Russia’s envoy to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia described Iran as a regional powerhouse, saying that Iran’s presence in Syria is legitimate and undeniable.
In a news briefing late Thursday, he said “Iran and Syria are members of the United Nations and Iran is there at the request of the legal government in Damascus. Therefore, Iran’s presence is legitimate,” IRNA reported.
Nobody can deny the issue whether they like it or not, he said.
Noting that many countries are accused of playing a destabilizing role in the region, Nebenzia recalled that Iran has for long announced that it is open to dialogues with countries in the region on major regional developments.
Despite Iran’s readiness for talks, other parties have not shown interest, he said.
The Russian envoy also said the US military presence in Syria is illegitimate.
