Syrian President Bashar Al Assad on Sunday condemned the “abominable” massacre of more than 100 people in Houla, saying even monsters could not carry out such acts, and promised a 15-month-old crisis would end soon if Syrians pulled together.

In a speech to parliament Assad repeated many of his earlier pledges to maintain a crackdown on opponents he describes as terrorists implementing a foreign conspiracy, while offering dialogue with those opposition figures who have avoided armed conflict or outside backing.

“This crisis is not an internal crisis. It is an external war carried out by internal elements,” Assad said, looking relaxed as he spoke to parliamentarians. “If we work together, I confirm that the end to this situation is near.”

“What happened in Houla...and what we described as ugly and abominable massacres, or true monstrosities - even monsters do not perpetrate what we have seen,” Assad said.

Syria faces “real war”

He said his country was facing a war waged from outside and that terrorism was escalating despite political steps including last month’s election for parliament, whose new members Assad was addressing.

“We are not facing a political problem because if we were this party would put forth a political programme. What we are facing is (an attempt) to sow sectarian strife and the tool of this is terrorism,” Assad said.

“The issue is terrorism. We are facing a real war waged from the outside,” Assad said.

Authorities will maintain a crackdown against the armed opposition but were still ready for dialogue with political opponents, he added.

“We will continue firmly confronting terrorism, leaving the door open for those who want to return. I urge those who are still hesitant to do so, to take this step. The state will not take revenge.”

The United Nations says Syrian forces have killed more than 9,000 people in a crackdown on protests against Assad.