Syria's ambassador to Spain said Wednesday that his country would react militarily if Israel continues to carry out attacks on Syrian soil, however his statement was later moderated in an official Syrian statement.
Ambassador Mohsen Bilal told Reuters that Damascus had the right to defend itself, "If Israel attacks Syria one, two and three times, of course the people of Syria and the government of Syria and the army will react to defend ourselves."
Asked if that meant responding militarily, the Syrian envoy replied, "By all means. If Israel continues to attack us and continues its aggression of course we shall react to the attacks in spite of the fact that we are fighting for peace and wish to reopen the (1991) Madrid (peace) conference."
When asked if he was concerned about Israel's superior firepower, Bilal replied, "If Israel continues to attack us, what are we supposed to do? Tell them 'welcome'? Of course we will have to defend ourselves by all means."
However, Syria later on in the day said that the remarks made by its ambassador on possible military action against Israel represented "his personal understanding" of Damascus' official position.
"This is his personal understanding of the official position," an official source told Reuters.
Meanwhile, security sources in Israel have responded to the Syrian "threats", claiming they are aimed at making "an impression" on the Arab world. The sources further added that neither Syria nor Israel wish to launch a war. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
