Syria

Assad Rejects Calls for Resignation

Says global criticism is "worthless."

Syria's unpopular president has dismissed global calls for his resignation as "worthless" in an appearance on state television Sunday. Bashar al-Assad also revealed plans to begin a series of reforms to allow for multiparty elections in the next six months. In a rare TV interview, Assad also revealed that his country's security situation has grown "more militant," but he feels confident that his command is "capable of dealing with it." While he claims security forces have made gains, EU governments are not backing down on the verge of the toughest sanctions yet. The agreement would ban all imports of Syria's crude oil, accounting for 90 percent of the country's total exportation. Turkey, a former ally, added to the heat on Saturday, describing Syria's current state as “unsustainable.”