Recapture of Palmyra Symbolizes Syria’s Liberation From Terror

MOSCOW- Liberation of Syria’s ancient city of Palmyra from terrorists has a symbolical meaning as it represents the state’s liberation and return to a normal life, Konstantin Kosachev, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian upper house of parliament, said Thursday, according to Sputnik.

 Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu confirmed in a report to President Vladimir Putin that the Syrian army had regained control over Palmyra with support of the Russian aircraft operating in Syria.

 “The liberation of Palmyra is a powerful symbol, of the liberation of Syria from the terror plague and its return to the normal life and return of the preserved treasures of Palmyra to humanity,” Kosachev told reporters.

Kosachev expressed hope that the international community would manage to restore the cultural heritage.

Palmyra has become the symbol of Syria’s tragedy and it was not accidental that the militants tried to keep control over the city, Kosachev added.

Daesh seized Palmyra, which was the capital of the Palmyrene Empire and one of the richest cities of the Roman Empire, in May 2015. Terrorists destroyed a number of historic sites designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Arch of Triumph, the Temple of Baalshamin and the Temple of Bel. Daesh terrorists also looted the national museum and the famous Palmyra’s necropolis.

Almost a year later, the Syrian army managed to liberate the city, however, in December 2016, the terrorists reestablished control over  the city for the second time and destroyed part of its cultural property.

Amir-Abdollahian hails Syrians on Palmyra victory

Meanwhile in Tehran, the Iranian Parliament’s General Director for International Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian issued a comment on the recent victory of Syrians against terrorists in Palmyra.

 “Tehran will undoubtedly continue its strong support for Syria,” said Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Friday in a comment released after the liberation of Syrian city of Palmyra from terrorists’ occupation, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported.

The Iranian diplomat also offered congratulations to the people and government of Syria for liberating the Syrian historic city of Palmyra and stressed that the recent victory proves that the terrorists are near their end.

 “The Syrian Army, people and president have taken simultaneous steps in two directions of fighting foreign and Takfiri terrorists and attending the political negotiations,” asserted the Iranian official.

“As long as the terrorists share the table of negotiations in Geneva, the real political solution is out of reach,” he said.

H.M