Seif Backs Riyadh Declaration, Says Iran Main Sponsor of Terrorism in Region

Coalition president responds to announcement of declaration, which aims to form a reserve army of 34,000 troops to back counterterrorism operations

Syria’s opposition welcomed the announcement on Sunday by the United States and 55 leaders of the Arab and Islamic world of a plan to unite efforts against terrorism in the region.

Syrian National Coalition President Riad Seif hailed the Riyadh Declaration, which was announced at the end of the Arab-Islamic-U.S. summit in the Saudi capital, stressing the need to combat extremist groups, including the Islamic State (ISIS), Hezbollah and Al-Qaeda.

Seif blamed Iran for the emergence of terrorist organizations in the region, pointing to its support for the Assad regime’s criminal and sectarian militias in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen.

Tehran’s actions in Syria have led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the displacement of millions more, Seif said. He called on all countries around the world to stand up to Iran and isolate it as it continues to support terrorism.

Seif expressed hope that the outcome of the summit will be translated into action through standing up to the Iranian militias and forcing them to leave Syria and all countries of the region. “Dialogue and rapprochement, the approach adopted by former President Barack Obama, no longer works with Iran,” he added, stressing that Iran must be dealt with the utmost firmness.

Seif described U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region as “historic, as it rearranges the priorities of the region and restores stability."

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.

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