Russia's involvement check terrorism spread in Syria ----Assad

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Russian airstrikes in Syria have curbed the activities of terrorist groups in the war-torn country, a media report said on Wednesday.
Assad's remarks were made during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, marking Assad's first overseas visit since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, reports Xinhua.
The Syrian leader highlighted the need for countries supportive of the insurgency in his country to stop backing terrorist groups in order to enable Syrians to define their country's future.
He said that military operations in Syria aimed to eliminate terrorism which hindered political solutions, adding that any military operation must be followed by political steps.
As for Putin, he expressed his administration's readiness to assist Syria both militarily and politically.
``Certainly Syria as a country is considered our friend, and we are prepared to help, not just militarily against terrorism, but also politically,’’ Putin said.
The Russian leader said he would contact international powers to discuss a political solution for Syria which include the participation of Syrian forces.
Report says Assad's rare visit is quite significant as it represents the extent to which Russians are willing to go to support the Assad administration.
Russia's airstrikes started pounding militant groups' posts in Syria on Sept. 30, as Syrian Government officials hailed Russia's efficient step in the war against terrorism.