Syrian Activist Presents Plan to End Long Civil War - East Idaho News
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Syrian Activist Presents Plan to End Long Civil War

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GETTY W 010612 Damascus?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1369396169347iStockphoto/Thinkstock(DAMASCUS, Syria) — Any plan to end the long conflict in Syria is worth considering at this point, no matter how far-fetched it might seem.

Opposition activist Moaz al-Khatib, who once led the Syrian National Coalition, is proposing that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad be allowed to step down without fear of repercussions.

In a Facebook posting, al-Khatib outlined his plan, which would give the embattled Syrian leader three weeks from now to accept “a peaceful transition of authority.”

When that happens, al-Assad would have a month to hand over the reins of power to either Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi or Vice President Faruq al-Sharaa.

Their rule would only be temporary, under al-Khatib’s proposal, as Syria would switch from a transitional to permanent government within 100 days.

While al-Khatib’s allies and the West would likely go along with the plan, the major stumbling block is al-Assad himself who has said he would fight to the death rather than give in to his enemies.

Nevertheless, al-Khatib contends his idea is “a practical response to the need of a political settlement ensuring a peaceful transition of authority.”

What’s more, he said the Syrian president could leave the country with 500 people of his choice to whatever nation will accept them.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

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