Salehi: Iran Calls For Restoration Of Durable Peace In Syria

Tehran, Oct 23, IRNA – Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Monday that Iran calls for restoration of durable peace and tranquility in Syria. Salehi made the remarks in a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. Referring to very good relations between Iran and Russia, he said exchange of visits of the Iranian and Russian officials would lead to expansion and bolstering of international cooperation. Salehi expressed the hope that a powerful Russia and an independent Iran would help resolve the regional crises. Salehi pointed to the Syrian crisis and said Iran feels responsibility to make humanitarian efforts to stem bloodshed in Syria. Iran will spare no efforts to help restore durable peace and tranquility in Syria, Salehi said. He welcomed the peace plan put forward by UN-Arab League special envoy on Syria Lakhdar Brahimi and said peaceful talks between Syrian government and the opposition are the only option to stop bloodshed. The Russian envoy, for his part, conveyed the greetings of Russian foreign minister to Salehi and praised successful conduct of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Tehran. On the recent developments in the Middle East region and Syria in particular, he said Iran's constructive views and peace efforts are of prime importance. He said that ceasefire in Syria proposed by Brahimi will be positive and constructive which won Moscow's support./end