Iran ready to help Syria become more democratic: UN envoy

TEHRAN, Feb. 15 (MNA) – The Iranian ambassador to the United Nations said that Iran is ready to play a constructive role in any peaceful process led by the Syrians which would help the country become more democratic. Ambassador Mohammad Khazaii made the remarks on Monday during a speech at a session of the UN General Assembly on the human rights situation in Syria. In his speech, Khazaii said that the Islamic Republic of Iran supports any constructive, impartial, and peaceful political process led by the Syrians themselves meant to defuse the crisis and is ready to play a constructive role in such a process. The purpose of the proposal is to initiate a process that would help the government become more democratic, promote national unity, ensure public order, and national security and stability, he added. However, he emphasized that it should be taken into consideration that the Syrian people and government themselves have a responsibility to promote security and stability in the country. Khazaii also criticized the fact that the Syrian issue was raised at the session of the General Assembly without the completion of the necessary procedures and warned that such a move, which will set a dangerous precedent, will diminish the credibility of the General Assembly and put into question its impartiality and transparency. The Iranian ambassador went on to say that Syria has played an important role in the Middle East region throughout history and that instability in the Arab country will affect the entire region. So everyone should seek to find a comprehensive, effective, and practical solution to help resolve the situation in Syria peacefully without any foreign interference, he added. Khazaii also said that Syria is at the most difficult juncture of its history as its territorial integrity and national cohesion have been put in danger and ill-intentioned and one-sided remarks are being made about the country that are not based on the realities on the ground. He also condemned the terrorist attacks carried out in Syria since the beginning of the unrest, saying that any foreign interference, use of violence, and terrorist action should be denounced. The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that forced sanctions, the use of force, and interference in Syria’s internal affairs will only exacerbate the social and political crisis in Syria, Khazaii added. So everyone should seek to find a comprehensive, effective, and practical solution to help resolve the situation in Syria peacefully without any foreign interference, he added. Khazaii also said that Syria is at the most difficult juncture of its history as its territorial integrity and national cohesion have been put in danger and ill-intentioned and one-sided remarks are being made about the country that are not based on the realities on the ground. He also condemned the terrorist attacks carried out in Syria since the beginning of the unrest, saying that any foreign interference, use of violence, and terrorist action should be denounced. The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that forced sanctions, the use of force, and interference in Syria’s internal affairs will only exacerbate the social and political crisis in Syria, Khazaii added.