Syria opposition rejects unity govt that includes Assad regime

Syria’s main opposition High Negotiations Committee today flatly rejected a demand from President Bashar al-Assad for any transitional government to include his regime.

“International resolutions speak of... the formation of a transitional body with full powers, including presidential powers,” HNC senior member Asaad al-Zoabi said, adding “Assad should not remain for even one hour after the formation” of this body.

Assad made the demand in an interview published today, saying it would be “logical for there to be independent forces, opposition forces and forces loyal to the government represented” in any transitional body.