The work of the preparatory meetings for the 16th rond of the Non-Aligned Movement summit started in the Iranian capital Tehran, with the participation of one hundred and twenty delegations including a Syrian delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Faisal al-Miqdad.

Iranian foreign minister Ali Akbar Salehi stressed his country’s rejection concerning any interference in the affairs of the countries of the region under any pretext; pointing out that we are now facing big developments as we must invest the capabilities of the Non-Aligned Movement to bring security, peace and justice all over the world.

Salehi pointed out that the sovereignty of the nations threatened by foreign intervention and the international relations atmosphere prevail with antagonism and disharmony what makes us in a great need for collective steps to transfer the world to another dimension of respect for each other's internationally recognized rights, especially the right to self-determination.

He clarified, that the Zionist entity represents the international terrorism and that the achievement of peace in the region will only be stopping the Israeli occupation of Arab territories and the return of Palestinian refugees to their lands.

Iran had earlier announced that consultations would be held on the sidelines of the summit with countries that have consistent viewpoints with Iran on a comprehensive project submitted by Tehran to resolve the crisis in Syria.