PHOTO: Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif and Russian counterpart Lavrov “stress diplomatic solution” to Syria
Iran has renewed high-profile support for Russia on the Syrian crisis, amid international criticism of Russian-regime bombing of civilian areas.
Iranian State media herald a phone call between Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday.
However, the stories ignore the issue of Russia’s airstrikes — which have killed hundreds of civilians in Syria’s largest city Aleppo in the past three weeks — and instead declare that the two men “stressed that the only solution to the Syrian crisis is a diplomatic one”.
The announcement of the Zarif-Lavrov call followed a statement by the Supreme Leader’s top aide that Iran and Russia must strengthen their strategic cooperation on regional and international matters.
“Strong and strategic relations between the two countries are very important in the establishment of regional peace and stability and the settlement of issues,” Ali Akbar Velayati said.
Velayati issued the declaration after meeting Russia’s special envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev.
Lavrentiev has been in a series of discussions since Monday with high-level Iranian officials, including the Secretary of the National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani.
See Iran Daily, Oct 11: Tehran Hosts Russian Envoy Amid Political Pressure Over Aleppo
