Assad: Syria will respond to future Israeli strike; Syrian peace accord needs referendum

                                
Syrian President Bashar Assad declared on Thursday that the Syrian Army has achieved major accomplishments on the ground against armed groups, stressing that the events have turned in favor of the Syrian Army.                    

In an interview with Lebanon's Hezbollah-owned TV station al-Manar, Assad noted that Syria and Hezbollah are in the same axis, adding that “Hezbollah members are fighting in border regions with Lebanon, while the Syrian Army is managing the battles against the armed groups and will keep on fighting until the elimination of the terrorists,” as he said.       

On the other hand, Assad condemned the Turkish, Saudi and Qatari roles in supporting and funding armed groups, pointing out that hundreds of thousands of Arab and foreign gunmen have entered Syria with the support of these countries [in reference to Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar].                    

On the Israeli strikes, the Syrian President stated that his forces will respond to any future Israeli strike on his country.              

"We have told countries that we will respond to any strike with a similar strike, the manner of the response will depend on the circumstance and timing of the attack,” he explained. 

Israel struck near the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier this month. Israeli officials said at the time they were targeting suspected shipments of advanced missiles purportedly intended for Hezbollah.                       

On another note, Assad said that Syria would attend peace talks with the opposition in principle but any deal that was struck would have to be approved by referendum.    

Asked whether Syria had any preconditions for attendance at the talks, he noted that "the only condition is that anything to be implemented will be submitted to Syrian public opinion and a Syrian referendum."

Commenting on the Russian weapons deal, President Assad revealed that Russia remained committed to military deals signed with Damascus before the outbreak of conflict in the country.     

"The contracts with Russia are not linked to the crisis and Russia is committed to implementing these contracts."    

"Everything we have agreed on with Russia will take place, and part of it has already taken place," he said.


LBCI/AP/REUTERS