President Bashar Assad said in an exclusive interview to AFP that he has decided to participate in Syrias future presidential elections. He also stressed that the War on Terror should be the major focus of the Geneva 2 peace conference.
With the Geneva 2 peace talks starting on Wednesday, January 22, Assad set the record straight on what he and his government expect from the negotiations with the Syrian opposition in Switzerland.
I see no reason why I shouldnt stand [for elections],said Assad, hosting foreign journalists at the presidential palace in Damascus.
Sincethere is public desire and a public opinion in favor of my candidacy, I will not hesitate for a second to run for election,he told AFP, adding that chances for his candidacy aresignificant.