Assad hails Russia's supportive stance on Syria

DAMASCUS - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday hailed Russia's stance toward Damascus as giving hope for a new roadmap leading to "global balance," according to state- run SANA news agency.

Assad made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov who had talked with Syrian officials on the recent Russian-US deal that aimed at settling chemical attack crisis in Syria.

The Syrian issue has become a priority to Russia, Ryabkov said, adding that consultation and coordination must be maintained between the Russian and Syrian leadership.

In a separate meeting Wednesday with an American delegation which consists of ex-congressmen, activists and journalists, Assad slammed the US policies in the region which he said are based on unleashing wars and interfering in the domestic affairs of other countries. He said such policies run counter to the interests of the US people.

Meanwhile, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad was cited by SANA as saying that Syria is keen about any initiative that could be conducive in finding a solution and stop the aggression against Syria.

He also urged the international community to shoulder its responsibility to stop the terrorism in Syria.

He stressed that handing over Syria's chemical weapons wouldn't affect the balance in the region.