Syrian News on May 15th, 2012

Decrees on Granting Transitional Period for Real-Estate Assessment, Setting up Nursing Syndicate

President al-Assad also issued a decree on setting up a syndicate for nursing and medical and health professions.

Al-Azzawi: Parliamentary Elections’ Results to be Announced Tuesday

In a statement to SANA on Monday, al-Azzawi added that the Committee received all the results of the constituencies after discussing and studying all the objections.

The parliamentary elections took place on May 7th as they were repeated at two electoral centers in Hasaka, two other centers in Damascus and in 14 centers in Damascus Countryside due to some violations of the rules of the elections general law.

Eleven Army and Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

Solemn processions were held for the martyrs who were killed while in the line of duty in Damascus and its Countryside, Homs, Daraa and Lattakia.

The martyrs are:

­        Lieutenant Colonel Qais Nizhat al-Sarrout, from Hama.

­        Sergeant Major Ihab Muiassar al-Ali from Idleb.

­        Sergeant Major Mohammad Jaber Dawa, from Tartous.

­        Sergeant Major Ramadan Youssef Balloul, from Homs.

­        Sergeant Major Moussa Munir al-Shamali, from Homs.

­        Sergeant Fadi Anis Abbas, from Lattakia.

­        Sergeant Abdullah Mohammad al-Ahmad, from Deir Ezzor.

­        Sergeant Tarek Ibrahim Rojiea, from Lattakia.

­        Corporal Mohammad Abdul-Razzak Ezzat, from Aleppo.

­        Conscript Abdel-Hakim Abdel-Qader Ibrahim, from Raqqa.

­        Conscript Tarek al-Hussein, from Deir Ezzour.

The martyrs’ families expressed pride in the martyrdom of their sons who sacrificed their souls for the sake of defending Syria’s stability and pride.

They expressed confidence in Syria’s ability to overcome the crisis thanks to the sacrifices of the Syrian army.

They called for dealing firmly with the armed terrorist groups and confronting all those who try to tamper with the homeland’s security and stability.

Armed Terrorist Groups Assassinate Two Officers in Juober and Daraa, Clan Elder in Deir Ezzor

PROVINCES, (SANA)- In the framework of targeting the national intellectuals and expertise, an armed terrorist group on Monday assassinated Colonel Ahmad Salman Moalla in Jouber District in Damascus. A source told SANA reporter that an armed terrorist group, composed of 5 members, opened fire on Colonel Moalla near his home causing his immediate martyrdom, as the group escaped.

In Daraa, an armed terrorist group assassinated a Lieutenant Colonel at the Criminal Security Branch and his driver in Daraa.

SANA reporter quoted a source at the province as saying that gunmen riding Kia and Van cars opened fire on Lieutenant Colonel Qais Sarrout when he came out of a barber shop at al-Mahatta area in Daraa al-Balad, causing his immediate martyrdom. The body of his driver was found in al-Sweidan Street in the city.

SANA reporter quoted a source at the province as saying that six terrorists broke into an agricultural pharmacy in which Ghandour was working and opened fire on him.

The terrorists shot randomly to intimidate the people before running away.

Terrorist Group Assassinates Elder of Al-Okaidat Clan, His Son and Driver and Deir Ezzor

An armed terrorist group assassinated sheikh Abdelaziz Rashid al-Hafal, one of the elders of al-Okaidat clan in Deir Ezzor, along with his son and his driver.

A source at the province told SANA’s correspondent that the terrorists opened fire on sheikh al-Hafal, his son Ra’ad, and his driver Jalal Hasan al-Mohammad, on the road to Deir Ezzor near al-Sour area, killing them instantly.

A team of UN observers visited the site where the incident took place.

Another terrorist group murdered sheikh Mahmoud Hasan al-Ghannash, another elder of al-Okaidat clan, last week, injuring his daughter who was with him in the car at the time of the attack.

Gatilov: Russia Will Foil Any UNSC Resolution on Military Intervention in Syria

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said that Russia will foil any UN Security Council resolution that allows military intervention in Syria.

In a statement to journalists in Moscow, Gatilov said ” We will not allow the passage of any blurry resolution, particularly if related to using force…we generally hope that the military scenario would not be taken; we do prefer reaching a political solution.”

He added, ” I think there is no danger of a serious interference by force for the time being,” pointing out that the west has become more self-restraint.

Gatilov stressed that the Security Council is not considering any resolutions concerning Syria and there is no need for that, noting that the international community increasingly tends for the implementation of the plan of UN Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan.

Gatilov added that al-Qaeda and other allies stand behind the attacks which hit Syria in the past few days, considering that the conflict in Syria is being long-termed if compared to the former period.

He added that Moscow does not see prospects for commencing direct talks between representatives of the Syrian Government and the opposition in the near future without ruling out the failure of the conference scheduled on May 16th in Cairo with the aim of unifying the Syrian opposition which is greatly scattered.

Concerning the Syrian-Russian military cooperation, Gatilov underlined that his country does not intend to stop its technical and military cooperation with Syria, pointing out that all weapon shipments are legal, asserting that Russia does not send offensive weapons but  merely defensive ones.

The Russian official concluded” It is not correct to leave the Syrian Government without defensive weapons in a time when the opposition is being supplied with arms.”

Russian Foreign Ministry.. reports about training Syrian armed men in Kosovo contract with efforts of  Annan

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern today over reports about contacts between representatives of the Syrian opposition and the authorities in the so-called Kosovo, underlining that these plots contract with efforts of the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

“Such intentions contract with the internationally-backed Annan’s plan… shifting Kosovo into an international training field to prepare fighters for different armed formations could become a dangerous factor to hinder stability which go beyond borders of al-Balkan area,” a statement for the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The statement called on the international sides  which work in Kosovo to take all necessary measures to prevent those intentions from being implemented.

EU to Continue Supporting Annan’s Mission in Syria

BRUSSLES, (SANA)_European Union Foreign Ministers announced that they will continue supporting the plan of the UN Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, indicating that the plan is not dead.

The Italian AKI News Agency quoted on Monday the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, as saying that the plan includes important points, vowing ”We will continue to back Annan’s plan so long as we are convinced of its effectiveness.”

In statements on the sidelines of the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Ashton said ”We are waiting for Annan’s next report on the mission and we are working to provide all necessary conditions for its success.”

She said that the EU is committed to providing necessary help for the UN Observer Mission, especially vehicles and cars offered by the member states to the observers. On the European assessment of the situation in Syria, Ashton said that the EU reiterates its rejection of violence.

The source said that Italy will send 12 monitors to Syria, 5 of whom are due to arrive today.

Saud al-Faisal Anticipates UN monitors’ report to declare that confidence in their work decreased

His remarks at a press s conference Monday came under the pretext of the continuation of violence perpetrated by the armed terrorist group, backed by his kingdom with money and weapon to foil the mission of the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

The Syrian media which presents a real image of what is happening in Syria was also attacked by al-Faisal, considering the media comments about the gulf intervention in the Syrian affairs as “unfair accusation”, ignoring his clear call in Tunis to arm the Syrian opposition and provide it with weapons and money.

UN Observers Visit Douma, Neighborhoods in Homs, Deir Ezzor

PROVINCES, (SANA) – A team of UN observers on Monday visited the town of Douma in Damascus countryside, while another team of observers visited al-Qusour and al-Khaldieh neighborhoods in Homs.

A third team visited Deir Ezzor and met with its governor Samir Othman al-Sheiklh, who briefed them on life in the province and the crimes perpetrated by terrorists.

Observers also visited the site of the assassination of sheikh Abdelaziz Rashid al-Hafal, one of the elders of al-Okaidat clan in Deir Ezzor, who was killed by terrorists along with his son and his driver in Deir Ezzor.

On a relevant note, media officer of the UN observer mission Hasan Saqlawi said in a statement in front of the UNRWA headquarters in Damascus that the number of the observer mission’s members has reached 250, 189 of them military personnel.

Russian Academic and Media Delegation Stresses Support to Syria

Meeting Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, the delegation members expressed confidence in Syria’s ability to get out of the crisis thanks to its people’s rallying around its leadership and their support for real reforms taking place in the country.

The members said that after inspecting the reality of the events in Syria, they will convey these facts to the Russian people, calling for increasing visits of foreign delegation to Syria to expose the reality and convey it to the outside world away from misdirection and instigation led by some Arab and western media.

They said that they witnessed the positive political, economic and constitutional changes taking place in the country, stressing dialogue as the only way out of the crisis.

The meeting focused on the situation in Syria, the US and western attack it faces, and Russia’s role in support of Syria against the conspiracy.

Mikdad said that the attack against Syria aims at implementing Israeli policies because of Syria’s stances in support of the Palestinian cause and its resistant role to liberate the occupied Arab lands.

He stressed that the comprehensive national dialogue is the only way to come out of the crisis.

Mikdad said that Syria’s people and leadership appreciate Russia’s support to Syria in international forums and its policy which isbased on the UN charter, international law and humanitarian law, hailing the role of China and developing countries.

He briefed the delegation on the events in Syria that have been taking place since one year and two months, indicating to the reforms carried out in political, economic and social life.

Mikdad said that “every reform step taken in Syria was confronted with more escalation in violence and terrorism which indicates that what has happened was plotted by the US and western intelligence, in cooperation with some Arab countries which announced their support to terrorism and bloodshed in Syria.

He added that Syria provided unprecedented facilitations to the UN observer mission to Syria and the plan of the UN Envoy, Kofi Annan, stressing its commitment to the relevant international resolutions as it wants this mission to be neutral and objective in revealing the truth.

Mikdad said that the army, law-enforcement members and civilians are the ones who suffer from the terrorist operations, the last of which are the twin terrorist bombings that took place in al-Qazzaz region in Damascus, claiming the lives of dozens and injured hundreds of children, elderly people and students who were on their way to their schools and universities unlike what was alleged by Artab and western media which serve foreign agendas.

He indicated to the strategic Syrian-Russian relations, which are based on the interests of the people of the two countries, and aspirations to enhance them in the political, economic, military and social domains.

Fakoush Appreciates Russian stance toward crisis in Syria

Member of the Regional Leadership of al-Baath Arab socialist Party Shahnaz Fakoush appreciated the Russian stance towards Syria and its strategic vision of the current events as well as its backing to the national dialogue and the comprehensive reform program in the country.

Meeting members of the Russian delegation, Fakoush briefed  them on the crimes of the armed terrorist groups in Syria, backed by the US, western countries and their tools in the region.

For their part, the Russian journalists expressed their solidarity with Syrian in the face of the conspiracy, underlining that they will convey what they really saw in Syria to the Russian and world public opinion.

Later, the delegation visited the sites of al-Qazza twin blasts and al-Jamarek, inspecting the volume of destruction and damages because of the explosions. They condemned the terrorist acts Syria is exposed to, saying that these acts are unaccepted violation of the human rights and international laws.

Grand Mufti of Syria Underlines Importance of Media in Enlightening Society

During his meeting on Sunday with the Russian media delegation currently visiting Syria to make documentaries on the events, Hassoun said that Syria is being targeted by a fierce campaign intended to sow sedition and undermine national unity in Syria to serve the interests of colonial countries.

Hassoun hailed the Russian stances which respect the principles of law, justice and human rights. Mufti Hassoun reviewed with the Russian delegation the situation and events in Syria and the media misleading campaigns against it, stressing that Syria won’t bow no matter the terrorism, violence and foreign interference.

He called upon Arab and foreign countries to stop backing the armed terrorist groups and interferences in the Syrian internal affairs.

The delegation members expressed support to the unity of Syria and following through with the reform steps, stressing the importance that media be used in serving the truth.

They also condemned the terrorist bombings in Damascus, pointing out to the role of clergymen in showcasing the true nature of the Syrian people.

Patriarch al-Khouri Underlines Role of Media in Relaying Reality of Events in Syria

During a similar meeting with the Russian media delegation, Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Assistant Bishop Luca al-Khouri underlined the role of honest media in relaying the true image of what is happening in Syria, especially in light of the immoral media war which distorts facts and seeks to sow discord among countrymen.

Patriarch al-Khouri pointed out to the role of youth and their unity in the face of the conspiracy against Syria and the media campaigns targeting its role, affirming that Syria will emerge from the crisis stronger and that its future is full of prosperity and development.

He underscored the state of national unity, love, fraternity and respect among the various spectrums of the Syrian people, which has always been a role model in the region.

He also lauded the unique relations between Syria and Russia.

Zionist Entity Steals Oil from Occupied Syrian Golan

The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth revealed a decision taken by the Israeli Energy Minister, Uzi Landau, and secretly approved by the Zionist Cabinet to resume oil exploration in the occupied Syrian Golan after about 20 years from halting it.

The decision highlights the Zionist entity’s disregard for the international law and the international consensus that it must abide by the international legitimacy, particularly the Security Council No. 497 which considers Israel’s decision to impose its laws and jurisdiction on the Syrian Golan as null and void.

The Newspaper said that Landau’s extremist right-wing ideas have contributed to taking such decision which aims at increasing oil production, while several Arab regimes are providing Israel with large amounts of oil and gas.

Rector of Damascus University Briefs Russian Media Delegation on the University’s Role

DAMASCUS,(SANA) – The meeting of Damascus University professors and a Russian media delegation visiting Syria on Sunday centered on the academic, developmental, scientific and cultural role of the University through its colleges, institutions and branches in Damascus, Daraa, Quneitra and Sweida.

He underlined that the University provides scientific cadres for the development process in both the job market and the scientific research.

Mardini pointed out to the University’s readiness to receive students and staffs from the Russian side with the aim of exchanging expertise and qualifying students in the fields of media and science.

Head of the Russian delegation pointed out that he witnessed essential changes in the country since his visit to Syria last year including the new Constitution and several important laws in addition to holding the parliamentary elections.

Participants in ‘Syrian Family’ Meeting in Quneitra Stress Support to Reforms, Rejection of Foreign Interference

The Meeting was held in Quneitra under the title ‘Religion is for God, Homeland is for All’.

The participants also stressed the need to enhance national unity and reject all forms of foreign interference attempts in the internal affairs.

They expressed rejection of the acts of sabotage and vandalism carried out by the armed terrorist groups, hailing the role of the Syrian army in defending the homeland and preserving law.

The participants highlighted that the plot against Syria aims at weakening its pan-Arab role, adding that the awareness of the Syrians and their adherence to national unity will foil the conspiracy.

They said that the Syrians, as one family, made the whole world hear its rejection of foreign interference attempts in the Syrian internal affairs and adherence to national sovereignty.