Media Statement

Syrian Coalition

Istanbul, Turkey

June 14, 2013

The White House today confirmed the intelligence community's assessment that the Assad regime has used chemical weapons, including the nerve gas sarin, resulting in the deaths of at least 100-150 Syrian people, a conclusion reached previously by the Syrian opposition and corroborated the international community.

In response the Administration also announced the decision to provide direct military support to the Supreme Military Council and to provide increased amounts and types of support to the Syrian Coalition. The Syrian Coalition welcomes increased U.S. assistance including direct military support. The support should be strategic and decisive in order to force an end to the violence and to achieve a political transition and improve chances of a successful Geneva II conference.

"President Obama's leadership, as well as direct US support of all kinds, is necessary in order to create the conditions on the ground required to enable the implementation of a negotiated settlement," said Dr. Najib Ghadbian, Special Representative from the Syrian Coalition to the United States.

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.