Iran firmly backs reforms, national dialogue in Syria: Deputy FM

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has expressed Tehran’s unwavering support for the Syrian government and nation to implement reforms and hold a national dialogue.

In a Sunday meeting with the Lebanese president, Michel Sleiman, in Beirut, Amir-Abdollahian submitted a written message by Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the Lebanese leader.

The Iranian official said the Islamic Republic strongly supports the independence, territorial integrity and national unity in Lebanon.

Sleiman, for his part, said Lebanon defends Iran’s right to use nuclear energy for peaceful objectives.

He added that Lebanon’s stance is based on non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, including Syria.

The Lebanese president emphasized that national dialogue and non-interference of foreign countries in Syria’s domestic affairs would serve as the only solution to the Syrian unrest.

In a separate meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, the Iranian deputy foreign minister lauded the “prudent” move by the Syrian government and nation to undertake reforms.

“The Islamic Republic will strongly support the government and nation of Syria as a country (standing) in the line of resistance against the Zionist regime (Israel), and will not permit foreign interference to determine Syria’s fate. The country’s destiny should be shaped by its people,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

The Lebanese foreign minister hailed Iran’s ‘considerable’ progress in different fields and called for making use of the Islamic Republic’s experience and capabilities.

Amir-Abdollahian also held separate meetings with Hezbollah Secretary General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Free Patriotic Movement Michel Aoun and the representatives of Palestinian groups and parties.