Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili has stated that implementing democracy in Syria is the only way to save the Middle Eastern country out of crisis.

Jalili made the comment during a meeting with Haytham Manna, the vice chairman of Syria’s National Coordination Committee opposition group on Sunday.

He said countries, which cause problems for Syria to achieve democracy, are part of the problem themselves.

He reiterated that the Islamic Republic of Iran is against any violence, and that the country is ready to help Damascus hold free elections.


Manna, for his part, said there must be an end to fighting before talks on democratic reforms can begin.

Earlier in the day, Manna met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who said the second round of the Syria National Dialogue meeting is planned to be held in Tehran.

“The second round of the meeting of Syrian groups, and national and popular figures will be held with the participation of representatives from the Syrian government,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

Amir-Abdollahian condemned the foreign-backed armed men fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying the continued militancy has only inflicted destruction and damage on the country’s infrastructure, while increasing human casualties.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since March 2011. Many people, including large numbers of army and security personnel, have been killed in the turmoil.

The Syrian government says the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.
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