Beyond aid strings

23 April 2013 08:24 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The US secretary of state has taken some names and quoted figures as he spoke his heart on Syria.

John Kerry told a Friends of Syria meeting in Istanbul that Washington would provide Syrian rebels with $123 million, and the aid is strictly meant for non-lethal objectives. He also went on to name General Salim Idris of the Turkey-based Free Syrian Army as the point man for all kinds of operations, and stressed for installing a transitional government at the earliest. The US top diplomat also underscored the importance of realising a democratic and unified post-Assad Syria, saying that it’s high time the wayward opposition came up with specifics on how to achieve those objectives.

So much so for the format of aid and assistance! But the million-dollar question is what’s next, especially keeping in mind the fact that the rebels are adamant on receiving military aid in the form of weapons and ammunition. To this day, the European Union and the United States had resisted such demands, but keeping in view the multi-purpose distribution of money it would be really a tough task to keep a tab on such activities.Kerry, as the leader of the group by virtue of his country’s clout and influence, shouldn’t restrict himself to pleasantries and rather persuade the political minds in the Friends of Syria group to get talking among themselves. That could pave the way for a negotiated settlement of the dispute. There is no harm in convincing the rebel leaders to come up with a manifesto to negotiate power transition with the regime in Damascus, and compel it to step aside. The Friends of Syria should make use of their respective governments to send across the message to President Bashar Al Assad that it’s time to talk about an exit strategy.

Courtesy Khaleej Times

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Beyond aid strings

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident