IRNA - Iran has criticized western media for launching propaganda campaign against the Syrian army's counter-terrorism operations, saying snipers stationed near designated safe passages are preventing civilians from leaving Eastern Ghouta near Damascus.


Addressing the Friday's session of the UN Human Rights Commission, Iranian representative Mohsen Qanei said the brutalities of armed terrorist groups supported by some known countries against civilians over the past seven years have reached its climax, posing a serious threat to world peace and security.

Referring to close cooperation between the so called moderate groups and the terrorists belonging to Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra), the Iranian envoy said although the UN Security Council approved Resolution 2401 calling for immediate ceasefire in Syria, the terrorist groups are continuing their attacks on residential areas in Damascus and other government-controlled regions. They even shoot people trying to leave Eastern Ghouta, he added.

He said Iran is still of the belief that the Syria crisis is solvable through national dialogue in such a way that people's choice can be respected, a national solidarity plan can be implemented with the support of the Syrian government and the civil society, calm and stability can return to many parts of the country and refugees can return to their homes.

The Friday's emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council was held at the request of Britain to study the situation of Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirt of Damascus.

Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, Easter Ghouta has been under control of terrorists and because of the large number of civilians living there the Syrian army has not managed to take control of the region.