Assad: Government Needs More Time to Defeat Rebels

Remains optimistic

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said the government needs more time to "win the battle" against rebel forces.

In an interview with pro-government al-Dunya TV, Mr Assad also dismissed as "unrealistic" the idea of creating humanitarian buffer zones within Syria.

Opposition activists say the army has launched offensives across the country to regain control of rebel-held areas.