US Proves It Backs Terrorism by Lifting Ban on Arms Supplies to Syria - Damascus

The lifting of the ban on arms supplies to Syria by US President Barack Obama is another evidence of Washington's continuing support for terrorism, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

"The United States has provided a new evidence of its notorious role in support for terrorism in Syria by taking the decision to lift the ban on supplying arms to terrorist groups," the ministry said.

On Thursday, President Barack Obama waived legal restrictions outlined in the US Arms Export Control Act, which forbids providing defense-related supplies or services to countries that are not cooperating fully with US anti-terrorism efforts. A US government administration official told Sputnik Thursday that Obama lifted US restrictions on arming partners in Syria to facilitate the Raqqa offensive.

Syrian diplomats said the decision was aimed at fueling the crisis, killing Syrians and destroying the infrastructure.

The lifting of the ban on arms supplies yet needs Congressional endorsement.