Al Maqdisi: Syrian regime doesn't believe in diplomatic solution

Bashar Al-Assad’s regime believes in resorting to a military solution to end the Syrian civil war, the country’s former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jihad Al Maqdisi told CNN during his first media appearance since leaving office.

Al Maqdisi said: “The international community has to understand that the revolution is no longer just against Al-Assad. The American policy towards Syria has failed because of it focused on Al-Assad, while what the people want is to stabilise Syria and bring about change. Al-Assad’s fate is no longer on the table because the primary goal of the Geneva talks is to change the regime.”

After working for the Foreign Ministry for 14 years, Al Maqdisi said he needed to resign because he felt he belonged to a different agenda; one which recognises the Syrian people and their aspirations.

He disagreed with the president of the US’ national security who believes the Syrian president’s strength has increased after the agreement on the destruction of Damascus’ chemical weapons arsenal. “I do not believe Al Asad’s strength has increased. He merely bought more time believing if there was an agreement between the government and the UN there would be a necessity for the survival of the government and thus the survival of the current regime,” he said.

“The tragedy in Syria is not about the sort of arms possessed by the government. People can be killed with conventional weapons like knives and bullets. However, those found guilty of using chemical weapons in Syria, including the regime, must be held accountable for their actions. We need to reach a ceasefire and work on national reconciliation and the attainment of transitional justice.”