French FM Says Muallem Remarks on Assad 'Provocation, Bad Sign'

by Naharnet Newsdesk 13 March 2016, 15:19

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault hit out Sunday at comments by his Syrian counterpart that removing President Bashar Assad would cross a "red line" in the negotiations, describing them as a "provocation" and a "bad sign" for the attempts to find peace.

Muallem said in Damascus Saturday: "We will not talk with anyone who wants to discuss the presidency... Bashar Assad is a red line."

Assad's fate has long been a major stumbling block, with Russia rejecting any suggestion he should go, while the United States wants him to step down.

Source: Agence France Presse

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