The Syrian President Bashar Assad has agreed to hold preliminary elections in the country, on the condition the move has the backing of the population, a member of Moscow's Parliamentary delegation has told the TASS news agency.


Russian Communist party MP Aleksandr Yushenko mentioned from Syria that the president �is ready to discuss amendments to the constitution, hold parliamentary elections and, if the people of Syria deem necessary, expressed a readiness to hold presidential elections.�

According to Yushenko, who met the Syrian president in Damascus, Assad �is absolutely confident of his chances [of victory],� should the elections take place.

During the meeting, the Syrian leader stressed that �the fight against terrorism will become the foundation for a new and just world based on sovereignty and cooperation.�

The Syrian president also said he is expecting a visit from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, the Duma speaker Sergey Naryshkin and chair Valentina Matvienko.

The news comes after last Saturday�s message to the Syrian leadership from the Russian members of parliament.

By RT