Iranian FM blasts certain states for hindering talks in Syria

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi strongly criticized some countries for creating bottlenecks on the path of talks between the government and the opposition in crisis-hit Syria, FNA reported.

The Iranian foreign minister made the remarks in a meeting with Hamas politburo deputy chief Mousa Abu Marzouq here in Tehran on Sunday.

Salehi pointed to Iran's efforts to help resolve the Syrian crisis, and blamed certain foreign actors and states for impeding the start of national dialogue in the Muslim country.

He also underlined that important and influential regional states should play their role in resolving the Syrian crisis.

Abu Marzouq, for his part, underlined the need for interaction among the major countries of the region to resolve the regional problems, including the Syrian crisis, without the interference of the alien states and Muslim world's enemies.

The Syrian government has repeatedly called for talks with the opposition to resolve differences and end violence and bloodshed in the country.

Yesterday and after a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mualem in Tehran, Salehi told reporters that Damascus has expressed its readiness to sit to the negotiating table even with armed groups.

Speaking to reporters at a joint press conference with his visiting Syrian counterpart, Salehi said Iran is trying to prepare the ground for a meeting between the Syrian government and opposition.

"The Syrian government has voiced its preparedness (for talks) and there remains no excuse (for the opposition to avoid talks). Mr. Mualem has announced in Syria that his country's leaders are prepared to even talk with the armed opposition," Salehi added.

As regards Iran's stance on the Syrian crisis, Salehi said Iran believes that "the Syrian crisis has no military solution", and stressed that "cessation of hostilities in Syria is Iran's first and foremost demand".

The Iranian minister said that Iran is in contact with some opposition groups to convince them to participate in talks, and added, "If they insist on spreading bloodshed in the country they should know that they will be held accountable (for continued violence and killings in the country)."