Syria opposition urges Iran help restore stability in Syria

The Iranian Foreign Ministry says Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib, the head of the Syrian National Coalition, has called for Iran to help restore stability in the Arab country.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told IRNA on Wednesday that Khatib had met with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on the sidelines of the 49th annual Munich Security Conference on February 3, IRNA reported.

“In his meeting with Mr. Salehi, Khatib called for the use of the Islamic Republic’s capacities for the establishment of a stable situation in Syria,” Mehmanparast said.

The Syrian opposition figure wanted these talks to help realize the demands of the Syrian people through peaceful and democratic channels, and by holding elections, Mehmanparast added.

The Iranian official hailed Khatib’s call for talks with the Syrian government as a positive step forward, saying Tehran would welcome representatives from any Syrian opposition groups seeking proximity of views.

Mehmanparast criticized the West’s support for militants fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, as the root of instability, insecurity and civilian losses in the country.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since March 2011. Many people, including large numbers of security forces, have been killed in the turmoil that Damascus says is being orchestrated from outside the country.

In December 2012, the Islamic Republic released the details of a long-awaited plan, which urges talks between the Syrian government and representatives of all Syrian groups regardless of their political and social tendencies in order to form a national reconciliation committee.

The plan also calls for an immediate end to all violent and military action under the supervision of the United Nations, an end to all economic sanctions imposed against the country, and the return of displaced civilians to their homes.