Manama A $300 million (Dh1.1 billion) fund has been set up by anti-regime Syrians to support rebels fighting the forces of President Bashar Al Assad, activists said in Qatar.
“This fund has been established to support all components of the revolution in Syria, and to build a strong relationship with businessmen in and outside Syria and to protect civilians,” Wael Mirza, a consultant with the Syrian Business Forum, told reporters in the Qatari capital. The fund will be based in Doha.
“The fund was set up months ago, but no announcement was made because of the special circumstances in Syria. Most of the money will be used to support assistance and the peaceful movement. It will also support the armed movement in some of its aspects,” he said.
The fund expects to receive more donations to help support the revolution in Syria, he said.
However, Wael said that $150 million, half of the funds, have already been spent on revolution, including contributions to the rebel Free Syrian Army.
“The majority of the support given to the rebels will be on the technical side,” Wael said. “It is also logistical support to our people on the ground,” he said, quoted by Qatari media.
Mirza did not specify where the fund would come from, but he hinted at strong financial support from Gulf Arab states.
“We are going to see distinct support of this fund from neighbours in a matter of weeks,” he said.
Mustafa Sabbagh, president of the forum, said that the money is being used to “support the Free [Syrian] Army to protect civilians.”
“There are some business people who got involved in the revolution since it was launched through providing moral and material support. However, it is time now to show clearly the expanding participation,” Qatari media quoted him as saying..
The forum has a seven-member board of directors and it is planning to join the Syrian National Council.
