Assad warns of peace summit's 'dangerous impact'
'Region will soon witness political events that might have a dangerous impact on the future of its countries and peoples unless they are tackled in a rational way,' Syrian president tells National Progressive Front leaders in Damascus. Iranian envoy dismisses reports of possible deterioration of strategic alliance with Syria
President Bashar Assad convened the Central Leadership of the National Progressive Front in Damascus to decide whether Syria should participate in the upcoming peace summit in Annapolis, Maryland, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported Monday.
According to the report, Assad stated that the region will witness in the near future "political events that might have a dangerous impact on the future of its countries and peoples unless they were tackled in a rational way to serve the interests of all sides without favoring one side over another.
Syrian leadership meets in Damascus (Photo: AP)
"Syria's stances regarding regional issues are based on its adherence to national interests and keenness on the region's stability without any foreign interference, and this has earned Syria the respect of many countries and peoples that refuse policies of hegemony, occupation and interference in internal affairs," he was quoted by SANA as saying.
Iranian officials have expressed concern over the possible deterioration of the Islamic Republic's strategic alliance with Damascus in light of the renewed peace initiative.
Iranian Ambassador to Syria Mohammad-Hassan Akhtari said Monday that his country was ready to cooperate with Syria in the creation of nuclear energy for "peaceful purposes".
Nevertheless, Akhtari added, such cooperation does not yet exist between the two countries.
Referring to recent reports according to which Syria was being pressured to sever its ties with Iran, Akhtari said "we have faith in Syria and are certain that it will not give in to these pressures, which are doomed for failure. Meanwhile we are witnessing growing cooperation between Syrian and Iran in every aspect."
