Syrian President Bashar al Assad on Thursday offered amnesty to opposition fighters who surrender to the government within three months, state news agency SANA reported.

According to a presidential decree issued by Assad, the pardon covers whoever held or possessed weapon for any reason, if they turn themselves in to the authorities within a three-month deadline starting Thursday.

The decree also promises pardon to captors who release their victims unharmed without ransom. This item gives the kidnappers one month to respond to the amnesty in order to be covered.

The pardon offer came one day after Assad told a Greek TV that the fighters who surrender themselves would be granted amnesty.

Throughout the country's five-year crisis, Assad has granted several pardons in a bid to quell the momentum of the pro-longed crisis.

Source: MENA