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Syria shows support to Iran facing possible sanctions
28/5/2006 10:37

Visiting Syrian Minister of Economy and Trade Amir Husni Lutfi yesterday expressed support to Iran which is trapped in hot water as world powers tried to tighten the screws over its disputed nuclear issue.

Lutfi, currently here to attend a follow-up session of the Iran-Syria Joint Economic Commission, said that Iran will not be left alone to tackle whatever aggression or sanctions that may be imposed on it, the official IRNA news agency reported.

"Syria and the regional states can help counter whatever economic embargo that may be imposed on the country," Lutfi was quoted as saying.

Lutfi's visit came amid Syria and Iran are both facing international pressure, with Damascus being urged to establish full diplomatic relations with Lebanon and Tehran being pressured for its disputed nuclear program.

Over the Iranian nuclear standoff, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany are expected to have more talks on a decision to offer Iran a package of incentives in return for Iran's suspension of its nuclear activities, after their London talks on May 24 stopped short of making a final agreement.

Their London talks concluded with a compromise proposal, which would drop the automatic threat of military action but still pack the threat of sanctions if Iran remains defiant.

Washington has been accusing Tehran of using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop an atomic bomb, a charge denied by Iran, which insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful use.



Xinhua