'Syria firmly pursuing armed gangs'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (L) meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in the Syrian capital, Damascus, August 9, 2011.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/193156.html

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says Damascus is determined in pursuing the armed terrorist groups behind the recent unrest in Syria.

The Syrian president said on Tuesday that the acts of killing and terrorizing are perpetrated by the armed gangs against the civilians and law enforcement members, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

Assad made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

The Syrian president pointed to his government's determination to complete the ongoing process of comprehensive reforms in the country, saying that Syria is open to any help offered by “friendly countries” in this regard.

The Turkish foreign minister, for his part, said Turkey is keen on “Syria's security and stability.”

Davutoglu also said Syria would become “a model in the Arab world” after accomplishing the reforms. He further added that stability in Syria is the key to stability in the region.

Syria has been experiencing unrest in the past months, with demonstrations held both against and in support of the government.

Hundreds of people, including security forces, have been killed during clashes in the country since the beginning of the unrest in mid-March.

The Syrian opposition claims security forces are behind the killings, but the government blames the deadly violence on foreign-backed armed gangs.