Assad: Destroying chemical stockpile will take time

In an interview with Fox TV News, Syrian ruler Bashar Assad promised to destroy his chemical stockpile, but said it would cost $1bn and take time. Asked if he would be willing to hand it over to the US, he replied with perfect sang froid: “It is very detrimental to the environment. If the American administration is ready to pay this money and take the responsibility of bringing toxic materials to the United States, why don't they do it?"
Unlike the Russians, Assad said, Washington had tried to get involved in Syria's leadership and governance. If there was mutual respect, there would not be any problems. "Listen to your people. Follow the common sense of your people," he said, in an apparent reference to US President Barack Obama.
Fox is the second American TV outlet to interview the Syrian ruler after Charlie Rose on NBC