Assad deals blow to Syria peace initiative
Peace efforts in doubt as Syrian president declares forthcoming conference illegitimate in media interview
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad has dealt a blow to efforts for a peace conference, saying factors are not in place for it to succeed, as Western and Arab powers prepare to meet on Tuesday with the country’s opposition.
“No time has been set, and the factors are not yet in place if we want [the US-Russian initiative dubbed ‘Geneva 2’] to succeed,” Assad told Lebanese television channel Al-Mayadeen on Monday.
“Which forces are taking part? What relation do these forces have with the Syrian people? Do these forces represent the Syrian people, or do they represent the states that invented them?” Assad asked in typically defiant fashion.
“Personally, I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t run in the next election.”
In the lengthy interview, Assad also said he was willing to run for re-election next year, in remarks that came soon after US Secretary of State John Kerry said that if he were to win, it would extend Syria’s civil war.
“Personally, I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t run in the next election,” Assad declared.
Kerry’s comments came before a ‘Friends of Syria’ meeting in London with Syrian opposition leaders, whom the US top diplomat said would never agree to Assad staying in power.
“He has bombed and gassed people in his country. ... How can that man claim to rule under any legitimacy in the future?” Kerry said after talks with Arab League officials in Paris.