FM: Foreign military presence in Syria detrimental to regional stability
International Desk
Iran believes that the presence of foreign forces in Syria will not contribute to the stability of Syria and the region, said the country’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Stressing that Iran fully understands Turkey’s concerns about the security of its common borders with Syria, Amir-Abdollahian said, “We, however, believe that a military presence in Syria is not the solution.”
In a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad in Tehran on Monday, Amir-Abdollahian underscored the necessity of continuing the Astana talks on the Syrian conflict and said there is consensus among all parties that the format will continue to operate in subsequent meetings at the level of foreign ministers and presidents.
The top Iranian diplomat said the framework of the quadrilateral meetings between Russia, Syria, Turkey and Iran as part of the political process to end the Syria conflict was the “most suitable diplomatic path” for the establishment of security on the common borders of Syria and Turkey.
“Iran firmly backs the right of the Syrian people to support the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the foreign minister said, adding, “We believe that the military presence of foreign countries in Syria will not contribute to stability and security in the country and the region.”
He underlined that the immediate withdrawal of the American occupation forces from Syrian territory would be a great contribution to the stability and security of the region.