Iranian leader tells Assad that the 2 Muslim states will work together until "territories are liberated."
By JERUSALEM POST STAFFahmadinejad and assad 248.88(photo credit: AP)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday his country and Syria are united behind Palestinian "resistance" to Israel, taking a tough tone as he met with his top Arab ally, Syria's president.
Ahmadinejad was expected to meet with the chiefs of Hamas and other Palestinian groups during his visit to Damascus, said Khaled Abdul-Majid of the Popular Struggle Front said. Iran is a strong supporter of militant Islamic groups in the region, including Hamas and Lebanon's Hizbullah.
Ahmadinejad's visit to Syria comes as the US is trying to improve strained ties with the two longtime adversaries. But it could turn out to be another reminder of what a divisive role he plays on the world stage.
Sitting alongside Syrian President Bashar Assad at a press conference, Ahmadinejad said the two countries' alliance was achieving "victories" in preventing "the big powers' offensive to dominate the region."
"Syria and Iran have been from the very beginning united and in agreement to stand on the side of the Palestinian resistance," Ahmadinejad said. "They will continue to do so. We see that the resistance will continue until all occupied territories are liberated."
