ME Expert: Elimination Of Chemical Weapons In Syria Should Teach Lesson To Other Countries

Paris, Sept 16, IRNA – Head of a geopolitical institute in France Ali Rastbin said the agreement between Syria and the US and Russia to eliminate chemical weapons owned by Damascus is a positive step. He said such an agreement should serve as a starting pointing for a larger program for disarmament and elimination of similar weapons by other countries which possess chemical weapons. He said certain countries claim they are trying to destroy chemical weapons in Syria at a time when many of them are accused of stockpiling the fatal weapons themselves and some have only confessed to producing and possessing them. He hailed the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's move in welcoming the agreement and said this paves the way for opening of diplomatic and political channels to solve the problem in the country. Highlighting Iran’s undeniable role in the region as an influential big power, he said this fact should not ignored that western countries are afraid of Iran’s power and its influence on regional developments. He believed Iran’s presence in all meetings on Syria was necessary and of prime importance. Pointing to the atmosphere of distrust prevailing in Iran-West ties, the expert said the lack of confidence between the two sides could be removed through negotiations. Pointing to the recent presidential election in Iran and the readiness of Iranian officials to hold constructive talks, he said the situation has totally changed compared to the past and now the time is ripe for further activating Iran’s foreign diplomacy. He stressed that those in charge in Iran today have a dialogue totally different from that of the past. He underlined that given the current situation in Iran, West has no other choice but to adopt a constructive attitude towards Iran based on friendship./end