Political solution not to let terrorists become ‘today’s politicians’

TEHRAN, Jan. 22 (MNA) – Parliament director general for international affairs while hailing Astana talks initiative, said any political solution for Syria must exclude the possibility of ‘yesterday’s terrorists becoming today’s politicians.’

Syria's ambassador to Iran Adnan Hassan Mahmoud held a meeting with Parliament Director General for International Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Saturday in Tehran.

During the meeting, the Iranian official hailed the Astana talks as a good opportunity for Syrians’ resistance to gain a political advantage against Takfiri terrorism.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran backs Syria’s territorial integrity and independence, and considers the most appropriate way to politically settle the Syrian crisis as national dialogue and the votes of the Syrian people,” he stressed.

The Syrian envoy, for his part, thanked Iran for its support to the nation and government of Syria, adding “Syria’s survival and resistance in confronting terrorism in various political, economic and social arenas is indebted to the unwavering support of Iranian people and officials.”

He went on to add, “the Astana talks is a good opportunity for us to announce to the world that we are dedicated to Syrian-Syrian talks without any foreign interference and we will continue the fight against terrorism.”

“Only those groups that take steps toward the interests and demands of the Syrian people will be included in the local and national reconciliation process,” he stressed.

The Astana talks will convene on 23-24 January in the Kazakh capital between representatives of Syrian government and the opposition groups. Iran, Russia and Turkey will attend the talks as observers.