Iran supports Assad’s plan to settle Syria crisis: First vice president

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi has underlined the Islamic Republic’s support for a plan offered by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to settle the unrest in the Arab country.

In a key speech on Sunday, Assad called for an end to the terrorist operations inside Syria and urged “concerned states and parties” to stop funding, arming and harboring militants.

He said his government is always ready to hold talks with the opposition and political parties and will call for a “comprehensive national dialog” after foreign parties end their support for the militants and the terrorist activities cease in the country. The Syrian leader also proposed the drafting of a new constitution.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran supports this stance and considers it a significant step toward the establishment of stability and security in Syria,” Rahimi said in a telephone conversation with Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi on Tuesday.

Terrorists and foreign countries should know that the Syrian nation wants peace and reforms and does not brook foreign interference in the country, Rahimi added.

The Syrian premier, for his part, praised Iran’s support for the Syrian nation, and added that the Syrian people stand firmly against enemies and do not allow any foreign interference in their country.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since March 2011. Many people, including large numbers of army and security personnel, have been killed in the turmoil.

The Syrian government says the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.