Saudi Foreign Minister Questions Russia’s Motives in Syria
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O’DONNELL: “Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister says Russia’s moves are making it harder to solve the Syrian crisis. Adel al-Jubeir and other U.S. allies attended the U.N Summit on Tuesday led by President Obama. In an interview you’ll see only on CBS This Morning, al-Jubeir talks about the fight against ISIS which is called DAESH in the Arab world.”
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O’DONNELL: “Russia says it's in Syria to defeat ISIS. Do you believe that’s why they are there?”
AL-JUBEIR: “I believe that there is an international coalition to fight ISIS in Syria and this coalition includes a number of countries and I believe that if the Russians want to be part of that coalition, I doubt any of the members would mind.”
O’DONNELL: “But they are currently not?”
AL-JUBEIR: “Correct. So the question that it begs is why would they go to Syria unilaterally to fight DAESH when there is international coalition in place fighting DAESH as we speak.”
O’DONNELL: “What do you believe is the answer to that? What are their motives?”
AL-JUBEIR: “I believe it’s to support the Bashar al Assad.”
O’DONNELL: “Russia says there can be a broad coalition in Syria with Assad in power. Is that conceivable?”
AL-JUBEIR: “Inconceivable. They are proposing a coalition with Assad to fight against the DAESH in Syria. He was the person who created them.”
O’DONNELL: “You believe Russia is complicating this effort?”
AL-JUBEIR: “I think that their assessment of the situation and their assessment of what is doable and not doable in Syria may not be correct.”
O’DONNELL: “Would the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consider putting their soldiers, their boots on the ground in Syria to defeat ISIS?”
AL-JUBEIR: “We have our aircraft flying in Syria, over Syria to combat ISIS. We continue to be part of this coalition. With regards to any other issues, I think we have to consider all of the options and see -- and do a cost benefit analysis.”
O’DONNELL: “So what do you think should be done? I mean, what is going to break the logjam in Syria?”
AL-JUBEIR: “I believe there has to be more robust intervention in Syria. I believe that the world has to be more firm in insisting that Bashar Assad leave. If he wants to leave through a political process, that would be preferable.”
O’DONNELL: “In your view, how long could Assad stay in power under any exit deal? Secretary Kerry seems to say that Assad would stick around until ISIS was defeated.”
AL-JUBEIR: “This could be a long term. I don't know. I think a political transition would require Assad mentioned, A, governing council that takes over authority, prepares the country for elections, writes new constitution, maintains the institutions of the state both militarian and civilian, while Assad departs.”
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