Syrian President Bashar Assad rejected seriously the idea of a federal system in Syria, in remarks during a meeting with a visiting Russian delegation on Tuesday, emphasizing that federalization would destroy Syria.
Russian State Duma deputy Alexander Yuschenko told reporters that Assad made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Russian delegation in Damascus on Tuesday.
"The fight for Syria’s future is ongoing in Geneva today. Today you can ask any Syrian and he will tell you that federalization will not contribute to the country’s unity," Yuschenko quoted Assad as saying.
Yuschenko noted that Assad, when asked about the prospects of political settlement in Syria and effective governing, told him "You see a great number of banners in Syria and Damascus today. This is evidence that Syrian people are active in forming the future of the country."
Also in remarks, Bashar Assad hailed Russian role in Syria, and added that achievements made in terms of eliminating large numbers of terrorists and forcing them out of many areas across Syria have been the result of the steadfastness by the Syrian people and the country's army, as well as the effective support of "friends", mainly Russia.
The positive role Russia is playing whether inside Syria or on the international arena has helped redraw the international political map, Assad said as he received on Tuesday the visiting Russian delegation that includes parliamentarians as well as religious, social and media figures
The historical relations binding the people of Russia and Syria and the situation in Syria and the war waged against terrorism were the main points of discussion during the meeting.
The Russian delegation members, for their part, stressed that the Russian parliament supports the Syrians’ resilience and determination to maintain their state.
They further added that Syria has had this unjust terrorism war waged against it and the economic blockade imposed on its people because of it being one of few countries that are still firmly clinging to their sovereignty and independence, which is effectively proved through the high popular participation in Syria's parliamentary elections.
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