Bashar Al-Assad

Assad pledges to continue fighting terrorist violence and urges foreign countries to end support for his enemies while also offering a national dialogue and a constitutional referendum to end Syria’s crisis. Assad uses an hour-long speech in Damascus to propose what he calls a comprehensive plan that includes an expanded government. He refers to plots against his country and the role of al-Qaida, long-portrayed as the leading element in the uprising.

We are now in a state of war in every sense of the word, This war targets Syria using a handful of Syrians and many foreigners. Thus, this is a war to defend the nation.

Assad also thanks Russia, China and Iran for supporting Syria in the face of hostility from the US, Britain and France.