This time, as was the case in 1956, the Syrians were the first to land in the Kremlin, and shower the “great red army that defeated Hitler” with praise. President Bashar al-Assad landed in Russia on August 20, less than two weeks after the South Ossetia war started. Sending a strong message to the Russians ahead of his trip, he spoke to the Russian Kommerstant newspaper, “On this issue [of South Ossetia and Georgia] we fully support Russia. The Americans continue their Cold War policies … The war, which was unleashed by Georgia, is the culmination of attempts to encircle and isolate Russia.” He added, “Georgia started the crisis, but the West is blaming Russia. Everywhere there is total disinformation, distortion of facts, and international attempts to isolate Russia.”
He then added, “The Caucasus and Europe are impossible without Russia … I think that after the crisis with Georgia, Russia has become only stronger.” He wrapped up saying, “It is important that Russia takes the position of a superpower, and then all the attempts to isolate it will fail.”
The Russians, thrilled at the statement of support they were waiting to hear from a traditional friend, reciprocated with words and lucrative offers of arms. “Our position is that we are ready to cooperate with Russia in any project that can strengthen its security,” added the Syrian president. When asked if his country would accept an offer of air defense from the Russians, Assad replied, “In principle, yes. We have not yet thought about it.” More
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August 24th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
[…] News » News Syria reaps a Russian reward2008-08-24 14:10:46[[ This time, as was the “great red army that defeated Hitler” with praise. […]