Changes should be implemented only by Syrian government: Iranian FM

TEHRAN, April 12 (MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said that if any change is to take place in Syria, it should be implemented only by the Syrian government. Salehi made the remarks at a joint press conference with Kofi Annan, the UN-Arab League joint special envoy on Syria, in Tehran on Wednesday. Annan arrived in Tehran on Tuesday to hold talks with Iranian officials on the Syrian issue. Salehi called Annan an “even-handed mediator” and welcomed his efforts meant to help defuse the crisis in Syria. Salehi said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly announced its stance on Syria. We believe that the people of Syria, like other countries, have the right to enjoy all the rights enjoyed by any other country, such as freedom of political parties, such as freedom (to hold) elections, such as (the right to have) a constitution that encompass all the desires and aspirations of a nation. These are the points we have mentioned. “However, at the same time, we have announced that we are opposed to interference in the internal affairs of countries, including Syria. “If any change is to occur in Syria, that change should be implemented by the Syrian government itself. And the Syrian government, led by Mr. Bashar al-Assad, has promised to implement all these changes and to fulfill the demands of the people.” He added, “Enough time should be given to the Syrian government.” Salehi also noted, “We have a slight disagreement on this point with certain other countries in the region and the West. They think in a different way. They want to see changes taking place there in a different way. “We are happy that in Mr. Annan’s initiative, there has been no mention of the removal of the head of the government in Syria, but rather what has been stated is that the sides sit down and negotiate and that enough time should be given (to the Syrian government) to implement the changes. “We have told Mr. Annan that we support his proposals as long as he acts in such a way, and we hope that, through his efforts, we will see the problem in Syria resolved.” A political vacuum in Syria would have “devastating effects” on the entire region, he added.