Assad: New Government Should Include Opposition and Regime

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government has been bolstered by a series of recent military gains, is striking an optimistic tone about the prospects of peace talks aimed at ending his country's five-year-long civil war.

Speaking with Russia's state-owned RIA Novosti news agency Wednesday, the embattled Syrian president said the international talks in Geneva should result in a government that includes both opposition representatives and officials loyal to his regime.

It would be "logical that independent forces, opposition forces, and forces loyal to the state would be represented" in a a new government, Assad said. "This is the aim of Geneva — intra-Syrian dialogue — during which we agree the format of the government," he said.

The interview, which is being published in segments, has not provided details on which opposition groups to which Assad was referring. Assad also did not mention his own future, which has been the subject of intense disagreement.

Difficult issues remain

Assad acknowledged there were several "technical" issues yet to be agreed upon, including the role each faction would play in the new government. "However, these are not difficult issues... they can all be resolved," he insisted.

The U.N. has been conducting Syrian peace talks in Geneva in hopes of ending the Syrian civil war that has left 300,000 or more people dead, created millions of refugees, and obliterated the country's economy...
   [voanews.com]
30/3/16
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