Rouhani:

US Supports Terror Groups in Syria, Iraq, Transfers Militants to Afghanistan

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani slammed the US for protecting terrorists in Syria and Iraq, and warned that Washington is relocating the ISIL (known as ISIS and Daesh) terrorists to Afghanistan.

News ID: 443527

Date: 16 February 2019 - 11:05

RNA - Addressing a tripartite summit on Syria that was also attended by his Russian and Turkish counterparts in Sochi on Thursday, Rouhani stated, "Unfortunately, the US government is sponsoring terrorists in Iraq and Syria in pursuit of their illegal moves to take advantage of them to its own benefit."

"There are credible reports showing that the US is helping ISIL terrorists transport inside Syria and moving some of them to Afghanistan," he added.

“Syrian-Syrian dialogue should continue with the aim of establishing sustainable peace in Syria. Independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, and non-interference in Syria's internal affairs must be respected in any circumstances,” the Iranian president stressed.

"The common principles stressed by us in the fight against terrorism until the uprooting of this scourge, dialogue, compromise, tension reduction, continuation of the political process and amendment of the constitution, return of the displaced, exchange of detainees, and rebuilding of Syria; a free, independent Syria, a united, integrated Syria, with the protection of territorial integrity and national sovereignty and a Syria each and every child of which enjoys the inherent, natural and citizenship rights," he said.

"In this path, it is only Syrians who decide for their future and others must not be allowed to interfere in their internal affairs," Rouhani reiterated.

He appreciated the joint move by the three states, saying, "Our cooperation has been able to put out the fire of years of war and cruel massacre in Syria to a great extent."

The Iranian president said cooperation between the guarantors of peace in Syria has also been able to preserve the territorial integrity and national sovereignty and independence of Syria.

"Neither in this country, nor in other parts of the world, terrorists must not feel safe and their sponsors must not think that they can use terrorism to the advantage of internal, regional and international equations, he underscored.

The Iranian president further noted Israel's antagonistic efforts, troubling the war on terrorist groups, and complained, "The Zionist Regime is also active in helping terrorist groups in Syria and recently, some of the authorities of this regime have admitted to these heinous acts."

"The Zionist Regime's arbitrary actions in conducting acts of aggression the Syrian territory have jeopardised international peace and security."

"The international community is responsible to confront these acts, particularly the continuation of occupation by the regime against the land and existence of the Syrian nation and government," he continued.

Rouhani noted the US president's declared decision to pull military troops out of Syria, and reminded that the US troops have entered the country without the permission of the government in Syria, against the international regulations.

"This decision, if not changed under the domestic policies of the United States, is good news for the people of Syria," he said.

"Today, Syria needs our help for rebuilding itself. Postponing this process will only prolong the crisis and inflict more harms to the dear Syrian nation," Rouhani said, and continued, "Amending the constitution based on the will and wish of the people can be a very important role in this regard."

To conclude his remarks, the Iranian President reiterated that the Syrian-Syrian dialogue should continue without foreign interference in order to establish lasting peace in Syria, and the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and the non-interference in its internal affairs should be respected under all circumstances.

According to Fars News Agancy, Rouhani also called for international help to the displaced Syrians and refugees to enable them to return home and begin the reconstruction of Syria.

"The fight against all terrorist groups in Syria must be continued until they are eradicated," he reiterated, and added, "The presence of foreign forces, including Americans, who are present in the country without the permission of the Syrian government, should be terminated as soon as possible."

The Iranian president once again asked the world states to take action against Israeli invasion of Syria, warning that the attacks have place global peace and security in jeopardy. "It is imperative that the international community confronts the arbitrary actions of the Zionist Regime in its acts of aggression towards the Syrian land, which endangers international peace and security."

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