Syrian MP: We are not readying for war, Israel is escalating the situation

By JPOST.COM STAFF
During a broadcast Thurday night on the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya network Syrian parliament member, Muhammad Habash, denied reports that Syria was mobilizing its reserves. "The atmosphere in Syrian is entirely normal and there is no reason or need for an additional draft of reserve troops," Habash stated. He then reiterated his opinion regarding Israel's intentions by saying, "Syria is ready to defend itself but is not striving for war- it is the Israeli side that is taking steps to bring about an escalation." These remarks come after reports Wednesday that Syria was calling up its reserves and increasing manpower on the Israeli-Syrian border.