On Wednesday, Assad outlined in an interview with Sputnik the need for a unity government in his country 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.
"Opening up to a dialogue with the opposition is clearly a good thing but I suspect that his willingness to engage with the opposition is tentative and highly conditional," the former envoy said.
The Saudi-backed Syrian opposition's High Negotiations Committee was seeking the establishment of a transitional governing body with full executive powers.
According to Assad, having the transitional body in Syria would be "illogical and unconstitutional."
Assad's remarks come ahead of the next round of intra-Syria talks that could start as early as April 9.
