Muslim Scholars Gathering on Thursday couched unswerving support for Assad-led Syria and its coalition with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Beirut - Taqrib News Agency (TNA) - "Among all Arab states, only Syria refused to succumb and resign to the Israeli enemy; it stood by the Islamic and national resistance in Lebanon," said Sheikh Ahmed Zein, head of the Gathering's Trustees Board.

For his part, Sheikh Hassan Abdullah, head of the Gathering's administration board, said the aim was not merely to topple the Syrian regime, but also to thwart the rejectionist resistance axis.

"There are bids to foment sectarian strife in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon," he explained.

"We, the Muslim scholars gathering, are ready to work hand in hand with our brotherly scholars in Syria and the Islamic world to face these bids," he concluded.

These remarks came during a lunch banquet which Syrian ambassador to Lebanon, Ali Abdul Karim Ali, held in honor of the Gathering.

"I need to listen to you rather than to speak with you; but what I want to say is that you should be reassured about Syria's strength," the diplomat said.