Iran: We support political process in Syria

TEHRAN


Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said Tuesday Tehran supports the political process in Syria.

"Iran strongly backs the political process in Syria," Mousavi told Anadolu Agency.

He voiced hope that the meeting of Syria’s constitutional committee in Geneva on Oct. 30 "will be the start for taking basic steps in the political process to provide a solution to the Syrian crisis".

Syria has been gripped by conflict since 2011 when demonstrations seeking democratic reforms were fiercely cracked down by the Syrian regime.

More than half a million people were killed in the ensuing conflict and millions more have been displaced as large swaths of Syria have been reduced to rubble.

Turkey's concerns

Mousavi expressed hope that recent regional developments would not have a negative impact on the constitution-drafting process in Syria.

Turkey launched an anti-terror campaign code-named Operation Peace Spring earlier this month to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.

"Turkey's security concerns are understood, but Iran sees that the solution should not be through military means," Mousavi said.

"Iran supports any effort that helps address the concerns of Turkey and Syria and serves in easing tension to bridge the gap between all parties," he said.

The Iranian spokesman said Iran and Saudi Arabia are heavyweight countries in the region and the Islamic world.

"Reducing differences between the two sides and engaging in negotiations will serve the two countries, the region and the whole world," he said.

Mousavi said Iran is ready to negotiate with Riyadh directly or through intermediaries to solve their problems.

He called on Riyadh to "carefully study" a recent initiative floated by Tehran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

"We can hold bilateral and multilateral talks with countries in the region with a view to restoring stability," he said.

Tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran has mounted recently after attacks on two oil facilities of Aramco, an attack for which Riyadh and Washington held Tehran responsible, which the country has denied.