Assad says he is ready to reconstruct Syria

Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has said he is ready to reconstruct Syria and pledged to carry out “democratic reforms” following his re-election.

The Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported Al-Assad’s “victory” speech, which included his remarks about reconstruction and reforms.

During the interview with the newspaper, Al-Assad looked happy and promised to reinforce the culture of dialogue. He hinted to a potential reconciliation with the armed opposition and issuing an amnesty for them.

Al-Assad noted that the reconciliation in Homs was not achieved by a regional and international agreement, but it was a result of dialogue between the regime’s army and the armed groups.

Speaking about the Americans, he said they proved that they are more reasonable than the French. However, both are partners in a conspiracy against his country. He expected that one of the reasons for the French “extremist” position towards Syria is related to deals with Saudi Arabia.

The president said the west was changing its stance of helping the opposition fighters because of the dangers facing them from jihadists. “The United States and the West have started to send signs of change. Terrorism is now on their soil.”

He said “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.”

Regarding dialogue with the opposition, he noted that Geneva had ended and the opposition abroad had become ineffective.

He said that expecting the war to end at a certain time is “illogical”. The most important thing, he said, is that the people and the army have faith that victory is coming.