Syria's 'confident'

Syria's Assad 'confident' of Iranian and Russian support

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The Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, has said he is confident he has the continuing support of key allies Iran and Russia.

A fresh push is under way to resolve Syria's four-year conflict, leading to speculation Mr Assad could be forced out to reach a settlement.

But Mr Assad said Russia and Iran did not abandon their friends.

Meanwhile France has said that that the "neutralisation" of the Syrian leader was essential to ending the crisis.

French President Francois Hollande said: "We must reduce the terrorist influence without maintaining Assad. The two are bound up together."

Iran and Russia though have maintained he needs to be part of a political solution.

origina post found herhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-34058893