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RF strongly condemns terrorist act in Damascus

Russia knew these people who made considerable contribution to the development of Russian-Syrian relations

MOSCOW, July 18 (Itar-Tass) — Moscow strongly condemns the terrorist act in Damascus, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Wednesday.

This is an attempt of further destabilization of the situation in Syria, Lukashevich said.

“On July 18, the terrorist attack rocked Damascus at the National Security headquarters and killed top officials, including deputy chairman of the Syrian Council of Ministers, Defence Minister Dawood Rajiha, and his deputy Asef Shawkat, who is brother-in-law of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad,” the diplomat stressed.

Russia knew these people who made considerable contribution to the development of Russian-Syrian relations. “Information about other victims is not available yet,” Lukashevich added.

“We express deep condolences to the Syrian people and the government, the next-of-kin on the tragedy in the country. We wish the soonest recovery to the injured persons,” he added.

“We hope that the organizers of the terrorist act will be found and punished,” the diplomat said, adding, “We believe that this is an attempt of further destabilization of the situation in Syria.” “We are convinced that the authorities and the people of the country, all its genuine patriots show political will and strive for the soonest peaceful settlement of the crisis,” he added.

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