Lavrov: Geneva’s Document Imposes Nothing on the Syrians, Contains no Preconditions for Political Process or National Dialogue
GENEVA, (SANA) – Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday said that the document released from Geneva meeting imposes nothing on the Syrian people and has no preconditions on the political process or national dialogue nor does it exclude any side.
In a press conference after the first session of the international work group meeting in Geneva, Lavrov said that Russia rejects any preconditions, and that it managed to reach a unified position with its partners to pressure all sides, not to take any unilateral steps, adding that Russia also worked constructively to avoid any attempts to make ultimatums and made amendments to the preliminary statements which resulted in the final version.
He said that the document produced by the meeting sends a clear message to the Syrian government and the armed groups to work in a synchronized manner to implement the plan of UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan, cease all armed activities, and support the UN mission.
Lavrov said that the meeting aims at calling major players in Syria to cooperate to guarantee the implementation of the peace plan and calling on foreign sides to influence all sides within Syria to commit to the plan.
He pointed out that the transitional political process will be led by the Syrian people, and that the document complies with the principles leading to such a process and affirms the basic principles of a democratic countries, including respecting human rights and the rights of minorities and sects, in addition to stressing the need for free and democratic elections and forming a body that expresses the people’s opinions.
Lavrov noted that partners in the work group wanted to issue a new resolution from the Security Council, but Russia rejected this as the group gathering in Geneva isn’t authorized to preemptively issue such a resolution as the Council has its procedures, and that this idea is being studied and the decision will be made by the Security Council.
He said that before discussing Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, the best possible efforts must be exerted to implement Annan’s plan on the basis of existing resolutions, noting that armed groups and those who support the opposition and sponsor them aren’t upholding their commitments and that they are acting in a way that makes it impossible to guarantee security as they are provoking the Syrian government and forces to respond to them.
“Some armed groups and the sides sponsoring them are using provocation to spread violence, and there are many facts in this regard that can be seen in western and US media sources… this is happening in several towns and villages where there are attacks on administrative establishments, government and private properties, the army forces and the police… there are more facts that turn up successively, showing the presence of sectarian instigation,” Lavrov said.
He pointed out that the armed groups hindered the attempts of the International Committee of the Red Cross to evacuate civilians and the trapped in various areas, adding that armed groups are receiving weapons illegally from external sides, and that these practices which violate international law are ongoing and motivate armed group to refrain from disarmament.
He hoped that all sides will realize that the document requires them to commit to it and exert positive influence on all sides, specifically armed groups, to implement Annan’s plan.
“We support Anna’s Efforts and have full trust in the UN observer mission and its ability to achieve stability in all these town and villages so that civilians can live in peace,” Lavrov said.
He stressed that the document produced by the Geneva meeting underscores the need for a peaceful solution that takes the interests of all Syrians into consideration, adding that all the participants in the Geneva meeting are against further militarization of the conflict.
“We cannot call upon the government forces to withdraw from cities while armed groups are receiving weapons… US and European media show this, ” he added.
Lavrov affirmed that Moscow is in contact with almost all representatives of the opposition and is trying to integrate them into the political process and commit them to Annan’s plan, but there are other foreign sides that are asking them to refrain from discarding their weapons and stopping combat under the pretense that foreign countries will help them.
He also stressed that the anti-air weapons delivered to Syria cannot be used against the opposition, as they can only be used to defend the country from an aerial attack.
Lavrov noted that there’s a media dimension to the Syrian crisis, as some channels like Euro News, CNN and BBC show images captured by mobiles and claim that they cannot verify them, while several al-Jazeera resigned in protest of the channel’s coverage of events in Syria.
“There was an attack on the Syrian al-Ikhbariya channel… I asked my colleagues in the work group about their opinion on the EU and Arab League decision to cease the broadcast of Syrian satellite channels, and I received no answer, despite that members of the EU always talk about freedom of expression and journalists’ right to reach information,” he said.
Regarding the effects of the so-called “friends of Syria” meeting on the work group’s efforts, Lavrov said that the name itself is very expressive, since if someone wants to be Syria’s friend, they must be sure that all Syrians view them as a friend of Syria, adding “we told our colleagues that if they want to meet as friends of Syria, they mustn’t keep meeting as friends of part of the opposition, since we’re trying to unite our efforts as external players and coordinate with each other… I don’t know how that group can have a positive effects on the efforts exerted and discussed today.”
He said that Russia is ready to participate in meetings to unify the opposition, noting that this requires work with the government as per Annan’s plan.
Lavrov stressed that the document produced by the Geneva meeting doesn’t exclude anyone, since such an exclusion is inconsistent with inclusiveness in the political process and the UN Charter and rules against interference in the affairs of sovereign countries.
On the shooting down of the Turkish military aircraft which violated Syria’s sovereignty, Lavrov said that the incident requires careful investigation, and that Russia voiced deep regret over and called for taking all precautions to avoid repeating it and exploiting any incident to increase tension.
“We supported a joint investigation between Syria and Turkey… we have our own information and objective observations and we’re ready to present them to both countries, but the main responsibility is on the two countries,” he said.
Two Terrorists Killed in Explosive Device Blast in Aleppo Countryside, 3 Explosive Devices Dismantled in Idleb
PROVINCES, (SANA)- Two terrorists on Sunday killed in explosion of an explosive device they were trying to plant near Tal Erin site, 20-km east of Aleppo.
SANA reporter quoted a source in Aleppo Province as saying the explosive device went off causing the immediate death of the two terrorists.
Authorities Arrest Terrorist who Participated in Attack on Law-enforcement Forces in Hama
Authorities in Hama province arrested the terrorist Tammam Mahmoud al-Hamid, a member of the armed terrorist group who attacked law-enforcement forces in Helfaiya town.
Arms Warehouse Explodes in al-Khaldiya, Several Terrorists Killed
A weapon warehouse used by terrorist groups in al-Khaldiya neighborhood in Homs exploded on Sunday, killing and wounding several terrorists.
SANA reporter quoted a source at the province as saying that there were improvised explosive devices (IEDs), weapons and ammunition at the warehouse, adding that the terrorists used these arms to attack law-enforcement personnel and terrorize citizens.
The source added that military engineering units dismantled four IEDs in al-Qusair area, adding that the devices ranged in weight between 15 and 50 kilograms.
In Deir Ezzor, authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group in al-Hamydiya and al-Sheikh Miskeen areas, killing and wounded many terrorists.
A source at the province said that five terrorists were killed while planting an IED in al-Ardi area in the Deir Ezzor city
Three Explosive Devices Dismantled in Idleb
Military engineering units dismantled 3 explosive devices planed by an armed terrorist group on al-Z’einiyeh – Beksariya road in Jisr al-Shughour area to target citizens and law-enforcement forces.
SANA reporter said that the explosive devices weighed between 30 to 40 kg, rigged for remote detonation.
120-Kilo IED Dismantled in Hama
Military engineering units in Hama Province dismantled a 120 kilo improvised explosive device planted in Mharda area.
An official source told SANA reporter that the explosive device was camouflaged and planted at an intersection, adding that the charge was set to be remotely detonated.
Interior Minister Calls on Policemen to Confront Terrorists, Foil Plot against Syria
ALEPPO, (SANA) – Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Mohammad al-Shaar on Sunday called upon law-enforcement personnel to confront the armed terrorist groups which commit murders and sabotage acts.
The remarks came during a meeting with officers of Aleppo’s Police Department.
Al-Shaar stressed that law-enforcement personnel should be brave and wise during implementing their missions with the aim of foiling the conspiracy against the country.
He added that people should feel safe and secure in the presence of the policemen as they preserve the stability of the country and security of the citizens.
He underlined the need to promote the work up to face the plot that is targeting the country, adding that the misleading media campaign against Syria aims at escalating the situation and affecting the international opinion.
He concluded saying that some Arab and foreign countries are supporting these misleading media outlets.
Head of Russian Delegation Visiting Syria: Western Media Falsify Facts about Events in Syria
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Head of the delegation of the Public Chamber at the Russian Federation visiting Syria, Sergei Ordzhonikidze, said that the western media is falsifying facts about the situation in Syria and they don’t convey the objective image of what is happening.
Meeting Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, Ordzhonikidze stressed Russia’s understanding of the events taking place in Syria, adding that they will convey the reality to the Russian public opinion.
For his part, Mikdad expressed Syria’s appreciation for Russia’s people and government’s support to Syria in the current crisis which stresses the deep Syrian-Russian relations.
Mikdad reiterated Syria’s commitment to the plan of the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Kofi Anann, and its effort to make his mission a success.
Haidar: Ministry of National Reconciliation Affairs to Set Up Work Program to Inspect Citizens’ Needs
HAMA, (SANA) – Minister of State for National Reconciliation Affairs, Dr. Ali Haidar, said that the Ministry is preparing a work program for next stage which aims at activating the Ministry’s role in verifying facts and inspecting the citizens’ issues and problems to achieve national reconciliation.
Meeting members of the National Work Forum in Hama, Minister Haidar said that the Ministry will take daily procedures to achieve civil and social peace that would contribute to finding a peaceful solution to the current crisis.
He called for establishing good relations to preserve the strong structure of the state despite different opinions and thoughts, considering national dialogue and listening to all viewpoints as essential factors to overcome the crisis and restore Syria’s strength in the face of all foreign challenges.
For his part, Hama Governor Anas al-Naem said that the forum aimed at activating the role of civil society, protecting private and public facilities and responding to the citizens’ aspirations.
Father Iskandar al-Turk and Sheikh Hussein al-Ahmad stressed that Islam and Christianity call for tolerance, the respect of others, rejection of violence and conflicts to defend the countries against all enemies and conspirators.
100 Citizens Involved in Recent Events Turn Themselves In in Hama
HAMA, (SANA) – 100 citizens who were misled and got involved in the recent events in the country and whose hands are clean of Syrian blood turned themselves in and surrendered their weapons in to the authorities in Hama.
The citizens were released after pledging not to take up arms again or take part in vandalism or any act that affects Syria’s security and stability in the future, SANA reporter said.
Annan: International Work Group Reached Agreement to Help Resolve Crisis in Syria Through Political Process Led by Syrians
GENEVA, (SANA) – UN Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan said that the international work group on Syria reached an agreement to help resolve the crisis in Syria through a political process led by Syrians themselves through comprehensive national dialogue in an atmosphere of calm, which requires disarming armed groups.
At the conclusion of the work group’s meetings on Saturday, Annan said that all sides are aware of the situation in Syria, and that they have taken cooperation to a higher level through a clearer and more specific course which they hope the Syrians can take.
“We’re determined to work together and intensively to put an end to violence in Syria and launch a process led by Syria leading to a transitional process meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and enabling this people to decide their future independently,” he said.
Annan called on all sides to commit to a permanent cessation of violence and carrying out the six-point plan without waiting others to take steps, in addition to calling on the government and the armed group to cooperate with the UN observers.
He also called on the Syrian government to release detainees, allow journalists to enter and move freely, respect the right to peaceful protests, and allow the entry of humanitarian aid.
Annan said that the workgroup agreed upon a number of directive principles regarding the transitional process in Syria, presenting a vision in which everyone participates in a pluralistic democratic country with free elections that respects human rights, the rule of law, equal access to rights, and respecting the rights of minorities, noting that this requires clear steps within a specific timeframe.
He said that the main steps in the transitional period involves establishing a “governing society” that establishes a neutral environment to affect change, with this transitional body consisting of members of the current government and opposition figures and formed through mutual agreement.
Annan stressed that the political process must be implemented in a secure and quiet environment, which requires the disarming of armed group.
He stressed that the Syrians are the ones to decide their country’s future, and that all social groups must be able to participate in comprehensive national dialogue that produces feasible results, stressing the importance of women’ being represented in all aspect, adding that the constitutional and legal systems may be reconsidered, which is up to the people’s agreement, which would be followed by free, democratic elections.
Anna said that time is running out, and that quick steps are needed to reach an agreement and resolve the conflict through peaceful dialogue and negotiations only, adding that conditions for peaceful settlement must begin immediately, and that violence must cease and all sides must be prepared to appoint negotiators to work on the transitional process.
He affirmed that the international community is ready to support any agreement reached by all sides, and that the work group members will pressure all sides to carry out the discussed points, opposing any further militarization of the conflict.
Annan said that the work group will support him completely through his direct work with the government and the opposition and in consultation with all spectrums of the Syrian people and international players to move forward, adding that he will inform the UN and the Arab League of progress.
“Today’s hopes must not turn to disappointment in the future… we must work together to carry out what we agreed upon, and we can’t do this alone,” he concluded.
Annan: Work Group Gave General and Directive Principles to Help Syrian People, But the Results and Decision Are Up to the Syrian People
In a press conference after the meeting, Annan said that the work group presented general and directive principles for the Syrian people regarding political process, establishing a transitional government and making the needed changes, but the results and the decisions are up to the Syrian people.
He said that efforts must focus on pushing all sides to cease violence and commit to the political solution, which sometimes requires a mediator.
Annan vowed to work with all sides and governments that participated in the Geneva meeting and offered help, and that they will use their influence on the government and the opposition to move in the right direction, hoping to end violence as it’s the most pressing issue.
He noted that the Security Council is fully informed of the situation and that its member countries voiced support for his efforts, stressing the need for unity among these member countries to take cooperation to a higher level.
Annan said the Security Council members are working together and individually to urge all sides to do what is necessary, which will help achieve more.
Regarding the British Foreign Minister’s suggestion to issue the results of the meeting in a decision under Chapter 7, Annan said that this is up to the Security Council.
He pointed out that the Geneva meeting was a great opportunity to encourage countries to work together, and that this meeting showed unity and cooperation among the members of the international community.
On the future of the international observer mission, Annan said the mission is still in Syria and is waiting to resume its duties when circumstances permit it.
Regarding an upcoming meeting of the work group, Annan said that they agreed to be ready to convene at any moment in case of emergencies and according to circumstances and developments; apart from that, no date or place or an upcoming meeting were set.
On the schedule of the plan, Annan said that such an issue should result from talks with government and the opposition, hoping that it won’t be long and saying that he can’t predict the future.
Regarding the date of Annan’s visit to Damascus, Annan said that he hasn’t set a date but he will certainly go to Damascus, noting that he agreed with President al-Assad that when the time comes, he will go and ask him to appoint an authorized representative to continue the process and help matters go forward, adding that President al-Assad voiced readiness to do so.
Annan: Geneva Meeting Should Meet Syrians’ Interests, Not International Players’ Interests
Earlier, Annan stressed that the results of Geneva meeting should be in the interests of the Syrian people not some international players.
The remarks came during Annan’s speech at the first session of the international work group meeting on Syria in Geneva.
Annan added that the crisis in Syria has aggravated, calling on all sides to exert effort with the aim of reaching a solution for the crisis.
He underscored that the crisis in Syria could result in an international crisis, stressing that the Syrians only are responsible for settling the crisis in their country.
He stressed that the international community can play an effective role in solving the crisis in Syria if the international players managed to shorten the distance among their views.
Chinese Foreign Minister: Outsiders Cannot Make Decisions On Behalf of the Syrian People
GENEVA, (SANA) – Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Yang Jiechi affirmed that the agreement achieved during the meeting of the work group in Geneva is very important in terms of strengthening the political solution of the problem in Syria.
During a press conference at the conclusion of the work group meetings in Geneva on Saturday, Yang said that the transitional plan regarding Syria can only be led by Syrians and with the approval of all important sides in Syria, stressing that outsiders cannot make decisions on behalf of the Syrian people.
He affirmed that China welcomes the results of the meeting in terms of agreement in principles and headlines in terms of transition in Syria, adding that as long as sides are committed to neutral , patient in-depth talks, then understanding can be achieved.