Al-Lahham says US-led coalition against terrorism is but ‘media coalition’
DAMASCUS,(ST)_Speaker of the People’s Assembly [Parliament] has said the US-led coalition against terrorism is but ‘media’ coalition as it excludes Russia, China and Syria.
Mohammad Jihad al-Lahham has indicated that Russia plays a key role in restoring balance to international relations and confronting the U.S. intransigence.
“Syrian-Russian relations have firm and historic basis,” he added.
His remark came during his meeting today with a Russian Parliamentary delegation headed by Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russian Federation Ilyas Umakhanov.
According to the official news agency (SANA), the Speaker underscored the need for implementing the UN resolutions No. 2170 and 2178 on counter-terrorism, affirming that Syria does not accept foreign dictations and intervention in its internal affairs.
“Syria has made a lot of sacrifices for preserving its unity and sovereignty,” al-Lahham said, adding that internal reforms are being made in accordance with Syria’s interests and its people’s needs.
On his part, Umakhanov stressed the Russian people’s solidarity with Syrians in confronting terrorist organizations , criticizing the western media over misleading public opinion about what is going on in Syria.
Mufti meets Russian delegation
The Russian delegation also met the Republic’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Badreddin Hasson, who talked about the Syrian people ‘s insistence on steadfastness and achieving victory over conspiracies against their homeland.
The Mufti also referred to Russia’s support for Syria in its war against terrorism .
During the meeting , Umakhanovunderlined Syrian people’s right of self-determination far away from foreign intervention.
Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Assistant Archbishop Luca al-Khoury, who attended the meeting, hailed the national unity in Syria, stressing the importance of conveying the real image about the war being waged against Syria, which is the land of love and peace.
Basma Qaddour