Arslan: From Now on, We're All Concerned with Defending Syria
Lebanese Democratic Party leader MP Talal Arslan on Sunday condemned the Israeli air strikes on Syria, saying "we're all concerned with" defending the neighboring country.
"Once again Israel has exploited the Arab slumber like it did in 1967 in order to strike the heart of Arabism, the symbol of its resistance and the fortress of confronting colonial schemes,” Arslan said in a press release.
"The West -- which has been crippled by the Russian-Chinese stance on direct intervention in Syria -- is today seeking new channels to fight its direct battle against the Syrian people, and Israel is the perfect candidate for this historic mission, because it is not concerned with respecting international laws and treaties," Arslan added, noting that "there is no difference between Israel and anyone who contributes to fragmenting the Arab nation and its countries."
And as he voiced regret about "the Arab silence over what's happening in Syria," Arslan asked: "How can they remain silent over the bombardment of Syria as they criticize the honorable men of our nation who are defending it and preserving its independence and territorial integrity?"
A senior Israeli source said an overnight aerial assault hit Iranian weapons destined for Hizbullah.
A diplomatic source in Beirut told Agence France Presse three sites were targeted -- a military facility, a nearby weapons depot and an anti-aircraft unit in Sabura, west of the capital Damascus.
“Starting today, no one must be blamed for deciding to protect Syria. From now on, the Syrian people are not alone concerned with defending it, but rather all of us,” Arslan added.
“Like we scrambled in the beginning of the 20th century to defend Syria in Maysaloun, al-Mazraa and Jabal al-Arab, we will defend it in any battle, as long as the issue has gone beyond the Syrian domestic affairs towards an Israeli aggression whose features and objectives are clear,” Arslan went on to say.
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