Syrian crisis will spread if West intervenes: Iran

TEHRAN,Dec.24(MNA) - Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that if Western countries interfere in the Syrian crisis and escalate the conflict, the turmoil would not be limited to the country’s borders. Speaking to reporters in the Turkish city of Erzurum on Saturday, Mehmanparast said that the United States used to support dictatorial governments such as those in Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, and the Pahlavi regime in Iran. “How come the United States is expressing support for the people in the Middle East in the current situation and even is thinking of military intervention in Syria?” The Iranian official also stated that regional countries should not allow Western states to interfere in Middle Eastern affairs and that they must prevent unpleasant incidents from taking place in the region. Mehmanparast added that Iran does not believe in a military solution to the Syrian crisis, noting, “The West and armed groups in Syria oppose a free and fair election in the country because they are well aware that they will not enjoy the support of the majority of the people.” Iran and Turkey have differences on a number of regional issues such as the recent developments in Syria, he said, adding that closer views of Tehran and Ankara will help resolve regional problems.