Putin Spox: Support for Assad Not ‘Unconditional’

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Russia’s support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is not “unconditional.” The comments were made in light of a sarin gas attack Assad is suspected of launching against civilians. “Unconditional support is not possible in this current world,” Peskov told the Associated Press in an interview, adding: “It is not correct to say that Moscow can convince Mr. Assad to do whatever is wanted in Moscow. That is totally wrong.” Peskov justified his country’s support of the Assad regime, saying it is “the only real power in Syria that can resist terrorists on the ground.” He added that Russia wants an investigation into the sarin gas attack before the United Nations Security Council decides to take action.