Bashar al-Assad dismisses Syria war initiative

SYRIAN 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 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 yesterday. "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. 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.
Full Story:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/bashar-al-assad-dismisses-syria-war-initiative/story-e6frg6so-1226744782657