Plan should be devised for elections in Syria, Ahmadinejad says

TEHRAN,Aug.16(MNA) – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that a plan should be devised according to which reforms could be carried out and elections could be held in Syria. Ahmadinejad made the remarks during a meeting with Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki, which was held on the sidelines of an emergency Islamic summit in Mecca on Wednesday. The two-day summit opened on Tuesday. “The Islamic Republic of Iran wants the people of all countries, including Syria, Jordan, Bahrain, Yemen, and other countries to enjoy justice, freedom, and dignity,” the Iranian president stated. Iran has made efforts to help resolve the Syrian crisis through dialogue, he said, adding, “The Iranian nation regards efforts meant to (promote) understanding and (encourage) national cooperation, and not conflict, war, and killings, as the solution to the problems in Syria and other countries.” “A plan should be devised for reforms and holding elections in Syria, and efforts should be made to resolve the problems in the country,” he noted. Elsewhere in his remarks, Ahmadinejad commented on relations between Iran and Tunisia, saying that the two countries share common views on various issues. He added that the prosperity of the Tunisian people delights Iran and the Islamic Republic does not see any obstacle in the way of expanding ties with Tunis. During the meeting, Marzouki hailed the stance that Iran has adopted toward the developments in Tunisia. He also said that Tunisia respects Iran’s right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.