U.S. President Barack Obama said on Thursday Russia and
Iran must decide whether they want to prop up Syrian President Bashar
al Assad or “save the Syrian state” by finding a Syrian government that
can be legitimate.
Mr. Obama made the comment during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Mr.
Obama said the goal of recent diplomatic efforts is to create space
that could eventually lead to a “pivot” and political transition. He
said a hoped-for ceasefire might not be observed by all parties but
would create “pockets of calm.”
Mr. Obama’s comments
come amid U.S. hopes that Russia may be warming to the idea of a future
Syria that doesn’t include Mr. Assad.
