Assad warns chances of war increasing

DAMASCUS, Syria, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Syrian President Bashar Assad warned the chances of war are "increasing," in an interview marking the 65th anniversary of the creation of the country's army.

In an interview with The People's Army Magazine, Assad said Sunday: "The real peace spectrum in the region is moving away and the prospects of war and confrontation are increasing.

"Syria reiterates its willingness in the just peace and consolidating bases of security and stability in this vital region of the world … and this will not be realized except by the restoration of the whole usurped rights according to the relevant international resolutions … the first factor of peace is preserving dignity, sovereignty and not abandoning any bit of soil or drop of water," the SANA news agency quoted him saying.

Syria will not drop its claim concerning the Golan Heights he said.

"Anyone who thinks that Syria may negotiate on its occupied land, is mistaken because liberating the Golan is a right that resides in the hearts of the Syrians as people, army and leadership," Assad said.

Syria is "stronger, more determined and effective and has a greater international and regional presence," the president said.

The entire world realizes that Israel is the one preventing peace, he declared.