Terrorism, extremism end results of Europe's policies, Assad tells EU lawmakers
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says Europe's wrong policies in the Middle East have resulted in numerous crises, particularly the growth of terrorism and fundamentalism besides the influx of refugees and asylum seekers.
During a meeting with a visiting European Parliament delegation led by French politician Thierry Mariani in Damascus on Saturday, Assad briefed the lawmakers on the latest developments and living conditions in Syria.
He noted that the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria is the outcome of Western sanctions and a cruel siege imposed on the Syrian nation, stressing that Syrians have managed to find a way to overcome problems.
Assad said Europe is currently grappling with a flood of refugees and migrants in addition to growing threats of terrorism and extremism as a result of its misguided policies in the Middle East.
He said there needs to be mutual dialogues at parliamentary, academic and cultural levels in order to have a comprehensive understanding of regional and international developments.
After failing to oust the Syrian government through proxies and direct involvement in the conflict, the US government has stepped up its economic war on the Arab country.
Last June, the US enacted the so-called Caesar Act that imposed the toughest sanctions ever on Syria with the alleged aim of choking off revenue sources for the government.
The sanctions, however, have crippled the war-torn country’s economy by prohibiting foreign companies from trading with Damascus.
Syria says the real purpose of the measures is to put pressure on Syrians and their livelihoods.
Last April, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the United States makes use of the Daesh terrorist group to impede a political solution to the decade-long crisis in Syria and supports separatist militants in a flagrant violation of international resolutions.
Lavrov also said the US has occupied lands in Syria and continues to plunder its natural wealth, including oil, gas, and wheat, and escalates tensions to destabilize the war-torn Arab country.
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