Deputy FM Congratulates Syrians For Successful Constitutional Referendum

Tehran, Feb 28, IRNA – Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister in Arab and African Countries Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian here Monday congratulated the Syrian government for successfully holding their referendum for a new constitution. According to the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Media Head Office, Amir-Abdollahian added that the Syrian nation’s broad turnout at the polls was a major step based on the strong will of both the people and the government for materializing the reforms, achieving national unity, solidarity, and restoration of security and stability to their country. He added, “Despite the intensive efforts made by the enemies of Syria’s unity and the Syrian nation’s solidarity, even hours before the beginning of this referendum the massive presence of the people at the polls was noticeable and it sent obvious message to those who are eager to flicker the flames of disputes and disturb the security, who are naturally opposed to any type of political and peaceful solution.” Abdollahian emphasized that he is certain President Bashar al-Assad has a strong will for materializing the righteous demands of the people, once again renewing the Islamic Republic of Iran’s readiness to assist the brother and friendly government and nation of Syria in line with ensuring the well-being of the nation and safeguarding the security and stability of that country, which is a pivotal part of the resistance axis. The Iranian deputy foreign minister added, “We are sure that President Assad and the intelligent Syrian nation would pursue their path in line with the reforms and countering the foreign interference in their internal affairs. Syria's state news agency, reported on Monday that 89.4 percent of Syrian voters approved the new constitution in yesterday's referendum. Naharnet, a Lebanese newswire, quoted Syria's interior minister as saying 57.4 percent of eligible voters cast ballots in yesterday's referendum./end