Prominent singer George Wassouf offered his take on the ongoing conflict in Syria, describing Bashar Assad as a goodhearted man as he criticized fellow artists for turning against the regime.
“President Assad has a good heart and he doesn't like bloodshed. There are a lot of mistakes in the regime but Bashar Assad is no criminal but he loves art and helps people,” Wassouf told Nishan Derharoutyounian in an interview to be aired this week, according to the El-Nashra Fann website.
“He [Assad] was born into a rich family and doesn't need to steal but help people,” the Syria-born star, who now holds Lebanese nationality, added.
Asked about artists who have criticized Syria, the 52-year-old singer said: "Whoever loves his country should in turn love its president. And whoever does not have good intentions for his community, would never have some for anyone. No Syrian can kill another Syrian.”
Discovered at a very young age, Wassouf earned the title “The Sultan of Tarab” for his renowned contribution to the music industry in the Arab world.
He has been absent from spotlight for several years due to health reasons, and the Syrian government has reportedly paid for his medical expenses.
In his first interview in nearly three years, Wassouf also thanked Assad, Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and the state of Qatar for not imposing on him any political position, saying he had good ties with all political parties in Lebanon and Arab countries.
He also said that the crisis in Syria would be resolved in a month if Russia and the U.S. came to an agreement, expressing hope for churches to be rebuilt in Syria.
Wassouf also hinted he would not travel to Syria to vote in the upcoming Syrian presidential election, saying: "I voted without voting ... I am registered in the Metn in Lebanon."
