Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi renewed call for young men who have taken up arms against the state to lay down their weapons and return to defend the homeland from foreign terrorists and mercenaries.

Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi renewed call for young men who have taken up arms against the state to lay down their weapons and return to defend the homeland from foreign terrorists and mercenaries, SANA news agency reported.

During his meeting Saturday with popular figures from Daraa province, Halqi reaffirmed that Daraa will remain the homeland's invincible shield, stressing the importance of backing the armed forces in confronting terrorism all over Syria.

"Popular figures and dignitaries in the province have a national, ethical and humanitarian duty to enhance communications among people of the homeland, realize national reconciliation, soar above wounds and keep fellow citizens from sliding into acts of violence and terrorism.''

Halqi also underlined the role of clergymen in fighting Takfiri Wahabi thought that terrorist groups are trying to spread.

He affirmed that Syria is "well on the way to victory over terrorism and the fierce war waged against it,'' indicating to the accelerating pace of reconciliations in several areas, particularly in Damascus countryside, and the government's efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian people.

The delegation members, for their part, expressed readiness to defend Syria and exert efforts make a success of reconciliations in the province.