Iran vows unwavering support for Syria in anti-terror fight

TEHRAN, Dec. 02 (MNA) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman says that Iran’s unwavering support for Syria in the fight against terrorism was the main purpose of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s trip to Syria.

Speaking in his weekly press briefing on Monday, he pointed to the recent developments in Syria and added that US military presence in Syria is in violation of the Arab country’s principles, making terrorist groups keep their presence in Syria as well.

The US military presence in Syria is a violation of certain principles and laws of Syria, and the continued presence of terrorists in Syria is a result of the US presence in that country, Baghaei emphasized.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman further argued that ISIL terror group has never been a threat to the United States and its interests.

“If the purpose of the US military presence in Syria is to fight ISIL terrorist groups, then what is this group doing in Syria and how is the Tahrir al-Sham group operating in Syria?”, he noted, adding that swift action is need to stop the ongoing terrorist activities in Syria.

He went on to say that the foreign minister started his trip from Syria yesterday and is in Turkey today. Urgent action is needed to stop the activities of terrorists in Syria,” the spokesman noted.

The purpose of Araghchi's trip to Syria was to convey the message of Iran's support to Syrian authorities and to discuss the latest developments in the Arab country, Baghaei reiterated.

“At the diplomatic level, it is our duty and that of other countries to urge the international community to fight terrorism, which is the purpose of the top Iranian diplomat's trips to Syria and Turkey, he added.

Turkey is an important neighbor for Syria and has played a key role in the Astana Peace Process, the spokesman said, adding that it has also played a useful role in reducing tension in Syria. 

Staff of the Iranian consulate in the Syrian city of Aleppo were evacuated on time, and “none of our colleagues were harmed”, Baghaei said, adding that any attack on diplomatic premises is prohibited based on international law.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian diplomat referred to the recent meeting in Geneva between Iran and E3, which is made up of the UK, France and Germany, was not limited to nuclear discussions, Baghaei stated, adding “We raised our various concerns with the European side” as well.

Regarding the nuclear issue, Iran has maintained that it is ready to interact in accordance with its commitments based on international law, he added.

He also pointed out that the ECO summit in Mashhad will be held ton Monday at the expert level and the main session will begin tomorrow.

Referring to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the spokesman said, “With the coming of winter, the continuation of famine and the starvation of the people of Gaza is very painful and it is necessary to stop these crimes as soon as possible.”