Iran, Russia FMs present united front on Syria

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jouhina news,

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif said their countries have a unified position on the crisis in Syria that favors a political solution away from foreign meddling.

Speaking during a joint press conference with the Iranian Foreign Minister in Moscow, Lavrov said the two sides focused during talks on the importance of intensifying efforts and cooperation to solve the Syrian crisis.

“A solution to the crisis in Syria will only be peaceful, diplomatic and political that can be reached in the framework of all-inclusive talks involving all Syrian parties without foreign interference,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov stressed that Russia’s support for Syria remains unchanged, reaffirming commitment to the Geneva communiqué which was issued at an international peace conference on Syria in June 2012. The communiqué outlined a plan intended to end the crisis.

He said sticking points remain between Russia and its US and Gulf partners over the future of leadership in Syria although they agree on the importance that the solution be political, reiterating Russia’s opposition to the departure of the Syrian legitimate leadership as a precondition.

Lavrov’s comments were echoed by his Iranian counterpart who said regional crises should be solved by political means.

“Iran and Russian have concurring views regarding solving the crisis in Syria away from foreign interference…We are in agreement that the Syrian people must decide their future,” Zarif said.