Assad Swaps Syria’s Natural Resources for Russian Weapons

Press Statement

Khalid Saleh

Syrian Coalition Media Office President

Istanbul, Turkey

December 26, 2013

The Syrian Coalition condemns the Assad regime’s signing of a contract with the Russian company Soyuzneftegaz to drill for oil and gas in Syrian waters. Such a dishonorable deal is intended to give away Syria’s natural resources in exchange for Russian weapons to be used to kill Syrian.

There is no doubt the Russian government has given the green light to Soyuzneftegaz to sign one of the most important energy contracts in the region in order to secure payments for weapons delivered to the Assad regime.

Russia is a partner with the Assad regime in killing the Syrian people. It supports a regime that sponsors international terrorism. This contract is completely illegal as the Assad regime does not represent the Syrian people. Only the Syrian people can give legitimacy to a decision regarding Syria’s resources and future.

We ask for Mercy for our martyrs, health for our wounded, and freedom for our detainees.

Long live Syria and its people, free and with honor.