Vladimir Yevseev: no one is talking about change of regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad

A meeting between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration of Syria, Al-Faisal Mekdad, and a Russian delegation composed of political scientists, writers and journalists took place recently in Syria. The diplomat confirmed the similarity of the positions of Syria and Russia on the world arena and underlined mutual respect as the main principle of bilateral relations.

He noted that the Syrian government and people highly appreciate the position of Russia in regard to Syria, in particular regarding the veto of the draft resolution at the UN Security Council.

The Deputy Foreign Minister briefed the delegation on the situation in Syria and reaction to these events of hostile communities. He also stressed that the West cannot deny the fact that it funds and supplies weapons to armed groups that commit acts of murder and violence and harm the country's infrastructure. He assured that Syria is fulfilling its obligations, noting that things had improved.

Al Mekdad said that Syria is moving towards democratic reforms and carrying out comprehensive reforms, noting that President Bashar al-Assad received a copy of the draft constitution of the ATS, which will be put to a referendum at the end of this month. In the second half of May parliamentary elections will take place in the country with the participation of all political forces.

A member of the Russian delegation, director of the Center for Public Policy Research, Vladimir Yevseev, told "Vestnik Kavakaza" that the current situation in Damascus is calm. There are no roadblocks or other attributes of war in the streets, except for enhanced protection of some sites. The expert said that no one is talking about a change of Bashad's regime. He noted that there is a possibility that someone else from the president's circle will take his place.

"The very struggle against radicals and mercenaries will be, in my opinion, protracted, although the authorities are hoping that in the very near future there will be significant progress and stabilization of the situation. The authorities of Syria are planning to hold a referendum on the new constitution before the end of this month. This will be followed by preparations for the parliamentary elections, which may be held in late May - early June. It is important that, according to the project, the party which attains a majority will form the government. From this point of view, it all may somewhat change the political balance of power in Syria. At present, the opposition has no support among the population and because of that it cannot just take power by democratic means. This is an obvious fact, and therefore we cannot hope that the change of power will occur by peaceful means. The opposition will try to do it by force, and, of course, will face resistance. All this may lead to a prolonged crisis," Yevseev said in an interview to Vestnik Kavkaza.

"Syria needs help because the situation is not hopeless, and the resignation of Bashar al-Assad is out of the question. The main reason for the worsening of the situation and the drastic actions of the opposition is an extremely powerful support for radical opposition from some states. First of all, from Qatar and Saudi Arabia," the political scientist said, adding that not all the opposition is radical and that some oppisition members are ready for a dialogue with the authorities, especially in big cities.

He also denied rumors about the mythical 15 thousand Iranian soldiers who allegedly came to the aid of Bashar Assad. "This is a blatant act of provocation aimed at destabilizing the situation," Yevseev concluded.