Assad Denies Role in Houla Massacre

Syrian President Bashar Assad said that his country is engaged in a "real war" with outside forces and denied any role in the Houla massacre in his first public address since January. In a televised speech to parliament, Assad warned he would not be lenient on those he blamed for the widespread violence in the country and promised that the 15-month crisis would end if Syrians pulled together. Assad repeated many of his earlier pledges to maintain a crackdown on opponents he describes as terrorists and offered dialogue with the opposition figures who have avoided armed conflict or outside backing. The West has accused Syrian armed forces and pro-Assad militia of responsibility for the May 25 Houla killing.

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