Backing for Fair Syria Truce

A senior official said Iran supports the establishment of a balanced and fair ceasefire in Syria.

“Negotiations to solve the Syria crisis must be held among the Syrian government and opposition groups, and the war must finally end,” Ali Akbar Velayati, the foreign policy advisor to the Leader of Islamic Revolution, told reporters in Tehran on Tuesday, Press TV reported.

He said any ceasefire in Syria must safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, recognize its legitimate government and put an end to the interference of foreigners.

The Syrian Army and allied fighters have been fighting militant groups wreaking havoc in the Arab country since 2011 and have made sweeping gains.

A nationwide ceasefire, brokered by Russia and Turkey with the support of Iran, has been largely holding in Syria since late December.

Velayati also reaffirmed Tehran’s support for the Iraqi government and nation in their fight against terrorism.

“An independent and strong Iraq and a powerful Iran are two links in the chain of resistance against reactionary states in the region,” he said.