Iran welcomes Assad’s ‘comprehensive Syria peace plan’January 7, 2013 - 13:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran welcomed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's television address, saying he had rejected violence and offered a "comprehensive political process" to end his country's conflict, Reuters reported citing Iranian media on Monday, Jan 7. Assad's speech on Sunday was billed as the unveiling of a new peace plan but the president offered no concessions and dismissed the prospect of negotiations with Syrian opposition groups, which described it as a renewed declaration of war. Iran has steadfastly backed Assad's rule since an uprising began almost two years ago and regards him as an important part of the axis of opposition against Israel. Iran describes many Syrian opposition groups as "terrorists" who are backed by Western and Arab states. "This plan rejects violence and terrorism and any foreign interference in the country and outlines a future for the country ... through a comprehensive political process," Iranian foreign minister Ali Akbar Salehi said in a statement published by state news agency, IRNA. Salehi urged world and regional powers to support attempts to end the crisis through a "Syrian solution". The Islamic Republic has sought international backing for its six-point plan to resolve the conflict, which the United Nations says has killed more than 60,000 people. The plan calls for an immediate end to violence and negotiations between all parties to form a transitional government, but does not call for Assad to step down. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Welcome to CaseKey 2024. Byblos Bank Armenia firmly stands by future innovators Strategic business cases, invaluable experience, innovative approaches and more than 25 events are in store for the participants of CaseKey 2024. Macron honors Charles Aznavour on 100th anniversary French President Emmanuel Macron has paid tribute to the memory of French-Armenian crooner Charles Aznavour. Blinken says U.S. reviewing a number of aid requests from Armenia He said the U.S. is reviewing the requests to determine what more it can do to increase its assistance to Armenia. At least 2 CSTO members participated in preparing 44-day war against Armenia – PM Nikol Pashinyan has declared that at least two CSTO member countries participated in preparations for the 44-day war against Armenia. |