Assad: Iranian and Russian Support Led to More Victories for Syrian Army

Bashar al-Assad, the President of Syria, said on Sunday that his country has thwarted the 'Western conspiracy' to overthrow him, but the army is still far from final victory. In a meeting with dozens of Syrian diplomats broadcast on the country's television, Assad referred to the support from Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia in the country's civil war, stating: 'Their direct support, in political, economic, and military terms, has made further victories on the battlefield possible and has reduced the costs and burdens of war.' Assad remarked: 'In Syria, we have paid a heavy price in the war, but we have managed to thwart the Western plan in Syria and the world.' He added: 'Iran has fought political battles alongside us in all international forums and has proven, with all realism, that it is in control of its own decisions and adheres to its principles and commitments.' He further stated: 'Russia has done the same. This country has repeatedly used its veto, which is a precedent in its policies, to defend the unity and sovereignty of Syria and to uphold the UN Charter and international law. China has also done similar work.' Iran and its allies on the ground and Russia from the air support the Syrian army against Assad's opponents. This assistance has led to significant successes for the Syrian army in reclaiming a vast territory from the opposition. He added that Syria welcomes Russian mediation to reach ceasefire agreements in various areas that could extend to any point in Syria, as these agreements would end bloodshed and uprisings and could lead to amnesty for the rebels. The Syrian President also criticized Donald Trump's plan to create 'safe zones,' saying: 'Such a plan only provides a safe haven for terrorists.' The Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad considers all its opposition groups as terrorists, and its allies, including Iran, use the same term to describe all of Assad's opposition groups. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reported on Assad's statements, quoting him as saying that as long as Western countries do not sever their ties with the opposition groups, he will oppose any security cooperation to reopen their embassies in Damascus. Assad added: 'When it comes to political, economic, and cultural relations, Syria will look to the East.' Assad's remarks come as the Syrian army has achieved victories against the rebels in recent days, and a consultant to the Syrian President stated on Saturday that the war in the country is nearing its end. Ms. Buthaina Shaaban, in an interview with the Lebanese television network Al-Mayadeen, said that foreign countries no longer support the rebels. The Syrian civil war began in 2011, resulting in between 350,000 to 500,000 deaths and more than 10 million displaced persons. After the Assad government violently suppressed peaceful protests in Daraa in 2011, the protests spread to other cities, leading to a split in part of the army. These forces initially formed the 'Free Syrian Army,' but gradually extremist groups such as ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra took the initiative in parts of Syria. The Assad government accuses regional countries of supporting these groups. Meanwhile, Bashar al-Assad is accused of committing war crimes against his own people and of using chemical weapons against them in the civil war. Additionally, reports indicate that at least six people were killed on Sunday due to the possible explosion of a mortar at a trade fair in Damascus.