Iran offers 'all-out support' for Syria

TEHRAN - Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Monday voiced Iran's all-out support for the Syrian government and nation.

Talking to IRNA, Amir-Abdollahian said Tehran believes that those countries which back instability and insecurity in Syria are responsible for exacerbating the critical situation in that country.

The Iranian official urged certain countries, including several regional states, to refrain from "arming the Syrian opposition groups," said the report.

Iranian government considers diplomatic solution as the best way to resolve the Syrian issue, he was quoted as saying.

As long-time allies in the region, Iran has provided Syria with economic assistance over past years to counter the international isolation and economic sanctions imposed on the country. The two countries have recently signed a series of agreements on economic cooperation to help Syria withstand new pressures.

Kofi Annan, joint special envoy for Syria of the United Nations and the Arab League (AL), expressed hopes Sunday that Syria would remain secure and said he hopes to be conducive in achieving everything that might lead to democratic reforms and maintain the respect of human rights in Syria.

Annan's visit to Syria followed international criticisms against the Syrian regime's bloody crackdown on protests which has claimed over 7,500 lives since the start of the uprising in mid- March last year, according to UN figures.