Iran FM: Syria government, militant groups must start ‘political dialogue'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urges "political dialogue" between the Syrian government and militant groups.

Araghchi made the remarks after a meeting with foreign ministers of Russia and Turkey in the Qatari capital of Doha on Saturday. The top diplomats of the three guarantor states of the Astana peace process discussed the latest developments in Syria following the resurgence of militancy in the Arab country.

He said the “most important” issue agreed by the parties was that "political dialogue between the Syrian government and the legitimate opposition groups" should begin.

He added that the three foreign ministers held a “very good” meeting, which was also attended by United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen.

There was a consensus among all the participants that hostilities in Syria must end immediately and the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty must be respected based on the UN resolution, the top Iranian diplomat emphasized.

He noted that consultations with the Syrian government and other countries would be continued.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after the summit that he and the foreign ministers of Turkey and Iran had agreed that there had to be an immediate end to “hostilities” in Syria.

Lavrov said Moscow wanted to see dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition in Syria.

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) armed group launched a large-scale attack in Aleppo and Idlib provinces in the northwest of Syria on November 27, seizing several areas. Since then, the Syrian government forces have been engaged in fierce clashes to regain ground.

The Russian foreign minister said the HTS were “terrorists” regardless of whether they said they had changed their views.

In Damascus, Araghchi vows Iran’s full-fledged support for Syria in anti-terror fight

The Iranian foreign minister says Tehran will continue to provide full support to Syria in the fight against terrorism and the Israeli regime.

On Wednesday, Araghchi said that Qatar would not participate in the Doha Forum, noting that the top diplomats of the three guarantor states of the Astana peace process will hold the session since they are in Doha.

In a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on Sunday, the Iranian foreign minister said Tehran would insist on its principled stance to fully support the Syrian government, nation and army in the fight against terrorism and safeguard regional security and stability.

After a meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid in Baghdad on Friday, Araghchi said Tehran is fully prepared to support the Iraqi government, people and army “to the extent required.”

“Our goal is to strengthen consultations and coordination in order to support the Syrian government and people and to achieve greater coordination on political positions,” he added.

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