Presidnet Bashar al-Assad hailed the Syrian people who enabled their country to remain firm and to thwart the foreign schemes plotted against it.

Presidnet Bashar al-Assad hailed the Syrian people, saying they have enabled their country to remain firm and thwart the foreign schemes plotted against it.

As he received dignitaries from the Syrian capital, President Assad praised Damascus city, which he said has withstood all invaders and held firm throughout history.

The Syrian leader stressed that the power of any country stems from that of its people, official news agency, SANA, reported Saturday.

"Was it not for the high popular sentiment, Syria would not have been able to remain firm and frustrate the externally-plotted schemes against it,” Assad told the dignitaries who took part in the reconciliation efforts in various areas.

For their part, the dignitaries underscored the significance of national reconciliations which are underway in several areas across Syria.

They also expressed support to the Syrian army in its battle against terrorism, as they vowed to spare no effort in order to ensure security and stability.