Western Economic Sanctions on Syria an Act of Dictatorship

DAMASCUS, (ST)- The economic sanctions imposed on Syria by the western countries are an act of dictatorship and violence against the Syrian people, because they have affected the living and the humanitarian situation of citizens and deprived them of medicines and food, Member of Belgium’s Federal Parliament Filip Dewinter, who is leading the Belgian parliamentary delegation visiting Syria, has stressed, describing the sanctions as “stupid”.

During the delegation’s visit to the makeshift housing center in al-Harjalleh in Damascus Countryside, Dewinter said “he and other European parliamentarians will work as to lift the sanctions to help thousands of Syrian refugees return to their homeland and take part in rebuilding their country.”

 Head of the guest delegation hailed the Syrian state-led reconciliation process, noting that such a step indicates the state’s “wisdom and strength”.  

On his part, head of al-Harjalleh Municipality Abdul Rahim al-Khatieb called on western countries to lift the economic siege imposed on the Syrian people because it has affected the livelihood and the helth situation of the Syrians.

A number of people staying in the makeshift center expressed their appreciation over the services and care provided to them by the government.

Grand Mufti urges European governments to back Syria’s war on terrorism

Later, Syria’s Grand Mufti, Badreddin Hassoun met Dewinter and the accompanying delegation.

He called on the European governments to back Syria’s war on terrorism, stressing that Syria is proceeding towards victory over takfiri terrorists.

He said that the European political systems and the reactionary regimes in the region are the ones who created terrorism.

Hassoun pointed out that “Syria has been and will continue to be a unified secular democratic state.”

Dewinter, on his part, said the Europeans’ view on Syria events has changed and become more evident, particularly after terrorism has hit a number of European countries.

Members of the delegation stressed that they will put pressure on their governments to adopt serious procedures as to fight terrorism and intensify efforts in this respect.

Hamda Mustafa