London offers to boost financial aid to Syrian rebels
Foreign secretary offer 5 million pounds for equipment, says Britain will increase political contacts with Free Syrian Army
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LONDON (AP) — Britain’s government says it is offering 5 million pounds (US$7.8 million) to Syria’s rebel forces to pay for communications equipment and medical supplies.
In an op-ed article for the Times of London published Friday, Foreign Secretary William Hague said the U.K. would intensify contacts with the political wing of the Free Syrian Army, to “prepare for the inevitable day of (President Bashar) Assad’s fall.”
Diplomats said Hague would announce the details of the new funding later, but insisted that none of the money would be used for weapons.
Hague said that discussions with Syria’s opposition would also stress that they must adhere to international standards on human rights.
“We must build relationships now with those who may govern Syria in the future,” Hague said.
The Times of Israel Community.