Syrian FM: Arab League can go to the moon, not our concern

3^min

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem spoke live on Tuesday afternoon in response to the Arab League’s recent decision regarding the Syrian crisis.

Commenting on the report submitted by the Arab observers’ mission to the Arab League, Muallem said "the Arab League's decision shows they did not take the mission's report in an objective manner," adding that "the observers' report did not please certain Arabs who are executing plots against Syria."

"The report showed that the killers of the French journalist are the so called Free Syrian Army while it confirmed that the Syrian regime is committed to end violence." he elaborated.

"The Arab League was surprised that we agreed on the extension of mission", he added.

The Syrian foreign minister reiterated his rejection of the political draft submitted by the Arab League "since it is a flagrant interference in Syria’s internal affairs."

Commenting on the batch of reforms promised by the Syrian regime, Muallem said "Syria will hold a referendum on a new constitution soon as part of reforms promised by President Bashar Assad."

"The new Syrian constitution will be put to a referendum within a week or more," he added.

Speaking on a possible solution for the violence-hit country, Muallem said "the solution for Syria is certainly not the Arab league ‘s decision; the true solution is a Syrian one based on the interests of the Syrians."

As for the Saudi decision to withdraw monitors from Syria, the foreign minister said "it is their own choice and maybe they don't want their people to know the truth of what is happening on the ground."

During a Q&A session following his speech, Muallem said "some wished to make the Arab League look like an incompetent body this is why they resorted to the UNSC."

"They can head to New York or to the moon; So long as we are not paying for their tickets it is none of our concern," he added.

Commenting on the Gulf Cooperation Council member states' decision to withdraw their monitors from Syria, Muallem said "the GCC countries’ decision will not change things and Moscow will not tolerate any foreign interference."

The Arab League called on Sunday for a national unity government within two months, which would then prepare for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held under Arab and international supervision.

The proposal also provides for Assad to give his vice president full powers to cooperate with the proposed government to enable it to carry out its duties during a transitional period.

The Arab League also said on Sunday it will seek U.N. Security Council endorsement for its new plan.