MOSCOW (Sputnik) — In this week’s interview with Sputnik, Assad outlined the need for a unity Syrian government that would include “opposition, independent, the current government and other” political forces. According to the Syrian leader, the transitional period in the war-torn country must occur under the current constitution.
"The documents of Geneva I, the [UN] Security Council resolution, say that the transitional body should create a neutral environment. However, in Assad’s view and under the current constitution, he is making a final decision on everything. A government that he [Assad] imagines cannot create a neutral environment for all sides to the peace process," Samir Aita said.
The opposition member added that it was necessary to include new constitutional principles proposed by UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura during the transitional period.
Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with forces loyal to Assad's government fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.
