Iran calls for formation of contact group on Syria

Tehran, May 29, IRNA – Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi on Wednesday called for forming contact group of the Tehran Conference to follow up peace efforts in Syria. Salehi told the Conference that the meeting aims to promote certain agenda, especially building effective link with the Syria government and the opposition as soon as possible and the peace efforts. He said the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that without will of all the belligerent groups in Syria crisis one can not expect that the current waves of terrorist bombings, massacre of innocent people and activities of the extremist and irresponsible groups would be scaled down. ˈOn this basis, the Islamic Republic of Iran condemns financial and arms support of certain wings for irresponsible armed groups and provocation of sinister ethnic and religious discord. It believes that the so-called advocates of democracy, claiming support for rights of Syrian people, are advised to provide conditions for Syrian people to decide their own fate through a free and competitive election to be held in a democratic way.ˈ He condemned aggressions of Zionist regime on Syrian territory. He said that the Islamic Republic of Iran opposes foreign and military intervention and supports Geneva Conference and the efforts of the United Nations chief for peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis. ˈThe Syrian people and other nations of the region expect all-out efforts of the international community for campaign against terrorism and extremism.ˈ