Syrian Government Condolences on Primakov Demise

DAMASCUS, (ST) _ Delegated by Prime Minister Dr. Wael al-Halaqi, Minister of State for People’s Assembly Affairs Dr. Hasib Shammas yesterday, offered condolences on behalf of the Syrian government on the death of former Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov, at the Russian Embassy in Damascus.

In the condolence book, minister al-Shammas expressed deepest condolences to the Russian government and friendly people and the family of the deceased, adding that ” by the death of former Prime Minister Primakov, Russia has lost a veteran politician and Syria a champion and defender of her just causes: An orientalist who mastered Arabic language, of deep knowledge in the history of the region and a sincere friend for the Syrian people.”

Primakov, who passed away on June 26 at 86th, after a long illness, has been one of the most important Russian Orientalists, who spoke Arabic fluently.

During the period between 1991 and 1996, he occupied the position of director of Russian intelligence service, became foreign minister of the Russian state during the period between 1996 and 1998, Russia’s prime minister in 1998 through 1999, then left the political life in 2001 and headed the Russian Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Tomader Fateh