Assad Denies Civil War, Blames Al-Qaeda as UN Weighs Chemical Weapons Resolution
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has insisted that his country is not in the throes of a civil war, instead blaming foreign-backed Al-Qaeda fighters for the unrest. Meanwhile, the international community grapples with the complex situation, with the UN Security Council debating a draft resolution to secure Syria's chemical weapons.
Assad has set a one-week deadline to provide a list of Syria's chemical facilities, stating he could do so 'tomorrow'. However, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with an Al-Qaeda front group seizing control of a border town. The opposition in Syria is highly fragmented, with reports of infighting among rebel groups.
The international response has been multifaceted. Assad denied responsibility for the August 21 gas attack on Damascus suburbs but vowed to hand over his chemical arsenal. He insisted he was not forced to cooperate by US threats of military action. Western nations are pushing for a Security Council vote this weekend, with a draft resolution invoking Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Several countries, including Egypt, Senegal, and South Africa, are supporting the Russia-US diplomacy initiative for disarmament and potentially backing a UN resolution to codify this into international law.
Assad admitted that Islamic extremists have become a majority among the rebels since the end of 2012. He promised to surrender Syria's chemical weapons but warned it would take at least a year and cost one billion dollars.
The UN Security Council is actively debating a draft resolution to enshrine the US-Russian plan to secure and neutralize Syria's chemical weapons in international law. Meanwhile, Assad's assertion that Syria is not in a state of civil war contrasts with the complex and dangerous reality on the ground, where rebel infighting and Al-Qaeda influence pose significant challenges.
