DAMASCUS: Syria said yesterday that it had taken “every measure” to retaliate if hit by a feared US-led military strike and would never give in, even if a third world war erupts.
“Syria has taken every measure to retaliate against... an aggression,” Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Muqdad said, although he refused to provide any clue as to what that might mean.
“The Syrian government will not change position even if there is World War III. No Syrian can sacrifice the independence of his country,” he added.
The regime categorically denies any responsibility for the alleged attack in Damascus suburbs and has said it is cooperating with UN inspectors who are currently analysing samples taken from the sites of the suspected incident.
Analysts fear that the conflict currently tearing Syria apart will spill over permanently into fragile, neighbouring countries such as Lebanon, where supporters of the Damascus regime are already pitted against its opponents.
And allies Russia and Iran have warned that any military intervention would have devastating regional consequences.
Afp
