Luna Al-Shebl: Breaking the blockade is one of the Syrian state’s defensive ways to confront the war

MOSCOW, Jan.18, (ST)-The Special Presidential Adviser Luna Al-Shebl affirmed on Tuesday that mutual visits between the Syrian and Russian sides have not stopped, indicating that she is authorized by the Syrian presidency to hold meetings with some Russian officials.

Her remarks came during an interview with Russia Today channel.

 

The adviser said that the blockade against Syria is a war and breaking it is one of the defensive ways that is being done by the Syrian state to confront the war. 

“The Syrian state is in a state of war and the goals of the unjust western economic blockade are to paralyze the economy and target the livelihood of citizens,” Al-Shebl added, asserting that the Syrian state has succeeded in its attempt to break the blockade through several ways and to ensure the main requirements of citizens.  

She made it clear that the economic war against Syria was expected as the western countries that supported terrorists and waged war on Syria failed to reach their goal in a military way.

“Russia had given Syria as much as it could during the military and economic wars, and it  has played an active role in alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people either through direct support or commercial exchange…To sum up, no amount of help from any external economy can take the place of the Syrian state, which has also done its utmost,” Al-Shebl asserted.

Relations with Arab countries

As for relations with Arab countries and their economic support for Syria, the adviser said that Syria  seeks to establish good relations with all countries, describing the relations with the UAE and Egypt as “good”.

She underlined that pressure is  being put on any country that tries to open economic relations with Syria. “It is not easy for any country to take the first step in dealing with Syria or in breaking the blockade because this country will be punished in accordance with the Caesar Act.”

Concerning Syria’s return to the Arab League and its participation in the forthcoming summit in Algeria, she explained that the membership of Syria in the League was frozen upon a wrong decision and there is no information about correcting this mistake.

Iran

Al-Shebl in addition indicated that the historical and deeply-rooted relations with Iran are based on mutual respect, common interest and non-interference in other countries’ affairs.

“Iran has stood by Arab rights, mainly the Palestinian cause,” she said, stressing that these relations are not been affected  by the crises the hit the region.

“Iran has stood by the Syrian people and army during the war thus Syria meets loyalty with loyalty,”  Al-Shebl stated, adding that the West and the US abandon their allies.

She clarified that there are no Iranian troops in Syrian territories and Iran has a consultation role with the Syrian army. “We are in a state of war and of course we need military help”.  

Al-Shebl underscored that there is an agreement between Russian and Iran on main principles despite the disagreement over some points of view.  

Israeli entity

Regarding Israeli repeated attacks on Syria, the adviser said that “Israel” is an occupational  entity and it supported terrorism in Syria and is involved in the war on it. “Now “Israel” tries to destroy what Syria has achieved on the ground and in economic field.. It is a destructive entity in the region”.

Al-Shebl asserted that Syria’s stance towards “Israel” will never change and it respects UN resolutions related to the restoration of the occupied Syrian Golan.

Turkey

The adviser also talked about the Turkish occupation of some areas in Syria, saying that Turkish officials visited Syria before the start of the war and demanded from us to give a political role to  the brotherhood organization and to release their members, who committed crimes, from prisons.

“The Turkish regime has supported terrorist and extremist groups and it shells Syrian citizens and makes demographic changes in the areas that are under its occupation. It has not fulfilled the obligations it agreed upon with Russia,” Al-Shebl said.

Federalization of Syria

Asked about the possibility of dialogue with the “ Syrian Democratic Forces” militia, the adviser replied that there are meetings with this group but the problem lies in foreign intervention.

“ Federation is associated with constitution and it will not succeed within the Syrian fabric.. I am not talking on behalf of Syrian people because these are big decisions ….There are Kurds within the constitutional committee’s members  

She concluded by saying that Syria will never stop negotiations with any one.

Basma Qaddour