Mehmanparast: Syria Opposition Leader Admits Iranˈs Role In Restoring Stability To Syria

Tehran, Feb 7, IRNA -- Mouaz al-Khatib, leader of the Syrian National Coalition, has called for using Iranˈs capacities to restore stability to Syria. Briefing IRNA on the outcome of the meeting between Iranˈs Foreign Minister Ali-Akbar Salehi and al-Khatib on the sidelines of the 49th Munchen Security Conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said unfortunately, the attitude of foreign countries towards Syriaˈs conditions and its support for the resistance camp have damaged stability and security in the country. He went on to say that the Iranian Foreign Ministry has made enormous efforts to stop violence, ensure restoration of stability and security and help resume national dialogue in Syria. He added that the Syrian people should themselves decide their own fate and to this end a session was held in Tehran, wherein officials representing Syrian people with various political tendencies as well as government envoys took part. But certain other opposition groups in Syria, that were absent in the initial talks were encouraged to take part in the talks and try to find the best solution to the Syria problem. Mehmanparast said that fortunately, Al-Khatib has announced readiness for talks with the Syrian government which is a positive step forward. He added that Al-Khatib in his meeting with Salehi in Munich called for using Iranˈs capacities so as to bring about a stable situation in Syria. He said the dialogue should help materialize the Syrian nationˈs cause through peaceful and democratic ways. Asked by IRNA whether Al-Khatib had been invited to visit Iran, Mehmanparast said ˈNaturally we are ready to invite all groups in Syria to visit Tehran to bring their views closer to one another.ˈ/end