Russian parliamentarians discuss anti-terrorism fight, Syria's economic recovery with al-Assad
MOSCOW. April 12 (Interfax) - Russian businesses can help rebuild Palmyra, State Duma deputy Sergei Gavrilov said after having met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
"It is possible to restore liberated Palmyra with the assistance of Russian business. More than 100 temples need to be restored and renovated. The restoration works may be performed by major Russian state corporations of the OlympStroy kind, and a similar company may be established," Gavrilov's press service quoted him as saying on Tuesday.
The report posted on the Russian Communist Party website said that al-Assad had thanked the Russian president for helping in the fight against terrorism and rendering humanitarian and economic support to the Syrian government.
"Vladimir Putin is the most popular politician in Syria," the deputy quoted the Syrian president as saying.
Al-Assad positively assessed the potential of the Syria peace settlement within the framework of the Geneva dialogue, Gavrilov said.
The meeting with the Syrian president centered on Russia's support to Syria in the joint fight against terrorism, the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Syria, and Syria's economic recovery.
The problem of Syria's economic recovery needs to be resolved now, due to the complex economic situation in Syria shaped by ongoing political conditions, the parliamentarian said. Restoration of the agriculture, transport and energy sectors and the oil industry is a priority.
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Syria were touched upon during the meeting.
"There is no disagreement between Syria's confessions in regard to the upcoming parliamentary elections," Gavrilov said.
"Support to the decision of President Bashar al-Assad was expressed" during meetings with Syrian Grand Mufti Ahmad Badr Al-Din Hassoun, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Syria Bishop Armash Nalbandian, and Metropolitan Luka al-Huri, the deputy said.
"The upcoming parliamentary elections, during preparations for which many new parties have been created, will prevent a vacuum in the incumbent executive authorities, confirm the succession of the legitimate authorities and make a significant contribution to preparations for the Geneva dialogue," he said.