Mehmanparast: Annan's Resignation Makes Responsibilities Of Independent States Heavy

Beijing, Aug 4, IRNA – Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on Friday that the resignation of Kofi Annan as the special envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League for Syrian affairs makes the responsibilities of independent regional states to prevent clashes in Syria much heavier. In an exclusive interview with IRNA, he said Iran is determined to continue its efforts to help restore security to the region. Intervention of foreign countries, which are against establishment of stability and security in Syria, urges the Syrian government and nation to give a proper response to such interferences through peaceful talks and cessation of clashes. It seems that Annan's efforts to prevent arm shipment to Syria and cease terrorist operations did not satisfy the perpetrators, he said. They did not help Annan implement his six-point peace plan, Mehmanparast noted, adding that whenever the plan was about to succeed, terrorist operations inside the Syrian territory were increased. The move indicates that these countries did their best to bring Annan's plan to failure, he reiterated. Mehmanparast further called on all countries interested in establishment of stability and security in the sensitive Mideast region to make joint efforts to restore peace and tranquility to Syria and pave the way for peaceful talks between the government and opposition groups. Referring to Iran's efforts to restore security to the region, particularly to Syria, he said Tehran will make greater efforts to help settle the existing crisis through cooperation with influential states./end