Assad ready for ‘civilised’ exit: Russian envoy

Russia’s ambassador to France said Friday that Syrian President Bashar Assad “accepts to leave” power, but only if he can step down “in a civilised manner.” Speaking to Radio France Internationale, ambassador Alexandre Orlov said: “I think (it) will be difficult for him to stay after everything that has happened.” “By the way, he (Mr. Assad) sort of accepted,” he continued.

At the conference on Syria in Geneva on June 30, Mr. Orlov said “there was a final communiquhat foresaw a transition towards a more democratic system,” he said.

“This communiquas accepted by Assad. Assad nominated his representative to lead the negotiations with the opposition on this transition ... That means he accepts to leave, but to leave in a civilised manner.”