Syrian president says army 'has balance of power'
The Syrian army has scored "major victories" against rebels and now holds "the balance of power" in the conflict, President Bashar al-Assad has reportedly told a Lebanese TV station.
Mr Assad is also quoted as saying Syria has received the first shipment of an advanced Russian air defence system.
Russia vowed to go ahead with sending S-300 missiles earlier this week.
Jim Muir reports.