President al-Assad: Success of Annan’s Plan Depends on Stopping Terrorism and Weapon Smuggling

President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday discussed with UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan and the accompanying delegation the situation in Syria since the beginning of the implementation of Annan’s six-point plan to the moment.

The meeting also discussed means for overcoming obstacles hindering Annan’s plan, particularly the escalating terrorism in some Syrian areas.

President al-Assad pointed out that the armed terrorist groups escalated their terrorist acts noticeably as of late in various areas across Syria, committing murder and abduction against Syrian citizens in addition to robberies and targeting public and private properties with arson and vandalism.

He stressed the need for the countries who are financing, arming and harboring the terrorist groups to commit to Annan’s plan, and that these countries’ political will to participate in stopping terrorism must be put to the test.

President al-Assad affirmed to Annan that the success of his plan depends on stopping weapon smuggling and curbing terrorism and those who support it.

For his part, Annan commended the positivity in the coordination between the Syrian government and the international observers.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, Presidential Political and Media Advisor Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban, Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, and Foreign Ministry Official Spokesman Dr. Jihad Makdessi.