Bashar al-Assad Issues Defiant Message: 'I'm Here to Stay'
Bashar al-Assad speaks to Argentinian newspaper Clarin about the on[-]going civil war in Syria. The president says the country's crisis has become so deadly because of international interference. Assad claims Barack Obama's reluctance to intervene further is not down to principles but less finance and a lack of opportunity for America to benefit from Syrian peace. When asked if he would stand down in pursuit of peace, he replies he must 'face his duty' and remain in his elected position

Read the Observer article here | Martin Chulov, Beirut | Saturday, May 18, 2013