Internal criticism in Syria: 'Government reaction contemptible'

Senior minister criticizes Assad regime for sticking only to verbal threats in response to alleged Israeli attacks

Roi Kais|Published: 05.06.13 , 14:06

The Syrian government has claimed that "all options" are open in response to the alleged Israeli attack in Damascus, yet it seems that some in Bashar Assad's regime want to ignite the area.

State Minister for National Reconciliation Affairs Ali Haidar expressed unusual criticism following a statement by Minister of Information Omran al-Zoubi, and called it "contemptible."

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In an interview with the Lebanese Hezbollah-affiliated paper Al-Akhbar, the Syrian minister, who was not present in the cabinet meeting on Sunday, said that "this is a weak statement that is inconsistent with the gravity of the incident in relation to the great losses incurred from this aggression."

The minister added that "there are many losses, both in terms of sites attacked and number of civilian victims, as well as Syrian Army deaths. Military information about what had happened is not distributed."

Haidar continued and said "I am part of a government whose policy is based on minimal consent, but the statement released is not enough."

The minister also serves as head of the left-winged Syrian Social Nationalist Party, and stressed his position is different from that of the government. According to him, "the Syrian Social Nationalist Party has complete freedom to perform at its will in regards to the conflict, and among other things to harm the interest of the Israeli enemy all over the world."

Furthermore he added: "the cease-fire with the enemy has failed and we must respond in the Golan, among other places. There is a need to have all borders open to fight eye for an eye. The response needs to be quick in order for the issue not to get lost, as it always does."