Syrian Coalition: Kidnapping of Father Paulo Serves the Interests of Assad and ISIS Only

Khalid al-Saleh, president of the Media Office, said that ISIS’s kidnapping of Father Paolo Dall’Oglio “is not targeted at one person, but the centuries-long tolerance upon which the culture of the Syrians was built. This heinous crime clearly serves only the interests of Assad and his allies who are seeking to present themselves as the guarantors of the minorities’ rights. Assad has been fervently trying to tamper with the cultural and social fabric of the Syrian society to achieve political goals. However, the supportive position of Father Paolo of the revolution, as well as the sacrifices made by all components of the Syrian people have sent a strong message to the world that no one will succeed in undermining the social and cultural diversity that have long characterized the Syrian civilization. Saleh also stresses that it is no longer a secret that Assad has been targeting all symbols of the minorities to create sectarian strife as this is the only way he can cling to power at the expense of the blood of the Syrian people. Assad and his allies should realize that Syrians will not allow the expulsion of the people out of their homes on the basis of their cultural identity, sect, race or believes. Syrian civilians can only be protected when the international community takes immediate and practical steps to support the Free Syrian Army, which proved to be the only force able to stand against the Assad regime and the extremist groups.” (Source: Syrian Coalition)