Fighting terror first thing in Syria: Iran official

An Iranian deputy foreign minister has warned against the dangers of terrorism and extremism in the Middle East and the entire world, saying fight against terror in Syria is a top priority.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the comments in a meeting with Tim Webster, an advisor to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Monday.

Amir-Abdollahian further emphasized the significance of the June 3 presidential election in Syria, describing the vote as an important factor in promoting the political process in the country.

The Iranian diplomat highlighted the four-point plan proposed by the Islamic Republic to end violence in Syria. “A halt in sending arms and terrorists into Syria will be helpful in ending the violence and realizing a political solution.”

Iran’s proposed peace plan for Syria stresses a political settlement to the crisis, the territorial integrity and independence of the country as well as its people’s right to self-determination in a democratic election.

Webster also underlined the need for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria, saying the international community should support the Syrian people, who have been living in tough conditions over the past three years.

Voting got underway in Syria’s presidential election on Tuesday despite the foreign-backed militancy that has reportedly killed over 160,000 people since it erupted in the country in March 2011.