Voice of America – Syrian state media have dismissed as “inaccurate” a report that President Bashar al-Assad told visiting Russian lawmakers he has no intention of giving up power and the issue is not up for discussion.
The conflicting reports come just days ahead of an internationally sponsored peace conference on Syria.
The Russian news agency Interfax had quoted Mr. Assad as saying “if we had wanted to give up, we would have surrendered from the start.”
“This issue is not up for discussion,” he reportedly said Sunday in remarks translated into Russian.
Syria’s government and the opposition are due to participate in peace talks in Switzerland beginning Wednesday, with Mr. Assad’s role in Syria’s future expected to be a key stumbling block.
The Geneva 2 meeting aims to create a transitional government with full executive powers.
While few expect the talks will reach this goal, its supporters are hoping the discussions will at least result in increased humanitarian access and local cease-fires to make life easier for Syrian civilians.
The Syrian National Coalition – the country’s main political opposition grouping in exile – has agreed to attend the talks. A senior SNC official said its leadership will meet later Sunday in Istanbul to name members of the delegation.