Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi has said Syria's position that a political solution as the only way to bring the crisis in the country to the end does not contradict with the Syrian Arab army's responsibilities to protect the state and people.
In excerpts from an interview with the Syrian al-Watan newspaper to be published Thursday, Halqi said that the so-called "Free Syrian Army" is "a mere lie to cover acts of the terrorism," adding that most of the Free Syrian Army members have joined the Nusra Front and Al-Qaeda.
The Premier put the number of makeshift residential centers hosting displaced families across the country at 830, noting that a first batch of displaced Syrians from Lebanon and another batch of those who were staying at the Zaatari camp in Jordan have been admitted to the makeshift centers.
Halqi pointed out that the government is making great and strenuous efforts "to limit the decline in economic performance" and positively affect the citizens' livelihoods.
He also revealed a restructuring of the economic team "that might demand a cabinet change," to enhance and expand political participation.
Halqi also noted that the government has kept Aleppo "in its heart and mind" and is closely following-up on the needs and conditions of its residents.
Halqi also said Syrian-Iranian cooperation under the new leadership of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will continue to increase.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
......
