Salehi In Jordan To Discuss Syria, Ways To Stop Terrorism In Region

Amman, May 7, IRNA – Visiting Foreign Minister of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi said he would discuss the Syrian crisis and ways to stop expansion of terrorism in the region in his talks with Jordanian officials. Speaking to reporters upon arrival at the airport here early Tuesday morning, Salehi said he would also review regional developments with the Jordanian officials. He said as the ongoing situation in Syria and the increasing violence in that country could cause irrevocable outcomes for the entire region, the present developments in Syria would be at the center of the talks with Jordanian officials. Noting that Amman also supported maintaining sovereignty of Syria as well as its national unity, Salehi said both Iran and Jordan believed in non-intervention of foreign countries in Syria. Referring to the presence of 500 thousand Syrian refugees in Jordan as another topic of conversation with Jordanian officials, the foreign minister said terrorism which is afflicting the whole region would be another issue to be discussed. He also noted that certain elements sought to sow discord between the Sunni and Shiite Muslims and that it was the duty of all regional countries, Iran in particular, to foil the plot. Salehi referred to the recent desecration of the tomb of one of the prominent companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Syria as a move in line with sowing discord among Sunni and Shiite Muslims. He said the act has pointed to specific attempts made by a limited group to create tension among Muslims. Asked to comment on Iran’s possible reaction to recurring of Zionist regimeˈs air attacks on Syria, Salehi said it all depended on the decision made by Syrian nation and its government. ˈIran is not going to interfere with the issue,ˈ said the foreign minister. He further expressed hope that crisis in Syria would come to an end and “true opponents” not “those who have put even the most savage beasts into shame” would sit someday with the Syrian government to find a proper solution to restore peace and security in that country. Pointing to nine rounds of meetings of Iran-Jordan joint economic committee, Salehi hoped a date would be fixed for the next round of talks during his talks with Jordanian officials. Describing as low the level of ties between the two countries, the Iranian foreign minister said history of bilateral relations went back to decades ago. He hoped some of the past misunderstandings between the two countries would be removed soon./end