Russia Calls for Lifting Western Sanctions Imposed on Syria, Ending Illegal Presence of Foreign Troops in the Country

DAMASCUS, (ST)- Russian Ambassador in Damascus Alexander Efimov has called for lifting the unilateral coercive economic measures imposed by the West on Syria and for immediately ending the illegitimate presence of foreign troops, mainly the American occupying forces, in the Syrian territories.

 During a reception held on Monday by the Russian Embassy at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus marking Russia’s National Day, Efimov said “Russia never abandons its friends,” hailing Moscow’s key role in the fight against terrorism in Syria.

 The Russian diplomat, who affirmed that the file of humanitarian aid in Syria should not be politicized, also called for a Syrian-led political solution of the crisis in the countr, noting the progress achieved in the Syrian National Dialogue Congress held in the Russian city of Sochi.

 On his part Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Sousan asserted that continuous coordination and consultation between Syria and Russia have created a common ground to adopt identical joint stances on different issues, particularly on the political process. He stressed that the Syrian Arab Army, backed by all honest Syrians, will continue confronting terrorism and all forms of aggression, including the economic siege.  

He pointed out that the historical Syrian-Russian relations have been strengthened and deepened after Russia’s participation in Syria’s war on terrorism.

Shaaban: Syria’s war on terrorism is legitimate

In a statement to journalists, Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban, the Presidential Political and Media Advisor, said that Syria in cooperation with Russia and all its friends will liberate every inch of its territories from terrorism, reiterating that Syria’s war on terrorism is legitimate and that all what the West says in the media is of no value because western media is not free, rather, “it is politicized against our causes and peoples”.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faysal al-Mikdad also spoke to reporters, stressing that alliance between Syria and Russia aims basically at fighting terrorism.

“We have achieved great progress in the war on terrorism,” said al-Mikdad, pointing out that the foreign-backed terrorists continue to commit crimes and violations with the purpose of hindering the implementation of the Security Council resolutions which call for respecting the sovereignty, independence and freedom of the Syrian people.       

The reception was attended by senior state and Baath Party officials, representatives of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions in Damascus in addition to economic, cultural and social figures.

The Russian Federation celebrates its day of independence on June 12, 1990, marking the day when it broke away from the Soviet Union and established itself as a sovereign nation.

Hamda Mustafa