Iran Demands Serious Efforts by NOAL for Stability in Syria

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi demanded on Tuesday that the Non-Aligned (NAM) countries seriously consider the reestablishment of peace and calm in Syria, and rejected any foreign military intervention in that Arab country.

Salehi made his demand at the International Conference Center of the Iranian Television Corporation (IRIB) and at bilateral meetings with visiting foreign ministers.

Speaking with his Lebanese counterpart, Adnan Mansour, who is attending the meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, Salehi called for political will to achieve peace, stop the bloodshed and promote reconciliation.

The Iranian foreign minister also spoke before 70 peers from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, and met with the Syrian minister for National Reconciliation, Ali Haydar.

Salehi and Mansour agreed that the NAM must prioritize the restoration of peace and stability in Syria in its ministerial agenda and among the heads of State and Government, as well as reject foreign interventions and provide humanitarian aid to all.

Salehi expressed similar viewpoints at a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, who expressed confidence in the Syrian people to restore normality in the country.

Speaking at the opening session of the ministerial meeting, Salehi thanked Egypt for its efforts during its NAM presidency over the past three years, and Syrian Minister Haydar urged Cairo to define its stance regarding Damascus.

Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister said here that all 118 members of the Third World forum must pave the way to solve the crisis in weak countries through joint talks; however, he omitted references to Syria and spoke directly about Palestine.  (Taken from PL)