Assad says to defend Syria against any aggression

DAMASCUS -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Thursday his country would defend itself against any foreign aggression, stressing determination to "eliminate terrorism" in the war-weary country.

According to state-run SANA news agency, Assad made the remarks during a meeting with pro-Syria Yemeni parties' leaders and lawmakers.

The threats of military action on Syria would only make the country more adherent to its rooted bases and independent decision, Assad said.

He also expressed determination to eliminate terrorism "that is supported by Israel and other Western countries to serve their interests in fragmenting the region and subduing its people."

His remarks come as the United States and its allies have been mulling imminent military action against Syria, following baseless accusations by the rebels that the Damascus government was responsible for a nerve agent attack near the capital last week.

Syria totally rubbished the claims and accused Washington of seeking to frame Syria to justify military action.