Putin noted the role of external pressure in the development of the Syrian conflict – Interfax

Moscow. January 12. INTERFAX.RU – Syrian President Bashar Assad made a lot of mistakes in the course of the conflict in this country, but the opposition would not have been such a scale without external influence, Russian President Vladimir Putin in an interview with German publication Bild.

“Did not we will not know that the conflict would not have acquired such a scale, if not initially been supported from the outside in huge quantities of money, weapons, fighters?” – said the Russian leader.

Putin also expressed regret that in such conflicts, civilians suffer.

“But who is responsible for this? The government, which seeks to preserve the sovereignty and struggles with these unconstitutional actions, or those who organize such an armed struggle against the government? “- he wondered.

The Russian president said that Russia does not want the situation in Syria has developed the Libyan or Iraqi scenario.

To raise the question of representation in the Russian Federation asylum to Syrian President Assad is too early, according to the Russian president.

“We have Mr. Snowden was granted asylum, it was more difficult than to give Assad”, – he said, responding to question of whether to grant Russian asylum Syrian leader, if he loses the election in the country.

Putin believes that “if it (the elections – IF) will in a democratic way, in this way, then maybe not Assad will have to go anywhere. ” “It does not matter, he will be president or not,” – said the Russian leader.

According to him, Syria needs a constitutional reform that then based on the new basic law to hold early parliamentary and presidential elections. “As for Syria, I believe that we need to move toward constitutional reform. This is a complex process, of course,” – he said.

Putin again emphasized that only the Syrian people must decide who and as will govern the country. “Only in this case it will be possible to create a situation of stability, security and create conditions for economic growth and human well-being, create conditions so that they did not flee to Europe, and lived in their own homes in their own country”, – he said.

According to Putin, Assad does not want to destroy their fellow citizens in their suffering is primarily to blame for those who lead an armed struggle with the Syrian authorities and helping insurgents. “He does not seek the destruction of his own people. He fights with those who came to him with arms,” ​​- said Putin about the Syrian president.

At the same time Putin noted that “this does not mean there (in Syria – IF) all is well and everyone is right. ” “That’s why I think that it is necessary to carry out political reforms. The first step in this direction should be to work on a new constitution and its adoption”, – he added.