Assad says new government could include foes

"That's the goal of Geneva," President Bashar al-Assad said of the off-and-on peace talks in the Swiss city. "An intra-Syrian dialogue during which we will agree on the format of this government."

In his comments published Wednesday by Sputnik news agency, the longtime Syrian President added that whatever is created won't necessarily just include his own steadfast supporters.

"It is logical that independent forces should be represented there, as well as opposition forces and forces loyal to the government," Assad said.

He noted that the relevant parties have "not yet agreed" on any new government, including how it would form and who would be part of it.

Assad offered no hint he would step down -- which his opponents have insisted upon but which he's steadfastly refused to do.

Nor did he offer kind words for nations that have supported opposition forces.

Assad accused several of them -- Turkey, Saudi Arabia, France and the United Kingdom -- of having "directly supported" terrorism.

'Friendly states' of Russia, China and Iran

Assad's comments weren't the first time Syrian officials have accused other countries of supporting terrorists. The regime often refers to any rebels, not just groups such as ISIS, as terrorists.

Other governments have refuted such allegations while accusing the Syrian government of committing horrific acts against civilians and others during five-plus years of civil war in the embattled country.

Still, Assad's remarks show he remains defiant in the face of the ongoing international effort to forge some sort of peace in Syria.

Assad told Sputnik that the "reconstruction process will rely on the three main states that have supported Syria during this crisis -- that's Russia, China and Iran."

"I suppose that a lot of countries that were against Syria, I mean first of all Western countries, will try to direct their companies to take part in this process," he added. "However, for us in Syria, there is absolutely no doubt that we will ask, first of all, our friendly states."

Recent win for Assad forces in Palmyra

Assad's forces have made some inroads in fighting, recently retaking the ancient city of Palmyra from ISIS. Yet the war continues, as does the suffering of the Syrian people -- more than 250,000 people have been killed, more than 1 million injured and millions displaced since the bloodshed began in 2011, according to the United Nations.

Moreover, factions fighting to topple the regime remain opposed to Assad despite some apparent diplomatic progress in recent weeks.

A ceasefire has taken hold in parts of the country after others fell apart quickly. Russia also announced a withdrawal of its troops from Syria.

Still, Assad's remarks are more evidence that the war -- of words, at least -- continues.

(CNN)