Syria rebukes France for supporting rebels

French officials admit to providing communications and other equipment to Syrian opposition, but not arms

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Syria’s foreign ministry spokesman has criticized France for pledging to aid Syrian rebels, saying that will undermine the mission of UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.

Jihad Makdessi says France’s declared intention to support the rebel Free Syrian Army demonstrates its “support for the militarization” of the conflict.

French officials acknowledge providing communications and other non-lethal equipment to Syrian rebels but say they won’t provide weapons without international agreement.

Makdessi said Sunday Syria is “fully committed” to cooperating with Brahimi. The regime has in the past made similar pledges but failed to live up to those commitments.

Makdessi says those who “hinder, fund, harbor and arm rebels” should instead help Brahimi’s mission to succeed.