports a political solution that will prevent the continuation of the massacre in Syria by terrorists and will be based on democracy and the people’s demands.”

He also stated that Iran will support any solution based on the Syrian people’s decisions.

Before leaving Tehran for Damascus on Sunday, Larijani told reporters that the issue of terrorism in the Middle East region would be on the top of the agenda of his talks in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, Press TV reported.

Takfiri terrorists have created tension in Iraq and Syria, Larijani noted and expressed hope that his consultations in the three Arab states would help the efforts to devise the strategies necessary to counter terrorism.

During his four-day trip, Larijani will also discuss ways to promote ties with the three host countries, including economic cooperation.

Larijani described the establishment of security and stability as a prerequisite for the economic development of regional countries. “Certain powers, as well as some regional countries, are stirring up tension in other states.”

Larijani’s visit comes against a backdrop of clashes between ISIL militants and Iraqi and Syrian troops. Lebanon has also been suffering from terrorist attacks masterminded by al-Qaeda-linked militants as well as random rocket attacks, which are a spillover of the conflict in neighboring Syria.

 

Source: Tehrantimes

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