Annan Stresses Non-military Solution For Syria Crisis

Tehran, April 11, IRNA – The UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan said here on Wednesday that the military action is not the way to solve the Syrian crisis. In a joint press conference with Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, Annan elaborated on his 6-point peace plan for Syria. He said the plan, accepted by both Syrian government and its opponents, excludes military action and use of force to settle crisis in the country. The issue of Syria should first be transormed into a non-military one and then solutions should follow, said the United Nations-Arab League envoy. He said oppenents of Syrian government should stop attacks, adding that he had already contacted them and got their positive response. He stressed that all should observe the ceasefire and observe it. Annan further hoped military tension should die away in the interest of the Syrian nation. Asked to comment on aids by Saudi Arabi and Qatar to some of opposing groups in Syria, he said any attempts to turn the Syrian crisis into a military issue would be of catastrophic results. The special envoy further noted that his talks with Salehi today have been constructive as the two parts agreed on peaceful solution for the Syrian crisis. Annan arrived in Tehran on Tuesday evening to exchange views with the Iranian officials on the issues related to Syria./end