DAMASCUS, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Syrian Parliament Speaker Hammouda Sabbagh on Tuesday slammed the Western sanctions imposed on Syria as a violation of international Law, calling for lifting such measures completely, according to the state news agency SANA.

Sabbagh, during his meeting with a visiting delegation from the European Parliament headed by French politician Thierry Mariani, voiced appreciation for Mariani's stances in supporting Syria, affirming the importance of conveying what Syrians have been suffering to the public in France and Europe.

He said that the sanctions have affected the medical sector since the imports of medical materials and equipment to hospitals in Syria have been restricted.

For his part, Mariani said his visit to Syria aims to figure out the reality on the ground as well as the repercussions of the sanctions.

Mariani also stressed the necessity of changing the European stance and points of view toward Syria, according to SANA. Enditem