Assad Doubtful About Conference
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Assad Doubtful About Conference, 22 October 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/527134e84.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has cast doubt on whether a proposed international conference to resolve the conflict in his country can succeed.
In an interview on October 21 with Syria's Al-Mayadeen Television, Assad also said no date has been set for such a conference.
He said the opposition groups that have been invited to the talks represent foreign powers rather than the Syrian people.
"Many questions about this conference are still on the table," Assad said.
Assad also said that he doesn't "see any obstacles" to running for a third term as president in the next presidential election, which is scheduled for 2014.
Syria has been gripped by a bloody civil conflict since 2011 that has left more than 100,000 people dead.
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