Assad’s Stalling of Chemical Weapons Handover Aims to Ensure the Holding of Presidential Election

Hisham Marwa, member of the legal committee, said that the upcoming presidential elections are a “preemptive strike to foil the formation of the transitional governing body in accordance with the Geneva I declaration. The presidential elections will foil all international efforts designed to bring about a political settlement that may end the bloodshed. We warned of Assad’s attempts to delay the handover of his chemical weapons as they are essential to his survival in power. It seems that Assad will not relinquish the remaining of his chemical weapons until after the presidential elections through which he is trying to reproduce and legitimize his regime in cooperation with his regional allies.” Furthermore, Marwa stresses that Assad is practicing political blackmail, as he is fully aware that any possible military strikes against his military positions will be carried out only when his chemical weapons cache is entirely disposed of.” Marwa concluded his remarks denying the Assad regime’s allegations that the handover of its chemical weapons stockpile was impeded by the outbreak of battles near the Syrian coast. “The port of Latakia is located several kilometers away from the town of Kassab where clashes have been raging. Moreover, rebels don’t have the long-range weapons capable of striking regime positions in the port of Latakia.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)