Rouhani: Russia, Iran agree that antiterrorism efforts are priority in Syria

“We must not forget that the roots of today’s wars, destruction, and terror can be found in the occupation, invasion and military intervention of yesterday”, Rouhani said in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.

The Iranian president said that America’s support for Israel provides an excuse for terrorism worldwide.

‘Upon arrival to New York, the president has been following up the Mina incident and the news about Iranian Hajj pilgrims who were killed or injured. “As we aided the establishment of democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, we are prepared to help bring about democracy in Syria and also Yemen”, said President Rouhani.

The conflict – which has cost more than 250,000 lives, left Europe struggling to deal with a huge influx of refugees and enabled the rise of Islamic State extremists – is set to dominate the annual UN General Assembly.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says there is widespread agreement among countries that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should remain in office.

But because of an agreement reached in July between Iran and world powers that seeks to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of global sanctions, Iranian president argued on Sunday that Iranians in USA prison are “unequivocally innocent”. He called the accord a “brilliant example of victory over war“. “Our policy is continue our peace-seeking efforts in the region… to rebuild our relationships with countries in the region, particularly our neighbors, based on mutual respect, and common, collective interests”.

Iran’s human rights record is also cause for concern, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which said the country’s 753 executions a year ago are more numerous than nearly anywhere else in the world.

Sky’s correspondent, travelling with Cameron to the United States, said Cameron was not ruling out that Assad could be part of a transition, but “what he is very clear about is that Assad cannot be part of Syria’s future in the long run”. Under the deal, the Security Council is expected to lift sanctions against Iran in return for Iran meeting strict conditions regarding its nuclear program.

Mr Rouhani said he recently met Russian officials who told him that they wanted to enter the Syrian “scene” with a renewed determination to fight “Daesh (an Arabic acronym for IS) and terrorists”.

Rohani appeared to extend an olive branch to the West by adding that the Syrian opposition should also play a role in the country’s future, alongside Assad.