End to Western Sanctions A Requisite for Syria Peace: Iran’s FM

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, held in Tehran on Monday, Amirabdollahian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the efforts to ensure stability across the region.

He said Tehran and Damascus share the view that peace in Syria won’t be achieved unless outsiders stop their interference, displaced Syrians return home, and the unilateral Western sanctions against Syria are lifted.

“Iran decisively supports the Syrian people’s right to protect their country’s independence and sovereignty. The military presence of foreign countries in Syria would not provide any help to that country’s security,” he stated.

Stressing the need for the American military forces to leave Syria immediately, the Iranian top diplomat called on certain European countries that have impeded the return of displaced Syrians to their homeland to adopt an appropriate policy.

Amirabdollahian also condemned the Zionist regime’s recurrent military attacks on Syria, describing Israel as the root cause of instability in the region.

The senior diplomat also highlighted the progress in the implementation of the economic and trade agreements between Tehran and Damascus.

“Since the long-term cooperation plan between Tehran and Damascus was signed during the Iranian president’s visit (to Syria in May), various committees have been formed to carry out the comprehensive document by focusing on trade and technological cooperation,” Amirabdollahian noted.

For his part, Mekdad lauded Iran’s active diplomacy and its efforts to create unity among Arab and Muslim nations.

Voicing Syria’s support for the Palestinian nation and highlighting the deep crises that have engulfed the Zionist regime, he condemned the Israeli regime’s crimes and added, “These measures by the (Zionist) regime are not committed against Palestine alone, but also against the people of the occupied Golan region. We applaud their struggle. Golan will soon rejoin its homeland, Syria.”

Denouncing the US’ “illegitimate presence” in northeast Syria, Mekdad said, “Syria urges the withdrawal of the American and the international coalition forces. Moreover, I want to tell the friendly countries that Syria is not impotent and could terminate Daesh (ISIL or ISIS).”

He also hailed the outcomes of the Iranian president’s visit to Syria in May, saying the two countries have taken practical steps to promote cooperation and are resolved to broaden ties on their leaders’ orders.