Iran blames foreign interference for failure of Annan's peace plan in Syria

TEHRAN, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Iran has blamed foreign interference for the failure of the UN-Arab League Special Envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan in Syria, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Friday.

"It seems that some interfering countries were not happy with the efforts made by Annan to stop the shipment of arms to Syria and end terrorist acts," the report quoted Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast as saying.

"All those countries in favor of stability and security in the Middle East should make a joint effort to bring calm to Syria and pave the way for resolving the issue through Syrian-Syrian talks between the government and the opposition," Mehmanparast added.

Annan on Thursday said he was disappointed over the lack of progress in the Syrian peace process and he would step down after his current mandate expires on Aug. 31.

Annan said without united international pressure, it is impossible for him and anyone else to compel the Syrian government and the Syrian opposition to take the steps necessary to begin the political process.

Annan also blamed the Syrian government for its "continued refusal" of the six-point peace plan and held the oppositions responsible for the escalation of military campaign. Enditem