Syrian President Assad 'confident' of continuing support of Iran, Russia

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that he is confident of continuing Iranian and Russian support.

According to the BBC, Assad said that Russia and Iran did not abandon their key ally.

A fresh push is under way to resolve Syria's four-year conflict, leading to speculation that Assad could be forced out to reach a settlement.

Meanwhile, France said that that the "neutralisation" of the Syrian leader was important to end the crisis.