Most people in Syria support the Russian military action against terrorists, according to the country's senior Catholic bishop. They are pinning their hopes on Russia helping negotiate peace in the war-torn land, he said.
"We see Russia's military operation as a real effort to fight terrorism. What is especially important is that this military campaign goes in parallel with promotion of peace process," said Georges Abou Khazen, Apostolic Vicar of Aleppo for the Latins.
"We really hope that the peace process will soon prevail over fighting all across Syria," he told Novorossia Today in a telephone interview. Most Syrians of all backgrounds and faith regard Russian military campaign as "salvation, a way out of the state we've been enduring for five years," he said. Syrians were "very positive" about the Russian involvement.
"Russia's actions are not limited to the military operation. Russia makes a very positive impact by stimulating the negotiations process, and promotes dialogue between various Syrian groups."
He regretted that the traditional harmony between the 20-plus cultural and religious minorities in Syria had gone. "Our pre-war society was like a beautiful multicolored mosaic. But unfortunately, it has been destroyed," he said.
He described conditions in Aleppo with no electricity and limited water.
At least nine million Syrians have fled their homes since civil war broke out in 2011, alhough more than six million of those still in Syria. "In light of recent military advances in the Aleppo region, we hope that tension will ease and situation in the city will improve," Bishop Khazen said.
In their historic meeting last week, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church signed a joint declaration pledging, among other things, special focus on the challenges in the Middle East.
