Free Syrian Army rebels dismiss Russian offer of help in fighting ISIL

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Free Syrian Army rebels dismiss Russian offer of help in fighting ISIL

Stop bombing us before talking about helping us…

That is the reaction from Western-backed rebels in Syria to Russia’s offer of support in fighting the self-proclaimed Islamic State.

Russian air strikes have hit several rebel groups affiliated to the Free Syrian Army in areas crucial to the survival of Moscow’s ally President Assad.

Among other propositions from Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is a call for Syria to prepare for presidential and parliamentary elections.

The Kremlin has spoken broadly about the need for elections in Syria before. But Lavrov’s comments were its most specific call for political renewal yet and came just days after a surprise visit by Assad to Moscow.

Lavrov on Saturday spoke about Syria on the telephone with US Secretary of State John Kerry, who has been meeting Saudi Arabia’s King Salman.

The US has criticised Russia for so far focussing much of its firepower on armed groups supported by the West and its allies rather than ISIL, angering the Kremlin which has said it is impossible to make a distinction between terrorists.

Moscow says Assad must be part of any transition and that the Syrian people will decide who rules them.

Washington has said it could tolerate Assad during a short transition period, but that he would then have to exit the political stage.

Lavrov has called Washington’s refusal to coordinate its Syria campaign with Moscow “a big mistake”.

-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-10-25

[Chicog]

I can't imagine they'd really want to tell Assad and Putin where they are.

[craigt3365]

The Syrian people have never had free and fair elections. Assad is a dictator, as the rebels point out. Their point about stopping the bombing first is spot on. Best of luck to all of them.

[retarius]

Putin and Lavrov, what a team. They seem to get the better of the US and UK on every issue. This was brilliance. If FSA agreed to fight ISIL then it would relieve the pressure on Assad;but by refusing to talk they have given Russia the perfect excuse to say, in the words of GW Bush (a man not noted for his intellectual skills) "you are either with us or agin us", and to carry on bombing them.

[Barin]

Free Syrian Army rebels dismiss Russian offer of help in fighting ISIL

It proves once again that they are not interested in fighting ISIL. They must be destroyed.

[rethaier]

It is time the American people realized what a corrupt government they have. The lying USA and UK governments do not want ISIS destroyed.

[Si Thea01]

It is time the American people realized what a corrupt government they have. The lying USA and UK governments do not want ISIS destroyed.

You seem to be in the know about corrupt and lying governments. Why do they not want to destroy ISIS?

[GeorgesAbitbol]

By rebels don't forget they include Al Nusra, which pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda

Edited October 26, 2015 by GeorgesAbitbol

[Chicog]

Free Syrian Army rebels dismiss Russian offer of help in fighting ISIL

It proves once again that they are not interested in fighting ISIL. They must be destroyed.

It proves that even a rag tag bunch of rebels know what a lying ------- Putin is.

[torpedo1970]

Sure, i can understand this.

would you trust someone that would stab you in the back at first opportunity? Think not.

This is not really news but more common sense.

The Cossack (putin) have said several times that he is fighting to help assad....

[GeorgesAbitbol]

Sure, i can understand this.

would you trust someone that would stab you in the back at first opportunity? Think not.

This is not really news but more common sense.

The Cossack (putin) have said several times that he is fighting to help assad....

However the USA and Europe give eapons to Al Qaeda members whom already stabbed them twice, with planes....

"would you trust someone that would stab you in the back at first opportunity? Think not."

[craigt3365]

It is time the American people realized what a corrupt government they have. The lying USA and UK governments do not want ISIS destroyed.

So you are saying the Russian and Syrian governments tell the truth and are not corrupt?

[farmerjo]

Maybe the ex military guys have a better solution,but here's mine.

The Russians drive the FSA out of their strongholds amongst civillians towards ISIS to defeat them.

Once ISIS is defeated the Syrian army defeats the FSA.

Then general elections can be held with Assad stepping aside.