Assad to scholars’ assembly: Syria will emerge from crisis victorious

A delegation of the Muslim Scholars' Assembly met in Damascus with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in addition to other officials, including Mufti Ahmad Badreddine Hasoun and Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheybani. The assembly noted, in a statement, that the meeting with President Assad was excellent and that the regional and Syrian conditions were tackled, Al-Manar reported. "President Assad assured that the situation in Syria is now much better than before and that Syria will emerge from the crisis victorious and more powerful." "President Assad added that the world is reconsidering its stances towards the crisis and is contacting Syria and other Arab countries despite the Saudi pressures." "He also considered that the real battle is against the Wahabi takfiri militants." The Syrian leader asserted the battlefield conditions are in favor of the national army and that Syria will reject the takfiri militants. Regarding the meeting with Mufti Hassoun, the statement mentioned that the delegation discussed with his eminence the Islamic situation in the region, especially the issue of the nation's unity. The delegation also discussed with the Iranian Ambassador to Syria, Mohammad Reza Sheybani, the nuclear agreement and the latest developments in Syria and Iran, according to the statement. Head of the Assembly Sheikh Hassan Abdollah called Syrian Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) Sheikh Abdul Sattar As-Sayyed.