Syria’s Assad hails Russia’s takeover of Crimea

Assad claims Putin's move in eastern Ukraine prevented "terrorist extremists" from taking power in Kiev.

In this Monday, Aug. 26, 2013 file photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad gestures as he speaks during an interview with a Russian newspaper in Damascus, Syria.

Syrian President Bashar Assad said that Russia’s military takeover of Crimea reflects President Vladimir Putin’s “wise policy” and his efforts to restore “security and stability” in Ukraine after an “attempted coup.”

In a letter addressed to the Russian president, Assad claims Putin’s move in eastern Ukraine prevented “terrorist extremists” from taking power in Kiev.

Assad’s comments, his first since the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis last month, were carried by the Syrian state news service late on Thursday.

Story continues below this ad

Russia has been an adamant supporter of Assad through the 3-year-old conflict that started as a largely peaceful uprising against his rule but turned into a civil war that has claimed at least 140,000 lives.

Assad says his troops are fighting Islamic extremists who want to destroy Syria.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Premji said that Wipro would partner with the Government "to find a lasting solution for Bengaluru's mobility challenges".

Wipro rejects Karnataka Govt request to allow public vehicles inside Sarjapur campus

Cities4 hr ago

Wipro, a leading company in Bengaluru, has refused to allow public vehicles inside its Sarjapur campus to ease traffic congestion. However, they have agreed to finance a study to find a solution for the traffic problem. The founder, Azim Premji, believes that the issue is complex and requires expert analysis. Wipro has also committed to funding a significant portion of the study's cost.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS