Iran can play positive role in resolving Syria crisis

A Russian deputy foreign minister says Iran can play a “positive role” in finding a political solution to Syria crisis as Tehran is a vital part of region’s security architecture.

Gennady Gatilov told reporters on Thursday that Russia believes Iran “can and must play a positive role” in finding a political solution to crisis in Syria.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since mid-March 2011.

Many people, including large numbers of security personnel, have been killed in the violence.

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 fighting the Syrian government are foreign nationals.

“We think it unacceptable to ignore Tehran’s potential,” the Russian official added.

“We should involve the Iranians rather than isolate them; they are an important element in the architecture of regional security,” Gatilov noted.

Gatilov stressed that Iran is ready to make a constructive contribution to resolving the crisis.

On December 16, Iran unveiled the details of a six-point plan, which called for an immediate end to all armed violence in Syria.

The plan also called for sending humanitarian aid to Syrians following the end of all conflicts, lifting all economic sanctions imposed against the country, and facilitating the return of displaced Syrians to their homes.

Iran’s proposal also urged talks between the Syrian government and the representatives of all Syrian groups regardless of their political and social affiliations in order to form a national reconciliation committee

Iran hosted a two-day meeting between the representatives of Damascus and opposition groups in November 2012 with participants unanimously opposing foreign interference in Syria and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Arab country.

High-ranking officials from different countries including Russia, China, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan participated in the meeting whose main theme was “No to Violence, Yes to Democracy.”