Syrian Leaders Slam Western Sanctions and Blockade

The Syrian government has reacted angrily to last week’s decisions by the European Union and the United States to extend their international sanctions and blockade against Syria. Many officials say it will not weaken their determination to confront armed extremism despite damage done to the health and living conditions of the people. A member of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce said: “Unfortunately, the European Union, led by the French and the British, thinks in a colonial way.” According to the leader of the Syrian Doctors’ Association, “the West, which claims to defend humanity, should recognize that these arbitrary decisions target humanity. So the West is lying when it claims to respect people’s rights.” A member of the Syrian Parliament said: “Western countries are not aware of what the sanctions due to the Syrian people. At the same time they supply the extremists with all sorts of means. Is it possible they do not know that all this will backfire on them?” Meanwhile, the Syrian government is trying to maintain essential supplies and healthcare services. Hazem Abdullah reports from Damascus for teleSUR.