The Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, has railed against the west, saying any security cooperation with western nations or the reopening of their embassies would not happen until they cut ties with opposition and insurgent groups. Shortly after Assad gave his speech, a shell hit the first international fair in the country since the war began six years ago, killing and wounding several people. Speaking in front of dozens of Syrian diplomats in Damascus, Assad praised Russia, Iran, China and Lebanon’s Hezbollah for supporting his government during the conflict. He said Syria would look east when it came to political, economic and cultural relations. Therefore, they are our partners in these achievements on the road to crush terrorism,” Assad said.

Source: The Guardian August 20, 2017 16:18 UTC