Shamkhani: Russia’s withdrawal from Syria ‘no surprise move’

Ali Shamkhani, Iran’s Secretary of Supreme National Security Council, while maintaining that President Putin’s order for withdrawing from Syria was by no means a ‘surprise move’, added “fighting terrorism has not stopped. The Syrian Army’s advances in regions seized by terrorists will continue with military advices from Iran and Russia, within a common framework.”

President Vladimir Putin ordered the start of pullout of Russian military from Syria on Monday, saying Russia’s objectives had been “generally accomplished” after nearly six months of air campaign to fight the terrorist groups.

Shamkhani went on to add, “the weakening of Syria’s establishment was, from the start, an American/Zionist plan for weakening resistance in the region, which a number of regional countries supported. It had nothing to do with democracy.”

“All terrorist groups and their various forms must be confronted with, as granting them political legitimacy will only lead to the establishment of terrorism in the region and its dangerous consequences will also fall upon Europe and other neighboring countries,” he said.

Shamkhani condemned the decision made by the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League for labeling Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, saying “Hezbollah has had a fundamental role in defeating terrorist groups in Syria and maintaining security in Lebanon. Its widespread popularity in the Muslim world and Arab countries has infuriated the Zionist regime and its mercenaries.”