President al-Assad meets with Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos II and discusses terrorism

Syrian President Bashar Assad said Monday that the primary aim of terrorists fighting in Syria is to spread radical ideology among civilians to undermine the foundations of civil society.

Bashar Assad said during a meeting with Chrysostomos II, the archbishop of Nova Justiniana and All Cyprus that one of the main goals of the unprecedented terrorist attack on Syria is spreading takfiri mentality and practices to undermine Syria's diverse and harmonious social fabric, Sputnik reported.

A delegation from Cyprus, headed by the archbishop, arrived in Damascus on a working visit to meet with the head of state, members of the local clergy and secular authorities.

Fundamentalism has gained momentum in the Middle East since the start of the civil war in Syria in 2011.

Archbishop Chrysostomos II stressed the importance of strengthening his country’s relations with Syria which would benefit the two countries’ people, noting that it’s in the interest of all European states to reconsider their relations with Syria and lift the unjust embargo which exasperates the Syrians’ suffering.

He also said that the steadfastness and commitment to the homeland he and the accompanying delegation witnessed during their visit prove that Syrians are moving confidently towards emerging from the crisis and achieving victory over terrorism.

For his part, President al-Assad said that one of the main goals of the unprecedented terrorist attack on Syria is to spread extremist Takfiri mentality and practices to undermine Syria’s diverse and harmonious social fabric which has been one of its distinguishing qualities throughout its history.

His Excellency also stressed that the difficult experience that the Syrian people are going through increased their commitment to their diversity and unity.

The meeting was attended by Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All East John X Yazigi.

In the same context, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem received Archbishop Chrysostomos II and the accompanying delegation.

Moallem

Al-Moallem pointed out to Turkey’s role in training, funding, and arming terrorists from ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra, and other terror organizations, stressing that the Syrian people managed to stand up to terrorism and extremism thanks to its rallying around its army and leadership and its commitment to Syria’s unity and sovereignty.

He also called for relaying the truth about the situation in Syria to the world.

For his part, Archbishop Chrysostomos II said he will relay the truth of what is happening in Syria and of the suffering and destruction caused to the Syrian people by the actions of Western states which are now reaping the results of those actions.

In a statement to journalists, the Archbishop said that President al-Assad explained to him and to the delegation members the details of the crisis in Syria, thanking President al-Assad for this opportunity.

He said that during his visit, he saw and experienced the Syrian people and their solidarity, saying that the Syrians are a righteous people and they must reach their goals, adding that he told President al-Assad that he will relay all he saw and experienced in Syria to the people and government in Cyprus.

The Archbishop said he believes the Cypriot people who have been struggling to realize their just demands for almost 50 years will be encouraged by what he will tell them, because they are a righteous people and will help the Syrian people, adding that he will also relay the whole truth about what is happening in Syria to all ambassadors that visit him in Cyprus, particularly European and American ambassadors, concluding by praying to God to bless the Syrians and President al-Assad with all that is good for them.