French Diplomat Discusses Syria in Tehran
A senior French diplomat paid a brief visit to Tehran to discuss "solutions" to end the bloody crisis in Syria, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Araqchi said.
The director of the North Africa and Middle East section of the French foreign ministry, Jean-Francois Girault, met on Monday with Iranian deputy foreign minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, Araqchi said.
"We frankly outlined our views about Syria and the solution which can help end the crisis. We hope all European nations and France take a more realistic approach and do not embark on a wrong track," Araqchi told reporters at his weekly press conference.
The one-day visit was part of "the bilateral cooperation framework" between the two countries, and was also aimed at "reviewing issues of mutual interest," said a diplomat in Tehran, confirming the visit.
The French embassy gave no details of the visit.
Araqchi, meanwhile, also criticized the "dangerous decision" by the European Union on Monday to lift its embargo against arming Syria's rebels.
"This decision makes finding a solution for the Syrian crisis more difficult and longer," he said.
Despite the lifting of the embargo no EU member state intends to send any arms in the coming months for fear of endangering a U.S.-Russian peace initiative dubbed Geneva 2.
France rejects Iran's participation in Geneva 2, while Russia would like Iranian officials to attend alongside those from Saudi Arabia, considering both countries key to unlocking a political solution to Syria's civil war.
Tehran on Tuesday reiterated its willingness to participate in the conference.
"What guarantees the success of this meeting is its comprehensiveness, meaning all countries and groups that can play a constructive role should be invited," said Araqchi.
The Islamic republic, President Bashar Assad's regional ally, is accused by the West of militarily aiding the Syrian army and the Lebanese Hizbullah.
But Tehran denies the charges, maintaining that it is advocating national dialogue between the regime and the rebels.
Activists say more than 94,000 people have been killed since the uprising to topple the Assad regime erupted in March 2011.
Source: Agence France Presse
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