Assad says will retake northern Syria, if militants did not surrender
FILE PHOTO: Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad speaks during an interview with Croatian newspaper Vecernji List in Damascus, Syria, in this handout picture provided by SANA on April 6, 2017. SANA/Handout via REUTERS
In a televised interview with the Russian NTV channel, Assad said “accusing Syria of using chemical weapons in not related to reality,” adding that this is the pretext used by the west for the direct military intervention and attack against the Syrian army.”
Moreover, Assad said the west will not take part within the reconstruction of Syria, adding “they do not give. Just take only.”
The remark came in a comment on a statement by a western politician saying that they will not help in reconstruction of Syria, so long Assad is in power.
“Frankly, this is the best statement made by the west throughout the period of war in Syria,” Assad added.
“The west will not take part in reconstruction of Syria. We will not allow this to happen. Syria has enough power to reconstruct the country,” according to Assad.
Last month, Assad expressed readiness for negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces, or else he would use force against them to get out of the regions they control. When asked about time for ending the war, Assad said it’s hard to set time for that, however, he said it’s about to end.