Syria to Be Rebuilt by the Syrians Themselves, Friends’ Participation Welcomed

DAMASCUS, (ST)-Prime Minister Imad Khamis has stressed that the Syrians themselves will build their country with their own capabilities which are still strong despite years of terrorist war, pointing out that foreign investments by Syria’s friends will be welcomed in the reconstruction era.

“Several parties in Syria’s friendly countries have become ready to carry out huge investments in the country, but also the Syrians inside and outside Syria have become prepared to launch major investments,” Khamis told Maraya International Magazine.

“The government’s task now is to prepare good environment for investment,” he added.

 “Syria stayed steadfast over the past years because it is a strong country and a state of institutions,” said the prime minister, clarifying that the terrorist organizations attacks on economic and services facilities and the unilateral coercive economic measures imposed by the West on Syria have worsened the citizens’ suffering and made their access to basic needs very difficult.

Syria depended on its resources and the support of its allies, especially Iran, to reduce the impact of the terrorist war and the unfair sanctions and it worked to gradually to heal the economy, according to Khamis.

Government’s Work Priorities

On the government’s work program, Khamis said focus is being made on two main axes; the first is connected with priorities which include providing full support for the Syrian Arab Army in its war on terrorism, resuming production in the main economic sectors and meeting the needs of the citizens affected by the war. The second is related to work as to put inclusive national strategies that help the state and the society surpass the repercussions of the war and go ahead with reconstructing Syria on strong bases.

Astana Talks  

 On Syria’s participation in Astana talks, Khamis said the Syrian government’s participation confirms its true intention to find  a political solution to the crisis in Syria; a solution that stops shedding the blood of the Syrians and unifies their efforts against terrorism.

“Regardless our expectations about the fate of these talks and how serious they are, the Syrian government won’t miss any opportunity without using it in finding a solution that brings the crisis in Syria to an end,” he added.

He reiterated that the Syrian leadership has been clear in its support for intra-Syrian dialogue based on respecting the country’s sovereignty and national interests and on attaining security and stability nationwide away from foreign interventions or dictates.

Khamis pointed out that Syria has for long been warning against using terrorism as a weapon to implement agendas and it has urged the entire world to mobilize efforts to fight all forms of terrorism and halt terrorism support, but the aggressive policy of the United States and its allies and tools in the region have adopted selectivity in fighting terrorism in a way that serves its interests in the region.

Hamda Mustafa