Iran Hosts International Conference on Syria

Local Editor

The Islamic Republic of Iran is expected to host an "international conference" on Wednesday to reach "a political settlement" on the Syrian conflict, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hussein Amir Abdollahian stated that Iran supports solutions to the Syrian crisis based on democracy and holding free elections in the country.

He made the remark in a meeting with the French Foreign Ministry General Director for North African and Middle Eastern affairs Jean Francois Giroux.

The French and Iranian sides deliberated bilateral relations and regional developments, including Syria.

Condemning foreign intervention in Syria domestic affairs, he said Iran supports the Syrian government and nation as well as those opponents who believe in democratic approaches including holding a free election that enables the nation to decide for its own destiny.

Abdollahian further said that France was expected to help hinder further aggravation of violence and critical conditions in Syria which could spread extremism in the whole region.

For his part, Ali Asghar Khaji, the Iranian deputy foreign minister for Europe and Americas, reiterated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran sought and still seeks to promote peace, regional stability, and collaboration with European countries."

However, the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius claimed on Saturday that Iran "was not after a political solution and on the contrary has thrown itself directly into that battle." He added that Iran has sent officers to Syria who he claimed were "directing operations" in Syria.

On this note, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Araqchi dismissed remarks by Fabius, adding that France was trying to cover up the fact that it has launched an all-out intervention in the Syrian affairs which has caused a great pain for the Syrian people.

"Iran has always supported a halt to the violence in Syria and considered a national dialogue as the solution to the country's crisis," he added.

On the Tehran Conference, Amir Abdollahian stated, "More than 40 countries are expected to attend, as well as the former UN Secretary General."

However, Abdollahian didn't reveal the countries to be attending or the level of delegations to participate in this conference.

The goal, Abdollahian stated, was to "pave the way to end violence and help organize elections in Syria under international supervision."

Source: News Agencies, edited by website team