Iran: We support political process in Syria

TEHRAN, IRAN - OCTOBER 22: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi speaks in an interview in Tehran, Iran on October 22, 2019. Mousavi said Tuesday Tehran supports the political process in Syria. "Iran strongly backs the political process in Syria," Mousavi told Anadolu Agency. He voiced hope that the meeting of Syria’s constitutional committee in Geneva on Oct. 30 "will be the start for taking basic steps in the political process to provide a solution to the Syrian crisis". Syria has been gripped by conflict since 2011 when demonstrations seeking democratic reforms were fiercely cracked down by the Syrian regime. More than half a million people were killed in the ensuing conflict and millions more have been displaced as large swaths of Syria have been reduced to rubble. Mousavi expressed hope that recent regional developments would not have a negative impact on the constitution-drafting process in Syria. Turkey launched an anti-terror campaign code-named Operation Peace Spring earlier this month to eliminate terrorists from northern Syria east of the Euphrates River in order to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity. "Turkey's security concerns are understood, but Iran sees that the solution should not be through military means," Mousavi said. "Iran supports any effort that helps address the concerns of Turkey and Syria and serves in easing tension to bridge the gap between all parties," he said. The Iranian spokesman said Iran and Saudi Arabia are heavyweight countries in the region and the Islamic world. "Reducing differences between the two sides and engaging in negotiations will serve the two countries, the region and the whole world," he said. (Footage by Eisa Mohammadi/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)