By Abdul Hamid Chohan
Bashar al-Assad's departure from power would destabilize Syria for years to come and allow terrorist organizations to flourish across the country, according to the Iranian ambassador to Ankara.
Ali Reza Bigdeli told Anadolu Agency (AA) that both Iranand Turkey have decided to co-operate towards the establishment of peace in Syria, a decision he says will help the conflict to be resolved through political rather than military means.
He stated that Iran is in contact with both the Syrian state and the opposition and wants to bridge the gap between the two sides by participating at the Geneva II peace conference on January 22 and ensuring any decisions made are fully implemented.
Bigdeli said any countries who caused this opportunity to be missed would be accountable for bloodshed in Syria.
The Iranian diplomat also suggested that Iran and Turkey could make some headway in negotiations during Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Iran, which will happen while the Geneva II conference is ongoing.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
