Iranian FM to UN envoy: solution to Syrian crisis is political

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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stressed Sunday that the solution to the crisis in Syria is political.

Amir-Abdollahian told UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen during a meeting in Tehran that the illegal US military presence in Syria and the constant Israeli occupation's attacks are two factors impeding the path to a political solution to the Syrian crisis.

The Iranian FM praised Pedersen's efforts in supporting national dialogue, in addition to peace and stability in Syria, underlining that Iran "is making sincere efforts to ensure the success of the dialogue through following up on the process of establishing peace and stability in Syria."

Amir-Abdollahian expressed his belief that the United Nations is part of the pursuit of the political solution to the Syrian crisis. He also underscored that without paying attention to the refugee issue and the embargo imposed on Syria, "the crisis cannot be curtailed and put on the right path."

The two diplomats had met in Tehran for talks on several issues, including the Syrian crisis.

Pedersen had met Ali Asghar Khaji, a special assistant to Iran's FM for special political affairs, who stressed the need for UN efforts toward lifting the embargo on Syria and providing humanitarian aid for the Syrian people. 

He also brought to light the importance of pursuing the issue of refugees and repatriation, not to mention the reconstruction of Syria.

During the meeting, Pedersen praised the Iranian efforts in terms of cooperation with the United Nations and within the framework of the Astana Process to bolster the path toward a political solution to the Syrian crisis and support national dialogue in Syria.