A leading member of Parliament�led Iran�s delegation to Syria�on Wednesday, meeting President Assad.
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the chairman of Parliament�s National Security Commission, blamed the US for backing �terrorist groups� challenging the regime. He said the terrorism �could backfire against Washington itself�.

Iran has provided essential economic and military aid to Assad since the Syrian conflict erupted in March 2011. Last July, Tehran extended a $3.6 billion line of credit, covering oil supplies for Syria�s crippled and sanctions-burdened economy. The Revolutionary Guards have provided advice, logistical support, and intelligence, while Iranian officers are training pro-Assad militia.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said, as he hosted Qatari counterpart Khalid al-Attiyah on Wednesday, that the crisis must be ended by a political agreement: �There is no other solution, the only ones who can decide the future of Syria are the Syrian people.�

Tehran has backed the Syrian regime�s emphasis on a 2014 Presidential election, rather than a transitional governing authority in which Assad would step aside.

In a pointed reference to Saudi support for the insurgency � and Iran�s attempt to turn other Gulf States against it � State outlet Press TV attributed these words to the Qatari Foreign Minister:�Regional countries are divided over the notion that the Syria conflict can be resolved solely through dialogue.�

By Ea World View

 

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