President al-Assad Issues Law Specifying 2013 General State Budget with SYP 1383 Billion
Dec 24, 2012
DAMASCUS, SANA_ President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday issued law No. 35 specifying the general state budget for the fiscal year 2013 with SYP 1383 billion.
According to the Law, the revenues of the general state budget for the fiscal year 2013 are estimated at SYP 1383 billion.
The budgets of the public bodies which have economic and constructional nature will be issued according to a decision by the Minister of Finance after the issuance of this Law.
Presidential Decree on Establishing 2nd Architectural Engineering Faculty at Al-Baath University in Salamieh City
President al-Assad also issued decree No. 481 stipulating for the establishment of the Second Architectural Engineering Faculty in Salamiyeh, Hama. The faculty is affiliated to al-Baath University.
Information Minister: Syria is Moving Towards Overcoming Crisis and Defeating Aggression
Dec 23, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi affirmed that Syria as a country, state and people is moving towards overcoming the crisis and defeating the aggressions against it, stressing that most of what is being said in the unprecedented media escalation campaign against Syria is baseless and untrue.
In an open meeting with representatives and correspondents of Arab and foreign mass media and news agencies accredited in Syria on Sunday, al-Zoubi said that Syria will be victorious over its enemies, noting that the national scene in Syria is witnessing considerable political activity among national forces, hoping that this will be productive and positive.
He pointed out that there are terrorist groups and armed gangs that fall under the banner of Jabhet an-Nusra and its affiliates, all of them being a part of Al Qaeda and are trained and prepared by well-known sides that financed, instigated, established training camps, and put various tools at the service of terrorists.
Al-Zoubi said that Russia’s position towards Syria is firm and based on a series of rules including respecting Syria’s sovereignty, and that Russia isn’t talking about anyone leaving or ballots; rather it works to reach a political solution through dialogue and a purely-Syrian democratic and national political process.
He stressed that Russia’s position hasn’t changed, and any bets on such a change are mere dreams.
Al-Zoubi affirmed that neither Russia nor any one put pressure on Syria and the Syrian political resolution regarding all political matters is a pure sovereign decision.
Regarding the plan of UN Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Ibrahimi which is a modified version of the Geneva statement which stipulates for a transitional government approved by the government and the opposition, the Minister said that judgment shouldn’t be passed on the results of his visit in advance, pointing out that there are some questions the Syrian government raised about the statement and are awaiting clarification.
Al-Zoubi added that national dialogue is a dialogue among the Syrians and with those who believe in dialogue as a prelude to a political process, while those who rejected dialogue and called for taking up arms are in fact afraid of the results of this dialogue.
He stressed that if the Doha coalition or any other such group were brave to enter an open political process without elimination and if they had confidence in possessing a share of the ballots, then they wouldn’t have refrained from dialogue.
The Minister said that the Syrians who throw down their weapons and put themselves at the disposal of the law will be treated in a specific way because they’re Syrians, while the foreign gunmen and those belonging to Jabhet al-Nusra and its other Al Qaeda affiliates and those who committed acts leading to the death of Syrians or the destruction of infrastructure will be punished according to the laws if arrested.
Al-Zoubi went on to stress that the Syrian Arab Army will continue to confront these terrorists across the country as per its constitutional, national and political authorities, and that the Syrians support it in the fight against terrorism, adding that is no such thing as positive or negative, acceptable of unacceptable terrorism, and whoever commits a terrorist act is a terrorist, regardless of his nationality, identity, religions, sect or party affiliation.
He stressed that the Syrian Arab Army is not a side in the confrontation; rather it represents the homeland and people and is confronting terrorism as per the international laws and resolution issued after 9/11, according to which certain governments and figures in neighboring countries should be held accountable by the Security Council according to Resolution No. 1373 which considers anyone who finances, conspires, facilitates or harbors terrorists subject to counter-terrorism laws.
On the government’s position towards the opposition that doesn’t call for forign military intervention, al-Zoubi said that the minimum of patriotism requires the rejection of foreign military intervention, with the maximum being the martyrs who are sacrificing their lives, stressing that patriotism demands rejecting outside dictations and all forms of interference, and denouncing terrorism.
The Minister said that the Syrian identity is a whole that cannot be claimed by anyone as being their exclusive property then ask to be made a hero and a political leader, adding that those who reject foreign intervention must tell the Arab League which they meet to lift the sanctions imposed on Syrians and tell Qatar, Turkey, France and others to cease sending weapons and stop training terrorists and smuggle them into Syria.
He stressed that while some guests may attend national dialogue as ambassadors, but the dialogue itself will be among Syrians only, reiterating that all decisions will be made by the Syrians themselves and that no-one will be allowed to interfere in it, but if they have ideas or suggestions then they’re welcome to propose them.
Al-Zoubi addressed those the government and political forces and government that reject dialogue, telling them that time is growing short and that they should move to political action and forget about military action and dreams of toppling the government, the abdication of the president, and occupying the capital and any such talk, adding that those who promote such ideas are misleading.
Regarding the Iranian proposition to resolve the crisis, the Minister said that all Syria’s friends be they Iranians, Russians or Chinese – have a right and a duty to present suggestions and initiatives, and that their positions towards Syria are most welcome.
On claims by some opposition groups and media sources that gunmen seized large areas, al-Zoubi said that the terrorists and Jabhet al-Nusra operate using guerilla tactics and cannot hold on to any location they attack, so any talks of controlling areas is untrue, adding that if such claims were true, why don’t the Istanbul council or the Doha coalition come and establish their projects in the areas they claim to control?
He cited an alleged attack by terrorists on a regiment in Yabroud which actually targeted an empty location used in summer, while another regiment which they claimed to attack in Shebaa in Damascus countryside was just a military point measuring 200 square meters which they attacked for around two hours and is now under the military’s control, which shows that the media victories they claim are illusory.
Al-Zoubi stressed that the Syrian Arab Army is there to fight terrorists who attack electricity networks and cause blackouts, and those who target hospitals, schools, fuel supplies and agricultural and industrial facilities and rob them, smuggling the stolen materials to Turkey where they sell them under the watch of the Turkish customs, affirming that these people cannot provide electricity, medicine, what or schools for people.
On the statements of Vice-President Farouq al-Shara, the Minister said that the Vice President is one of 23 million Syrians who has his own personal opinion, stressing that Syria is a state that is ruled by institutions and leaderships which have the final say.
He explained that when the Syrian Arab Army defends the country, it doesn’t think about a final military resolution nor the scope of sacrifices or the consequences of the battle, adding that a resolution in a battle is eventually dictated by the battle circumstances, and that the armed opposition and Jabhet al-Nusra should realize that their victories are delusions, adding that the political leadership in Syria was first to propose a political solution through national dialogue since day one, and took several steps to this end but some chose to bear arms despite that.
Regarding the proposed scenario for emerging from the crisis and if they’re a possible timetable, al-Zoubi stressed the need to use accurate terms, and that there are no timetables as matters haven’t entered the stage of political steps, but work is ongoing.
On whether the appointment of John Kerry as State Secretary will herald a new stage in Syrian-US relations, the al-Zoubi said it’s not a concern for the government who is appointed in the US, but rather the US policies, adding that we should wait and see how the administration will act and whether the US will commit to its decision to designate Jabhat al-Nusra as a terrorist organization or rather persevere in backing it.
Regarding the constant western accusation of using chemical weapons and SCUD missiles, the Minister reiterated that even if Syria had chemical weapons, it would never use it against its people nor within or outside Syria, since the use of chemical weapons is against Syria’s national, religious and moral culture, adding that there’s a video showing terrorists experimenting in a lab in Gaziantep in Turkey and that letters were sent to the UN Secretary-General and the Chairman of the Security Council to inform them of this video.
On the situation in al-Yarmouk Camp, the Minister said that the Syrian Arab army did not interfere in al-Yarmouk Camp at all, and that the terrorists’ entry into it were facilitated by sides from within the camps, adding that they withdrew after reaching agreements with Palestinian popular committees and figures from the camp.
He said that Syria informed the UN that what happened in the Camp was unacceptable and that terrorist groups and Jabhet al-Nusra must be pressured to leave it, stressing the need to avoid involving the Palestinian camps in the crisis, adding that Palestine will remain at the core of the conflict and the central cause for Syria, and the Palestinian people in Syria and outside will remain part of Syria’s cause, identity and future, stressing that betting on anything to the contrary is a losing bet.
On allegations that Syria is arming the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PPK), al-Zoubi said that Syria is not arming the PKK and does not allow anyone to launch an aggressive action against any country across its borders, adding that if anyone has documents or evidence, then let them submit it
He affirmed that the age of media exaggeration has come to an end, and that talk must be backed with documents and evidence, noting that the Syrian government possesses evidence of the Turkish involvement in supporting terrorism in Syria.
The Information Minister went on to say that Iraq is a brotherly country and that Syria cares for its security and stability and opposes interference in its affairs, stressing the need for foreign powers to stop their interference in the Iraqi affairs, particularly Turkey and the Arab Gulf countries.
Al-Zoubi concluded by saying that the Syrian state, army, government, people and establishment are present and standing, and that any talk to the contrary by officials or satellite channels or political analysts is untrue and contradictory for reality, calling upon all the figures or governments that had bet on armaments to abandon that and begin political work.
General Command of Army and Armed Forces: Armed Groups’ Hopelessness Pushed them to Intensify Attacks on Infrastructure
Dec 23, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The General Command of The Army and The Armed Forces stressed that the terrorist groups have hysterically intensified lately their attacks on the economic institutions and infrastructure with the aim of sabotaging the achievements established throughout decades, in a hopeless attempt to suppress the Syrian people and dissuade them from their national stance in rejecting terrorism and rallying around the Syrian Arab Army in confronting the aggression that targets Syria’s role and stance.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command said that these attacks are a manifestation of a state of helplessness and bankruptcy of the terrorist groups, and those behind them, due to the blows directed by the Syrian Arab Army.
The Command warned of the consequences of such criminal acts, as it stressed at the same time its determination to pursue the terrorists, crush their remnants and strike with an iron fist all those who attempt to tamper with the economic capacities or the security and stability of the homeland.
Terrorists Attack Popular Rally Demanding their Departure in Aleppo, Terrorists Killed in Qualtiative Operations
Dec 23, 2012
PROVINCES, SANA_ Terrorists attacked a popular rally that took to the streets in al-Jalloum neighborhood in Aleppo demanding the departure of the armed terrorist groups from Aleppo city and countryside, causing the injury of several citizens.
SANA reporter said that the terrorists opened fire randomly at the rally as the protestors were chanting anti-terrorism slogans.
An official source told SANA reporter that the Armed Forces targeted terrorists in the area of Rasm Abboud in Aleppo countryside, killing scores of them and destroying 6 cars loaded with ammunition.
The source added that the army also targeted terrorists’ hideouts in the towns of Arbeed, al-Kouthar, al-Sfeira, Andan and al-Mansoura, inflicting heavy losses upon them and destroying their hideouts and weapons.
In Aleppo city, an army unit targeted terrorists’ hideouts in the areas of Bustan al-Basha, masaken hanano, Bani Zaid, al-Naqareen and al-Lairamon, killing and injuring scores of the terrorists and destroying their weapons.
Clashes erupted between two terrorist groups in Hreitan area in Aleppo countryside after disputes on distributing stolen items.
Several terrorists were killed in the clash, among them was Khaled Oaso, the leader of the so-called ‘Bani Zaid’ terrorist group.
Terrorists Attack Hilfaya in Hama Countryside, Commit Murders Against Citizens
An armed terrorist groups attacked Hilfaya town in Hama countryside and committed crimes against its people, resulted in the martyrdom of several persons including children and women, before making footages accusing the Syrian army of the crimes.
A source in the province told SANA reporter that residents from Hilfaya said that the terrorist group committed crimes and attacked public institutions, including the town’s dispensary and municipality.
Hilfaya people said that they called upon the Syrian army to intervene, adding that the army engaged with the terrorists and eliminated large numbers of them.
Terrorists Eliminated, 50-kg IED Dismantled in Damascus Countryside
The Armed Forces foiled the terrorists’ attempt to detonate a 50-kilo explosive device inside al-Nahda Hospital in Daraya city in Damascus Countryside.
An official source told SANA reporter that a military unit discovered a field hospital that was made by the armed terrorist groups at the private school of al-Ebaa al-Arabi, where they found stolen medical equipment and drugs during the operations to restore stability to the city.
The source added that the terrorists transformed the school into a den for them after destroying large parts of it, as they also stored stolen medicines to treat the injured of the mercenary terrorists who fall under the blows of the Syrian Arab Army members.
The army units also found several tunnels which were used for moving and transferring weapons and ammunition in Daraya.
An official source told SANA reporter that the tunnels discovered expand between Saad Bin Moaz Mosque, and al-Rudwan Hospital and al-Ebaa School.
Terrorists Killed in Daraya, Aqraba, Beit Sahm, Douma and Harasta in Damascus Countryside
Armed Forces untis continued pursuing terrorist groups in Daraya, Damascus Countryside, eliminating a number of terrorists including Khaled Herkel, Talal Abu Sara, Abd al-Imam, Mohammad Kokash, Omar Taleb and Zuhair Othman.
Another unit eliminated a number of terrorists in the towns of Aqraba and Beit Sahm, including Sami Shammameh who was a leader of a terrorist group, in addition to Mahmoud al-Sayyed, Farid al-Samadi, Mazen Hasaballah, and Hussam Della.
In the farms of Douma and Harasta, another unit eliminated a number of terrorists including Wisam al-Mudallal who was a leader of a terrorist group, Abdelrahman Nasrallah, Salah al-Kouki, and Alaa Safaya.
A terrorist hideout was destroyed along with the equipment in it which included PKC machineguns, homemade rockets, and munitions, in addition to a number of cars which were used to transport terrorists, weapons and munitions.
Two Terrorist Groups Clash Over Stolen Funds and Items in Douma, Damascus Countryside
In the farms of Douma in Damascus Countryside, two terrorist groups, one called “Liwa’a al-Islam” and the other called “Liwa’a Dera’a al-Ghouta” clashed due to disputes over splitting funds and items stolen from public and private properties, resulting in the death of many terrorists.
Armed Forces Confront Terrorists in Homs Countryside
Armed Forces units confronted terrorist groups which had attacked locals in the areas of al-Ghanto, al-Zaafaraneh, and al-Buwaydah al-Sharqiya in Homs countryside.
This resulted in the death of a number of terrorists and the destruction of their weapons and munitions.
Terrorists Killed in Idleb Countryside
Armed forces units carries out a series of qualitative operations against armed terrorist groups in Maarshourin, Maarshamshah, Taftanaz and Kherbet Martin in Idleb countryside.
SANA quoted a source in the province as saying that the operation left several terrorists killed and others injured. Cars equipped with heavy machineguns that the terrorists were using were also destroyed in the operation.
Armed forces units carries out a series of qualitative operations against armed terrorist groups in Maarshourin, Maarshamshah, Taftanaz and Kherbet Martin in Idleb countryside.
SANA quoted a source in the province as saying that the operation left several terrorists killed and others injured. Cars equipped with heavy machineguns that the terrorists were using were also destroyed in the operation.
Armed forces units carries out a series of qualitative operations against armed terrorist groups in Maarshourin, Maarshamshah, Taftanaz and Kherbet Martin in Idleb countryside.
SANA quoted a source in the province as saying that the operation left several terrorists killed and others injured. Cars equipped with heavy machineguns that the terrorists were using were also destroyed in the operation.
Armed forces units carries out a series of qualitative operations against armed terrorist groups in Maarshourin, Maarshamshah, Taftanaz and Kherbet Martin in Idleb countryside.
SANA quoted a source in the province as saying that the operation left several terrorists killed and others injured. Cars equipped with heavy machineguns that the terrorists were using were also destroyed in the operation.
Armed forces units carries out a series of qualitative operations against armed terrorist groups in Maarshourin, Maarshamshah, Taftanaz and Kherbet Martin in Idleb countryside.
SANA quoted a source in the province as saying that the operation left several terrorists killed and others injured. Cars equipped with heavy machineguns that the terrorists were using were also destroyed in the operation.
Armed forces units carries out a series of qualitative operations against armed terrorist groups in Maarshourin, Maarshamshah, Taftanaz and Kherbet Martin in Idleb countryside.
SANA quoted a source in the province as saying that the operation left several terrorists killed and others injured. Cars equipped with heavy machineguns that the terrorists were using were also destroyed in the operation.
Armed forces units carries out a series of qualitative operations against armed terrorist groups in Maarshourin, Maarshamshah, Taftanaz and Kherbet Martin in Idleb countryside.
SANA quoted a source in the province as saying that the operation left several terrorists killed and others injured. Cars equipped with heavy machineguns that the terrorists were using were also destroyed in the operation.
Armed forces units carries out a series of qualitative operations against armed terrorist groups in Maarshourin, Maarshamshah, Taftanaz and Kherbet Martin in Idleb countryside.
SANA quoted a source in the province as saying that the operation left several terrorists killed and others injured. Cars equipped with heavy machineguns that the terrorists were using were also destroyed in the operation.
Terrorists Killed, Their Vehicles Destroyed in Hama Countryside
Armed Forces on Sunday clashed with an armed terrorist group that tried to attack citizens and law enforcement members near al-Zallaqiyat village in Muharda countryside, killing many terrorists and injuring others.
A source in the province told SANA reporter that the terrorist Wael Khaled al-Halabiyeh, a leader of the so-called “Sawt al-Haq” terrorist group was injured, as four cars and several motorcycles that were used to transfer the terrorists and their weapons were destroyed.
The bodies of the terrorists Mohammad Saleh al-Darwish, Mohammad Zayyat Nour al-Shamiyeh, Bara’ al-Omari, Hussein Suleiman Hamada, Ahmad Ali al-Hamada and Ikrima Saleh al-Bakkour were identified among the dead.
Premier al-Halqi: Construction Process Moves Forwards Along with Confronting the Enemies of the Homeland
Dec 23, 2012
DAMASCUS COUNTRYSIDE, (SANA)- Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi on Sunday stressed that the construction process is going forwards to build the renewable Syria along with confronting the enemies of the homeland who want to undermine its potentials and capabilities.
Marking the Tree Day at al-Sabboura area in Damascus Countryside, Premier al-Halqi pointed out that the government’s top priority is paying big attention to the agricultural sector and ensuring the requirements of the agricultural production through offering soft loans to the farmers, caring for the fruitful and forest trees .
Al-Halqi said that “we planted the tree of cordiality, life, giving and national reconciliation”, calling on all the Syrian citizens to plant the tree of cordiality and enhance the spirit of unity and national reconciliation.
Prime Minister Reviews with FAO Representative in Syria Mutual Cooperation
Prime Minister Dr. Wael al-Halqi and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Syria, Dr. Abdullah Tahir bin Yehia, reviewed mutual cooperation in exchanging agricultural and scientific research and expertise.
During their meeting on Sunday on the occasion of bin Yehia’s end of mission, al-Halqi and bin Yehia also discussed cooperation in livestock development, introducing new crops with high productivity such as dry rice planting, in addition to forest management and dry areas development projects.
Al-Halqi hailed the efforts of bin Yehia in bolstering mutual cooperation and implementation of several development projects, and the Organization’s contribution to offering humanitarian aid especially under the current conditions in Syria.
For his part, bin Yehia lauded the support of the Syrian government to the Organization, highlighting the significance of the Syrian capacities and agricultural and natural resources that ensure self-sufficiency and food security for its people.
Agriculture Minister Discusses with FAO Representative FAO-Funded Projects in Syria
Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform Subhi al-Abdulla discussed with Dr. Abdullah Tahir bin Yehia the projects funded by FAO and the urgent aid offered by the organization to the affected areas.
Al-Abdullah hailed FAO support to the agricultural sector and its role in offering urgent aid to the Syrian people, as well as bin Yehia’s fruitful efforts in this regard during his term in Syria.
For his part, bin Yehia underlined the attention that FAO accords to its projects in Syria, expressing appreciation for the Agriculture Ministry’s cooperation for making these projects a success and facilitating the access of aid to the affected families.
Patriarch Yazigi: The Dark Cloud Passing Over Our Country Will Dissipate Thanks to the Awareness of Syrians
Dec 23, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, John X Yazigi, on Sunday headed mass at the Mariamite Cathedral in Damascus. During the mass, Patriarch Yazigi said that “thanks to the awareness of Syria’s people, the dark cloud passing over the sky of our beloved country will dissipate, and security and stability will return. “His Beatitude stressed that the Antioch Church has known coexistence throughout history, giving to and taking from other Christians and Muslims, because it’s an Eastern church that respects pluralism and respects and loves others.
He affirmed that the Church will work to develop relations among Christians and relations with Muslims.
Patriarch Yazigi said that Jesus Christ had two cradles; one was a physical cradle in Jerusalem where Christianity was born, and the other in Antioch where Christianity spread to the entire world, with the then nascent Christianity facing its greatest challenge in Antioch when it decided to become a universal and encompassing religion.
His Beatitude concluded the mass by praying to God to preserve Syria and its people, for Christmas to bring good things and blessings to Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq, and for peace to reign in the region.
Social Affairs Minister: Enhancing Cooperation with Civil Societies to Improve Conditions of Temporary housing Centers
Dec 23, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr. Jassim Zakarya on Sunday stressed the need to enhance cooperation between the Ministry and the civil societies working in the humanitarian aid field.
In a meeting with representatives of 11 social care sides, Minister Zakaraya stressed the Ministry’s keenness on empowering the civil societies in this stage.
He noted that the work plan for the next stage will focus on cooperation with the aim of administrating the temporary housing centers, adding that the Ministry will form a constitutional council for the societies and that it has already formed a committee of humanitarian intervention with its decisions considered as ministerial decisions binding for all societies.
Earlier in December, the Ministry announced that it will provide financial payments of SYP 500,000 to 1 million to every civil society working in the field of aid in Syria.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Stresses Importance of Not Allowing USA and West to Meddle in region’s Issues
Dec 23, 2012
TEHRAN, (SANA) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, stressed the importance of not allowing the USA and the western countries to meddle in the regional issues.
” The crisis will not be restricted only to Syria if the western countries interfered in it and if the battles get more aggravated.” Mehmanparast said during a press statement in the Turkish city of Erzurum, answering a question on an Iranian response in case of a military interference by Turkey and the NATO against Syria.
“Those who say that a military intervention in Syria will lead to a third world war want to warn the others of the critical conditions in which the region is going through, so they caution of the consequences of the expansion of the battle to other countries if it get aggravated,” he said.
Mehmanparast pointed to the western support to the armed terrorist groups in Syria, stressing that a military intervention is not a right choice to solve the crisis, noting that the western countries and the armed terrorist groups in Syria object making free elections because they know that they will not get of the majority of the Syrian people’s support.
The Iranian official mocked the US allegations promoting to justify its stance and interference in Syria, wondering about how the USA has turn out to be supportive to people’s rights while it had previously supported authoritarian regimes such as Pahlavi regime that existed prior to the Iranian revolution.
Firouzabadi: Washington has to Shift Position on Syria
Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Hassan Firouzabadi said that the US administration has to shift its position in supporting al-Qaeda terrorists in Syria, because the reports that arrive to the US President Barack Obama on the latest developments in Syria are incorrect.
Firouzabadi underlined the necessity that the US corrects its rash stance regarding the developments in Syria and deal with Syria in light of objective information.
He added that the majority of the Syrian people want security and stability in their country, adding that the Syrian state is in control on the ground.
He saw that al-Qaeda terrorists and their activities in Syria are weaker than circulated by media, adding that terrorists emerge every now and then through claiming responsibility for horrendous crimes against people and random bombings.
Firouzabadi advised Islamic and Arab states to abandon the approach of killing against the Syrian people and adherence to Islamic unity.
Borujerdi: Dialogue the Sole Way to Solve Crisis in Syria
Chairman of the Iranian National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, Alaa Eddin Borujerdi said that the dialogue is the only way out of the crisis in Syria.
The remarks came during his meeting with the Iraqi Former Petroleum Minister Ibrahim Bahr al-Oloum on Sunday.
For his part, Bahr al-Oloum stressed the need for the region’s countries to cooperate as to prevent the crisis in Syria from spreading to the region’s countries.
Armed Group Assassinates Syrian TV Cameramen Haidar al-Smoudi in Damascus
Dec 22, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-An armed terrorist group Friday evening assassinated Syrian TV cameraman, colleague Haidar al-Smoudi in front of his house in Kafer Sousseh, Damascus while he was heading for his work at the News Center in the Syrian TV.
Martyr al-Smoudi was born in Damascus, 1967. He graduated from the Media Training Institute and worked as a cameraman in al-Thawra Daily then he joined the Syrian TV in 1998.
Earlier, the armed terrorist groups assassinated colleagues Naji Assad, Ali Abbas, shukri Abu al-Burghul, Basel Yousef, Mohammad al-Ashram, Maya Naser, Cameramen Ihsan al-Buni and Hatem Abu Yahya.
Lavrov: Armed Groups in Syria Violate International Law and Practice Terrorism and the West Deals with Double-Standards
Dec 22, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, criticized the western double-standard stance on terrorism, considering that “it is disappointing that our western partners at the Security Council reject condemning the terrorist attacks in Syria,” and tend to divide terrorists into bad and acceptable terrorists, which would lead to putting the world in a very dangerous situation.
In an interview with Russia Today channel, which is to be broadcast next Monday, Lavrov expressed regret over the stances announced by many external players on Syria “which still do not reflect a sincere interest in halting violence, rather they aim to achieve internal points.”
“What brings shame is that some partners get themselves occupied in directing guidance and acting like the guardians of human rights in Syria, while what is required from them is to say enough to all those who kill and try to achieve victory at the expense of human rights,” said Lavrov.
He pointed out that the armed terrorist groups in Syria are responsible for violating the international law through taking hostages and practicing terrorism.
The Russian Foreign Minister added that if the priority is to halt the violence, then a large number of international observers should be deployed in Syria and both sides should be forced to start dialogue without any preconditions, stressing that “Russia does not change regimes in the world, therefore, it will not convey the western proposals to Syria as they should be the ones to do so by themselves.”
Lavrov warned that the west is interested in changing the regime more than saving the lives of civilians.
He expressed his belief that the western countries are not resolved or insistent on military intervention in Syria, saying that “no one in the West is ready for intervention in Syria, which is why they wish that Russia and China veto UNSC resolutions contrary to what they say.”
Lavrov stressed that “it is not allowed for the Security Council, after the shameful act of our partners regarding the decision on Libya, to take decisions that have double meanings.”
Austrian TV Website: Al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra Responsible for Terrorist Bombings in Syria
Dec 22, 2012
VIENNA, (SANA) – The Austrian TV website stressed that thousands of al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra gunmen are involved in tens of bombings which took place in Syria recently.
In a news report, the website pointed out that the terrorist Jabhat al-Nusra organization is seeking to establish “an Islamic state” in Syria similar to that of Taliban in Afghanistan, adding that the majority of the Syrians from all sects are worried about that.
The report clarified that the basic approach of Jabhat al-Nusra stipulates for hitting all those who do not support it, adding that it receives money and weapons from al-Qaeda.
The report noted out that al-Qaeda and Jabhat al-Nusra have carried out over 500 terorist bombings in Iraq and Syria.