APA urged to face Palestine challenges

The Iranian parliament (Majlis) speaker says the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) in Syria enjoys “good political potential and dynamism to face Palestine challenges.”

Ali Larijani made the remarks in a joint press conference with Speaker of the Syrian People’s Assembly Mahmoud al-Abrash upon his arrival in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Sunday.

“There are important challenges regarding Palestine which have previously been discussed at the APA…, which indicates the assembly has good political potential and dynamism to confront such challenges,” Fars news agency quoted Larijani as saying on Sunday.

The top parliamentarian said Asian countries have always been hindered by challenges, expressing hope that al-Abrash’s presidency will pave the way for tackling Asia’s setbacks.

He further said Lebanese Premier Saad Hariri’s current visit to Tehran is a positive development proving close relations between Iran and Lebanon.

Saad Hariri arrived in Iran Saturday on his first visit to the country as premier, aiming to expand relations with Tehran.

During his three-day visit to Tehran, Hariri held meetings with Iranian high ranking officials, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi.

Hariri’s trip to Tehran comes one month after President Ahmadinejad’s landmark visit to Lebanon.

The Iranian parliament speaker is in Syria to take part in the 5th Plenary Session of Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA).