Int’l, Regional Figures Offer Condolences on Demise of Syrian FM Walid Al-Moallem

Lebanese President Michel Aoun sent cable of condolences to President Bashar Al-Assad, offering condolence over the passing away of the veteran diplomat. Head of Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas also cabled President Assad to offer condolences. He said Al-Moallem had defended the Ummah’s (nation) issues, on top of which was the Palestinian cause. For his part, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro expressed his condolences. In a tweet, President Maduro said “Al-Moallem was a brother and a close friend whom I met during the diplomatic work, I extended my sincerest condolences to his family and to all the Syrian people.” Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry expressed “sincerest condolences” on the death of the Syrian FM. Russian President’s Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said “Russia lost a very close friend in the Arab World who was a reliable partner and a knowledgeable and experienced diplomat and politician.” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif sent a message of condolences to Syrian Prime Minister Hussein Arnous. Zarif said Al-Moallem “played an important role in serving and defending the national interests and security of his country.” Foreign Ministry in the Sultanate of Oman also expressed condolences . In a tweet, the ministry said “Al-Moallem had distinguished contributions in the diplomatic work at the regional and international levels.” The Cuban Foreign Ministry, for its part, offered “deepest condolences”. In a tweet, Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez said” I extended my heartfelt condolences to the Syrian Government and people on the death of friend Al-Moallem, and I also extend condolences to his family and friends.” Source: Agencies