
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has denounced the Arab League’s decision to offer Syria’s seat at the federation to representatives of the Syrian opposition forces, saying the move sets a “dangerous precedent” in the Arab world.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said on Tuesday that the decision could lead to the practice being used against other Arab League states in the future, which could bring about the end of the Arab League’s role in the region.
Syria’s membership in the Arab League was revoked by member states in 2011 and was offered to representatives of opposition forces outside Syria.
On Tuesday, the seat was officially given to the opponents of Bashar Assad led by Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib. Moaz al-Khatib headed the National Coalition, an opposition umbrella group, until last week.
The Syrian regime condemned the Arab League’s action, describing the switch in Syrian representation as “an illegitimate, unviable monstrosity.”