‘Iran role vital in settling Syrian crisis’

An Iranian lawmaker says the Islamic Republic plays an important role in resolving the crisis in Syria, stressing that the Syria issue will not be settled without Iranâ„¢s contribution.

Å“As a main and fundamental parameter and factor in the region and in the world, Iran is instrumental in the Syrian issue and all parties acknowledge that such issues will not be settled without Iran,” member of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Hadi Shoushtari said on Sunday.

Turmoil has gripped Syria since March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian security forces, have been killed in the unrest.

The Iranian lawmaker emphasized that political reforms in Syria should be carried out from within the country.

Å“Such reforms should be carried out while safeguarding [Syriaâ„¢s] independence, security and territorial integrity,” Shoushtari said.

He further highlighted the significance of a conference slated to be held in Tehran in the coming days on the unrest in Syria and reiterated that Iran plays an important role in all equations and meetings.

The Friends of Syria Conference will be held in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on May 29, under the banner of Å“Political Solution, Regional Stability.” Iran held two other meetings on the crisis in the Arab country in November and August 2012.

SF/HGH/SS