UNITED NATIONS (Dispatches) -- Iran’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations says the Islamic Republic supports improvement of diplomatic relations between Syria and the world to ensure the Arab country’s security and prosperity.
Amir Saeid Iravani addressed the UN Security Council as the member states discussed the latest developments and current situation in Syria, including the Damascus government’s rapprochement with its Arab neighbors.
“We welcome the improvement of Syria’s diplomatic relations in the region and the world, especially with the Arab countries, to ensure the security, stability and prosperity of Syria. The consolidation of these relationships can facilitate the safe and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons; we are committed to supporting these efforts,” Iravani told the meeting.
He also welcomed Turkish-Syrian negotiations as part of the Astana talks to re-establish sustainable peace and security in the Arab country.
“Iran, alongside its partners in the Astana process, is committed to working towards long-term and sustainable normalization in Syria. In this regard, we declare our support for the continuation of the dialogue between Syria and Turkey as part of this effort. It is also very important to do everything possible to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees to their homeland and to meet their humanitarian needs,” Iravani said.
The Astana process was launched in 2017 at the initiative of Iran, Russia and Turkey on how to reduce tensions in Syria, which has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since 2011.
In recent months, there has been a race among the Arab countries to mend fences with the Syrian government. Riyadh and Damascus reached an agreement to reopen their embassies and resume consular services after the fasting holy month of Ramadan.
Iravani also called for withdrawal of foreign forces, especially U.S. troops, from Syria, saying they are the primary source of insecurity in the country.
“The illegal presence of foreign military forces, including American forces, in Syria is a clear violation of the UN Charter and international laws and is the main source of insecurity in the country,” Iravani said.
“We call for the immediate and complete withdrawal of these illegal forces, which is essential to creating a conducive environment for resolving the crisis and restoring peace and stability in the region,” he added.
Iran’s UN envoy also reiterated the Islamic Republic’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Syria.
“Once again, we vehement condemn the continuous violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria by the Israeli regime through aggression and terrorist attacks. These attacks have inflicted sizable damage on civilians and vital infrastructure in Syria,” Iravani said.
“The Security Council must abandon its double standard policy and respond to Syria’s repeated calls for action to end these acts of aggression,” he added.
Iravani further censured unilateral sanctions on Syria. “The continued imposition of unilateral sanctions is a major obstacle to improving the humanitarian and economic situation in Syria.”
The Iranian diplomat said the recent earthquake in Syria has made it even more critical to lift such “unjust measures,” adding any assistance should be made in coordination with the Syrian government and with full respect of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.