Russia and Iran differ on Syria: Iranian official

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Ali Asghar Khaji, a senior advisor to the Iranian Foreign Minister on special political affairs, said on Saturday that there is a difference in views between his country and Russia regarding Syria.

Khaji’s speech came in a press conference following the conclusion of the 16th round of Astana meetings on Syria.

The Iranian official said: “I do not want to say that all our views and opinions with Russia on Syria are common, but they matched during the Astana talks, and this was clear in the final statement,” according to what was cited by the Russian Sputnik Agency.

In response to a question about the existence of differences between Iran and Russia over Syria, Khaji said that “we and the Russians may have different views on the Syrian issue.”

“But bear in mind that neither we nor Russia can decide on the Syrian issue, the decision is taken by the Syrian people and the government,” he added.

Regarding the bilateral meetings between Russia and Turkey, which Iran did not attend, he pointed out that “Turkey, Russia and Iran work together within the ongoing Astana track, and there are meetings between the three countries.”

He pointed out that “what is important is that the three countries respect the joint decisions that are taken on Syria, and we are trying to achieve that.”