A senior Iranian diplomat says the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is ready to hold elections next summer as planned. Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian says Damascus is keen on holding the elections through internal and local verification mechanisms. He says the vote will go ahead if all conflicting sides show their will to ensure security. Abdollahian stressed that the polls won\'t be held in calm, unless the borders are controlled and the flow of arms into the country is stopped. The deputy Iranian foreign minister in Arab and African Affairs also urged the foreign countries involved in the Syria war to allow Syrians to decide their destiny through the ballot box. Show Less >>