Assad Sworn in for Third Term: Declares Victory Over Terrorism, Warns Foreign Backers Will ‘Pay the Price’

Local Editor

Syrian President Bashar Assad was sworn for a third seven-year term, declaring victory over terrorism for defeating "the dirty war" launched on the Syrian people, and warning Western and Arab governments of the backfire they face for their support of the armed insurgency in Syria, as he said in his address in Syria's capital Damascus on Wednesday.

In his address at the presidential palace in Syria's capital of Damascus, broadcast live on national television, Assad, who appeared confident and occasionally made jokes during his inaugural address, was sworn in for a third term on Wednesday.

Before launching into a speech, he said, "I swear by the Almighty God to respect the country's constitution, laws and its republican system and to look after the interests of the people and their freedoms." 

He then began his speech in which he praised the Syrian people for holding the vote and for defeating "the dirty war" launched on the Syrian people. 

He further declared victory over terrorism and mocked Arab and Western backers of the Syrian insurgents fighting to topple the Syrian government. 

"Whoever has supported terrorists, whether in the West or the Arabs, will pay the price sooner or later," he said. 

In a triumphant speech before after taking the oath of office at a red carpet ceremony in Damascus, Assad also mocked the "fake spring" of the 2011 Arab uprisings.

"They wanted a revolution, but you have been the real revolutionaries. I congratulate you for your revolution and for your victory," he stated.

"The mask of freedom and the revolution has fallen," Assad added. 

"Congratulations on your victory and congratulations for Syria and its people who have defied all kinds of terrorism," he further said.

The war in Syria and recent turmoil in Iraq and now seized Gaza, he said, were all connected. "These are all part of a series planned by "Israel" and the West."

Assad issued a fresh call for "national dialogue," ruling out talks with "those who have not proven their patriotism," referring to the exiled opposition.

"We stress the need to press on with national reconciliation to stop the bloodshed," said Assad.
Furthermore, in his speech, Assad dismissed the Syrian opposition abroad as traitors.

Assad also spoke about government plans for the future such as the need to fight corruption, ideas for religious educational reform and a program to rebuild some damaged areas.

He vowed to continue fighting terrorism and to retake the cities of Aleppo and Raqqa.

Assad was sworn in six weeks after winning an election his critics had dismissed as a "farce."
"Syrians, three years and four months... have passed since some cried 'freedom,'" referring to the outbreak of the 2011 conflict in Syria.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team