Assad’s Aide: Terrorism Started in Syria, Damascus Key Part in Fight

Local Editor

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s aide, Buthaina Shaaban said on Friday that Syria is a key part in the fight against terrorism, since it started in this country four years ago. 

"Terrorism didn’t start in Syria today, it started four years ago" when the conflict started in Syria, Shaaban was quoted as saying.

"So it is crucial that its victim, which has been damaged by this scourge, be a key part of the fight against terrorism," she said.

She also criticized a speech by US President Barack Obama on Wednesday, saying it had "many shortcomings." "No force can fight terrorism... from aircraft. They must be in touch with the victims of terrorism," she said.

Shaaban’s comments came as the US assembles a coalition to tackle so-called "Daesh" [ISIL], which is operating in Syria and Iraq. Washington has said it plans air strikes on Syrian territory but that it will not work with the government in Damascus, something that Syria has repeatedly warned that it would violate its sovereignty.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team