Iran supports diplomatic initiative on Syria

In a meeting with Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis, Shamkhani said continued efforts to liberate the areas, occupied by terrorists, to restore security and peace in Syria and simultaneously pursuance of Syrian-Syrian talks to achieve a national consensus will help manage the ongoing crisis in the country.

'Syrian enemies should not be allowed to use ceasefire and diplomatic talks as a tactic to reinvigorate terrorists' arms, and reorganize their operations,' he said.

Stressing the need for vigilance against efforts to harm successful cooperation among Iran, Syria and Russia for campaign against terrorists, Shamkhani said playing an active and influential role in diplomatic processes is far more complicated than defense and security cooperation, requiring continued cooperation among the three countries in all the executive and decision-making processes.

Iran welcomes diplomatic initiatives based on maintaining Syria's territorial integrity and political independence, he said.

Underlining the need for keeping struggle against Takfiri terrorism and making a distinction between the front and the armed forces that believe in political processes, Shamkhani said unfortunately, western states and the US instead of fighting terrorists impose sanctions against the Syrian officials and resistance movement, which indicates their double standards towards terrorism.

Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis, for his part, presented a report on the latest developments in the country and gains in the battle against the Takfiri groups and called for a diplomatic approach to solve the crisis gripping the country.

He further noted that the Syrian government has always entered into talks with the unarmed opponents who are interested to maintain the country's integrity.

Appreciating Iran's extensive support to the Syrian nation and government, Khamis said achieving sustainable solution and establishment of peace and security are contingent upon a change in certain countries' approach vis-à-vis terrorism.
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