US says new Syrian government including Assad a 'nonstarter'
WASHINGTON - The White House said on Wednesday it would be a "nonstarter" to include Syrian President Bashar Assad in any new ruling coalition government to end the civil war in Syria.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest ruled out Assad's participation in a new government after the Syrian leader said it would not be difficult to agree on a new Syrian governing coalition that included opposition, independents and loyalists.
"I don't know whether he envisioned himself being a part of that national unity government. Obviously that would be a nonstarter for us," Earnest said.
