Syrian FM defends Assad, calls rebels to disarm and negotiate

Syria's foreign minister said on Saturday any discussion of President Bashar Assad's future was "unacceptable", days after an international envoy to the country said the president should not be part of a transitional government.

Walid al-Moallem, in a live interview on state TV, also called on the country's rebels to lay down their weapons and take part in a dialogue conference, saying everyone who participates will be included in a new Cabinet with wide executive powers. (AP)