Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s deputy-FM for Arab and African Affairs, Manuel Bessler, deputy-FM, and vice-director of humanitarian aid and head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA), and Ahmed Arnous, Syrian Assistant Foreign Minister and FM Advisor met in Spinas Hotel in Tehran on Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in Syrian crisis. Mr. Amir-Abdollahian however touched upon Saudi Arabia severing of its political relations with Iran which he believed was affecting Syrian peace process; “I would address here the inaccurate and unwise measure of Saudis and its further impacts on Syrian peace talks in Vienna and New York; Tehran will however remain committed to these talks and will continue contacts with UN officials and Syrian government to act in line with its support for Syria,” he told the meeting.
Amir-Abdollahian also congratulated the new Christian year and hoped that 2016 brings good news for all in the region.
The meeting also discussed humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees and dialogue of different Syrian factions fighting currently on the ground. Amir-Abdollahian had met with the Head of Switzerland Middle East and North Africa Division of Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Wolfgang Bruelhart earlier in November to discuss the present trilateral meeting.
Ahmed Arnous for his part believed that countries supporting ISIL should know that they would be a potential target of the terrorism and atrocities of it; the international community, Mr. Arnous said, “has belatedly come to recognition that the group’s ambitious sweep which goes beyond geographical borders of Iraq and Syria, should be stopped somewhere; ISIL is a terrorist organization without any national and cultural affiliation.”
Mr. Bessler expressed gratitude for the Islamic Republic of Iran for hosting the trilateral meeting; “currently, we are giving humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees and want to see that Iran raise its aid packages to carry the project further; Syrian delegation in Tehran indicates well that despite all political problems, humanitarian issues have still been important,” he told the meeting. “Syria has been coordinating the aid project through participating in the technical workgroups; we still need better cooperation and hope to have Iran’s role after the session.”
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