Syria’s President Bashar Assad emerged from the shadows to announce in a publicly televised interview that he’s not stepping down, and he’s not caving to “terrorists” who were tearing apart his country.
It’s his first interview since the international community has pressed for a peace conference to put a halt to the violence, BBC reported. Mr. Assad said the West would be better served by slowing the tide of weapons into the hands of “terrorists” who were responsible for the ongoing attacks, BBC said.
Mr. Assad’s forces have been receiving assistance from Hezbollah fighters, BBC said. Their latest target: The rebel stronghold of Qusair. The BBC reported that government fighters have also just started receiving help from Shia militants who have been crossing the borders from Iraq.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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