Syrian Deputy PM: Civil War at Stalemate

Syria’s deputy prime minister said that the civil war in the country has reached stalemate and confirmed the possibility of ceasefire.

10:37 20 September 2013

Qadri Jamil, Syria’s deputy prime minister, has said that the civil war in the country has reached stalemate. Talking to UK’s Guardian, the deputy PM also confirmed that ceasefire is one possibility at the proposed peace talks in Geneva.

 He said: "Neither the armed opposition nor the regime is capable of defeating the other side.”

"This zero balance of forces will not change for a while."

Mr Jamil went on saying that because of civil war that began in early 2011, Syria’s economy had suffered catastrophic losses. In addition, the long-standing conflict has caused the death of more than 100,000 people in the country. Meanwhile, UN confirmed that millions have fled and are now homeless. 

The deputy PM added that the government would propose a ceasefire should the long-delayed Geneva peace talks push through. However, he added: "For all practical purposes the regime in its previous form has ended. In order to realise our progressive reforms we need the West and all those who are involved in Syria to get off our shoulders.”