Statement: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has revealed during an interview that a direct clash between the US and Russia in Syria was narrowly avoided "by the wisdom of the Russian leadership". Which of the following objection(s) might be a probable reason(s) for such a revelation by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad?I. Adding that Syria needs Russian support, Assad said, "At the same time we need to avoid the American foolishness in order to be able to stabilise our country".II. Adding that Syria needs American support, Assad said, "At the same time we need to avoid the American foolishness in order to be able to stabilise our country".III. Adding that Syria needs Russian support, Assad said, "At the same time we need to avoid the Russian foolishness in order to be able to stabilise our country".IV. Adding that Syria needs American support, Assad said, "At the same time we need to avoid the Russian foolishness in order to be able to stabilise our country".

• A. Only II
• B. Only I
• C. Only IV
• D. Only III
• E. None of these