Free election only solution to Syrian crisis: Ahmadinejad

TEHRAN,Oct.17(MNA) – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that there is no solution to the Syrian crisis other than developing a “national understanding” and holding a “free election”. Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the 12th ECO Summit of Heads of State or Government in Baku on Tuesday. He said that all countries should respect the Syrian people’s rights and help them to enjoy all their rights. “War and conflict in Syria will bear no fruit and will not be to the benefit of each side,” Ahmadinejad said. “The only solution to the problems in Syria is that the influential countries in the region, including Iran and Turkey, insist on holding a free election in the country.” He added, “If understanding is not created in Syria, tribal clashes will continue for years.” However, there should be a ceasefire between the conflicting parties before running elections, Ahmadinejad stated. During the meeting, Erdogan said that regional countries should help end the bloodshed in Syria. Commenting on Tehran-Ankara ties, Erdogan said that the two countries have great potential which should be utilized to promote relations in all spheres. During a separate meeting in Baku on Tuesday, Ahmadinejad and his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari held talks on various issues, including bilateral ties and the latest developments in the region. Zardari said things are not going well in the region these days, adding, “If we do not take an appropriate measure to resolve regional problems, history will not forgive us.”