Assad: Syria subject to 'fragmenting scheme'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (R) meets with Chinese vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun, a special envoy of the Chinese government, in Damascus, Syria, Feb. 18, 2012. [Xinhua/Qin Haishi]

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reiterated on Saturday that his country is basically subject to a scheme aiming at fragmenting Syria, state-run SANA news agency reported.

The scheme also aimed to hit Syria's "geopolitical and historical role in the region," Assad said, according to SANA.

The Syrian president made the remarks when meeting with visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun, during which he also stressed Syria's determination to carry on with the process of political reforms in accordance with a clear plan and definite timeline.

During the meeting, Zhai, for his part, said that China has followed closely the developments of the situation in Syria, and is deeply worried about the escalating crisis in the country which has caused civilian casualties and affected peace and stability in the Middle East region.

Zhai, who has also met with the leadership of main opposition groups in Syria during his two-day visit starting from Friday, said China urges all parties concerned in Syria to immediately launch inclusive political dialogue with no preconditions attached, and jointly discuss a comprehensive political reform plan and mechanism.

On Wednesday, Assad issued a presidential decree, setting Feb. 26 as the date for a referendum on the new draft constitution. Amending the constitution has been one of the main demands by Syrian protestors.

Local media reported earlier that the draft constitution stipulates that parliamentary elections would be conducted within 90 days after the endorsement of the new constitution in a public referendum, limits the presidential terms to a maximum of two seven-year mandate, and has canceled Article 8, which states that the ruling Baath party is the leader of the Syrian nation and society.