Outside the highly anticipated Geneva 2 peace conference, Arabs are rallying behind Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.<br/> <br />In solidarity, these protesters brought Syrian flags, pictures of Assad and banners to express their support.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) HUDA MAKHOUL, A SYRIAN WOMAN LIVING IN SWITZERLAND, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I came here to say that I am with Syria, my country. I am with Assad because he has protected it and we are against terrorism and against what is happening in Syria. We do not accept that Syria is destroyed because of terrorism."<br/> <br />Just down the street at the Montreux Palace hotel, Syria's government and opposition are meeting face to face for the first time.<br/> <br />In the conference room, emotions are running high with contrasting views on Assad's future.<br/> <br />Back on the street, support remains firm among rally attendees, which included Lebanese and Iraqi citizens living in Switzerland.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) HASSAN MUSSAWI, AN IRAQI MAN LIVING IN SWITZE
