Iran says dialogue, peaceful means key to solving Syria issue

Iran's recently re-elected President Hassan Rouhani said that the Syrian issue should be solved through dialogue and peaceful means.

Rouhani on Monday hailed the trilateral efforts by Russia, Turkey and Iran to establish "cease-fire" in Syria and stressed that militarization would not settle the problems of the Arab state, Xinhua news agency reported.

He expressed the hope that diplomatic efforts would bear results and would pave the way for the Syrian people to decide on the future of their country.

In the meantime, Rouhani said Iran will continue to support the Syrian and Iraqi governments in their fight against terrorism.

Rouhani conveyed the message that as in recent years Iran has supported the Syrian and Iraqi governments through diplomatic efforts and military advisors, it will maintain this policy in the future.

Iraqis and Syrians have together fought the so-called Islamic State group with Iran's support, Rouhani said, adding that without Iran no regional security and stability is foreseeable.

Furthermore, he dismissed the labelling of Lebanon's Hezbollah Shiite group as "terrorists."

Rouhani added that Hezbollah is a respected and trusted group among Lebanese people and accusing Hezbollah of being terrorists will not help solve the terrorism problem.

--IANS

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