Syria FM: Victory over ‘terrorism’ near

UNITED NATIONS — Declaring that victory over “terrorism” is almost at hand after more than seven years of civil war, Syria’s foreign minister took to the world stage Saturday and demanded that “occupation” forces from the U.S., France and Turkey leave the country immediately.

Walid al-Moallem told the General Assembly’s high-level meeting that the situation on the ground “is more stable and secure thanks to combatting terrorism” and “all conditions are now present for the voluntary return of refugees.”

Syrian government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have retaken most of the territory rebels seized during the war that has killed over 400,000 people and driven millions from their homes. President Bashar Assad’s government refers to all armed opposition and rebel groups fighting Syrian forces as “terrorists,” not just Islamic State or al-Qaida militants.

Last week, Russia and Turkey agreed to a deal which stopped an imminent Syrian government offensive to retake the last major rebel stronghold in the northern province of Idlib. It calls for setting up a demilitarized zone around Idlib to separate government forces from rebels, including those from the al-Qaida-linked group formerly known as the Nusra Front.

“We hope that when the agreement is implemented, the Nusra Front and other terrorists will be eradicated, thus eliminating the last remnants of terrorism in Syria,” al-Moallem said.

He offered no hard evidence to back up his assertions that victory was near. There was no response to emails seeking comment from the U.S., France and Turkey.

Al-Moallem’s upbeat speech praised the army and the Syrian people for remaining “defiant” during the war, “fully convinced that this was a battle for their existence.” He bashed Western and other countries supporting the opposition, alluding to their failed effort to install a transition government and get rid of Assad.