Putin: Russia Fighting Terrorists Jointly with Legitimate Syrian Government

MOSCOW, (ST)- President Valdimir Putin of Russia has renewed his country’s support for the Syrian government in its war on terrorism.

Speaking at the 14th annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin said “Russia is fighting terrorists jointly with the legitimate government of Syria and other states of the region in accordance with international law,” stressing that the Syrian experience has shown there is alternative to any destructive policy.

 The president added that certain countries are not fighting terrorism but are just imitating “strikes” instead.

 Double Standards Pose Threat to Development of Europe

“In the view of some of our colleagues, there are right fighters in the cause of independence and freedom, and there are separatists who can’t even defend their rights with the help of democratic mechanisms,” the Russian president went on to say.

“Such, as we say, double standards… carry a serious threat to the stable development of Europe and other continents and to the promotion of integration processes across the world,” he added.

There is Less Security in the World, Radicals and Extremists Gain Freedom’

Putin made it clear that “there is less security in the world. Instead of progress and democracy, we see radical elements, extremist groups that deny civilization itself, seek to plunge it into archaism and into chaos, into barbarism” .

West is Becoming Increasingly ‘Selfish’

Criticizing the West’s selfishness, Putin said “we hear the declarations [of the western states] about their commitment to resolving global problems. However, in fact, we see more and more selfishness. The international institutions, which are designated to harmonize interests and elaborate a common agenda, are being eroded. Basic multilateral international treaties and the most vital bilateral agreements are being depreciated”.

‘No Alternative’: Putin Says UN Should Remain at the Center of International System

He stressed that the United Nations has no alternative today as its universal legitimacy must remain the center of the international system, and the universal task is to increase its authority and effectiveness.”

However, Putin added that the organization needs reforms, but stressed that they must be gradual.

“The reforms are needed, perfecting the system of the United Nations is needed. But the reforms can only be gradual, evolutionary, and of course they must be supported by the overwhelming majority of the actors of the international process, by a wide consensus,” Putin explained.

H.M