FM Reiterates Iran’s Support for Efforts to End Crisis in Syria

He made the remarks in a meeting with UN-Arab League envoy on Syria Lakhdar Brahimi in Tehran on Monday.

Zarif said Iran is prepared for any peace efforts with Brahimi and the United Nations consistent with the realities on the ground in Syria.

Underlining the principled stance of Iran calling for diplomatic settlement of the humanitarian crisis in Syria in line with demands of Syrian people for restoration of peace and security in their country, Zarif said the UN should play its independent role without being influenced by certain countries and their pressures.

The Iranian foreign minister said that Iran has made it clear that it will accept no precondition for taking part in Conference on Syria, while sparing no efforts to use its capacity and potential to help the political process.

Outlining the role of the Syrian government and President Bashar al-Assad in restoration of stability and security to the country, Zarif called for preparations for holding fair elections to pave the way for the people from all walks of life to decide their political fate.

Zarif further warned that terrorism in Syria may spread to the regional countries, Iranian Foreign  Ministry official website reported.

The foreign minister said that campaign against terrorism and extremism need collective cooperation of the regional countries.

Brahimi, for his part, said that settlement of the Syrian crisis needs Syrian-Syrian dialogue, cooperation of the regional governments and assistance of the international community.

He said that the Islamic Republic of Iran and other governments in the region are expected to play effective role to end the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

"Definitely, expediting restoration of political and security stability to Syria through settlement of current crisis will be helpful for the stability and security of the entire region," Brahimi said.