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Syrian Envoy to France Denies Quitting, Says Woman Imitated Her Voice on French TV

Syrian Ambassador to France Lamia Shakkour on Tuesday denied that she had quit her post, in interviews with Syria’s state TV and Al-Arabiya TV, shortly after the France 24 network aired an audio statement purportedly from her saying she was quitting.

In her phone interview with Al-Arabiya, Shakkour said her voice was imitated by the person who called France 24, stressing that she did not speak to any television.

“I’m so angry at France 24 channel and I did not speak to any television about quitting my post,” the ambassador told Al-Arabiya.

Meanwhile, she told Syria’s state television that she intends to file lawsuits against those who fabricated the story about her alleged resignation.

France 24 had earlier in the day aired an audio message by a woman claiming she was Syria’s ambassador to Paris. "I cannot support the cycle of violence, ... ignore that demonstrators have died, that families live in pain," the caller said.

"I've informed the private secretary of (Syrian) President Bashar al-Assad of my intention to resign," the caller added. "I recognize the legitimacy of the people's demands for more democracy and freedom."


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