Syria backbone of resistance front: Iran envoy

Iranian Ambassador to Baku Mohsen Pak-Ayeen has described Syria as the frontline of resistance against the Israeli regime.
In an interview with the Azeri daily Parallel, Pak-Ayeen criticized certain countries for creating crisis in Syria, saying that such attempts aim to dissuade Damascus from continuing on the path of resistance against the Tel Aviv regime.
The Iranian envoy rejected any military intervention in the Arab country, saying that Syrians should determine their own destiny.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Pak-Ayeen referred to Palestine as the main issue in the Islamic world and said all Muslim countries share the same viewpoint regarding the issue.
He further criticized extremists, who pretend to be Muslims but are in fact trying to tarnish the image of Islam.
Syria has been the scene of deadly violence since March 2011. Over 130,000 people have reportedly been killed and millions displaced due to the turmoil.
According to reports, the Western powers and their regional allies – especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey – are supporting the militants operating inside Syria.
Iran has repeatedly voiced its opposition to any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, calling for inclusive dialog and national reconciliation as well as free elections as the keys to the settlement of the crisis in the country.