Iran’s Deputy FM, UN Envoy Meet in Tehran to Discuss Syria

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian in a meeting with the United Nations envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, in Tehran discussed political solution to the crisis in the war-torn Arab country.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting on Tuesday, Amir Abdollahian said political talks between the Syrian government and the opposition have entered a “new phase” as the two sides are set to resume indirect negotiations in the Swiss city of Geneva on Wednesday.

“We are happy that we are approaching a political settlement of the crisis in Syria and we hope that all regional and international sides will take fundamental and important steps on the two paths of fighting terrorism seriously and strengthening the political process,” the Iranian official said.

As regards his consultation with de Mistura, the Iranian diplomat said he held “important” discussions with the UN envoy in Tehran on the political process in Syria.

He, however, expressed concern over the increase in the activities of “irresponsible armed groups” in Syria over recent days and an uptick in violations of ceasefire in the country, saying that could harm the political process.

The UN envoy arrived in Tehran one day after he held talks with Syrian officials in Damascus.

The last round of the UN-backed peace talks for Syria came to a halt on March 24 over disagreements on the role of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s future.