'Syrian crisis' end depends on countries halting support to rebels

Damascus, Sept 29: Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al- Moallem said Saturday that the ongoing crisis in

could end within weeks if countries that support the rebels in Syria halted their support.

Moallem says decision wasn't out of fear of a US military action

Moallem made the remarks during an interview with the Russia TV channel after the UN General Assembly session in New York, during which he said that as long the US, Europe and some Gulf countries were supporting the terrorist group, the crisis would continue, Xinhua reported.

On the other hand, if those countries halt their support and truly adopt the political solution, the crisis could end within weeks, he said.

"Many countries speak about supporting a political solution. This is important but this means that they need to be committed to stop their financing, their arming to the terrorist group. Especially neighbouring countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar," he added.

Regarding the Syrian government's decision to surrender its chemical arsenal, Moallem defended the decision as a free sovereign decision and said it wasn't out of fear of a US military action.

"We are adopting this decision after consultation with Russia. And we are convinced that the Russian initiative at the end is a good initiative to open the door for political solution," he said.

IANS