Al-Zou’bi: Brahimi should be impartial and honest

DAMASCUS,(ST)- “UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi should be diametrically an honest and impartial mediator and not posing ideas of his own or upon others’ request that are out of his duty, ” underscored Minister of Information Omran al-Zou’bi.

Al-Zou’bi’s remark came during a phone interview with Beirut-based al-Mayadeen TV on Friday.

“despite the fact that he (Lakhdar) had a good opportunity to point at the matter but he failed to do so, considering that the Syrian government was very positive affirming its participation on Geneva without pre conditions  as it is faultlessly cooperated as regards this matter,” underlined al-Zou’bi.

The minister further explained that Brahimi seemed as if he doesn’t understand the reality of what is going on, or he intends by one way or another not to call things by their names.

“Brahimi does not name al-Qaeda, Jabhat al-Nusra or the armed gangs. He didn’t even have the courage to name any of those countries which are supporting these terrorist groups, on top of course being Saudi Arabia,” added al-Zou’bi.

“I don’t think that he will ever have that courage at any time,” the Minister said.

“Brahimi stated that Geneva conference is to be held for Syrians and not for countries. Hece, if the said conference is not for the countries, what is the purpose of his tour to those countries especially to Turkey and Saudi Arabia which spare no effort to undermine the Syrian government,” wondered al-Zou’bi.

On the change of Brahimi’s tone, al-Zou’bi clarified that Brahimi, while in Syria, he speaks to the delight of everyone and when he leaves Syria, he speaks differently.

The minister made it clear that Brahimi’s attempt to “equate between the government and certain opposition groups” during his press conference earlier today “reflects his lack of understanding of the situation in Syria”.

“When the Syrian government employs the armed forces inside to defend the country and the borders, it is acting according to the constitution,” said the Minister, stressing that defending the country is a constitutional and national duty.

“Brahimi also stuck his nose in things he was not authorized to by the UN, al-Zou’bi said referring to Brahimi’s talk on humanitarian issues in Syria.

Al- Zoubi affirmed that the Syrian government, through the ministries of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs, Social Affairs, Health and others, are doing what is necessary in relation to the humanitarian situation in cooperation with the relevant international organizations.

The Syrian government is performing its duties based on both its constitutional duties and national role.

M.D