Syrian opposition asks EU for anti-aircraft weapons

Head of the Syrian Opposition Coalition Ahmed Al-Jarba called on Tuesday for the EU to supply ground to air missiles to the Syrian opposition.

During a speech at the EU Parliament in Brussels, Al-Jarba said: “We call for the EU to supply us with anti-aircraft weapons in order to protect our people…We need anti-aircraft rockets.”

Al-Jarba thanked the EU for taking “laudable measures” to support the Syrian struggle, but insisted that these measures are “not enough”. He explained that: “Without strong military pressure on the Syrian regime, there will not be a horizon for a political solution.”

He added: “The military balance on the ground should be in favour of the opposition forces in order to make a room for a political solution.”

Regarding the EU’s fears that advanced weaponry might reach terrorists, Al-Jarba said: “The EU should raise fears regarding this issue,” but also noted that, “the opposition is able to fight terrorists and extremists.”

In the same speech, Al-Jarba called for abiding the UN Security Council resolution that obliges armed militias in Syria to allow food and supplies into the besieged areas. He also denounced the involvement of Hezbollah and Iraqi militias in the war against the Syrian people.