The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Biden calls UAE prince to clarify remarks on Syria

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Vice PresidentJoe Biden on Sunday called the crown prince of the United Arab Emirates to clarify that he did not mean to imply in his remarks last week that the Gulf ally was supporting al-Qaida fighters in Syria.

Biden spoke with Prince Mohamed bin Zayed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and a key Emirati leader, the White House said.

It was the second time in two days that Biden had to call a key partner in President Barack Obama‘s coalition to walk back comments he made on Thursday, when he said that U.S. allies — including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE — had funded and armed extremist groups linked to al-Qaida.

Earlier Sunday, an exasperated UAE requested “a formal clarification” from Biden on comments that America’s allies in the Middle East sent weapons and cash to extremists fighting in Syria.

The White House said Biden clarified his remarks and recognized the UAE’s strong steps to counter extremists and participation in U.S.-led airstrikes.

On Saturday, Biden already called to apologize to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the White House said.