Iran hails Syrian parliamentary vote, vows to broaden ties

Majlis (parliament) speaker Ali Larijani has commended the recent “successful” parliamentary elections in Syria, saying the Islamic Republic will continue to broaden its already "close and extensive” cooperation with the Arab state.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s strategy is [based on] close and extensive cooperation with the government and nation of this country (Syria) with a view to establishment of stability, peace and security in the [Middle East] region,” Larijani said in a message of congratulation to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday, Press TV reported.

He added that the high turnout of the Syrian electorate despite "widespread political, psychological and security pressure" and "futile attempts" by terrorist groups to prevent a massive public participation indicated the Syrians’ "firm" support for President Assad.

Larijani said the Syrian people regard Assad as the symbol of resistance and their country’s independence despite all-out aggression by terrorist elements and their regional and international supporters.

The top Iranian parliamentarian expressed confidence that terrorist and extremist groups will soon be defeated in Syria.

The Syrian electoral commission announced late Saturday that the National Unity coalition, comprising the ruling Ba’ath Party and its allies, had won 200 of the 250 seats at the People’s Assembly (Majlis al-Sha’ab).

Out of 8,834,994 eligible voters, more than five million cast their votes in government-controlled areas across the country on April 13. The figure was equal to 57.56 percent.

SS