UK gives millions in aid to Syria rebels

11 Aug 2012, 9:55 am   -   Source: PA
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Britain will give 5-million-pounds ($AU7.8million) worth of equipment to Syrian rebels trying to topple President Bashar Al-Assad, the Foreign Office (FCO) said today.

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Britain will give 5-million-pounds ($AU7.8million) worth of equipment to Syrian rebels trying to topple President Bashar Al-Assad, the Foreign Office (FCO) said today.

The aid will include radios and medical supplies but not weapons. Foreign Secretary William Hague is expected to reveal more details later.

An FCO spokesman said: "As the Foreign Secretary says, we need to work with the Syrian opposition to ensure they prepare for the inevitable day of Assad's fall, including representatives of the Free Syria Army.

"We are therefore meeting political elements of the Free Syria Army. "This is not taking sides in a civil war.

The spokesman added: "The risk of total disorder and a power vacuum in Syria is so great that we must build relationships now with those who may govern Syria in the future.

"If we do not work with those Syrians who want to see a democratic and open Syria, we leave a void to be exploited by al Qaeda and others with extremist agendas who wish to hijack the conflict."

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Your Comments

The UK isn't supplying weapons?

Mona - from Australia, 9 months ago

Then who is? No prizes for guessing America and it's CIA. The UK is definitely taking sides in this civil war. The British Foreign Office quite rightly knows that when the trillion dollar self righteous USA military machine is operative, even covertly, it is formidable and best to be on side. It does perversely mean creating the revolution against the Syrian government. It only costs a mere 5 million quid. Ah America, you're doing it again. Don't you remember Vietnam?

Mr

Ian - from Noosa, 9 months ago

As ex English I am ashamed at UK taking sides in a civil war and helping the rebel cause.

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