Syrians rally to stress support for army, presidential elections

Thousands of citizens across Syria took to the streets to show their strong support for the Syrian Army's war on terrorism, and called on the nation from all walks of life to participate in the June presidential elections. A large number of citizens gathered in front of al-Baath Party building in Damascus on Monday, stressing support for President Bashar al-Assad, and expressed hope that the Syrian army could restore security and stability to the country as soon as possible, the State News Agency reported. During the rally, Secretary-General of Damascus branch of al-Baath Party Jamal al-Qaderi said that the presidential elections will put an end to the war waged against Syria and will prove that the Syrians are loyal to their country and constitution. Citizens of Brabo, Aysoun, al-Fayzieh, al-Anouar, al-Mshahda, Nweha, Danha, al-Mazra'a, Khrbet al-Teen, al-Hayek and al-Rbay'a villages in Homs province took to the streets and extended support for  presidential election process and the Syrian army. Also thousands of citizens gathered at al-Matar neighborhood in Daraa to support the presidential elections and the Syrian army in confronting terrorism. The Sweida branch of al-Baath Party organized a festival at the town of al-Ghariya to express support for elections and the Syrian army, with participants reciting poetry and speeches extolling martyrdom and the heroic acts of the army. In Hasaka province, syndical and popular activities underlined support for the presidential elections and the Syrian army in restoring security and stability to the Syrian territories. The conflict in Syria started in March 2011, when sporadic pro-reform protests turned into a massive insurgency following the intervention of western and regional states. The unrest, which took in terrorist groups from across Europe, the Middle-East and North Africa, has transpired as one of the bloodiest conflicts in recent history. As the foreign-backed insurgency in Syria continues without an end in sight, the US government has boosted its political and military support to Takfiri extremists. Washington has remained indifferent to warnings by Russia and other world powers about the consequences of arming militant groups.