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2 September 2013 - 14:43

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has censured a possible attack on Syria, saying that the United States cannot control the repercussions of such a strike.

Zarif made the remarks in a telephone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart Elias José Jaua Milano late on Sunday.


“Using force has very dangerous consequences… which are not within the control of the initiator,” said the Iranian foreign minister, adding that it is not yet clear who was behind the chemical attack.

Zarif also denounced any use of chemical weapons “in any form and by anyone,” saying, a military attack could harm the international security as it is against “the most basic principles of the international law.”

The call for military action against Syria intensified after foreign-backed opposition forces accused the government of President Bashar al-Assad of launching a chemical attack on militant strongholds in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21.

Damascus has vehemently denied the accusations, saying the chemical attack was carried out by the militants themselves as a false-flag operation.

On Saturday, US President Barack Obama said he has decided that Washington must take military action against the Syrian government, which would mean a unilateral military strike without a UN mandate.

Obama said that despite having made up his mind, he will take the case to US Congress. But he added that he is prepared to order military action against the Syrian government at any time.

Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since 2011. According to reports, the Western powers and their regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey -- are supporting the militants operating inside Syria.

According to the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been killed and a total of 7.8 million of others displaced due to the violence.

Commenting on bilateral relations between Iran and Venezuela, Zarif said the close ties between the two countries were everlasting.

Jaua, for his part, expressed his country’s opposition to the use of military force against Syria, calling instead for a political solution. He also conveyed the keenness of his country to enhance ties and cooperation with the Islamic Republic.

 

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