As fighting raged in the six-year war that has left more than a quarter of a million people dead, Syria's embattled President Bashar Assad vowed Tuesday to "liberate" the areas of his country still out of his control and again made it clear he was not interested in the negotiated peace options currently on offer from the U.S-backed opposition.
"As we liberate Palmyra, and many territories before, we will liberate every span of the country from their hands. There is no choice but victory," he added, to the applause of the lawmakers.
Assad arrived at a hall and was met by the cheering guests. "With our blood and soul we sacrifice ourselves to you Bashar," they chanted.
For security reasons, the location of the ceremony was not disclosed until last minute. Helicopters hovered in the sky of the capital since early morning.
"Our determination to eliminate terrorism does not mean that we don't believe in the political process," Assad said, looking relaxed and wearing a dark blue suit and tie.
"Real talks have not yet started and we have got no answers to our numerous questions," the Syrian leader said. "We will not allow them to take Syria to the path they wish to take. We have proposed a paper of principles that constitutes the basis for the success of the talks but we found no one to talk to in Geneva. Any peace talks that do not end with the elimination of terror is meaningless."
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