Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says the Syrian people will certainly survive the current hard time in their homeland and successfully pass through it, IRIB news agency reported.

During a meeting with Syrian Prime Minister Wael Nader al-Halqi in Tehran on Tuesday, President Ahmadinejad pointed to the efforts made to prolong the Syrian crisis and said he hoped that the plots against Syrians would end soon and peace and security can be established in the country.

Ahmadinejad said further that there is no way to stop the Syrian conflict except through national reconciliation and holding elections.

"We pray that the chaotic situation, which certain powers seek to impose on Syria, will end as soon as possible as a result of the Syrians' high spirits and solidarity," Ahmadinejad said.

He called for the expansion of ties between Tehran and Damascus in all areas, adding that cooperation between the two countries will benefit Iranians and Syrians as well as regional nations.

Halqi, for his part, presented a report on the latest situation in his country and said that enemies of the Syrian nation, after many failures, have targeted economic infrastructure of the country, and the hegemonic powers are trying to put economic pressure on the Syrian people.

"The global arrogance is sparing no effort to put Syrians under financial burdens. However, the Syrian nation will firmly resist their plots," the Syrian prime minister noted.

He also praised Iran's achievements in different areas, adding that the Syrian people are pleased with the success and progress of Iran.

During his two-day visit to Iran, he discussed issues of mutual interest as well as regional and international developments with senior Iranian officials.

In a meeting with the Syrian prime minister Iran's First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Rahimi, said the Syrian nation will overcome enemy plots and schemes and will emerge victorious.

In further remarks, Rahimi said Iran and Syria have common objectives, common ideals and enemies.

"Our common enemies have coordinated their moves and have plotted against both nations, Iran and Syria, but the resilience and determination of the Iranian and Syrian nations will foil the plots of the arrogant enemies," he added.

Regarding a recent peace initiative by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Rahimi said Iran backs any peace initiative which has the backing of the Syrian people and which will halt the fighting in Syria and preserves the country's territorial integrity.

Halqi, praising Iran's efforts and support from the first days of the Syrian crisis, expressed hope that his visit opens a new chapter in bilateral relations.

Besides, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Saeed Jalili said in a meeting with the Syrian PM that destroying Syria's economic infrastructure is aimed against the Syrian people.

Jalili further said that the destruction of Syria's industry, basic infrastructure and the blowing up of oil pipelines and transmission lines are all meant to weaken Syria.

Meanwhile, the deadly clashes between government forces and rebels in Syria continue to claim the lives of thousands of innocent people every day.

Recently, 83 people were killed and 162 others wounded as a result of two explosions in the Aleppo University of Syria; the cause of the explosions was not clear but the Syrian government and opposition activists blamed each other for the violence.

According to the United Nations, more than 60,000 people have been killed during a 22-month revolt against President Assad, which began with peaceful protests but turned violent after a crackdown on the demonstrations.