Syria never to disregard strategic ties with Iran

A senior official from Syria's Foreign Ministry said that his country will never disregard its strategic ties with Iran.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the Syrian official said that Syria does not change its friends and allies based on political developments.

According to the Al-Hayat daily, quoting reliable sources in Damascus on Wednesday, "The US, Europe and a number of Arab states encourage Syria to stay away from Iran and use its influence to exert pressure on Lebanon's Hizbullah and Palestine's Hamas movement in exchange for some guarantees."

The daily said that the proposed guarantees include international incentives to resume Syria-Israel talks on Golan heights, ending Syria's isolation and final signing of the cooperation agreement between Syria and the European Union.

Meanwhile, quoting the high-ranking Syrian sources, Al-Hayat said that the required conditions cannot be met by Syria. It added that Damascus will never alter its principal approach and that it cannot rely on the US promises.