Syria Denies Civil War, Calls Conflict A War On Terror

Syria’s foreign minister denied the country is involved in a civil war. Instead, the government official blamed fighting in his country on terrorists.

The comments came when Foreign Minister Walid Moallem stepped onto the world stage at the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.

CNN reports that Moallem stated:

“There is no civil war in Syria, but it is a war against terror that recognizes no values, nor justice, nor equality, and disregards any rights or laws.”

Moallem also addressed the resolution passed by the UN Security Council, which requires Syria to give up all of its chemical weapons. He stated, “Syria is known for fulfilling its obligations and commitments; therefore, I assure you the Syria’s commitment to the full implementation of the provisions of the convention.”

The New York Times notes that, along with denying the Syrian civil war, Moallem also called on the United States to lift sanctions in Syria. He added that the US should halt “all unilateral coercive measures” on countries like Venezuela, Belarus, Iran, and North Korea.

The majority of Walid’s speech was a rejection of the West’s version of the violence in Syria. The conflict has resulted in the loss of more than 100,000 lives in a little more than two years.

Moallem’s denial of a Syrian civil war isn’t surprising, as the country’s government repeatedly blames the fighting on terrorists and foreign fighters. The Syrian foreign minister also denied the United States’ claim that there are moderate fighters on the side of the rebels. He explained, “The claims about the existence of moderate militants and extremist militants have become a bad joke.”

Moallem went on to say, “Terrorism means only terrorism. It cannot be classified as moderate terrorism and extremist terrorism.” He also asked Syrian families who have fled to neighboring countries to come home.