Syria, Iran Say Israel in 'Same Trench' with Jihadists
The Syrian and Iranian foreign ministers have condemned Israeli airstrikes on two areas near Damascus, calling it an act of aggression that proves Israel was "in the same trench" with extremist groups fighting the Syrian government.
Israeli warplanes bombed the two areas Sunday, striking near Damascus' international airport as well as outside a town close to the Lebanese border. The Syrian government said the attacks caused material damage. Israel has not commented on the strikes.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem claimed Israel was trying to compensate for losses incurred by Islamic extremist groups in Syria at the hands of the Syrian army. He did not elaborate.
He spoke Monday at a joint news conference in Tehran with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif.
Muallem said that Iran is backing the latest Russian effort to end his country's more than three-year conflict.
A delegation of Syrian dissidents tolerated by President Bashar Assad's regime will travel to Moscow this week for meetings, days after government members discussed a new peace process there.
A meeting with Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov will include talks on a political solution and the role of Syria-based opponents.
Muallem added: "I heard Mr. Zarif support this plan. There is no doubt Iran will help achieve a political solution."
A plan by U.N. envoy to Syria Staffan De Mistura to "freeze" fighting in local areas, allowing aid deliveries and to lay the groundwork for peace talks, will also be discussed in Russia.
Iran is Assad's main regional ally, and Tehran has acknowledged sending military advisers to assist his forces in their fight against rebels and jihadist militants.
Assad last month called De Mistura's plan "worthy of study".
In Tehran, Zarif did not specifically refer to the Russian initiative, but said: "We have said from the beginning that we should find a political solution without destructive foreign intervention.
"All Syrian parties must be present. I hope these efforts bear fruit."
In Tehran, Muallem also referred to the battle against the militant Islamic State (IS) group, noting "there are ongoing contacts" between Iran, Iraq and Syria "because we all struggle against terrorism".
Iran has helped Iraq politically and militarily in its fight against IS extremists who currently control swathes of Iraq and Syria.
Tehran is not part of the U.S.-led international coalition carrying out air strikes against IS in both countries.
Source: Associated Press, Agence France Presse
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