Deadly rocket blast strikes Syria international fair, as Assad rejects security cooperation with the West

[TomSea]

Deadly rocket blast strikes Syria international fair, as Assad rejects security cooperation with the West
The Associated Press
Updated: Sunday, August 20, 2017, 12:44 PM

 DAMASCUS, Syria — Syrian President Bashar Assad on Sunday refused any security cooperation with Western nations or the reopening of their embassies, until they cut ties with opposition and insurgent groups.

Shortly after Assad gave his speech, a shell hit the first international fair in the country since the war began six years ago, killing and wounding several people.

Assad's defiant comments come at a time when his troops and pro-Iranian militiamen are gaining ground across the country under the cover of Russian airstrikes. Many countries have ceased calling for him to step down.

Continued: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/rocket-blast-strikes-syria-fair-assad-rejects-west-cooperation-article-1.3427060