72
BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s foreign minister has warned the international community not to recognize a new council formed by the opposition, saying it is "illegitimate."
Walid al-Moallem has warned that Damascus will take measures against any country that recognizes the Syrian National Council. He did not elaborate.
The creation of the broad-based council was announced last week in Turkey. It has not yet been recognized as a legal representative of the Syrian people by any country or international body.
Al-Moallem told reporters Sunday that Damascus is a proponent of national dialogue and all opposition groups "are invited to participate for the future of Syria."
He criticized European countries where Syrian missions have recently been attacked by protesters, warning that if those nations don’t abide by international agreements Syria will retaliate the same way.
