Al-Faisal: We will not ignore Iran and Hezbollah's interference in Syria

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Prince Saud Al-Faisal, said on Tuesday that the Kingdom considers Iran and Lebanese group Hezbollah’s interference in the conflict in Syria to be dangerous, adding that “We have no choice but to consider Syria as an occupied land at the moment.”

Al-Faisal explained that Saudi Arabia believes military aid should be provided to the opposition so they can defend themselves.

He also added during a press conference in Jeddah with the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, that Saudi Arabia cannot ignore Iran’s interference. He called for a resolution prohibiting the provision of arms to the Syrian regime. Al-Faisal also said that “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is calling for a clear international decision to prevent supplying the Syrian regime with weapons.”

On his part, Kerry said that the Geneva 2 Conference is the best opportunity to resolve the Syrian crisis, stressing that the continuation of violence is unacceptable.

Kerry also considered the situation in Syria to be more complicated after the involvement of Iran and Hezbollah in the clashes between the two Syrian sides.

Moreover, he stated that the best solution is a political solution realised through this conference, which will work towards transferring power and forming a transitional government with full authority.

The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, visited Saudi Arabia on June 25th to coordinate arms support for the Syrian opposition, based on fears that the prolongation of the civil war would lead to strengthening extremists.

On his part, Turki Al-Sudairi Chief Editor of Al-Riyadh Newspaper, told Al-Arabiya news that “What is happening in Syria cannot happen in any other Arab or Western country because the reason behind the violence is the President Bashar Al-Assad’s insistence on remaining in power.”

Al-Sudairi also believes that Hezbollah’s interference and its presence in Syria is unjustified, stressing that it is only a political party, not a country that possesses Arab capabilities and qualifications.

Moreover, Al-Sudairi described Hezbollah’s actions as, “extremely foolish.”