Syrian Rebels Decry US,UK Aid Decision 12/12 07:19

   BEIRUT (AP) -- A spokesman for Syria's main Western-backed rebel group has 
criticized the decision by the United States and Britain to suspend nonlethal 
aid to opposition fighters in northern Syria.

   The U.S.-British decision reflected Western fears of the growing strength of 
al-Qaida-linked forces among the rebels. It came after some of the aid was 
seized by Islamic militants.

   The rebel spokesman, Loay al-Mikdad, said Thursday that Free Syrian Army 
commanders would contact U.S. and British officials to clear up the 
"misunderstanding."

   He says he hopes the decision would be reconsidered because it would impact 
negatively on the Syrian people, not just the rebel FSA.

   Wednesday's suspension was another blow to the rebels amid diminished 
international support for their struggle and recent losses on the battlefield 
against President Bashar Assad's troops.


(KA)