Jarba Says Extremists “Stealing Revolution”

Addressing representatives of the so-called Friends of Syria in New York, Jarba claimed that extremists were supported by the Syrian government.
"The Syrian people support peace and moderation, tolerance and coexistence," he said.
 
"The phenomenon of extremism appeared with the support and planning of the regime, which has gambled on the transformation of a revolution for freedom into a civil and sectarian war," Jarba added.
"Other groups have come across the borders to steal our revolution."
 
An unknown number of foreign fighters has streamed into Syria to join extremist groups such as the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Nusra Front and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
 
They include fighters from Europe, the Middle East and Chechnya.
Opposition militants initially welcomed the extremists groups and the foreign fighters who joined them, eager for weapons and battle experience.
 
But in recent months, relations have been tense, particularly between ISIL and non-extremist factions, which have clashed on occasion.
This week, some of the biggest non-extremist battalions formed an alliance that includes Al-Nusra, and announced their rejection of the Coalition that Jarba heads.
 
The extremism "has increased because of the indifference of the international community, which has failed in its duties to the Syrian people,” Jarba told the meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
 
Meanwhile, Jarba insisted, despite the setbacks the foreign-backed opposition suffered, that the only solution to the conflict would be the departure of the Syrian government.
 
"There is no horizon for the Syrians before the fall of the regime," he said.
"When it goes, Syrians will regain their freedom and civil peace and harmony will be restored.