Zarif, Ban Urge Political Solution in Syria, Zarif Assures Leader’s Decisions Applicable
Local Editor
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon have stressed the need for a political solution to the ongoing turmoil in Syria.
"The settlement of the crisis in Syria is viable only through a political solution," Zarif told the UN chief in a telephone conversation on Wednesday.
He reiterated Tehran's full support for any international efforts, namely those made by the UN, with the aim of promoting understanding among the parties involved in the conflicts raging in Syria.
Zarif, however, maintained that it is the Syrian people who can decide about the future of their country at the end of the day.
Ban underlined his efforts for the convention of the long-awaited Geneva II confab -- a second round of international negotiations on the Syria conflict to be held in the Swiss city.
Ban highlighted the significance of and the need for Iran's participation in the conference, noting the United Nations has been seeking for an inclusive political solution to end the ongoing crisis in Syria.
During the phone call, Ban also welcomed the new trend in Iran's negations with the permanent members of the UN Security Council - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany on the county's nuclear energy program, which resulted in a landmark agreement between the two sides in late November.
On another note, Zarif said on Wednesday that the decisions of the Supreme Leader regarding the nuclear file will be applicable upon making them, Mehr news agency reported.
"I hope atmosphere in our foreign policy is conducive to incorporate the elite opinions, as these opinions matter in explanation of foreign policy," said Zarif at the national conference of officials Leader's Representing Body in Universities and University Lecturers Seminar in University of Tehran.
"We should not be mere consumers; I believe that the Islamic Republic of Iran's power hinges upon this claim; that is, we developed self-confidence in a way as to stand against US, and to say that we would not copy their models," he added.
On Iran's power, Zarif indicated that "when we say Iran is powerful, it is not for its military capabilities; however military capability is important; but it is due to the blood of the Martyrs and the Leadership, which provides the basis for our power."
Asked whether the Leader Imam Ali Khamenei was aware of the process of negotiations, Zarif told that he would not spend from the Leader's prestige and credit, but that "the Leader's decision are applicable immediately upon making, even if it is to abandon the negotiations."
"The leader gives the overall framework, and the responsibility lies with me. He kindly expressed magnanimity toward me and I appreciate his generosity. But I answer the question that we should spend from ourselves for the system and the Leader, not the other way round," Zarif asserted.
"Some believed that I was not qualified for the job, but I would say them that for 20 years, I have been teaching international security and have mastery over US security literature," Zarif added, and that "they would not fear our military capability but they do fear our people, since we would rebuild the military if they destroy it."
"This is very important, since if we do not understand our basis for power and government, we would add to the enemy's power, and the Revolutionary rituals are based on this reality as well,' he concluded.
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