Syrian Coalition: Assad Regime Is a Sponsor of Terrorism and Extremism

Ahmed Ramadan, member of the Syrian Coalition’s Political Committee, said that Russian Foreign Minister’s call to fight terrorist groups in Syria is “worthless and meaningless, and that the Assad regime is the patron of terror and extremism of all types.” Ramadan’s speech came in response to remarks by the Russian Foreign Minister that “anti-terror efforts will be among key subjects at Geneva talks on Syria.” Lavrov said also “when we discuss the agenda of the conference we put this issue on the top of the list. There should be an alliance between the government and the national opposition against terrorist intruders who flocked from all over the world to Syria to implement their evil plans.” Ramadan also said that Lavrov’s comments “do not reflect the real Russian position.The Assad regime is a sponsor of the forces of terrorism and extremism of every type, whether those who are fighting on his side or those who are motivated by sectarianism such as the terrorist militia of Hezbollah or the Iraqi groups allied with the Assad regime and Iran. Those groups are being sent across Iraq to kill Syrians, while other groups have been carrying out terrorist acts.” Ramadan went on: “Moscow, which remained silent towards the crimes of the Assad regime, should have demanded that its ally give up support of these groups that have been committing sectarian crimes like what they did in the town of Nabek.” Furthermore, Ramadan described Lavrov’s remarks as “nothing more than a media talk and does not reflect the real Russian position and what is happening on the ground. His remarks are merely a reassurance to Russia’s allies.” Ramadan reiterated the Syrian Coalition’s insistence on getting guarantees that ensure the regime’s implementation of Geneva 1 Communique and the outcome of “London 11” meeting, regarding participation in Geneva II. Ramadan stressed the Syrian Coalition will name its delegation to Geneva II after General Assembly meeting of January 7th, during which the Syrian Coalition will announce its final position towards participating in the peace conference based on a number of factors”. Ramadan also stated that “we must get clear guarantees, as the Assad regime is still evading its commitments. If this will remain the case, then it is hard for the Syrian Coalition to announce its final position towards participation in Geneva II.” Ramadan denied any contacts between the Syrian Coalition and other Syrian parties, such as the National Coordinating Commission and Qadri Jamil, the dismissed Deputy Prime Minister. Ramadan said that these groups do not show any support of the revolution and still supports the Assad regime. Badr Jamous, Secretary General of the Syrian Coalition, said that “the Syrian Coalition is still thinking positively of Geneva II even though the conference’s course is still unclear. Jamous confirmed the Syrian Coalition’s support for a political solution “within the framework of the departure of the Assad regime, which is one of the major pillars of terrorism in Syria.” The Secretary General went on: “The Assad regime feeds terrorism to establish a war economy that suits it, so the Assad regime must be removed to get rid of terrorism and to restore stability and embark on reconstruction.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)