Iran Summons British Diplomat over Officials’ Aleppo Remarks
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned the British envoy in Tehran after officials in London accused Iran of having a role in what they called concerning situation in Syria’s war-ridden city of Aleppo.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Friday that the British chargé d'affaires in Tehran has been summoned, in Ambassador Nicholas Hopton’s absence, to voice Iran’s protest against inappropriate and unrealistic comments made by the British officials about Iran’s role in Aleppo.
The British diplomat has been told about the “destructive effects of such remarks and stances on Syria’s humanitarian situation and on international peace and security,” he added.
Qassemi also noted that Iran has underscored its policy of contributing to peace and stability in Syria and humanitarian support for the Syrian people, and has stressed the need for the British government to cut off aid for the terrorist groups.
It came after British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Thursday summoned the Iranian and Russian ambassadors to convey his profound concern over Tehran and Moscow’s role in the suffering of Aleppo's residents.
Johnson alleged that Iran and Russia had failed to uphold "humanitarian law" by not helping aid get to Aleppo when it was under siege.
In the meantime, British Prime Minister Theresa May has also said that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Russia and Iran "bear responsibility for the tragedy in Aleppo."
The Syrian army took nearly all remaining terrorist-held parts of Aleppo this week after a four-year battle.
Hundreds of foreign-backed terrorists have surrendered in Aleppo in recent days. Following the army significant gains on the ground, Syrian people took to the streets of Aleppo on Wednesday to celebrate the city’s recapture.
Syria has been gripped by civil war since March 2011 with various terrorist groups, including Daesh (ISIL), controlling parts of it.
According to a report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the country’s pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders.
