Russia Rejects Rampant Terrorism in Arab Region: Official

Damascus (Antara/Xinhua-OANA) - Visiting Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said here Saturday that his country will not stand idly toward the rampant terrorism in the region. "Russia will not stand idly toward some groups' attempts to spread terrorism in the region, including Syria and Iraq," Ryabkov told a press conference in capital Damascus, without elaborating how his country would react to such issues. He also said terrorism is by no means justified, and must be combated and eliminated regardless of whatever circumstances or names it may come under, referring to the recent Sunni offensive led by the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant, an al-Qaida offshoot. He urged more efforts, concerted measures and a strong position from all related parties to turn the tide of terrorism around, adding that the United States needs to take "serious steps" to fight the terrorism that is threatening the entire Middle East. It is "not permissible" to treat the "dangerous challenge" that is rocking Iraq and the region with indifference, said the senior Russian diplomat. On Saturday, Ryabkov met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. During their talks, he congratulated the Syrian president on his victory in the presidential election held earlier this month.(*)