Iranian president says military intervention worsens situation in Syria, Yemen

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said here Wednesday at the Asian-African Summit that foreign military interventions had worsened conditions in Syria and Yemen, urging the international society to coordinate in combatting terrorism and extremism.

"Continued crises and conflicts which have been intensified with foreign military intervention have created humanitarian catastrophe in the crisis-hit areas. The present unfortunate conditions in Yemen and Syria are clear examples of this situation, " he said.

Rouhani appealed to the leaders and delegates gathering here for events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Asian- African Conference that coordinated efforts must be made in combating terrorism and extremism.

"Terrorism and extremism are now widespread in many parts of Asia and Africa. Extremist terrorists, particularly in Iraq and Syria and some African countries, resort to the most barbaric methods to kill people on a daily basis."

He suggested that it's time to introduce a plan for global action against violence and extremism with the aim of uprooting terrorism prudently rather than intensifying it through inappropriate actions of certain countries.

"History has demonstrated that military intervention is not a proper response to these crises and will instead exacerbate the situation," said the Iranian president, adding that sustainable peace can prevail when military intervention is ceased and talks and dialogue take place.

Rouhani stated that although the world has undergone enormous changes, the Bandung principles and values should remain on the agenda of global diplomacy. Endi