Bashar al-Assad Archives - Iran News Daily

Bashar al-Assad Refutes Claims of Planned Exit amid Fall of Damascus

mahla — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:16:53 +0000

TEHRAN (Iran News)In a statement issued on December 16, 2024, Assad addressed speculations surrounding his departure from Syria, rejecting reports that he had fled during the final stages of the conflict.

“My departure from Syria was neither planned nor did it occur during the final hours of the battles, as some have claimed,” Assad said.

He explained that he carried out his duties in Damascus until the early hours of Sunday, December 8, when terrorist forces infiltrated the capital.

Assad noted that he then relocated to Latakia in coordination with Russian allies to oversee combat operations.

Upon arriving at the Hmeimim airbase, he said it became clear that Syrian forces had withdrawn entirely from all battle positions.

With the battlefield situation worsening and the Russian base under intensified drone strikes, Moscow ordered an immediate evacuation to Russia on the evening of December 8.

“This took place a day after the fall of Damascus, following the collapse of the final military positions and the resulting paralysis of all remaining state institutions,” Assad stated.

He dismissed any suggestion that he considered stepping down or seeking refuge.

“At no point during these events did I consider stepping down or seeking refuge… The only course of action was to continue fighting against the terrorist onslaught,” he said.

Assad emphasized his commitment to Syria throughout the conflict, saying he refused to compromise the nation for personal gain.

“The person who, from the very first day of the war, refused to barter the salvation of his nation… is the same person who stood alongside the officers and soldiers of the army on the front lines,” he declared.

He added that he had never abandoned Palestinian and Lebanese resistance, nor betrayed his allies.

Assad described himself as a “custodian of a national project,” guided by the Syrian people’s faith in his leadership.
He reiterated his unwavering connection to Syria, saying, “This does not, in any way, diminish my profound sense of belonging to Syria and her people — a bond that remains unshaken by any position or circumstance.”

Ending on a note of hope, Assad expressed his belief that Syria would “once again be free and independent.”

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Renewal of sanctions proves EU ‘partnership in unjust war’

mahla — Sun, 30 May 2021 10:27:37 +0000

TEHRAN (Iran News) – Renewal of sanctions proves EU ‘partnership in unjust war’. Syria has slammed the European Union for extending its inhumane sanctions against the nation, saying the move demonstrates the 27-nation bloc’s “partnership” in the war on the Arab country and its “responsibility” for the blood spilled there.

Earlier this week, the European Council prolonged the EU’s restrictive measures against Syria for one additional year, until 1 June 2022. The list now includes 283 persons targeted by both an assets freeze and a travel ban, and 70 entities subject to an assets freeze.

In a statement carried by SANA news agency on Saturday, an official source at the Syrian Foreign Ministry said the European Union’s “unilateral, inhuman coercive measures against Syria uncover false values of this institution because these coercive measures affect the Syrian citizens in their life, health and livelihood, and constitute a flagrant violation of the most basic human rights and principles of international humanitarian law.”

“Once again, the European Union institution proves its complete distance from reality, its full partnership in the unjust war on Syria, and its responsibility for the bloodshed of Syrians and destruction of their achievements,” he added.

The EU, the source said, “has lost credibility and influence in events in the region and the world due to its wrong approaches and its blind subordination to the US policy.”

The European Union first imposed sanctions on Syria in May 2011 and has since renewed them annually.

The illegal measures came two months after a foreign-sponsored militancy erupted in Syria, with Western countries and their regional allies aiding Takfiri terrorist groups.

Now, after a decade-long battle, Syrian army forces, backed by Iran and Russia, have managed to win back control of almost all regions from terrorists.

Syria held a presidential election on Wednesday, in which President Bashar al-Assad won a fourth term in office by garnering 95.1 percent of the votes with a turnout of around 78 percent.

Before the vote, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Britain and the United States claimed that Syria’s presidential election “will neither be free nor fair.”

In the statement, the Syrian Foreign Ministry source said the Syrian people and heroic army managed to defeat terrorism and its supporters.

The Syrians’ massive flocking to ballot boxes in the presidential poll “proved that they are more determined to foil all attempts aimed at influencing the independence of the Syrian national decision.”

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Iran congratulates Syria on ‘successful’ presidential election

mahla — Sat, 29 May 2021 14:17:27 +0000

TEHRAN (Iran News) – Iran congratulates Syria on ‘successful’ presidential election. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the Iranian Foreign Ministry have congratulated Syria on holding a successful presidential election which resulted in another seven-year term for President Bashar al-Assad.

“I sincerely congratulate Your Excellency on the successful holding of the elections and your re-election as President of the Syrian Arab Republic. The Syrian people took an important step in determining the future and prosperity of Syria with their large turnout and decisive choice,” Rouhani said in a message to al-Assad.

“I am confident that in the new phase of Syrian political life, we will see the development of cooperation between the two friendly and brotherly countries. I wish Your Excellency health and success and the people of Syria dignity and felicity,” Rouhani added.

‘Massive turnout an important step toward establishing peace in Syria’

In its statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said massive turnout in the presidential elections marked an important step towards establishing peace in Syria and help reconstruct the country.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a statement, congratulated the Syrian nation and government on the successful elections held in the country and the victory of Bashar al-Assad,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“The successful holding of elections and the massive turnout of Syrian people is an important step towards the establishment of peace, stability, calm, reconstruction, and prosperity of Syria,” the Friday statement said.

The statement added, “The Islamic Republic of Iran respects the Syrian people’s decision, and supports their right to decide their fate and the future of their country without any foreign interference.”

“Iran congratulates President Assad and the resilient people of Syria on his decisive victory in these elections,” it further said.

Al-Assad won Syria’s presidential election by a landslide, securing 95.1 percent of the popular vote. The election turnout stood at 14,239,000, according to official data.

Syria has received a number of congratulatory messages from many countries and groups in the region and beyond. Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement has hailed higher voter turnout as support for Syria’s leadership.

“The Syrians have once again emphasized through the ballot boxes … their full commitment to national unity and their opposition to discrimination, sectarianism and division,” the movement said in a statement.

Hezbollah highlighted the unprecedented heavy turnout for the Syrian presidential elections as well as the popular demonstrations, that turned into a national ceremony, across the Syrian provinces, which had been liberated from the terrorist groups, according to Lebanese news channel Al-Manar.

The Hezbollah statement pointed out that the Syrians also reaffirmed their commitment to the political choice, which has been pursued by their government throughout modern history and based on fully adhering to the Palestinian cause, confronting occupation and aggression, and rejecting atonement as well as terrorism.

According to the statement, Hezbollah hopes Syria will restore, during the coming year, its normal and vanguard role in the Arab world and internationally, the Syrians achieve prosperity and welfare, carry out reconstruction, enhance the return of the displaced, and liberate the territories occupied by the Israeli enemy and the terrorist groups.

China and Russia also congratulated Syria on holding the presidential election.

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Syria Seeks Russia Help to Offset US Sanctions

reporter 1222 — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 04:12:20 +0000

TEHRAN (Iran News) – President Bashar al-Assad said on Monday he wanted to expand business ties with Russia to help Syria cope with new US sanctions on its economy that threaten to undermine military gains Damascus achieved with Moscow’s help.

Assad spoke during a meeting in Damascus with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Reuters reported.

Russia Lavrov told a news conference Syria needed international help to rebuild its economy. Borisov said Russia was helping Syria to fix its power plants but said oil output could not resume as the fields were in areas outside government control.

Syria and Russia, whose military support since 2015 helped Damascus reverse gains by terrorists and militants in an almost decade-long war, had said the two sides planned to boost trade ties and would review energy, mining and power projects.

“The government was determined to continue to work with Russian allies to implement signed agreements and to ensure the success of Russian investments in Syria,” Assad said.

Borisov said Moscow had presented proposals in July to expand economic ties and expected an agreement would be sealed in December on his next visit to Syria’s capital. He said Moscow wanted to help Damascus break the blockade of US sanctions.

Although the Syrian government has now regained most of the territory it had lost in the war, the economy is in tatters.

Russia has criticized the new US sanctions that took effect in June under the so-called Caesar Act.

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Iranian Senior Assistant to Meet Assad in Demascus

reporter 1222 — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 09:28:30 +0000

TEHRAN (Iran News) – Iranian Foreign Minister’s Senior Assistant for Special Political Affairs Ali Asghar Khaji arrived in the Syrian capital on Monday morning to meet President Bashar Assad and FM Walid Muallem.

As al-Manar reported, the Iranian official arrived in Damascus on Monday morning to meet and hold talks with the Syrian FM Walid Muallem and President Bashar Assad.

No further detail has been released about the purpose or the subjects of mutual talks.

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Russian amb. rejects reports on Iran, Turkey, Russia agreement on removal of Assad

reporter 1222 — Sat, 16 May 2020 15:07:56 +0000

Russian amb. rejects reports on Iran, Turkey, Russia agreement on removal of Assad

Rejecting some reports on Iran, Russia and Turkey’s agreement to remove Syrian President from the power, Russian ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan told Mehr News Agency that the future of President Assad and Syria will be decided by Syrian people through free transparent elections, not by us.

To shed more light on the ongoing developments in the region and some rumors circulating around, Mehr News Agency reached out to Levan Dzhagaryan, the Russian Federation ambassador to Tehran, and discussed the issues in a friendly atmosphere with him.

Here is the full text of the interview:

As you know Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian Leader Ayatollah Khamenei have met and definitely, you have been one of the members of the delegation. Has there been anything special for you during the visits that may be interesting for our readers?

I have been here as Russian ambassador for a long time. I think this period has been the best period of our bilateral relations and the most contribution was made by our leaders, President Putin, Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei, and President Rouhani and Russian ambassador who has been appointed here in November 2011. Of course, you correctly mentioned that I was part of the Russian delegation during a series of visits of President Putin here in 2015, 2017, and 2018. Also, I was part of a Russian delegation during the visit of President Rouhani to Russia.

The best and the most interesting issue of those moments for me is the atmosphere during the meetings. The atmospheres of the meetings were very cordial, friendly, sincere, and honest. Such cordial personal relations inspired the officials of both countries to work more actively. It is in the interest of both countries and both peoples. Atmospheres of the meetings were very cordial, friendly, sincere, and honest. Such cordial personal relations inspired the officials of both countries to work more actively

President Putin’s vision of Iran is very positive and kind and the same thing was said by our Iranian friends at different levels.

Definitely, you have met Martyr Lt. Gen. Qasem Soleimani. As a person that has been familiar with him closely. If I ask you to talk about his personality and characteristics very briefly, which part of his characteristics was the most important and significant for you?

First of all, I should remind you that we presented our condolences when he was killed as a result of the American attack. we sharply criticized it. For us, Mr. Soliemani was one of the military high ranking officials who was very famous for his brave fighting against terrorists not only in Syria. He played a key role in Syria and his activities were highly appreciated.

Once again, I would like to express my very sad feeling for the tragic event, again.

How do you assess the US regional policy in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region?

Generally, it is destructive. We have a conflicting system in Syria and we try to avoid any conflict with the US troops in Syria. they have deployed their forces in the country. Once again, I would like to stress that their presence in Syria is illegal. Who has invited them to Syria? Nobody. They are part of occupation forces. They are stealing Syria’s oil.US forces in Syria are part of occupation forces and their presence is illegal

They also have a destructive role in other parts of the region. Iraqi people and parliament asked US to withdraw its troops from this country. Their role is not only destructive in the Middle East but also all over the world. We expect Americans to be realistic and pragmatic.

First of all, they imposed illegal sanctions on Iran and caused a lot of problems for Iranian people. These sanctions are not only illegal regarding Iran they also include Russia, Venezuela, and some other countries. It’s a very unfair political game.

How do you see the future of Syria politically and economically?

You know, there are some speculations as if Russia isn’t happy with President Assad. There are some rumors. Maybe, some people who have no political position have declared such views. But such views are their personal views which don’t reflect any official positions as a Russian government.

I would like to stress that we will continue our support for the political process in Syria. We will support the legitimate government of Syria. The future of the country belongs to the Syrian people. Only Syrian people are the decision-makers of their country.Russia will continue its support for the political process in Syria and the legitimate government of the country

Also, I would like to highly appreciate the joint efforts by Astana format member countries, Russia, Turkey, and Iran. We are the main players on the ground. Thanks to our trilateral efforts military operation on Syria’s ground stopped and paved the away for forces to start negotiations. Hopefully, after this pandemic is over, the political process will continue.

As you told, Iran, Russia, and Turkey are working very hard to solve the problems in Syria. But the US intervention is interrupting all these efforts. Considering its intervention in Syria, how do you see the future?We are diplomats and diplomats must be optimistic. I would like to say the process of Astana has been successful and the US did its utmost to destroy it but anyway all their efforts are vain. I think all countries, Russia, Turkey, and Iran will successfully continue efforts to bring back peace to Syria.

Nowadays, some media like the al-Monitor claim that Iran, Russia and, Turkey have agreed to remove President Assad from power. Do you confirm these rumors?

We are not the countries to decide the future of Syrian people and President Assad. Once again, I would like to confirm our position. The future of President Assad and Syria will be decided by Syrian people through free transparent elections. As friendly foreign countries, we must help Syrian people to restart peace and pave the way for the continuation of the political process in this country.

Why these kinds of rumors are being circulated?

Of course, these kinds of rumors have been circulated by hostile countries that are against the successful activity of Astana format. These countries are against international law and want to remove a legitimate regime by force, not as a result of an election. If any government doesn’t suit the US and its ally, so they impose sanctions and try to remove it illegally.

There are some rumors. It is said that Mr. Putin is not satisfied with Syrian President Assad and considers him an ungrateful person. What’s your opinion about the sayings?

Nobody from political officials has said it. Maybe, some people who are not official said these rumors. Of course, we have a free country, and freedom of speech is highly respected in Russia as well as in other democratic countries. Those people who don’t have official positions, they can express their personal point of view. But as I mentioned it, only official representatives of the Russian government, presidential administration, and the foreign minister of the Russian Federation can express the official political position of Russia.

Russia will continue its good cooperation with legitimate government of syria

Once again, I would like to say we have very good relations with Bashar al-Assad and his legitimate government and we will continue our cooperation.

Turkish government from one side is working with the US and from the other side is working with Russia and Iran. They are under very strong pressure from the US to put aside the S-400 missile defense system which they have bought from Russia. A couple of weeks ago, Turkey announced that they are not going to install this system under the excuse of the coronavirus outbreak. Also, we see that the US and Turkey are getting closer in Idlib. It seems that Ankara is little by little succumbing to US pressure. How do you see Turkey’s role in the crisis of Syria? If Turkey gets closer to the US, will this fact affect Turkey’s relations with Russia?

I would like to remind that Turkey is a member of NATO and is part of the military bloc. On the other hand, Turkey is an independent country and has an independent foreign policy. Turkish President Erdogan has several times proved that he is an independent political leader. For example, when he decided to buy the Russian S-400 system. Of course, nowadays many countries have very serious problems with this coronavirus pandemic and they have stopped many of their activities in many fields including military ones. That’s why we can understand these difficulties. It’s not only in Turkey, but in many countries like Iran, Russia, and etc.

On the other hand, I don’t think Turkey will succumb to the pressure of the US. I would like to remind you that during the fight in Idlib at the beginning of March, Turkey and Russia managed to come to an agreement which was reached in Moscow in March on Idlib and both sides observed it. I would like to remind you also we are now witnessing the joint patrol by Turkish and Russian troops in F-4 highway. So, I would like to use this opportunity once again to express our satisfaction with the level of our cooperation with our Turkish partner.

What’s the importance of Libya for Russia? Turkey and Russia in Libya are siding two different sides that are fighting with each other. Can your differences there affect your cooperation in Syria?

Well, you remember that we managed to invite to Moscow Mr. al-Sarraj and Mr. Haftar when Turkish colleagues were in Moscow, We try to bridge the gaps between two sides and also to participate it in Berlin.

We have links with both sides of the conflict and we do believe it’s necessary to observe agreements. We are in favor of active efforts by the United Nations. Unfortunately, the special envoy of the United Nations Mr. Salamé retired and we do believe that it would be better to appoint a new one as soon as possible from the region that knows the regional realities quite well. I don’t want to comment on Turkish policy in Libya. Maybe it is pursuing its national interests. Even among European Union countries, there is no unity. Libya was destroyed by the US allies in 2011 contrary to international law. They have created chaos and they have destroyed the Libyan government. Now they should be accountable for the issue.

Once again, I would like to remind you that as a country, Libya was destroyed by the US allies in 2011 contrary to international law. They have created chaos and they have destroyed the Libyan government. Now they should be accountable for the issue.

Recently the US is trying to introduce itself as a participant to JCPOA in order to reactivate the snapback mechanism and extend Iran’s arms embargo. Do you think the US will be successful to reach its goal?

You know it is an illegal attempt because they violated international law, as well as violated article 24 of the UN Charter. Now it is celebrating the second anniversary of their withdrawal from the JPCOA, so they have no right to say anything. It’s a deal. So it looks very funny. As a member of JCPOA, you cannot be partly a member. The US efforts to introduce itself as a participant to the JCPOA looks very funny

So we don’t see any legal ground for the US to say anything as the JCPOA member. So it’s better for them to keep silent. Not only they quitted JCPOA, but they also tried to prevent other countries to continue cooperation with Iran.

Also, I would like to mention Iran’s arms embargo which expires in October 2020. Once again, we don’t see any reason to extend this arms embargo against Iran because initially, JCPOA had nothing to do with this arms embargo. So according to international law, the US had no say in this issue.

How did you find Iranian infrastructure in fighting against COVID-19?

I think you are very successful in this regard. Of course, we hear a lot of criticism but it’s natural. But in comparison to some other countries, Iranians are almost successful. I wish all the best for our friendly Iranian people to overcome difficulties which were caused not only by illegal sanctions of the US but also this pandemic. We have very good cooperation with Iran. We also continue to send our humanitarian aid to Iran. Recently, a special flight brought some materials for producing masks in Iran. We expect two flights to arrive in Iran to bring humanitarian aid for Iranian people.

Interview by Payman Yazdani & Zahra Mirzafarjouyan

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Assad Praises Iran’s Support for Syria in War on Terror

reporter 1222 — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 14:56:51 +0000

Assad Praises Iran’s Support for Syria in War on Terror

According To Iran News, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad lauded Iran for supporting the Arab country in the fight against terrorism.

In a Monday meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Damascus, Assad paid tribute to late Iranian commander Lt. General Qassem Soleimani for his unequalled role in the battle against terrorism in Syria.

Appreciating Iran’s backing for the fight against terrorism in Syria, Assad also expressed his sympathy for the coronavirus deaths in Iran.

The Syrian president and the top Iranian diplomat then discussed the latest political developments in Syria, the status of Syria’s Constitutional Committee, and the developments in Idlib.

Zarif thanked Syria for sending representatives to the funeral of General Soleimani, stressing that the martyrdom of the top commander would by no means change Iran’s support for the resistance and the fight against terrorism in the region.

He also said that the US’ refusal to lift the cruel sanctions amid the outbreak of the coronavirus has laid bare Washington’s real intent.

Zarif further pointed to his recent telephone conversation with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen, saying Iran, Turkey and Russia, the guarantors of the Astana peace process, are going to hold consultations in the near future.

Iran is a key ally of Syria as the Islamic Republic has been providing military advisory assistance to Damascus in its anti-terror campaign.

Iranian officials have also made it clear that Tehran would stand by Syria in the reconstruction projects of the war-stricken country.

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Foreign Minister Zarif arrives in Damascus

reporter 1222 — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 07:43:06 +0000

TEHRAN (Iran News) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday to meet and hold talks with Syrian officials.

During the one-day visit, Zarif is scheduled to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Muallem to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments and Syria’s political developments in the fight against terrorism.

The Spokesman of Iran’s ministry of foreign affairs Seyyed Abbas Mousavi announced on Sunday that FM Zarif and the Syrian officials will discuss mutual ties and recent affairs of the region.

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Assad: Enemies still trying to protect terrorists

reporter 1222 — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 04:52:38 +0000

TEHRAN (Iran News) – President Bashar al-Assad said the countries hostile to the Syrian people are still trying to protect terrorists who take civilians as hostages and human shields, stressing that this cannot be allowed to continue.

President Assad made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in Damascus on Sunday.

Both officials discussed recent achievements by the Syrian Army against foreign-backed terrorists in the Arab country, according to SANA.

Assad reaffirmed that the Syrian people are determined to liberate all territories from terrorists.

Larijani, for his part, affirmed his country’s continued support for Syria in its efforts to eliminate terrorism on all its territories, stressing the importance of the recent victories against the terrorists.

He expressed his confidence in the ability of the Syrian people to complete the liberation of all their lands.

The meeting also touched upon the strategic relations between the two countries, including the parliamentary ones, and the importance of strengthening these relations which have been proven to be essential to protect the two countries and achieve the interests of their peoples.

The meeting came as the Syrian Army has launched attacks against terrorists in the northwestern province of Idlib in recent weeks and has liberated several areas in the region.

Syrian troops also recovered full control of the main highway between Damascus and Aleppo on Saturday after an offensive backed by Russia.

It marks a major gain for Syria, as reopening the M5 highway will restore the shortest route between Syria’s two biggest cities for the first time in more than seven years of conflict.

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Liberating northern Syria from Kurds ultimate goal

reporter 1222 — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 08:10:38 +0000

Liberating northern Syria from Kurds ultimate goal

According To Iran News, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says his country’s ultimate goal is to restore state authority over Kurdish-controlled northeastern regions in the wake of an abrupt US troop withdrawal and a Turkish offensive against the Kurds there.

In an interview with state TV on Thursday, the Syrian president also said an agreement last week between Turkey and Russia to drive out Kurdish-led People’s Protection Units (YPG) militants from a 30-kilometer “safe zone” along the border was a step that would help Damascus in regaining control, though gradually, over the northeastern areas, according to Press TV.

The Turkey-Russia deal, which would halt the weeks-long Turkish invasion, calls for the withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish militants from areas along the Turkish border with the aim of establishing a “safe zone” that Ankara claims will be used to repatriate some of the three-million-plus Syrian refugees it currently hosts.

Assad said during the interview that agreement is “temporary.”

“We have to distinguish between ultimate or strategic goals… and tactical approaches,” he said, stressing that his forces will eventually reclaim territory taken by Ankara’s latest offensive.

The Kurdish YPG militia had reached a deal with Damascus to take up positions near the border after US President Donald Trump’s announcement of pullout of US troops in northeastern Syria left them feeling abandoned.

Assad, however, added that Damascus will not demand that armed groups there hand over weapons immediately when the army enters those areas in a final deal with the Kurds that restores state control.

The Syrian head of state said he did not intend to call Turkey an “enemy”, but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and many Turkish political elite were enemies of Syria because of their hostility towards the Arab neighbor.

“We must ensure that we don’t turn Turkey into an enemy and here comes the role of friends” such as Russia and Iran, he said.

“Erdogan and his group are enemies, because he leads these policies, but until now most of the political forces in Turkey are against Erdogan’s policies,” he argued.

Assad noted that Iran and Russia, as state-guarantors of Syrian peace efforts, have been negotiating with Turkey over the past year.

Both Tehran and Moscow, along with Lebanon’s Hezbollah resistance movement have helped Syria with its war against foreign-backed militancy over the recent years.

The Syrian president asserted that Turkey had agreed as part of the Astana peace talks to end its presence in Idlib province. However, he said, the Syrian forces decided to liberate the province.

“The Turks did not abide by this agreement, but we are liberating Idlib,” he said.

“In the end, we liberated areas gradually through military operations. The same will apply in the northern region after exhausting all political options,” Assad added.

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