‘Arms flow halt ensures success of Syria talks’

Iran has called for a halt to the influx of weapons to foreign-backed terrorists in Syria in order for the Geneva II conference, on the Syrian crisis, to yield results.

“In order for the Geneva II conference to be successful and for the Syria crisis to be settled peacefully, the international community must stem the flow of arms and terrorists into the country,” said Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Tuesday.

“Certain countries, particularly western powers, should stop sending arms to Syria, and if these countries demonstrate grim determination to [help] settle the Syria issue, the success of the Geneva II conference can be guaranteed,” said the diplomat.

He noted that the Geneva II conference requires international and regional cooperation, expressing the Islamic republic’s readiness to help work out a peaceful settlement to the crisis in Syria and restore peace and tranquility in the country.

Amir-Abdollahian was in Russia to discuss with Kremlin officials the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly the Syria crisis.

He discussed preparations for the Geneva II conference in a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.

The initiative for the Geneva II event was proposed by Russia and the United States on May 7. The date of the event has changed many times as the foreign-backed opposition remains divided over attending the talks.

Earlier in November, the foreign-backed opposition in Syria said it would attend the talks under certain conditions such as departure of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, release of more political prisoners and receiving further aid.

The Syrian government has agreed to take part in the talks, but has rejected preconditions or any insistence on the departure of President Assad.

Syria has been gripped by deadly crisis since 2011. Reports indicate that the Western powers and their regional allies — especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey — are supporting the terrorists operating inside the country.