Syrian opposition tells UPI 'We're happy Pres. Obama is making this move' to equip and train 'vetted fighters'

DAMASCUS, Syria, June 30 (UPI) -- The Syrian opposition has expressed gratitude for America's commitment to help its "vetted fighters" through the provision of lethal aid.

On June 26, the National Security Council revealed that the White House had submitted a request to Congress for $500 million to equip and train armed Syrian opposition members.

"These funds would help defend the Syrian people, stabilize areas under opposition control, facilitate the provision of essential services, counter terrorist threats, and promote conditions for a negotiated settlement," said NSC spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.

A representative of the Syrian opposition commented on the announcement, telling UPI: "We're happy that President Obama is making this move and we're committed to fighting Assad and ISIS through vetted army."

While the White House acknowledged it sees "no military solution to [the Syrian] crisis," the proposed funding would provide military assistance to "appropriately vetted elements of the moderate Syrian armed opposition" in order to help "the Syrian people defend themselves against regime attacks" and terrorists.