Macron rebuffs Assad accusations that France ‘sponsors terrorism’

President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that Bashar Assad was in no position to lecture France, after the Syrian leader accused Paris of supporting terrorism. Assad said on Monday France was supporting bloodshed in Syria, making it unfit to talk about peace settlements. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Macron said: “I don’t think Syria boils down to Bashar Assad.” On Monday, Macron said he would push for peace talks involving all parties, including Assad, promising “initiatives” early next year. He also criticized peace talks in Astana with Russia, Iran and Turkey, Reuters reports. “I don’t believe in a resolution of a conflict by external forces that want to impose a peace,” he said.