President Rohani Regrets Continuation Of Conflicts In Syria

Tehran, Aug 4, IRNA – President Hassan Rohani expressed regret over prolongation of conflicts in Syria in a meeting here Sunday with the visiting Prime Minister of that country Wael Al-Halqi. President Rohani also expressed hope that a lasting peace and security would restore to Syria in a near future. The seventh president of Iran reiterated Tehran's support for the people and government of Syria, stressing that Iran has always condemned the presence of terrorist groups there and foreign interference in the internal affairs of that country. President Rohani expressed hope that Tehran-Damascus ties would be further promoted in future. He also appreciated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for his message of congratulations to his Iranian counterpart. President Rohani started his four-year term on August 3 after he was endorsed by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He is to take oath at the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) this afternoon. The Syrian prime minister is in Tehran to take part in Rohani's inauguration and hand over President Assad's message to the new President. Al-Halqi said, for his part, that Iran's recent presidential election has proved that it is a democratic country heading towards progress. Briefing President Rohani on latest developments in Syria, he said Damascus called for further support of the Iranian people and government for their Syrian counterparts./end