No Place for Assad in Syria’s Transition, Says John Kerry

The US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the resolution of the Syrian crisis cannot include President Bashar al-Assad, who is responsible for the violation of human rights.

"The right to lead a country does not come from torture, nor barrel bombs, nor missiles", Kerry stated in his opening speech at the Geneva-2 peace conference on Wednesday, cited by CNN.

Kerry added that a solution to the crisis must involve the world community, but those responsible for the bloodshed over the past years cannot be part of a transitional government.

The US top-diplomat's comments drew applause from the oppositional Syrian National Coalition, while representatives of the Assad regime blamed him of interfering with domestic affairs.

Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem labeled the West's position as a "misleading campaign of lies", advising international leaders to stay out of the conflict.

Later, the US State Department issued a statement condemning the tone and accusations of the Syrian government officials.

The Geneva-2 peace talks will continue on Thursday and Friday. It seems unlikely that a political solution will be agreed between the concerned parties.

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