Diplomacy only solution to Syria crisis: Iran MP

Iranian lawmaker Mohammad-Saleh Jokar says the ongoing conflict in Syria should only be settled through diplomatic solution and negotiation.

“Continuation of the conflict in Syria is not in the interest of any of the sides involved in the [conflict in the] country and efforts must be made to quickly resolve this crisis diplomatically,” Jokar said on Friday.

He added that foreign countries must end financial and military support for the conflict in Syria and should not prevent diplomatic settlement.

The lawmaker stated that international organizations which have kept silent with regards to the crimes committed by armed opposition forces in Syria betray humanity.

Jokar also called on the international community to pressure armed opposition groups in Syria in order to make them enter into negotiations without setting precondition.

The Syria crisis began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of army and security personnel, have been killed since.

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 are foreign nationals.

Damascus blames the West and its regional allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey for supporting the armed groups.

In addition, several international human rights organizations have accused the militants fighting the Syrian government of committing war crimes.