Larijani: Iran-Turkey Believe In Democratic Reforms In Syria

Tehran, Sept 23, IRNA – Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said Saturday evening that Iran and Turkey share a common view on Syria which is to have democracy-based reforms in that country. Larijani made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the end of a meeting with his visiting Turkish counterpart Cemil Cicek who arrived in Tehran on Saturday on an official visit. The Turkish speaker, heading a delegation, is in Tehran on an official invitation of Larijani. While here, he is to discuss expansion of bilateral parliamentary cooperation as well as major regional developments with Iranian officials. During his two-day visit, Cicek is also to confer with President Hassan Rohani, First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and Chairman of the Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on issues of mutual interests as well as regional developments. Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Larijani, the Turkish official referred to Tehran-Ankara relations as cordial and friendly. He stressed the need for seeking a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis and called on Iran, Iraq and Turkey to work together to find such a solution. Cicek stressed that Ankara was not supporting any terrorist group in Syria. Referring to the ongoing developments in the region, he regretted that some of them were neither Islamic nor compatible with basic human rights. Terrorists were cutting off and eating livers of other humans in Syria and unfortunately were doing such a savage act in the name of Islam while Islam has never confirmed those acts, Cicek complained. He criticized all terrorist groups in the region especially those who commit crimes in the name of Islam. Stressing the need to put a quick end to the massacre and bloodshed of Muslims in Syria, the Turkish official called for a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis./end