Syria

UN Envoy Annan Calls Iran Essential Part of Solution to Syrian Crisis

The UN-Arab League Special Envoy on Syria, Kofi Annan, who is in Tehran to confer with Iranian officials on the latest developments in Syria, said consultation with Iran is a necessity as the country is an essential part of the solution to the Syrian crisis.

“Iran plays a positive role in the Syrian issue and I believe in it,” Annan said in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in Tehran on Tuesday.

Annan thanked Iran’s continued cooperation and encouragement for his mission, and underlined the necessity for continued consultations with Iran on the situation in the Arab country.

The international envoy said his visit to Tehran is mainly aimed at attracting Iran’s further support and cooperation for soothing the Syrian crisis.

During the meeting, Iran was described as the “golden key” to the Syrian problem.

Annan arrived in Tehran on Monday night to meet with top Iranian officials over the crisis in Syria.

The visit which signals Iran’s key role in resolving the Syrian crisis comes on the heels of talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The former UN chief tried to rescue his peace plan for Syria by seeking help Monday from Iran.

Prior to his Tehran visit, Annan said despite Washington’s harsh rhetoric, Iran is a main actor in the Syrian issue that “cannot be ignored”.

Annan told France’s Le Monde daily that Iran should be involved in discussions.

“Russia wields influence but I am not sure that the events will be determined by Russia alone…. Iran is an actor. It has to be part of the solution. It has influence and we cannot ignore it.”

Annan also expressed irritation that while Russia and Iran were mentioned by some as stumbling blocks to peace, “little is said about other countries which send arms, money, and have a presence on the ground.”

Annan said he had agreed on a new approach with Assad to stop the violence.

Analysts believe that Annan’s visit may signal some new role for Iran in resolving the Syrian crisis.

In a statement, Annan said he had come to Iran “to see how we can work together to help settle the situation in Syria”.

The trip suggests that Annan is eager to have Tehran on board for any possible peace deal or transitional governing plan that may emerge for Syria. He has said repeatedly that Iran is an important regional power and should be involved in a resolution of the Syrian crisis.

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