Khalid Saleh, head of the Syrian Coalition’s Media Office, stressed that Bogdanov’s remarks, which criticized Assad’s statements suggesting he might seek re-election, “do not represent a change in the Russian position.” Saleh said that “it is not only related to Assad’s refraining from releasing provocative statements.” Saleh pointed out that “the real demands that Russia must officially present to Assad are to stop his war on the Syrian people, allow access of relief aid, release detainees, and to recognize clearly that the goal of the Geneva 2 is the handover of power to a transitional ruling body with full authority.” The head of the Media Office went on: “These are the real factors that will lead to the success of this conference.” Saleh’s comments come in response to remarks by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in which he criticized Assad’s statements suggesting he may seek reelection next year, especially that America stresses the need that Assad steps down as a result of Geneva 2. “Such rhetorical statements by Assad affect the atmosphere and do not make the situation any calmer,” Bogdanov was quoted as saying. The Russian official’s statements followed U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford confirmation that his country’s position had not changed and that Assad must step down, and that Washington rejects Iran’s participation in Geneva 2. (Source: Syrian Coalition)
