Syria

Arming Syria militants intensifies tension: Iranian foreign minister

Iranian foreign minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has criticized certain countries for arming the militants in Syria, saying their support for the extremist groups will intensify the tension and conflict in the Arab country.

Salehi made the remarks in a Tuesday meeting with Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Yuri Octavian Thamrin in Tehran, where both officials discussed bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments.

The top Iranian diplomat described the crisis in Syria as a pressing international issue, and underlined the necessity for national dialog between the Syrian government and the opposition to help settle the ongoing conflict in the country.

The unrest in Syria erupted over two years ago and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.

The Iranian foreign minister assessed as significant the role and position of Indonesia both in the Muslim world and the region, urging Jakarta to play an active role in resolving the crisis in Syria.

Salehi also expressed satisfaction with the current level of Tehran-Jakarta relations, calling on both sides to fully tap into the existing potentials to further enhance mutual cooperation on various political, economic and cultural fronts.

The Indonesian official, for his part, lauded Iran’s regional and international status, welcoming the further expansion of ties with the Islamic Republic.

In a separate meeting with Ecuador’s Deputy Foreign Minister Angel Enrique Arias, Salehi praised the friendly relations between Tehran and Quito, expressing hope for the reinforcement of reciprocal ties, particularly in economic and cultural areas.

Salehi referred to Iran’s potentials in the fields of economy and industry, and voiced Tehran’s readiness to share its experiences with Ecuador.

He attached importance to the position and presence of Latin American countries on the international scene, expressing hope that these states would help settle the crisis in Syria.

The Ecuadorian official, for his part, described the adoption of a logical and fair approach by the countries of the world as a solution to the unrest in Syria, adding that his country would like to see peace and tranquility make a comeback to the crisis-hit Arab state.

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