‘Realism key to uprooting ME terrorism’

A senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official says terrorism can be uprooted in the Middle East only through a realistic approach.

“The issues and developments in the region should be dealt with realistically, and terrorism cannot be uprooted if realities of the region are not taken into consideration,” Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in a meeting with Ina Marčiulionytė, a top Lithuanian Foreign Ministry official, on Saturday.

He warned against “arbitrary acts” outside the framework of the international law in the fight against terrorism, saying such measures would be “costly” for both the Middle East and the entire world community.

Amir-Abdollahian also noted that Iran is “not optimistic” about the future of the so-called US-led coalition meant for fighting the ISIL militants.

In the meeting, the Lithuanian official also highlighted Iran’s active and instrumental role in the Middle East and called for consultations between Tehran and Vilnius on regional developments.

The ISIL terrorists control large areas of Syria’s east and north. The ISIL sent its Takfiri militants into Iraq in June, seizing large parts of land straddling the border between Syria and Iraq.

The terrorists have committed heinous crimes and threatened all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and Izadi Kurds, during their advances.

Earlier this month, US President Barack Obama authorized the use of airstrikes against ISIL terrorists in Iraq. Meanwhile, the United States and five Arab countries – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan – have reportedly carried out at least 200 airstrikes against the ISIL militants operating inside Syria.

AR/KA/SS