Iran hails Syria vote as step towards reform

Iran said on Tuesday parliamentary elections in Syria held by the regime of President Bashar al-Assad was a step towards reform, but expressed regret the vote was shunned by opposition groups. Foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters in his weekly briefing that \"the vote is the second step the Syrian government is taking in the path of reform,\" after Assad\'s promise of launching reforms. Syria is the main Middle East ally of the Islamic republic, which has pledged its support to beleaguered Assad who has been facing a deadly revolt against his regime since mid-March 2011. \"Syrian people\'s participation in the elections shows a great understanding for resolving their internal affairs through peaceful measures,\" Mehmanparast said.