Damascus, October 11, 2013
Near the Holy Cross church in Damascus
The Syrian minister of waqf (in accordance with the Muslim law—inalienable property, endowed for religious or charitable purposes) Mohammad Abdul-Sattar Al-Sayyed has confirmed Syria's commitment to the principles of lasting national unity, indicating that all world religions call to peaceful coexistence, strengthening of universal values, love and forgiveness among people, reports SANA.
During the meeting with Patriarch John X of Antioch and All East, which took place in the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he noted that statements and fatwas of takfirists-wahabists do not represent true Muslim thinking and serve the interests of the nation's enemies. Their approach will not affect the resolution of the Syrian people in their resistance to the broader war being waged against them, he said.
Patriarch John X said that Syria was the motherland of all religions and the centre of correct Muslim and Christian thought, and thus it is the symbol of the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims together, reports SANA.
He stressed that the conspirators would not be able to stir up strife among the Syrian people who, owing to their consciousness and cohesion, will come out the winners in the crisis.
The governor of Damascus Bishr Al-Sabban stated that those who are trying to commit acts of aggression against Syria forget that the Syrian civilization is already over 10 000 years old, and that its people are famous for their national unity, based on respect for all religions, love and peace. The Syrian people, owing to their cohesion and consciousness, will foil the plot of the enemies, he said.
The minister of waqf and the governor of Damascus also visited the Holy Cross church in Damascus, in the Al-Kassa neighborhood, where repair work is being carried out after damage was caused by the terrorists.
