Any airstrikes on ISIL must be coordinated with Damascus: Moallem

Any airstrikes on ISIL must be coordinated with Damascus: Moallem
Mon Aug 25, 2014 17:26:50

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said any airstrikes against terrorists in Syrian territory must be in coordination with the Syrian government, underscoring Syria’s readiness to cooperate with international and regional efforts to fight terror.

The comments were made after the United States said it was considering extending the fight against militants from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group into Syrian territory.

Moallem, speaking at a news conference broadcast on Syrian state TV on Monday, stressed airstrikes alone would not be adequate to deal with ISIL, which has taken control of large areas of Syria and neighboring Iraq.

Moallem also said neighboring states needed to exchange intelligence with Syria.

Asked if Syria was ready to cooperate with the United States and Britain, he said: "They are welcome."

Moallem also condemned the killing of US journalist James Foley, who was executed by ISIL.

RA/NJF
 

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