Saudi calls Iran to withdraw troops from Syria

Iran must withdraw its troops from Syria if it is serious about improving Saudi-Iranian relations, a Saudi official said.

Former Saudi Arabian intelligence chief Turki Al-Faisal told American new station CNN that Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani must convert his words into actions if he truly wishes to improve the Saudi-Iranian relation. He added the golden opportunity to prove the sincerity of his intentions is by withdrawing Iranian troops from Syria.

Al-Faisal said Saudi Arabia and Iran restored their relations in 1995; however tensions have not been eased between the two countries.

He added: “Iran interferes in the internal affairs of other countries in the region; including Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and Yemen. If the Iranians are serious about improving their relations in the region, they should end this interference.”

Meanwhile a top US diplomat told Kuwait’s Al-Rai newspaper that his country has informed Riyadh of the need to involve Iran in the Geneva II talks which will resume in a few days between the Syrian regime and the opposition.

The source said: “Saudi Arabia has refused to involve Iran in the Geneva II talks despite US Secretary of State John Kerry’s attempts to convince them. The situation in Syria has worsened and things are moving in a direction we do not want (the regime forces advancing in Syria). Therefore Iran must claim its responsibility by joining the negotiations especially as its affiliated allies are fighting there including the Lebanese Hezbollah and the Iraqi Shia forces.”

The top diplomat noted that “the strong strategic ties between Washington and Riyadh have not changed or been affected at all, despite Riyadh’s resentment of the US decision not to enter into a war against the Assad regime.

“We have our strategic considerations in the Middle East and Riyadh has its own interests. However, the United States remains committed to defending the Gulf.” The diplomat praised the Saudi Arabian royal decree to renounce terrorism saying “it is the right step to affirm the US-Saudi partnership to fight terrorism and to stabilise the region.

“The Arabian Gulf cooperation against terrorists, who have become a force to be reckoned with, requires everyone to exert every effort to fight them inside and outside Syria.”

The US diplomat said President Barack Obama will emphasise to the Saudi monarch the United States and the international community’s commitment not to relent to Iran regarding its nuclear programme.

“We will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear programme to threaten its neighbours and the international community. Sanctions will remain imposed on Iran until we ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme today and in the future.”