GENERAL

Mikdad calls for the withdrawal of US and Turkish forces from Syria… Lavrov: Solution to crisis in Syria is political

Moscow, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad called for the withdrawal of the US and Turkish occupation forces from Syria, stop their support to terrorist originations and separatist militias, stop their intervention in Syria’s domestic affairs as well.

Mikdad, in a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, described the Syrian-Russian relations as strategic that come in implementation of the two peoples’ will in establishing best relations.

He added “we appreciate Russia’s support for Syria in its war against Western countries-backed terrorism.”

“The US state is the side which supports terrorism in Syria, destroys its infrastructure and economy, and continue to plunder its resources and impose coercive economic measures in flagrant violation of UN charter,” Mikdad went on to say.

He stressed that the Washington-backed separatist militias should perceive that they should stand by their country and the Syrian Arab Army in defending the unity of Syria.

Mikdad said that the two sides have held an in-depth session of talks on the stances of the two friendly countries on the level of economic relations and the situation in the Middle East region.

In response to SANA reporter’s question, Mikdad said that “our trust in the Russian and Iranian friends is full” asserting that the two countries have played a wise and keen role to end the interventions of powers which had to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He stressed that the statement of Tehran Summit meets Syria’s aspirations to a large extent.

Mikdad warned that the Turkish regime should withdraw its forces from the lands which it occupied in Syria and stop its support to the terrorist organizations and its interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

The Foreign Minister described the assassination of Russian journalist Darya Dugina as “ a criminal act,” asserting that the perpetrators should be held accountable.

As for Syria’s recognition of Donetsk and Lugansk republics, Mikdad said that Syria was one of the first states that recognized their independence, adding “work is underway to establish diplomatic relations with the two states.

For his part, Lavrov said that Russia rejects any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs and stresses the necessity of finding a political solution to the crisis in the country.

The Russian Foreign Minister called on the international community to support the return of Syrian refugees far from any politicization.

Lavrov added that Russia condemns Israel’s aggression on Syrian territory, expressing his country’s concern over the Israeli continued targeting of establishments in Syria, citing the attack that targeted Damascus International Airport.

“We are satisfied with the return of relations between Syria and a number of Arab states,” lavrov said, thanking Syria for its support to the Russian special operation in Ukraine.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency