Bashar Al-Assad
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says Russia is the only real force fighting against the terrorist group “Islamic state” (IG banned in Russia), and does not see opportunities for practical cooperation in this area with a new US administration. He stated this in an interview with Phoenix TV. Full text of the interview published on the website of news Agency Sana on Saturday, March 11.
“The only serious party in this respect is Russia, which is effectively fighting with ISIS in cooperation with us,” — said the head of state.
At the same time, according to him, Damascus, in theory, sees opportunities for cooperation with U.S. President Donald trump in the fight against terrorism, but in practice this is not happening. “Because between Syria and the United States there is no communication on the official level,” — said Assad.
The President noted that the raids against ISIS “took place without cooperation or consultation with the Syrian army or the Syrian government illegally”. He also noted that the fight against terrorism “can not be conducted only at the local level must be comprehensive, not partial or temporary”. That is why Russia, which not only attacked from the air, but also collaborated with the military on the ground and supported by the Syrian army, are so good, Assad added.
He also hoped for the end of the civil war in the country in 2017. “We always have hope that this year will be the last. However, this is a war, and you never know what can happen,” he said.
The opposition of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and rebels seeking his overthrow, has been running since 2011. The conflict escalated into full-scale civil war, which strengthened the terrorist organization, including banned in Russia as extremist grouping “Islamic state”.