We should work with the Russians in Syria not against them - David Coburn MEP

“Well, we got rid of Saddam, we got rid of Gaddafi. Neither went particularly well, did it? Now you want to get rid of Assad. It may be unpalatable, but at least he ran a secular state protecting minorities, both religious and political. The EU seems to want to change this for an Islamic state. We have a common enemy with the Russians in the potential theocratic governments in the Middle East. We should work with the Russians rather than against them. To combat the medieval religious anarchy ripping through the Middle East.” David Coburn, UKIP MEP, Debate: Situation in Syria, European Parliament, Strasbourg, 05 October 2016. Video: EbS (European Parliament)

Transcript:

The next speaker is Mr. Coburn.

Thank you madam President. Well, we got rid of Saddam, we got rid of Gaddafi. Neither went particularly well, did it? Now you want to get rid of Assad. It may be unpalatable, but at least he ran a secular state protecting minorities, both religious and political. The EU seems to want to change this for an Islamic state. We have a common enemy with the Russians in the potential theocratic governments in the Middle East. We should work with the Russians rather than against them. To combat the medieval religious anarchy ripping through the Middle East.

Forcing refugees across the Mediterranean, which in turn disrupt our cities with terrorism and spread social problems throughout Europe. The EU should stop its ludicrous, absolutely ludicrous posturing, and get behind NATO and great powers. There are 400 thousands dead in Syria. 11 million displaced, 10 thousand refugees picked up in the last two days. Behave responsibly for a change. Mogherini has zero power, get behind great powers and NATO, and stop posturing for political reasons. Thank you.