Iran FM: Syria Meet, Crushing Response To Meddling Plans Of Foreigners

Tehran, Nov 18, IRNA – Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said here on Sunday that Tehran’s initiative to hold first national dialogue among all Syrian groups is a crushing response to the interfering plans of foreign powers. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the day-long gathering, Salehi said the meeting is also a firm response to those “irresponsible armed groups who, relaying on weapons and manslaughter, have targeted the ancient civilization of Syria. The meeting, being held in this crucial juncture, will review the most important issues such as maintaining Syria’s independence and territorial integrity, the minister said, adding that the event will also focus on the importance of co-existence policy and restoration of law, peace, security and order to the country. The meeting on the first national dialogue between all Syrian groups is attended by Syrian Minister of State for National Reconciliation Ali Haidar. Referring to the motto of the gathering which is "No to Violence, Yes to Democracy", Salehi said the meeting could be an important step to overcome the ongoing crisis in Syria. Over 200 Syrian politicians and representatives from the political parties in that country are participating in the event. The influential international and regional bodies and countries are urged to take another step towards resolving the 20-month Syrian crisis. Touching upon the ongoing atrocities of the Zionist regime in Gaza Strip, Salehi said the impudent approach of the Zionist leaders was resulted from the lack of a firm international reaction to its crimes both in the past and the present time. The minister urged all international bodies, the Islamic organizations in particular, to make their utmost efforts to avoid further aggressive measures by the Zionists. Salehi also urged Arab nations, particularly the Arab League, to focus on their arch enemy, the Zionist regime, and take practical measures to help defenseless people of Gaza./end