Syrian opposition welcomes end to EU arms embargo

May 28, 2013 @ 3:14 am


In this image taken from video obtained from the Shaam News Network, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, Syrians participate in the funeral prayer for Youssef Ghazi al-Sarmani who was killed in fighting between rebel and government forces, Monday, May 27, 2013. Logo in red reads, "Talbiseh". (AP Photo/Shaam News Network via AP video) | Zoom

ISTANBUL (AP) - A senior figure in the main Western-backed Syrian opposition group has welcomed the EU decision to let the bloc's arms embargo expire, calling it a "positive" step.

Syrian National Coalition member Louay Safi says however that a delay in deciding to provide weapons until August means that the Syrian regime can continue killing Syrians.

Tuesday's comments were the first by a Coalition member since EU member states decided late Monday to allow an arms embargo on Syria to expire Saturday.

Still, none of the block's 27 members have any immediate plans to send arms to the rebels.

Safi says the international community should move immediately to stop the killing. He spoke in Istanbul, Turkey, where the opposition has been meeting for days.


(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
More World News
Top Stories

  • Sopranos Star Dies at 51
    James Gandolfini, the actor famous for "The Sopranos", died suddenly in Italy

  • More to the Story
    Liberace's ex-lover says the world will hear more of his story, and Michael Jackson's in there
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments