President Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0That\u2019s right, this is a serious challenge. \u00a0In fact, there are two challenges. \u00a0First, is the current lack of sufficient or effective financial channels between Syria and China for the transfer of money. \u00a0This is a real problem caused mainly by the sanctions. \u00a0A solution must be found if we want investors to come to Syria; a solution needs the engagement of relevant financial institutions from both countries, which requires discussion at a state level.\u00a0 This is a major obstacle that needs to be overcome.<\/p>\nThe second issue is the fear that many Chinese companies still have. \u00a0Today, there are companies which are willing to send experts to Syria.\u00a0 This is important because many Syrian industries have started to show interest in the Chinese market, for example Syrian factories which buy their equipment from China. \u00a0Previously, Chinese experts had concerns about coming to Syria; this has recently started to improve, which is a new step.<\/p>\n
However, when we talk about Chinese investment with Chinese capital, this needs more assurances; we must exert greater effort in this regard as a Syrian state and we hope the Chinese state with its relevant institutions – like the China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, to encourage investors to come to Syria or at least to the areas which have become completely safe. \u00a0In this interview I confirm this and since you are in Syria, you are able to convey the true, unexaggerated picture about the extent of security achieved recently.<\/p>\n
Intervention:<\/strong><\/span> So, the Syrian government guarantees security to all Chinese companies which might come to Syria, and that there is no problem in terms of safety?<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Certainly.<\/p>\nQuestion 5:<\/strong> <\/span>\u00a0Mr. President, I would like to ask you about the Belt and Road Initiative. \u00a0How do you see this initiative in general?<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong> <\/span>\u00a0From a strategic perspective, it constitutes a worldwide transformation, a transformation in the nature of international relations. \u00a0If we look at the current situation in the world, we see that it is governed by Western attempts of domination, particularly on the part of the United States. \u00a0In the past during the Cold War, there was a period of conflict among states. \u00a0This conflict was based on the degree of dominance of each pole, particularly the Western pole over a group of states, in order to achieve its interests against the other pole.<\/p>\nBefore that, World War II and the preceding period of full colonialization; states occupied other nations and wherever they did so, they defined the interests of those peoples under their domination. \u00a0In most cases there were no mutual interests; those peoples were enslaved by the more powerful states.<\/p>\n
Today, we see that there is a superpower – China, trying to strengthen its influence in the world. But what kind of influence? \u00a0It is not the negative influence we have become accustomed to, but rather an influence in the sense of relying on friends and an influence based on mutual interests. \u00a0When we in Syria think about being part of the Silk Road and Syria is a small country – by international, geographic, demographic, economic and military standards\u2026<\/p>\n
Intervention:<\/strong><\/span> But historically, it is on the Silk Road.<\/p>\nPresident Assad: <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0It is exactly on the Silk Road, but what is more important is that this new approach is derived from history but is suitable for the 21st<\/sup> century; it is an approach built on parity.\u00a0 When we are part of this Road, China treats us as equals and not as a superpower dealing with a small country. \u00a0There are mutual interests: it is beneficial to China, Syria and all the countries on this Road.<\/p>\nAnother aspect, is that it is not limited to China\u2019s bilateral relations with these countries but rather it is a relationship among all the countries on this axis. \u00a0So, it is a relationship of culture and civilization which ultimately leads to greater prosperity and investment, and the improvement of the social, economic and security conditions in these countries. \u00a0This means more stability in the world, which is contrary to what we have known in our modern and recent history.\u00a0 This is what we see in the Silk Road (Belt and Road Initiative): stability and prosperity.<\/p>\n
Question 6: <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Syria, for its part, expressed its desire to take part in the Belt and Road Initiative. \u00a0Are there any developments in this regard?<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0During the previous period, and especially in the early years of the war due to the instability, it wasn\u2019t our priority. \u00a0Perhaps because it didn\u2019t make sense to talk about infrastructure when you are in a state of life or death, not as individuals but as a homeland, as a nation \u2013 Syria.<\/p>\nNow that we have overcome this stage and with the increased stability and the improvement of the economic cycle in Syria, we have started this year a serious dialogue with the Chinese government on how Syria can become part of the Silk Road (Belt and Road Initiative). \u00a0At present Syria is not on the route; there are different routes and Syria is not on them. \u00a0However, part of the initiative includes cultural, educational and scientific domains, and through the direct relationship between us and China, there has been a large number – which has increased in recent years – of scholarships offered to Syria that we are benefitting from. \u00a0The discussions have recently started concerning infrastructure, which is one of the most important elements and could make Syria a part of the Silk Road (Belt and Road Initiative) in the future. \u00a0We have proposed a number of projects only a few months ago.<\/p>\n
Intervention:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0In specific areas.<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Of course.\u00a0 In areas related to infrastructure, we have proposed around six projects to the Chinese government in line with the Belt and Road methodology and we are waiting for the Chinese government to determine which project, or projects, is in line with their thinking. \u00a0I think when this infrastructure is developed, with time, the Silk Road (Belt and Road Initiative) passing through Syria becomes a foregone conclusion, because it is not a road you only draw on a map.\u00a0 Whilst it is true that historically the Silk Road passed through Syria, Iraq and this region, today however, this initiative takes into account the available infrastructure required for these routes.\u00a0 Therefore, by establishing, strengthening, and developing this infrastructure, the Silk Road (Belt and Road Initiative) will pass through Syria in the future.<\/p>\nQuestion 7:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Do you think that Syria has now become ready, security-wise, to be part of this initiative?<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Precisely, because we are ready security-wise, we have started discussions with our Chinese friends. \u00a0Before that, it wasn\u2019t logically or practically possible to initiate such a dialogue.<\/p>\nQuestion 8:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Mr. President, I would like to ask you about the situation in America. \u00a0The United States holds presidential elections next year. \u00a0If Trump is not reelected for a new presidential term, would that failure, in your opinion, be useful to Syria or not?<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/span> <\/strong>\u00a0In one of my interviews, I referred to Trump as being the best because he is the most transparent. \u00a0Of course, being the best doesn\u2019t mean that he is good; but transparency is a good thing especially that when it comes to Western politics because we have become accustomed to masks which hide real Western intentions regarding the world.<\/p>\nHowever at the same time, we need to realise that the American political system is not a state system in the sense that we understand. \u00a0It is a system comprised of lobbies. \u00a0The rulers of America are the money lobbies, whether in the form of oil, weapons, banks, or others. These lobbies control all parts of American politics.<\/p>\n
When Trump tried to be independent, albeit in a very limited degree, the attack against him started. \u00a0We are now witnessing the impeachment process aimed at bringing the President back into line with the lobbies.\u00a0 All the presidents we have dealt with in Syria, from Nixon in 1974 – when relations with America were restored, up to Trump today are controlled by these lobbies. \u00a0\u00a0No matter how much good will any president has, he cannot act outside the policies of these lobbies. \u00a0Therefore, betting on the change of presidents is misplaced and unrealistic and I don\u2019t think that this American policy will change in the next few years. \u00a0That\u2019s why during the election campaign, they say one thing and once they are elected, they do the complete opposite.\u00a0 For those reasons in Syria we never consider which American president comes and which one leaves.<\/p>\n
Intervention: <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0In this context, I pose the question: after the American president announced his intention to withdraw American forces from Syria, he suddenly backtracked and said that he will leave American troops in Syria in order to protect oil wells in the area east of the Euphrates. \u00a0So, he suddenly takes a decision, and then goes back on it.<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Exactly, what you are saying confirms my point that the lobbies are the ones in charge of the policies. \u00a0It also confirms that this state is not governed by principles, but rather by the interests of those companies; if they have an interest in occupying the oil wells, stealing and selling them one way or another, then this state and this regime will act in favor of these companies, regardless of international law and regardless of American law.\u00a0 They violate American laws for the sake of these companies because if they don\u2019t make them happy, the president might be impeached.<\/p>\nQuestion 9:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Mr. President, what is the number of the remaining American troops on Syrian territories now?<\/p>\nPresident Assad: <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0The funny thing in American politics is that they announce the number between thousands and hundreds. \u00a0When they say thousands: it is to make the the pro-war lobby – particularly the arms companies, happy that they are in a state of war. \u00a0When they say hundreds: they are addressing the people who oppose the war by saying that they are only \u201ca few hundred.\u201d \u00a0In actual fact, both figures are incorrect for a simple reason; even if these figures were correct, they are based on the number of American soldiers and not the number of individuals fighting with the American army. \u00a0The American regime relies significantly in its wars on private firms like Blackwater in Iraq and others. \u00a0So even if they had a few hundred American soldiers in Syria, they still also have thousands – maybe tens of thousands, of civilians working for such companies and fighting in Syria. \u00a0That\u2019s why it is difficult to know the real number, but it is certainly in the thousands.<\/strong><\/p>\nQuestion 10:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0The Americans say that they will protect oil wells in the east of Euphrates area in Syria; but in the end, what are they going to do with the oil produced from those wells?<\/p>\nPresident Assad: <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Before the Americans, in the early days Jabhat al-Nusra used these wells; after ISIS came and drove out al-Nusra – or rather when ISIS merged with al-Nusra and they all became ISIS, it also stole and sold oil. \u00a0Where? It used to sell it through Turkey. \u00a0Now America is the one stealing oil and selling it to Turkey. \u00a0Turkey is an accomplice, with all these groups, in selling oil; it doesn\u2019t have a problem – Turkey is ready. \u00a0The Turkish regime plays a direct part in selling the oil, previously with al-Nusra, later with ISIS and today with the Americans.<\/p>\nQuestion 11:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0In this situation, what is the impact on Syrian oil returns?<\/p>\nPresident Assad: <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0At a certain point at the beginning of the war, oil returns dropped to almost zero. \u00a0Today – after restoring a small number of wells during the past two years – we have a little amount of oil. \u00a0However, there is still limited positive impact on the Syrian economy from oil because most of the wells are either under the control of terrorist groups or groups acting outside the law and under American command. \u00a0So, the situation with the oil has not changed much.<\/p>\nQuestion 12:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Yes. So, how is the Syrian government going to face the question of American presence in the oil fields area east of the Euphrates?<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0First, the Americans rely on terrorists.\u00a0 \u00a0The terrorists must be attacked, this is a priority for us in Syria.\u00a0 Striking the terrorists weakens the American presence one way or another. \u00a0At a later stage: there are Syrian groups acting under American command and these groups must be persuaded, one way or another and particularly through dialogue, that it is in all our interests in Syria that they embrace the homeland and join the Syrian state\u2019s efforts to liberate all its territories. \u00a0At that point, it\u2019s only natural that there will be no prospect for an American presence. \u00a0However, if they remained, they have their experience in Iraq to consider; there will be a popular resistance and they will pay the price. \u00a0Ultimately, the Americans will leave.<\/p>\nQuestion 13:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Mr. President, we have witnessed recently popular protests and riots in some neighboring countries, including Iraq, Lebanon, and even Iran. \u00a0In fact, these countries are considered, to a certain extent, Syria\u2019s allies. \u00a0How do you view what happened and is happening in these countries?<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Of course, neighboring countries have a direct impact on us because there are direct family and economic relations, as well as other types of relations that exist between any two neighboring countries. \u00a0At the same time, the Middle East as a whole is one area; the social fabric is similar, beliefs are similar and interests are intertwined even when these countries are not direct neighbors.<\/p>\nIf we assume that the movements taking place aim to address the problems faced by the population and that they would lead to improving economic, political and other conditions in these countries, then I can say that the impact will be positive.<\/p>\n
However, if we think logically, would the Western countries and in particular the United States, leave these countries to continue spontaneously?! \u00a0They would definitely interfere and would certainly exploit every movement in order to create chaos, because American policy \u2013 at least since 2000 and since the Iraq war \u2013 is to create chaos. This is what they called \u2018constructive chaos;\u2019 that is how George Bush and Condoleezza Rice referred to it.\u00a0 This \u2018constructive chaos\u2019 which they are looking for, is a type of chaos that achieves their interests. \u00a0That\u2019s why when this chaos takes place in our region, or in any other region, it will have a negative impact on us.\u00a0 Chaos is contagious, it\u2019s like a disease, it spreads; so, we can only hope that these events remain in the internal, spontaneous, popular framework.<\/p>\n
Question 14:<\/strong> <\/span>\u00a0Would it be possible to say that one should look for an American role wherever there is chaos?<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0This is self-evident and has become well-known throughout the world. \u00a0What is the difference between the policies of superpowers: America, and those who stand with it – like France and Britain, believe or think \u2013 which we see as wrong but they see as right \u2013 that the interests of these countries or this axis, lies in creating chaos; whereas Russia, China and most other countries believe that stability and international law are in the best interest of the world and its states, big or small.<\/p>\nJournalist: <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Mr. President, thank you very much for availing us this opportunity and we wish you continued success and progress.<\/p>\nPresident Assad:<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0Thank you and I also thank Phoenix Television for this interview.<\/p>\nJournalist: <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Thank you very much.<\/p>\nPresident Assad: <\/strong><\/span>\u00a0You are welcome.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Damascus, SANA- President Bashar al-Assad has stressed that \u201cthe Belt and Road Initiative\u201d launched by China constituted a worldwide transformation in the nature of international relations in the world, as it relies on partnership and common interests instead of attempts of domination adopted by the West. In an interview given to Phoenix Television, President al-Assad …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":180587,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6987,429,51],"tags":[1348,20959,1138],"class_list":["post-180579","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-latest-news","category-presidency-of-arabic-syrian-republic","category-interviews","tag-interview","tag-phoenix-television","tag-president-al-assad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180579"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=180579"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180579\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/180587"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=180579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=180579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.sana.sy\/en\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=180579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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