Tehran to host second meeting on Syria: Iranian deputy FM

“The second round of the meeting of Syrian groups, and national and popular figures will be held with the participation of representatives from the Syrian government,” Amir-Abdollahian said Sunday in a meeting with Hesam Manaa, the vice chairman of the National Coordination Committee opposition group.

Pointing to the Islamic Republic’s ongoing efforts to end violence and find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria, the official stressed that Tehran would not compromise its foreign policy principles.

Amir-Abdollahian condemned the foreign-backed armed men fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, saying the continued militancy has only inflicted destruction and damage on the country’s infrastructure, while increasing human casualties.

Hesam Manaa, for his part, described the measures taken by his committee for finding a political solution to the crisis in Syria.

“We consider Iran our strategic regional partner for our fundamental goals, and we call on it to use its potentials, more than ever, for the success of a political settlement to the Syrian crisis,” Manna added.

Iran hosted a two-day meeting between the representatives of the Syrian government and opposition groups in November with participants unanimously opposing foreign interference and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Arab country.

High-ranking officials from different countries including Russia, China, Iraq, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan participated in the meeting with the main theme of “No to Violence, Yes to Democracy.”

Syria has been experiencing unrest since mid-March 2011. Many people, including large numbers of security personnel, have been killed in the violence. /SR