Assad accuses foreign powers of targeting Syria

DAMASCUS, Syria - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Sunday that what is happening in Syria is a foreign-backed scheme, stressing that his countrymen will not allow this scheme to achieve its goals "whatever the cost maybe."

Assad's remarks were made during his meeting Sunday with head of Iran's national security Alaeddin Boroujerdi, who flew in one day earlier to hold talks with Syrian officials about Iran's new initiative, which aims at solving the Syrian crisis.

Assad charged that the scheme is not only targeting Syria but the entire region, of which Syria constitutes the corner stone. " That is why the foreign powers are targeting Syria, in order to complete their schemes in the entire region."

Assad, whose remarks were carried by state-run SANA news agency, stressed that the Syrian people will not allow the foreign scheme to achieve its goals whatever the cost maybe.

For his part, Boroujerdi stressed the importance of the mutual interests between Iran and Syria, noting that Syria's security is Iran's security. He reiterated his country's continuous support to Syria.

Boroujerdi also met Sunday with Vice-President Farouq al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem.

The meeting with al-Sharaa marked the first public appearance of the vice president after numerous defection reports.

Al-Sharaa was seen Sunday leaving his car and entering his office in the capital Damascus before his meeting with Boroujerdi.

Syria's state TV has repeatedly denied the defection reports, however, the vice president did not appear in person to refute the claims, which left media outlets to further speculate about the al- Sharaa's alleged escape.