Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has voiced support for Russia’s efforts to broker peace in the war-ravaged Arab country.
“Russia has always been on the side of the Syrian people and given proof that it backs the people's right to decide its own fate," said Assad during a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in Damascus on Wednesday.
“Russia respects the sovereignty of states and international law,” he added.
During the meeting, Bogdanov said Moscow will continue to stand by the Syrian people in their fight against terrorism.
He also expressed Moscow’s readiness to mediate peace negotiations between the Syrian government and the opposition.
“We have proposed that the Syrians come to Moscow to discuss political possibilities to resolve the crisis,” the top Russian diplomat stated.
Syria has been grappling with a deadly crisis since March 2011. The violence fuelled by militant groups has so far claimed the lives of over 200,000 people, according to reports.
ISIL militants have seized large swathes of land in Syria and Iraq, terrorizing and killing people of all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, and Christians, in the areas they are controlling.
