Iran FM: Calls for Assad’s removal will prolong Syrian war
TEHRAN — Iran’s foreign minister has criticised demands for the resignation of Syrian President Bashar Assad, saying such calls will prolong the Arab country’s civil war.
In this Dec 31, 2014, file photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad, center, speaks with Syrian troops during his visit to the front line in the eastern Damascus district of Jobar, Syria. Photo: SANA via AP
TEHRAN — Iran’s foreign minister has criticised demands for the resignation of Syrian President Bashar Assad, saying such calls will prolong the Arab country’s civil war.
Mr Mohammad Javad Zarif says those demanding Assad’s ouster “are responsible for the bloodshed in Syria.”
Mr Zarif didn’t name any specific country but was likely referring to Turkey’s and Saudi Arabia’s repeated calls for Mr Assad to step down. The two Sunni Muslim countries have supported rebels fighting against Mr Assad.
The Shiite-majority Iran is a leading patron of Mr Assad and Tehran has also sent military advisers to Damascus to help the Syrian president’s troops against the Islamic State group.
Mr Zarif spoke at a press conference on today (Sept 7) with his visiting Spanish counterpart, Jos Manuel García-Margallo. The top Iranian diplomat also said the Syrian crisis has no military solution. AP
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