Annan Says Iran, Iraq Back Plan For Syria-Led Transition

UN-Arab League envoy for the crisis in Syria Kofi Annan

International mediator Kofi Annan says Iran and Iraq have supported a plan for a political transition in Damascus led by Syria.

Annan was speaking to reporters on July 11 after briefing the UN Security Council on his trip to Syria as well as Iran and Iraq.

Annan has repeatedly said that Iran should be involved in efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Syria crisis despite the West's firm rejection of any role.

However, White House spokesman Jay Carney said on July 11 that Iran's role on Syria has not been productive and Washington was interested in working with nations that would be more constructive.

The U.S. ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, also said Iran "is definitely part of the problem in Syria" because it is "supporting, aiding and abetting the Assad regime."

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa