Tehran, Iran, February 5
By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:
Some countries say they are worried about Syria, but the truth is they are worried that terrorist groups in Syria are losing their capacities, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Shamkhani said.
Speaking to Russian President’s Special Envoy on Syria Alexander Lavrentiev in a meeting in Tehran, Shamkhani said if such countries do not change their policies, they will not be able to play a key role in the future political life of the region, IRNA news agency reported February 5.
Pointing out that some regional countries are sensitive about recent political efforts by Iran, Russia, and Turkey over Syria, Shamkhani said Iran considers a military approach to the Syrian crisis only to face the armed groups which do not intend to lay down their arms.
“As long as the Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh), al-Nusrah Front, and their affiliates are in Syria and are being supported by some regional countries, a political solution to Syria and the achievement of peace will be impossible.”
Lavrentiev, for his part, expressed thanks to Iran over its positive role in a political solution to the Syrian crisis, adding the successful convention of the Astana meeting over Syria is a great achievement for Iran, Russia, and Turkey.
The three countries recently arranged a meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan where the Syrian government and opposition groups discussed how to maintain a ceasefire in Syria to pursue political developments in the war-torn country.
The three powers are also going to appear in Astana February 6 at the expert level to further discuss the situation in Syria.