Syrian President Bashar al Assad has criticised this week's peace conference aimed at ending his country's civil war - saying the main agenda should be on tackling "foreign terrorists".
The UN talks in Geneva hope to create a transitional government in the war-torn country, drawn from the Assad regime and opposition leaders.
But in an interview with AFP, Mr Assad said he wants to stand again as president if the Syrian people want him to.
He also said any talk of a rebel leader becoming prime minister in a transitional government was nothing more than a "good joke".
He said: "The most basic element, which we continuously refer to, is that the Geneva conference should produce clear results with regard to the fight against terrorism in Syria.
Syrian forces launch air strikes on the northern Syrian city of Aleppo "In particular, it needs to put pressure on countries that are exporting terrorism, by sending money and weapons to terrorist organisations, especially Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and, of course, the Western countries that provide political cover for these terrorist organisations.
"This is the most important decision or result that the Geneva conference could produce. Any political solution that is reached without fighting terrorism has no value."
In reference to remaining president, he said: "This depends on two things: it depends on personal aspirations or a personal decision, on the one hand, and on public opinion in Syria, on the other.
"As far as I am concerned, I see no reason why I shouldn't stand. As for Syrian public opinion, there is still around four months before the election date is announced.
"If, in that time, there is public desire and a public opinion in favour of my candidacy, I will not hesitate for a second to run for election. In short, we can say that the chances for my candidacy are significant."
He warned that the Syrian conflict - which has left more than 120,000 people dead since it began in March 2011 - could spread throughout the Middle East if the bloodshed is not stopped.
Damaged buildings in Homs "In any battle, there is always the possibility of winning and losing," he said. "But when you're defending your country, it's obvious that the only choice is to win.
"Should Syria lose this battle that would mean the spread of chaos throughout the Middle East.
"This battle is not confined to Syria and is not, as Western propaganda portrays, a popular uprising against a regime suppressing its people and a revolution calling for democracy and freedom.
"These lies have now become clear to people. A popular revolution doesn't last for three years only to fail; moreover, a national revolution cannot have a foreign agenda."
Meanwhile, Syria's opposition has said it will not attend the peace talks unless the United Nations withdraws an invitation for Iran - a key backer of President Assad - to attend.
The Syrian National Coalition threatened on Twitter to withdraw from the negotiations, which are due to start on Wednesday in Montreux, unless the invitation is retracted.
:: Watch the latest updates live on Sky News on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.
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