RIYADH (AFP) – The new leader of Syria's main opposition National Coalition has set his priority on securing arms for rebels fighting regime troops since 2011, in remarks published on Saturday.
Ahmad Assi Jarba spoke in Saudi Arabia after a meeting with Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz on Thursday ahead of a tour of Western capitals next week during which he will meet French President Francois Hollande.
"My first and foremost priority is securing arms for the Free Syrian Army fighters as soon as possible," Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat quoted him as saying.
"We are facing gangs that are launching an war of extinction against the Syrian people and arms are the only means of facing them and ending their massacres," Jarba said.
"I also plan to work on securing aid to our people," added the new opposition leader who was elected on July 6.
Jarba is a veteran secular dissident and seen as close to Saudi Arabia which has repeatedly urged the European Union to arm Syrian rebels.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/20/new-syria-opposition-chief-sets-arms-priority/?intcmp=obinsite#ixzz2Zf62btNF