01-06-2013, 06:41 PM
Assad gave a national address today for the first time since June.
Syrian President Bashar Assad on Sunday outlined a new peace initiative that includes a national reconciliation conference and a new government and Constitution but demanded regional and Western countries stop funding and arming rebels first.
Mr. Assad ignored international demands for him to step down and said he is ready to hold a dialogue with those “who have not betrayed Syria.”
Syrian opposition forces, including rebels on the ground, are likely to reject Mr. Assad’s proposal. They have repeatedly said they will accept nothing less than the president’s departure, dismissing any kind of settlement that leaves him in the picture.
Full story here:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/internation...279804.ece
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Contrary to what western media has been reporting for the past few weeks, Assad does not appear to be considering stepping down or seeking asylum elsewhere.
Consistent with what western media has been reporting for months, he indeed claims that most of the rebel army is spurred and staffed by terrorists, with whom he won't negotiate. He will negotiate with other non-armed opposition bodies within the country. However, he contends that he will be nobody's puppet and as soon as western outside forces (and Turkey, Qatar, Arab League...) stop funding and pumping the rebels, he will meet with the leaders of opposition groups. The rebel army, however, reiterated today that they will never be willing to meet or negotiate with him no matter what.
Stalemate.
Syrian President Bashar Assad on Sunday outlined a new peace initiative that includes a national reconciliation conference and a new government and Constitution but demanded regional and Western countries stop funding and arming rebels first.
Mr. Assad ignored international demands for him to step down and said he is ready to hold a dialogue with those “who have not betrayed Syria.”
Syrian opposition forces, including rebels on the ground, are likely to reject Mr. Assad’s proposal. They have repeatedly said they will accept nothing less than the president’s departure, dismissing any kind of settlement that leaves him in the picture.
Full story here:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/internation...279804.ece
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contrary to what western media has been reporting for the past few weeks, Assad does not appear to be considering stepping down or seeking asylum elsewhere.
Consistent with what western media has been reporting for months, he indeed claims that most of the rebel army is spurred and staffed by terrorists, with whom he won't negotiate. He will negotiate with other non-armed opposition bodies within the country. However, he contends that he will be nobody's puppet and as soon as western outside forces (and Turkey, Qatar, Arab League...) stop funding and pumping the rebels, he will meet with the leaders of opposition groups. The rebel army, however, reiterated today that they will never be willing to meet or negotiate with him no matter what.
Stalemate.