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Question for Foreign and Commonwealth Office

UIN HL744, tabled on 1 July 2014

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will support the inclusion of Iran among the Friends of Syria.

Answered on

9 July 2014

The Friends of Syria are committed to supporting the moderate Syrian opposition who are fighting extremists, and who are in favour of a pluralist and democratic future for Syria. Iran's substantial military and financial support for Assad and his regime runs counter to this objective. The only sustainable solution to the crisis in Syria is to reach a negotiated political transition by mutual consent - this is the core principle contained in the Geneva Communiqué. We believe that Iran can and must play a constructive role in Syria by committing its support for negotiations between the Assad regime and the opposition on a transitional authority for Syria by mutual consent. Iran could also play a constructive role in ensuring humanitarian aid is delivered without hindrance across Syria, as required by UN Security Council resolution 2139. The Friends of Syria are committed to these goals.

Answered by

Foreign and Commonwealth Office