06.10 Assad Says 'West Is More Confident in Al-Qaida than Me'
MOSCOW, October 6 (RIA Novosti) In an interview with a German magazine, Syrian President Bashar Assad has accused the West of lies about the use of chemical weapons in Syria and said Russia understands the reality of the conflict in his country much better, than the United States.
"We did not use chemical weapons," Assad said in an advance version of an interview with Der Spiegel to be published on Monday. "This is a misstatement. So is the picture you paint of me as a man who kills his own people."
The Syrian leader criticized the international community: "It seems to me that the West is more confident in al-Qaida than me," he said.
Assad said the only thing US President Barack Obama has is lies, while adding that Russia is Syrias real friend. He said Moscow supports him now even more than ever and is more independent than Europe where politicians orientate themselves so much towards Washington.
Speaking on the chemical weapons inspections now beginning in Syria, Assad said: "We're very transparent. The experts can go to every site. They are going to have all the data from our government," adding that the weapons will remain under full control until they are destroyed.
The Syrian leader said he would not negotiate with rebels whom he describes as terrorists until they laid down their arms. Meanwhile, he hinted that Germany could play a role in negotiating the settlement. I would like to see envoys from Germany, he told the magazine.
