Assad: The West is changing its position on the Syrian conflict

The West has begun to change its attitude towards Syria because of the danger posed to them by militants, according to President Bashar Al-Assad.

“The United States and the West have started to send signs of change. Terrorism is now on their soil,” Al-Assad said, according to remarks published in the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar yesterday.

Al-Assad continued: “Current and former US officials are trying to get in touch with us, but they do not dare to because of the powerful lobbies that are pressuring them.”

The Syrian crisis began mid-March with a revolutionary movement of peaceful protest demanding to topple the Syrian regime. This was suppressed, before turning into a bloody conflict which has left more than 162,000 people dead.

During this period, Syria has seen a growing influence of radical Islamist groups, especially the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), which began fighting alongside the armed opposition parties before both sides became enemies.

The West constantly warns of the “threat of terrorism” in Syria, many Western Islamists have travelled to Syria to participate in the fighting, raising concern from their governments.

Al-Assad stressed that “dialogue” is the basis for the next stage in his country, saying “We have reconciled with the armed men and declared a pardon for them so how can we not start dialogue with each other?” referring to the general amnesty issued two days ago and which included, for the first time, “terrorist” crimes, a status which the system places on any acts of armed opposition.

The Syrian president claims that dialogue with the Syrian opposition abroad, which was the negotiating party in Geneva, has nothing to offer. Al-Assad said: “What will dialogue with the opposition abroad do? Nothing, because it has no basis. It has nothing to do with the people nor the homeland.”

He added: “They were sold illusions by the West, and in turn they wanted to sell these illusions to the people. The people have said their opinion and we respect them.”

Regarding Geneva, Al-Assad it “ended, because circumstances have changed”.

Al-Assad renewed his confidence in “victory” and said: “The state will prevail, even if it takes time to eliminate all the terrorists.”

He added: “Determining the time of the end of the war is not realistic. Most important thing is that the leadership, the army and the people became absolutely certain that victory is coming.”