Assad: Remember me as the man who saved Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he is ready to implement a ceasefire, but only if the rebels do not use it to gain territory, reports the Patria News Agency.

In addition, he said in an interview with Spain's El Pais that in 10 years he wants to be remembered as the man who saved Syria.

Assad, whose political fate is key to the situation in Syria, where the civil war has entered its sixth year, left open the question of whether he will still be president in 10 years.

- In 10 years, if I can save Syria as president – but that doesn't mean I will still be president in 10 years, I'm just talking about my vision - he said.

According to him, "if Syria is safe, and I am the one who saved my country, that is my job, that is my duty.".

- If the Syrian people want me to be in power, I will be. If they don't want me, I can't do anything. I mean, at that point I can't help my country, I have to leave immediately - Assad points out.

World powers agreed on a ceasefire in Syria, but since then the fighting has intensified. In an interview given on February 12, Assad said that his goal was for his forces to recapture the entire country.

Now, in an interview with El Pais, he says he is ready for a ceasefire, but warns that terrorists must not use it to gain territory.

- The goal is to prevent other countries, especially Turkey, from sending soldiers, terrorists, and weapons, as well as any logistical support to terrorists - he states, using the term "terrorist" for the forces of the Syrian opposition.

According to him, the support of Russia and Iran was essential in the recent offensives of his forces.

- We definitely need that help for a simple reason: More than 80 countries support terrorists in some way - says Assad. They do this, he states, "directly with money, logistical support, weapons, soldiers... Some countries support them politically in various international forums," writes Tanjug.