Tunisia denies conspiracy against Assad

Official spokesperson of Tunisia's President Adnan Monser has issued an official statement denying widely-spread media reports alleging that an intelligence convention was held in Tunisia, with the participation of Arab and Western representatives, to discuss the overthrow of the Syrian regime. According to media reports, the meeting was held behind the back of the Friends of Syria  meeting, which Tunisia hosted on February 24. Monser stated that "such a convention did not take place, as Tunisia would never give space to such initiatives". The Presidency spokesperson added: "The Tunisian Presidency repeats that its view on the Syrian crisis has always been clear, and that it has always affirmed the necessity to offer proper conditions to find a peaceful solution. Moreover, Tunisia firmly rejects any military intervention which would only bring about very harmful consequences ". Monser questioned "the intentions behind such fake rumours,” adding that "the transparency of Tunisia’s diplomatic moves cannot be questioned". French newspaper Le Canard Enchaine had previously alleged that Tunisia hosted a convention between the military intelligences of USA, Britain, France. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where it discussed supporting a military coup in Syria. The newspaper quoted an officer of the French army's Chief of Staff as saying: "It is (the military coup) the best choice now. However, we don’t want to repeat what happened in Libya, especially as Assad’s army is much more solid compared to that of the former Libyan regime".