Malaysia against military strike on Syria

Channel News Asia – September 04, 2013

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia stated on Wednesday that it is against any military strike against Syria by outside powers.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said military intervention could not solve the problem in Syria and would only result in the loss of innocent lives and damage to property.

Speaking at a news conference in Putrajaya, Anifah said: "Political solution (is the best). We never believe military intervention will solve the problem. We have seen what's happened in many countries; what's happened in Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan. It has not solved any problem whatsoever.

"Our position is very clear, that we must give an opportunity to the conflicting sides to sit down together through dialogue and consultations and find a solution which brings benefits to the people of that particular country."

Anifah was commenting on the United States' plan to launch a military strike against Syria in response to a suspected chemical weapons attack by the Syrian government.

Commenting on the role of the Arab League to assist Syria to resolve the situation, Anifah said the best way to help was through negotiations and political discussion.

"We strongly hope that the Arab League will find a solution to this problem because they are the concerned countries in the particular region and they should decide what is best for Syria and also the region, so that stability and security are guaranteed," he added.

As Malaysia keenly watches the development in Washington, preparations are being made for President Obama's first official visit to Malaysia next month.

Mr Obama is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the fourth Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 11.