‘Syria leading anti-Zionist front’

Speaker of Iran’s Majlis (parliament) Ali Larijani says Syria is in the forefront of resistance against the Zionist regime (Israel) and support for the Palestinian Intifada, insisting that the principled position has served as the main reason behind West’s latest hostile measures against Damascus.

In a Saturday meeting with Syrian Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Abrash in the Iranian capital Tehran, Larijani denounced certain Western countries for interfering in Syria’s internal affairs and emphasized that it may lead to further complications in the country’s domestic situation.

The Iranian Speaker noted that some regional countries that lack “acceptable freedom” in their own states, permit themselves to make interfering remarks regarding Syria, ISNA reported.

He lauded the support of the Syrian government and nation for the ideals of the Palestinian people during recent years.

Larijani further expressed hope that the reforms currently underway by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will bear fruits as soon as possible.

Syrian Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Abrash, for his part, said Tehran and Damascus have always been pioneers of defense for the ideals of the Palestinian people in the Muslim world.

He added that the Syrian government has adopted reforms in the country which will result in positive outcomes.

Abrash emphasized that the Syrian government and people will unanimously fight against foreign conspiracies.

The meeting between the Iranian and Syrian parliament speakers was held on the sidelines of the 5th International Conference on Palestinian Intifada which opened in Tehran on Saturday with the purpose of calling enough attention to the issue of Palestine.

Representatives, parliament speakers and scholars from different countries as well as a number of Palestinian leaders are attending the two-day event.

The conference, with the motto of “Palestine, Homeland of Palestinians”, focuses on the restoration of Palestinians’ rights, including their rights to return to their homeland and determine their own fate, and on the liberation of Palestinian territories occupied by Zionist Israel.