The chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Alaeddin Boroujerdi has met Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

Boroujerdi reiterated his country’s support for the Syrian people and government and stressed the Syrian government should be part of any initiative to solve the unrest. President Assad said targeting Syria is part of a plot that targets the whole region. He affirmed that Syria’s stance towards the legitimate rights of the people is steadfast, pointing out that western states and some regional countries’ plots against Syria will fail. The visit comes as Iran is playing a role in bringing the Syrian opposition to the table of dialogue with the government.

Boroujerdi held a press conference at the Iranian embassy in Damascus following his meetings with the top Syrian officials. He underlined the importance of reforms taken by the Syrian leadership.

The Iranian official asserted that the non-aligned movement meeting is a great chance to hold discussions to help Syria overcome its problems peacefully. He renewed his country’s rejection of foreign intervention in Syria’s internal affairs. Boroujerdi clarified that the Syrian government accepts holding dialogue with the opposition noting that some opposition members have informed Iran on their willingness to start such dialogue. This official expressed hope that a shift would be made in Turkish policies towards Syria.

Boroujerdi also met with vice president Farouq al-Shara’a who previously was responsible for coordination on the reconciliation file and dialogue with the opposition. Discussions centered on bilateral relations between both countries in which Al-Shara’a expressed appreciation to Iran’s stand regarding the Syrian issue. It is to be noted that Al-Shara’s appearance on TV squashes rumors spread before by the anti-Syrian government media that he had defected to the opposition.

“Iran’s supportive stand towards the Syrian government and people seems to be steadfast as such visits of top Iranian officials to Damascus further enhance political and economic ties between both countries.”
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News ID 182554