Iranian FM urges all foreign elements out of Syria

Davos: Iran`s foreign minister is calling for all "foreign elements" to leave Syria so its people can decide their future themselves.

Speaking on a panel discussion about the Middle East at the World Economic Forum, Javad Zarif said Iran also wants to see an end to foreign support for opponents of President Bashar Assad`s government and a recognition by all sides that there can be no military solution to the conflict. He said Tehran hoped for a negotiated settlement. Iran is one of Assad`s closest allies and has been widely criticised in the West for sending fighters to Syria and for supporting Lebanon`s Hezbollah militia, which is battling on the government`s side.