Iran supports Russia-US deal for truce in Syria

Iran supports the deal between Russia and the US to bring about a truce in Syria, an official said on Sunday.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always welcomed the establishment of ceasefire in Syria and easier access to the humanitarian aid for the whole people of the country," Xinhua news agency cited Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying.

A lasting ceasefire will require a comprehensive mechanism to monitor the situation and control the borders in order to prevent the inflow of new fighters, arms or financial resources into Syria, he said.

In the meantime, the pause in the fighting should not give the terrorist groups the opportunity to replenish forces, he added.

Qasemi also urged the international community to keep fighting against the extremists and terrorist in Syria seriously.

On Sunday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Jaberi Ansari said that Tehran welcomes the cease-fire in Syria and the peace plan to stop deterioration of humanitarian situation.

The Islamic republic believes that the Syrian crisis has no military solution and this issue should be resolved through political means, Ansari said.

The US and Russia on Saturday announced a landmark agreement on a nationwide cease-fire in Syria, which would commence with the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

The week-long truce also includes improving humanitarian aid access and a joint military operation against banned terrorist groups.

According to the truce, all attacks and airstrikes will be stopped and unobstructed access will be allowed to besieged areas, including the city of Aleppo.

Iran, a major regional ally of the Syrian government in its fight against militant groups, has repeatedly acknowledged the presence of its military advisers in the Arab state.

--IANS

sm/vt