Syrians Back President al-Assad

Damascus, Jan 11. -Despite an icy drizzle, hundreds of thousands of Syrians gathered in Omaya Square, the largest in Damascus, on Wednesday to reaffirm their support for President Bashar al-Assad and for national unity in light of foreign hostility.People of all ages, but young people mainly, marched down the avenues and streets chanting slogans and bearing Syrian flags and placards with the photo of their leader.

The mass demonstration is taking place after al-Assad addressed the nation on Tuesday delivering a speech that conveyed equanimity, strength and confidence that a better future can be achieved and assuring that "victory is near".

The leader affirmed that the campaign against Syria, whipped up by the West and Arab media and governments, has failed.

Al-Assad also condemned the terrorist attacks that have killed and wounded hundreds of people and have caused serious material damage to important economic objectives.

These mass demonstrations in support of the government and national unity are taking place at a time when nearly 160 observers from the Arab League are monitoring the country and authorities have granted visas and work permits to several foreign journalists for them to witness the national reality.

On Tuesday, similar mass demonstrations took place in Raqqa, Sweida, Aleppo, Hama, Tartous, Lattakia and other regions. (Prensa Latina)