Iranian Supreme Leader's top adviser for international affairs Ali Akbar Velayati said Syria has always been one of the most important components of the anti-Zionism resistance movement in the region, and stressed that Tehran will not leave Damascus alone in its hard days of war on terrorism. Velayati, in an interview, described the Syrian government as the "backbone" of resistance, saying the foreign-backed militancy in the Muslim country which flared up in March 2011 has been aimed at breaking the anti-Israel resistance front. He said Iran has supported and will continue to openly support the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, adding that Russia shares the stance with Iran in this regard. "We do not hide it that we are in consultation with Russia, Syria and Iraq to prevent the realization of the illegitimate demands of foreigners who seek to topple the legitimate Syrian government," Velayati said. "Iran, Russia and Iraq are Syria's friends and allies. We do not deny cooperation and consultation between Iran, Russia, Syria and Iraq (in fighting terror)," Velayati went on to say. Early in June, in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Ali Larijani, the Syrian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Jihad al-Laham appreciated Iran for its continued supports and aid to the Damascus war on terrorism, saying that his country relies on Iran in this war. "Fighting against terrorism needs real resolve and determination at the regional and international levels but unfortunately such resolve doesn't exist at present but we, in Syria, are fighting against terrorism with all our power," Laham added.. Syria has been grappling with a deadly crisis since March 2011. The violence fuelled by Takfiri groups has so far claimed the lives of over 210,000 people, according to reports. New figures show that over 76,000 people, including thousands of children, lost their lives in Syria last year.
