Iranian Commander Underlines Syrians, Iraqis’ Right to Determine Their Destiny

TEHRAN (defapress) – Regional countries must recognize the fact that the people of Iraq and Syria have the right to determine their own destiny, a senior Iranian commander said.

News ID: 65710

Date: 24 August 2017 - 15:03

"Certain regional states have come to realize that cooperation with the US and supporting terrorists will not guarantee their interests,” Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri said, when asked about a recent change in Turkey’s approach to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq.

He said the achievements made by the Damascus and Baghdad governments in the fight against foreign-backed terrorism has played a role in this realization.

The commander stressed the need for neighboring countries to recognize the right of the people of Syria and Iraq to decide their own destiny.

He further referred to a recent trip by Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri to Turkey, and highlighted Iran’s efforts to root out terrorism in the region in cooperation with Western Asian countries.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has proved to be resolutely against terrorism and terrorist sponsors and would continue countering them,” he said, adding that the trip to Ankara was in line with such efforts.

Heading a military delegation, Major General Baqeri visited Turkey last week and held meetings with top Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and General Hulusi Akar.

His talks with Turkish officials revolved around Tehran-Ankara defense ties, regional developments, cooperation on border affairs, and the fight against terrorism.