He continued: "We didn't even define which countries; any country including the West, taking into consideration that we already know that the West supports the terrorists and it doesn't have a will to fight them. But we said whoever is ready, we are ready."
Vis-à-vis Russian and Kurdish forces, Assad noted that Damascus had always been in contact with "different factions in Syria who are fighting the terrorists, and we had direct contact with the Kurds, and of course with the Russians regarding this."
The advance of the Syrian Army toward Raqqa skidded following a terrorist offensive in the province of Hama, but it was not completely stopped, the president said.
"His statement indicates that currently there are no serious differences between the Syrian Army and Kurdish units. Kurds are believed to be the main striking force during the liberation of Raqqa, the de facto capital of the Daesh caliphate. As a pragmatic politician, Assad of course is ready to cooperate against terrorism in Syria," Konovalov pointed out.
At the same time, the expert expressed doubt that Washington will agree to cooperate with Damascus even if this cooperation simply means not meddling.
"What could this cooperation be? For example, if the Americans do not prevent the Syrian Army from liberating Raqqa, the city will be liberated. This would be a form of cooperation too. This is why Assad’s words can be interpreted in a broader sense – either as direct military cooperation or as not meddling. But the US is unlikely not to interfere. Despite their statements, Assad remains a problem for Washington," the expert said.
Damascus has repeatedly said that the involvement of US troops in the operation was not authorized by the Syrian government and their presence in northern Syria could be regarded as an intervention.
Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!
