Iran, Syria to promote relations

12 June 2008

Paris-Iran's Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said here Wednesday that Iran and Syria would further improve their amicable mutual ties.

Mottaki, who is currently in Paris to attend the Afghan donors' conference, made the statement while addressing a press conference.

Asked whether Syria-Israel talks would be tantamount to separation of Iran and Syria, he said, "Syria-Israel talks are being held with the aim of taking back Golan Heights. The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that Golan Heights are inseparable part of Syria." He added, "As Shaba Farms belong to Lebanon and Palestine to Palestinians, Syria has the right to demand, without any precondition, this part of its territory, which has been occupied by the Zionist regime."

On France's stand regarding Syria, Mottaki said Syria is an important country and Iran welcomes any change in Paris attitude toward Damascus.

He noted that during the past 30 years, the US policy has been aimed at separating regional countries particularly Iran and Syria stressing, "This is a failed policy."
Mottaki said Iran and regional Arab states enjoy common interests and share religious, cultural and geographical commonalties.

Pointing to his recent meeting with his Saudi counterpart Saud al-Faisal, he said Tehran-Riyadh cooperation would lead to establishment of peace, stability and security in the region.

Turkey's demand to join the European Union would not harm Iran, he said, adding, "Iran has positive and growing relations with its neighboring states, particularly Turkey. The two sides have great potentials to bolster economic cooperation."

He said Iran and Turkey are currently implementing joint projects worth dlrs 10 billion in various fields of energy, oil and gas.