Iran warns Riyadh against sending troops to Syria
Date
2/17/2016 5:15:21 AM
(MENAFN- Asia Times) Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (L) and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini address media in Brussels Feb. 15
Zarif whose country supports the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was questioned about Saudi Arabia’s announcement that it could deploy ground forces as part of the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group.
“Those who are operating in Syria without the authority of the sovereign government in Syria are violating international law” he told a news conference at the European Parliament in Brussels.
Speaking later after a meeting with his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders Zarif added: “We believe that’s dangerous… I believe everybody should put forces together to find a peaceful solution not to create more danger and more hostility in the region.”
Zarif criticised Saudi Arabia’s views on Syrian peace talks.
“People from outside cannot say what should be the outcome of the negotiations” he said.“The outcome of the negotiations will be determined by the Syrians inside the negotiating room not in the capitals of the region particularly in Riyadh. They will not and cannot make the decision for the people in Syria.”
Turkey strikes on Syria ‘illegal’
Russia’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday Turkish artillery strikes on northern Syria are “absolute lawlessness” Russia’s RIA state news agency reported. “What is happening on the Turkish-Syrian border now is absolute lawlessness…” Maria Zakharova the spokeswoman of the Russian foreign ministry was quoted as saying. “Turkey shells settlements across the border transfers money people and supplies there.” Turkey is asking its coalition partners including the United States to take part in a ground operation in Syria in a new attempt to end the country’s civil war.
“If there is a consensus Turkey will take part. Without a ground operation it is impossible to stop this war” an official said.
But Turkey would only act with support.
“Turkey is not going to have a unilateral ground operation” the official said. “We are asking coalition partners that there should be a ground operation. We are discussing this with allies.”
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.