I’ve made mistakes, Assad tells German magazine

Syrian president says regime and rebels both bear some blame for country’s ongoing civil war

Syrian President Bashar Assad giving an interview in Damascus in 2013 (screenshot: Fox News)
Syrian President Bashar Assad giving an interview in Damascus in 2013 (screenshot: Fox News)

A German magazine is quoting Syria’s President Bashar Assad as saying he has made mistakes and that no side in his country’s civil war is entirely free of blame.

In an advance version of an interview to be published Sunday, Der Spiegel also quotes Assad as saying he doesn’t believe in a negotiated peace with armed opposition groups.

Assad reportedly told the weekly that he hadn’t yet decided whether to run for the presidency again when his term ends in August.

On Saturday, Der Spiegel quoted Assad as reiterating his insistence that government forces weren’t responsible for the Aug. 21 chemical weapons attack near Damascus.

The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 as protests against Assad’s regime, evolving into a civil war that has killed more than 100,000 people.


Copyright 2013 The Associated Press

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.