Iran: Syria heeding reform demands

Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says the Syrian government has positively addressed the Syrian people's demands for reforms. The top Iranian diplomat said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to deliver political reforms more swiftly. He has already implemented a number of reforms, and continues on the path of reform for Syria, IRNA reported. Salehi made the comments at a joint press conference with his Austrian counterpart Michael Spindelegger in Vienna on Tuesday. He noted that Iran has been supporting the wave of uprisings sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa by the same token. The Iranian foreign minister stated that the Islamic Republic supports legitimate aspirations of nations seeking reform. On Monday, participants in Syria's two-day national dialogue agreed to make a full revision of the country's constitution in an attempt to find a solution to the unrest that has plagued the Arab nation in recent months. The attendees discussed legislation and political reforms that would permit a multiparty system in Syria. They also called for the formation of a legal committee to review the Clause 8 of the constitution, which states that the governing Ba'ath party is the sole leader of the state and society, a Press TV correspondent reported. President Bashar al-Assad ordered a general amnesty in May for all political prisoners, with rights activists in Syria confirming the release of hundreds of detainees. Syrian leader's orders for amnesties and reforms came following apparent efforts by foreign-backed armed gangs to incite unrest and terror in Syria by shooting at police as well as targeting protesters in scattered rallies around the country. Meanwhile, hundreds of Syrians that crossed the country's northern border into Turkey to escape recent unrests, have returned to their homes. Turkish officials say the number of Syrians taking refuge in tent cities in Turkey has significantly decreased.