Akbari: Diplomatic efforts continue, Syria paying anti-'Israel' stance

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
2 Dec 2024 23:23

Iran's ambassador to Damascus, Hossein Akbari, told Al Mayadeen that there are many indications of "Israel's" role in the situation in Syria, particularly the coincidence of armed group attacks with the ceasefire in Lebanon.

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Iranian ambassador to Damascus Hossein Akbari speaks to Al Mayadeen on December 2, 2024. (Al Mayadeen)

Hossein Akbari, the Iranian ambassador to Damascus, stated in an interview with Al Mayadeen that the relationship between Iran and Syria is strong, and it is natural for both countries to support and defend each other in difficult circumstances.

Regarding the aggression against Aleppo and Idlib and the deteriorating agreement between Damascus and Ankara, Akbari explained that the agreement between Syria and Turkiye is beneficial for both countries and their peoples. He revealed that Iran has been "working for years to mediate between them in this direction."

He emphasized the need to "strive for settlements to extinguish the fire" and hoped that political efforts would help Syria emerge from this crisis.

Akbari also revealed that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi would visit other countries in the region as part of political discussions regarding developments in Syria.

'Threat of ISIS will return to countries that created it'

The ambassador emphasized that the current threat not only involves Syria and its people but the entire world, including Syria's neighboring countries and Islamic nations. He also noted that ISIS has not only threatened Syria and Iraq but has posed a global threat.

In a firm statement, Akbari asked, "Who protected ISIS, armed it, and provided it with fighters and elements, and who is protecting it today?" He added that the threat of ISIS will return to the countries that created and armed it.

The Iranian ambassador to Damascus also pointed out that "if ISIS manages to establish itself in Syria and Iraq, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Islamic countries will not be safe."

Akbari pointed to numerous signs of "Israel's" involvement in the situation in Syria, most notably the coincidence of armed group attacks with the ceasefire in Lebanon. He also noted that all countries around the world are pressuring Syria due to its anti-Israel stance.

He told Al Mayadeen that "the Americans have worked hard to sow discord between Syria, Iran, and all the Resistance Axis," adding that "there is a hidden American desire to remain in Syria for Israel's interests."

The Iranian ambassador concluded by saying that "despite the high cost that Syria is paying because of its positions, it affirms that this cost is far less than the cost of surrender."

Syrian army, allies vow harsh response to new Israeli conspiracy: IRGC

Brigadier General Mohammad Ali Naeini, the spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), asserted on Monday that "the Syrian army and the Resistance Front will respond forcefully to the new Zionist plot against Syria."

In his statement, Naeini emphasized that "the Resistance Axis will not retreat from its stance and will continue to stand firm against its enemies."

He added that "the goal of the terrorists in Syria is to open a new front and weaken one of the key pillars of the resistance axis."

Naeini stressed that the Israeli entity has failed to achieve any of its objectives, including eliminating Hezbollah, weakening it politically, or disarming the group.