Foreign Ministry Astonished over US Intention to Hold Talks with “Islamic Front” Terrorist Group

DAMASCUS, (ST) – The Foreign and Expatriates Ministry is astonished over recent statements made by the US State Secretary and the spokesperson of the State Department on the United States intention to hold talks with the “Islamic Front” terrorist group aiming to discuss the American alleged “no-lethal” aid and to encourage it to take part in the Geneva-2 conference so as to get wide representation of what the US officials called “Syrian opposition”.

“It is an astonishing stance which affirms the US failure to form a delegation representing all opposition groups to attend Geneva conference and contradicts the American administration’s responsibilities, as a permanent member of the International Security Council, towards implementing the council’s resolutions relating to fighting terrorism.” The ministry’s spokesman said.

“The stance also contradicts pledges by the international community stressing that Geneva conference won’t provide an opportunity for the terrorist organizations to take part in its activities,” he added.

The spokesman pointed out that the so-called “Islamic Front” comprises several armed terrorist groups whose mindset, strategy and goals go in harmony with al- Nousra Front’s takfiri thinking which is based on Wahhabi fatwas.

He wondered how the American administration would justify its dialogue with al-Qaeda in Syria to the American public opinion, especially as this terrorist organization was the party which had exploded the World Trade Center in New York.

He stressed that “it had been better for the United States to read the charter of the “Islamic Front” before deciding to talk to it.”

The spokesman reiterated that Syria, which repeatedly affirmed its participation in Geneva conference to help making it a success and to enable the Syrians to hold dialogue on the future of their country, sees no legal or moral justification for the participation of these terrorist groups in Geneva conference which must prioritize the issue of fighting terrorism instead of allowing those terrorists, who seek implementing extremist takfiri agendas through terrorism, to attend the conference.

Syria also urges immediate halting of support provided to these terrorist groups, the spokesman concluded.

H. Mustafa