- Title: SYRIA/IRAN: Iran can't sponsor Syria peace talks - opposition leader.
- Date: 28th August 2012
- Summary: DAMASCUS, SYRIA (AUGUST 28, 2012) (REUTERS) LOUAY HUSSEIN, PRESIDENT OF THE SYRIAN OPPOSITION BUILDING THE STATE PARTY, WALKING IN GARDEN HUSSEIN TALKING TO REPORTER (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) LOUAY HUSSEIN, PRESIDENT OF SYRIAN BUILDING THE STATE PARTY, SAYING: "I do not think the Non-Aligned Movement summit will come out with anything other than that it is a hindering party i
- Embargoed: 12th September 2012 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Syrian Arab Republic, Iran, Islamic Republic of
- City:
- Country: Syrian Arab Republic Iran, Islamic Republic of
- Topics: Conflict,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVABAC74VLOITJ52Y7LTL4PVY76Y
- Story Text: A Syrian opposition figure in Damascus speaks out against any involvement of the Non-Aligned Movement in trying to solve his country's conflict, and says Iran cannot be a sponsor of peace talks.
A Syrian opposition figure in Damascus on Tuesday (August 28) dismissed any attempt by Iran to orchestrate a peace process for his conflict-wracked nation.
Louay Hussein, who opposes President Bashar al-Assad but continues to live in Syria, is the co-founder of the Building the State party, which seeks to differentiate itself from other opposition groups, such as the mainly-exiled Syrian National Council.
He was speaking as Iran hosted a summit meeting of the 120 developing nations in the Non-Aligned Movement this week, in Tehran.
"I do not think the Non-Aligned Movement summit will come out with anything other than that it is a hindering party in the international consensus about Syria. But I do not see any international party that would seek or be able to contribute to solving the crisis," Hussein said.
In advance of the NAM meeting an Iranian lawmaker visiting Damascus suggested it could be a forum to advance dialogue between the Syrian opposition and government.
Hussein suggested that Iran, which is a supporter of the Assad government, was not in a position to act as arbiter.
"Any party that is willing to sponsor dialogue in the Syrian conflict should be neutral, and Iran is not. Hence it is not logical that we accept such an invitation," he said.
Iranian officials have offered to host talks between Syria's government and opposition, although Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's foes have shown no interest in such a dialogue with the man they want to topple, let alone one organised by Tehran.
Hussein welcomed an initiative by Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi who on Monday (August 27) hinted at a new approach to Iran and called on Assad's allies to help lever the Syrian leader out.
"We should tighten the circle responsible for the future of the region. The countries suggested by Mursi, like Iran, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia should solve the Syrian crisis because they are the countries that will be affected by this crisis," Hussein said.
In an effort to increase Egypt's role in regional affairs, Mursi called for dialogue between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran to find a way to stop the bloodshed in Syria. Notably, the initiative has been welcomed by Iran, the only country in the group that supports Assad.
In what could be an important sign of a shift in the region, Mursi's visit to Iran this week will be the first by an Egyptian leader since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution. The two countries broke off diplomatic relations at the time over Egypt's support for the ousted Iranian Shah and its peace with Israel, and have yet to formally restore ties.
Officially, Mursi's visit is to attend a summit of the 120-nation Non-Aligned Movement, and he would not be drawn on whether Egypt would resume full diplomatic ties with Iran.
The Syrian government restricts much movement of independent journalists in the country, but Reuters was able to interview Hussein. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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