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Conflict in Syria

Syria supports UN envoy’s efforts to facilitate political settlement

Plugging the channels of financing and arming terrorist groups continues to be a priority for the Syrian government, Foreign Minister Walid Muallem says

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem ITAR-TASS/Denis Vyshinkskiy

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem

© ITAR-TASS/Denis Vyshinkskiy

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Russia ready to continue efforts to promote intra-Syrian political process

BEIRUT, July 23. /TASS/. Syria supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy Staffan de Mistura aimed at "seeking the political solution to the crisis," Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said in Damascus on Thursday.

According to the SANA news agency, the Syrian foreign minister held talks with the Italian diplomat who arrived in Syria before his speech at the UN Security Council.

Muallem noted that "plugging the channels of financing and arming terrorist groups continued to be a priority for the Syrian government." "Therefore, Syria spoke in support [in June] of the initiative of the Russian President Vladimir Putin to set up an international and regional coalition against terrorism, which would implement the relevant decisions passed by the UN Security Council," the minister said.

Muallem added the Syrian people and its army were determined "to continue protecting stability and security in both Syria and the Middle East."

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During his talks with Syria’s top diplomat, the UN envoy spoke about the meetings and consultations which he held during his regional tour. Before his departure from Tehran to Damascus, de Mistura said there could be no military solution to the Syrian crisis. "Only the political settlement will make it possible to preserve the country’s integrity and national sovereignty, ensure the rights of all strata of society and save Syria from foreign terrorists," de Mistura said.

In late July, the UN envoy plans to submit to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council "the proposals regarding further steps aimed at supporting the Syrian parties to find a political solution."

The Italian diplomat will spend three days in Damascus and will hold meetings not only with the Syrian leadership but also with representatives of the international opposition factions.

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