Intl Community Responsible For Resolving Syrian Crisis

Damascus, Sept 22, IRNA – Iran’s Ambassador to Syria Mohammad Reza Ra’ouf Sheibani Saturday said international community is responsible for finding a solution to the political crisis in Syria. Speaking exclusively to IRNA, the ambassador referred to the Middle East region as the “heart of the world” noting that any development in this region would affect global equations. Referring to Syria as a major and influential regional state, he said any instability, conflict or lack of security in Syria would be spread out all over the region and would consequently jeopardize global peace and stability. Commenting on the Russian initiative to settle the Syrian crisis, the ambassador said it was a “smart plan” with many positive points. “The most significant part of the Russian initiative was that it saved the Middle East region from an unwanted and devastating war. A war which could impose heavy cost to the entire region. Everyone believes that the region cannot tolerate another war,” he said. Sheibani stressed that the Russian plan has also divided the camps of the war and peace supporters in the region. “The Russian initiative has disarmed the White House and at the same time has disappointed Syrian extremist armed groups who had highly counted on the US military option.” The Iranian diplomat added that terrorist groups in Syria used chemical weapons in order to bring the US military forces to Syria and change the battle to their own benefit. Ra’ouf Sheibani stressed that the best way out of the Syrian crisis was a negotiated agreement by all Syrian groups on their joint aspiration to determine the country’s fate. He said that the Zionist regime is the root cause of any serious conflict and development in the region./end