Russian Envoy Praises Iran's Key Role In Resolving Syria Crisis

New York, July 18, IRNA - Russian Deputy UN Ambassador Alexander Pankin said Iran plays key roles in regional developments, particularly in resolving Syrian crisis. Pankin told IRNA that although certain countries are against presence of Iran in settleing the ongoing crisis in Syria, Tehran is an influential player in that country. Referring to Russia’s red lines regarding Syria, he said the existing obstacles in the way of holding negotiations between the Syrian government and its opponents should be removed. The US and its western allies are trying to issue an anti-Syria resolution in order to prepare the ground for military intervention in that country, said the Russian envoy, adding the idea was rejected by Moscow and Beijing. Up to now, Russia and China have vetoed two anti-Syria resolutions proposed by the United States./end