On the sidelines of Monday’s consultative meeting, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s Political Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban called on the opposition not to rely on foreign support.

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s Political Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban called on the opposition inside and outside Syria not to rely on foreign support, indicating that historical experience as well as Iraq and Libya’s incidents make it clear that relying on foreign countries destroys nations.

Shaaban told reporters on the sidelines of Monday’s consultative meeting for the national dialogue that “all the sects in the opposition as well as regime supporters were invited to the conference, but it was unfortunate that some opposition figures did not attend.”

She called on the opposition to act positively, focus on building the nation, and discuss all the points related to the nation, especially as the country is passing through a crisis, SANA reported.

Al-Assad’s Advisor assured before reporters that “the meeting aims at establishing bases and mechanisms for a thorough and comprehensive national dialogue,” considering that “it is the opposition's responsibility to participate and discuss the issues they demanded that concern all Syrian people.”

Shaaban further indicated that “Russia, China and many countries support this dialogue,” and stressed that “the western countries that always called for democracy have not made any statement to support dialogue, and have not even condemned killing Syrian soldiers and security forces.”

Regarding the U.S. ambassador’s presence in Hama Friday, Shaaban said that it was a negative indicator to their support for dialogue, clarifying that those who claimed that they wanted Syria to be democratic country should have revealed support.

In conclusion, Shaaban emphasized that dialogue is the only solution for this crisis, and called for ending protests and sitting around the dialogue table, in order to solve all the problematic political, economic and social issues."

In addition, the Syrian official expressed gratitude for China and its people for supporting reform, security, and stability in Syria.