He has previously proposed restoring some diplomatic links with Assad, although he has said the Syrian leader can not be a long-term solution.
Iepriekš viņš ir mudinājis atjaunot zināmus diplomātiskos sakarus ar Asadu, lai gan atzinis, ka viņa atrašanās Sīrijas prezidenta krēslā nevar kalpot kā ilgtermiņa risinājums.