Syria to stay out of conflict unless attacked: interim president says

LONDON, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Tuesday that Syria will stay out of any conflict unless it is directly targeted, emphasizing the country's focus on recovery after years of war.

"No one is ready to be involved in war, and we will not be in it, unless we are subject to aggression and we have no diplomatic solution," he said at an event hosted by think tank Chatham House in London.

Al-Sharaa said the government's priorities remain stabilizing the economy, rebuilding infrastructure, and facilitating the return of displaced citizens.

"We had enough war. We paid a large bill. We are not ready for another war experience," he said. "Those who have been in war know the value of peace."