Syrian President blames terrorists for country’s upheaval

Syrian President Bashar Assad insisted that his government is not fighting innocent Syrians aspiring for democracy but is actually fighting against foreign mercenaries wanting to overthrow him.

During his first interview in almost six months,  broadcast on Russian state news channel Rossiya-24, Assad stood his ground despite condemnation expressed on an international level over his lethal crackdown on rebels.

Assad said that he would be prepared to show foreign mercenaries which have been detained “to the world”.

Sending out a warning to neighbouring nations, Assad cautioned them to refrain from interfering in Syria’s affairs and those countries which have served as transit points for contraband weapons may risk being ‘infected’ by the chaos sowed in Syria.

Despite 14 months of upheaval in Syria, Assad still has a firm control on power in Syria after inheriting it from his father 12 years ago.

According to UN estimations in March, more than 9,000 people were killed by the violence which has ensued and hundreds more have been killed since the beginning of the revolt.

Assad continued to deny that Syrians are behind the uprising and placed blame on foreign extremists and terrorists, but acknowledged that there are genuine calls for reform.

However, the opposition said that the president has to date only offered superficial changes which could do little in a country which violently condemns any speak of rebellion.