Syrian defector Tlass opposes outside military intervention

Former general says it’s up to the people to topple Assad but calls on world to give ‘all aid and support’ needed to rebels

PARIS (AP) — Syria’s most prominent defector says he opposes any foreign military intervention in the country’s civil war and that he’s confident of the opposition’s ability to topple President Bashar Assad’s regime on its own.

Manaf Tlass, a Syrian general who was the first defector within Assad’s inner circle, says, “It’s up to the Syrian people to achieve victory by themselves,” and that foreign military intervention “could not provide a solution” to the conflict, which began in March 2011.

Tlass’ defection in early July was hailed as a resounding triumph by the opposition, but his motives have raised suspicions.

He called on outside powers to give the opposition “all the aid and support” needed to topple Assad.

He spoke in a recorded interview that aired Monday on French television station BFM.