Syria Partition Claims Hot Air

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected as “worthless” and “false” a recent Reuters report claiming that Tehran, Moscow and Ankara eye “dicing Syria into zones of influence.” Bahram Qasemi made the statement on Monday, addressing reporters in his biweekly press conference, Press TV reported. The report, published on December 28, 2016, said Syria would be divided into informal zones of regional power influence under an outline deal between Russia, Turkey and Iran, citing unnamed sources. “Iran’s position on all regional countries is clear. We always have and always will defend Syria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” he said. “We will not allow Syria to turn into a place where other countries, the least of which Iran, can exert their influence.” Qasemi pointed to a recent visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem to Tehran, saying Iran will continue “constant consultations” with Damascus and other partners on the situation in Syria.