Syrian-American Groups Applaud Senator for Blocking Deal with Russian Arms Company, Defense Department is Urged to Stop Doing Business by Assad's Arms Supplier

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Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 19, 2012

The American Syrian Coalition (ASC) applauded Senator John Cornyn of Texas for blocking the confirmation of the nominee for the Army’s top weapons buyer until the Department of Defense (DoD) pledges to take action against Rosoboronexport, a Russian company supplying arms to Syria's Assad regime.

The Army has a $375 million, no-bid contract with Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state-run arms trader, to buy 21 Russian-made Mi-17 helicopters for Afghanistan’s air force. Cornyn is leading an effort pressuring the DoD to stop doing business with the Russian company.

SEE: Senator Blocks Army Weapons Buyer on Russia Arms to Syria - Bloomberg:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-12/senator-blocks-army-weapons-buyer-on-russia-arms-to-syria.html

Dr Iyad Azark, Chairman of the Syrian Expatriates Organization, said, "We commend Senator Cornyn for his leadership in stopping the DoD from doing business with Rosoboronexport, a firm that is well known as an arms supplier for the Assad regime, making it a partner in the mass atrocities committed by Assad forces in Syria. We urge the DoD to reconsider their deal with Rosoboronexport, and to act in accordance with the sanctions issued and implemented by the U.S. government, which prohibits trade with companies that supply arms to the Assad regime.”

The ASC, urges other Senators to join Cornyn's effort to exert pressure on DoD to stop its deals with Russian companies that support the Assad regime.

The American Syrian Coalition was formed in April of 2012 to coordinate the efforts of Syrian-American groups. The coalition members are: the Syrian American Council (SAC), the Syrian Expatriates Organization, the Syrian Emergency Task Force, and United for a Free Syria.

The Syrian Expatriates is a leading nonprofit organization of Syrian Americans and Syrian Canadians that reflects the diversity and talent of the Syrian nation. Its mission is to support the establishment of a free and democratic Syria. In addition, the Expatriates provide humanitarian relief to those in need and works towards the social, political and economic development of Syria.

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