Assad says Syria can finish off insurgency ‘within months"August 5, 2013 - 16:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said “crushing terrorists must come before any political solution” to end the crisis in his country, dimming hopes of an international peace conference any time soon, Reuters reported. Speaking in Damascus, Assad praised recent gains by his military forces across the country and said Syria can finish off the insurgency "within months" if people fight with the army through a "popular war". "How can we put an end to this battle and turn the table on others and restore security and stability? ... It is through this way (popular war) ... unity between the army and people to terminate terrorism." "Terrorism and politics are complete opposites," Assad said. "There cannot be political action and progress on the political track while terrorism hits everywhere," Assad told prominent members of Syria's clergy, business and arts community on Sunday evening at an "iftar", or meal to break the fast during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. "No solution can be reached with terror except by striking it with an iron fist," he added. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. believes peace is “possible” in South Caucasus The United States continues to believe that peace is possible in the South Caucasus, Vedant Patel said. Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. |