NATO missile deployment not of benefit to region: Iran MP

An Iranian lawmaker says deployment of NATO missiles along Turkey’s border with Syria will not benefit regional countries.

According to Press TV, Seyyed Baqer Hosseini, a member of the Iran Majlis (parliament) National Security and Foreign Policy Committee said on Saturday: “Western countries have practically interfered in Syria many times by arming the Syrian opposition and foreign-backed mercenaries and it is unacceptable for NATO to get directly involved in Syria by deploying its missiles along this country’s border with Turkey. Therefore, Turkey’s request in this regard should be certainly condemned.”
Turkey has officially made its request to NATO for the deployment of Patriot systems along its border with Syria claiming that the deployment would only be defensive and would not “support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation.”
Patriot is a long-range, all-altitude and all-weather system employed to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft.
Hosseini added: “Deployment of NATO missiles along Turkey-Syria border will undermine peace, security and tranquility in the region.”
He pointed out that NATO should not be allowed to interfere in Syria as it will cause tension and will not be beneficial to peace and stability in the region.
The Iranian lawmaker further noted that the Syrian people are the ones who should make decisions in order to resolve their country’s issues and to implement reforms, saying, “Other meddling countries will only further aggravate the Syrian situation.”