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           Assad: New Government Should Include Opposition and Regime

   by VOA News

   Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government has been bolstered
   by a series of recent military gains, is striking an optimistic tone
   about the prospects of peace talks aimed at ending his country's
   five-year-long civil war.

   Speaking with Russia's state-owned RIA Novosti news agency Wednesday,
   the embattled Syrian president said the international talks in Geneva
   should result in a government that includes both opposition
   representatives and officials loyal to his regime.

   It would be "logical that independent forces, opposition forces, and
   forces loyal to the state would be represented" in a a new government,
   Assad said. "This is the aim of Geneva -- intra-Syrian dialogue --
   during which we agree the format of the government," he said.

   The interview, which is being published in segments, has not provided
   details on which opposition groups to which Assad was referring. Assad
   also did not mention his own future, which has been the subject of
   intense disagreement.

   Difficult issues remain
   Assad acknowledged there were several "technical" issues yet to be
   agreed upon, including the role each faction would play in the new
   government. "However, these are not difficult issues... they can all be
   resolved," he insisted.

   The U.N. has been conducting Syrian peace talks in Geneva in hopes of
   ending the Syrian civil war that has left 300,000 or more people dead,
   created millions of refugees, and obliterated the country's economy.

   ''

   The talks are now paused. But diplomats hope a transitional government
   and draft constitution can be agreed upon by August. Assad on Wednesday
   said a preliminary constitution could be drawn up "within a few weeks."

   Over the last several weeks, violence has been sharply reduced during
   an internationally brokered "cessation of hostilities." Russia, which
   has backed Assad's government, also recently pulled most of its troops
   out of Syria.

   Recapture of Palmyra
   Syrian government forces have taken advantage of the lull in fighting
   to make important military advances against groups not covered in the
   cessation.

   ''

   Damascus' most significant advance was last week's recapture of the
   ancient and strategic city of Palmyra from Islamic State forces, a
   victory that came with the help of Russian airstrikes. Syrian officials
   have said they will now use Palmyra as a base to continue their
   offensive against Islamic extremists in other areas.

   Assad on Wednesday said even when the country stabilizes, Syria will
   continue to rely on Russian military assistance, not only to "fight
   against terrorism" but also to ensure geopolitical stability.

   ''

   "[Russian] military bases are necessary for us, for you, for
   international balance in the world. That's the truth, whether we agree
   with it or not, but right now it's a necessity," he added.

   The war has cost the country more than $200 billion, Assad told RIA.
   "Economic issues can be settled immediately, when the situation
   stabilizes in Syria, but rehabilitating the infrastructure will take a
   long time," he said.

     WATCH: Palmyra Restoration Begins in Syria

   ''
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/assad-new-government-should-include-o
   pposition-and-regime/3261069.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/assad-new-government-should-include-opposition-and-regime/3261069.html