Foreign Ministry: Evidence of Foreign Countries’ Involvement in Supporting Terrorist Groups Increased… Syria Hopes UNSC Take Serious Moves to Deter Terrorism
Oct 18, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Foreign and Expatriates Ministry on Thursday addressed two identical letters to President of the Security Council and the UN General Secretary about that evidence on involvement of foreign countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, in supporting and arming the terrorist groups in Syria has recently increased, not to mention their contribution to hindering dialogue and peaceful solutions and harming the Syrian state at material and humanitarian levels.
The Ministry said that supporting terrorism and arming the terrorists in Syria became overt that went so far as to urge others to get involved in this track which has been clear in the statements of officials in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
In line with previous letters addressed by the Syrian Arab Republic to inform you about the terrorist attacks against the Syrian state in all its components backed by some regional and international powers and countries, it would like to remind you that the continuity of terrorist attacks which claim the lives of many innocent military and civilians and destroy the infrastructure and the archeological and historical treasures on which the Syrian state spent a lot of material and human resources to strengthen its pillars and guarantee its existence.
It has been clear to all that those who are behind targeting Syria are the same countries which stress the importance of devising the appropriate international mechanisms to combat terrorism with all possible means, the Ministry added.
“Evidence on involvement of foreign countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, in supporting and arming the terrorist groups in Syria has recently increased, not to mention their contribution to hindering dialogue and peaceful solutions and harming the Syrian state at material and humanitarian levels,” It said.
The Ministry added that supporting terrorism and arming the terrorists in Syria became overt that went so far as to urge others to get involved in this track which has been clear in the statements of officials in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The Ministry said that these statements were proved to be true for the BBC reporter in Aleppo city who saw weapons shipments – owned by the Saudi army – diverted to the armed terrorist groups in the city, the piece of news was broadcast by the BBC on October 9th.
The Ministry added that French President Francois Hollande admitted in a statement to the French TV5Monde and France24 TV Channels on Thursday 11th October 2012 the existence of French terrorists in Syria among the ranks of the so-called free army, and the British Foreign Minister William Hague also admitted the intentions of some British extremists to join the fighting in Syria on October 10th, 2012.
The Ministry said that the Turkish government is responsible for harboring and training these terrorists on its territories to send them to Syria across its borders.
The Syrian Arab Republic would like to draw your attention to the statement made by the US Defense Minister, Leon Panetta in a press conference in Brussels on October 10th in this regard as he announced that the US is providing aid to the Syrian opposition, including non-lethal support, adding that he knew that there are countries in the region offering lethal aid but the US efforts aimed at working with the opposition with all possible means to improve its capabilities.
The Ministry added that it might be useful while reviewing the statement of the US Defense Minister to remind of what New York Times Newspaper published one day before his statement about that the Syrian opposition receives aid from the US and its allies to carry out terrorist attacks, indicating that one of the photographed reports depicted a war crime committed by an armed group called “Osod al-Tawhid” as its members deceived one of the war prisoners to carry out a suicide operation with a booby-trapped truck against a government headquarters.
The Ministry pointed out to the frequent news about the involvement of Qatar and Saudi Arabia in dispatching weapons to the Syrian opposition through the Turkish city of Adana, where U.S. Incirlik Air Base lies and this support depends completely on the U.S. agreement and aid. These shipments go to the very extremist groups which are provided with non-lethal aid as it also benefits the newspaper itself.
The Ministry considered that the most dangerous of which is regarding the confirmed information it has on the deal binding some parties of al-Qaeda and Turkish and Saudi parties, stipulating for transferring al-Qaeda fighters to Turkey and then to Syria. Many of these terrorists, the most of whom are from the Yemeni area of Abyan, are currently in Aleppo and Idleb, pointing out to many statements of European officials confirm that terrorist members are fighting now in Syria.
The Ministry stressed that as the Syrian Arab Republic draws world states’ attention to the conclusive evidence about some Arab and foreign countries’ support to terrorism in Syria, it would point out to the importance of getting out of this clear contradiction represented through some states’ support to the international efforts for combating the global terrorism, while they are active in financially and logistically supporting the extremist takfiri groups in Syria.
The Ministry pointed out that Syria emphasizes that this contradiction also applies to some UNSC permanent states which joined the agreement of the Council on condemning the terrorist bombings that took place in Syria during the past months, yet they approve the support provided by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey to the terrorists and present logistic and technical aid that leads to backing those who are carrying out terrorist operations.
The Ministry said that this contradiction must pose a legitimate query about the stances of some major and regional states in combating terrorism seriously after finding that investing it in a country like Syria a serviceable means to achieve slight political profits…Is it allowed to resort to political hypocrisy and double standards policy in dealing with this plague which caused destruction in different parts of the world?
Syria reiterated its call for the UNSC and its relevant committees to start an immediate investigation in the dangerous information, stressing that it will provide the data available to the UNSC committees specialized with combating terrorism.
At the conclusion of the two letters, Syria expressed hope that the UNSC would seriously move to deter the terrorists and dry up their funding and moral sources and place responsibility on world states regarding terrorism, stressing that the UNSC movement to address this issue would constitute a constructive contribution in boosting security and stability in Syria and the whole Middle East region, as well as maintaining the UN and its member states’ credibility.
Army Inflicts Heavy Losses upon Terrorists in Several Cities… Armed Terrorist Group Detonates Oil and Gas Pipelines in Deir Ezzor
Oct 18, 2012
PROVINCES, (SANA) – An army unit on Thursday destroyed four DShK-equipped vehicles near al-Zura bakery in al-Sakhour neighborhood in Aleppo, killing large number of terrorists.
A unit of the Armed Forces killed a large number of terrorists, 5 of whom are RPG shooters near al-Shaar roundabout and al-Salehin area in Aleppo.
Two vehicles, one of which is equipped with DShK machinegun were also destroyed near the Retirement Home in Bustan al-Basha in Aleppo.
A unit of the armed forces attacked a gathering for terrorists in al-Shaar area in Aleppo and killed many of them and injured several others, and destroyed two cars, one of which equipped with DShK machinegun.
The armed forces destroyed a den for terrorists in Brad area near Qadi Askar roundabout in Aleppo and killed a big number of them, including two RPG launchers, and destroyed three DShK-equipped cars and a van loaded with terrorists and ammunition.
The armed forces destroyed a den for terrorists in Brad area near Qadi Askar roundabout in Aleppo and killed a big number of them, including two RPG launchers, and destroyed three DShK-equipped cars and a van loaded with terrorists and ammunition.
5 cars carrying terrorists, among them the leader of a terrorist group, and four Toyota cars equipped with DShK machineguns were destroyed in Qadi Askar roundabout in Aleppo.
A unit of the Armed Forces stormed a hideout of terrorists in Khan al-Asal and seized large amounts of weapons and ammunitions, including twenty machineguns, pump-action shotguns, RPG launchers, PKC machineguns and communications devices.
A unit of the Armed Forces attacked a gathering of terrorists in al-Atareb town in Aleppo countryside and eliminated a number of terrorists and injured others.
One citizen martyred, another injured by explosive of an armed terrorist group in Idleb
An explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group in one shops at the old Koora square in Idleb was detonated today.
A source in the province told SANA that the explosive led to the martyrdom of one man while a woman was injured, in addition to grave damages to the surrounding shops and building.
Army kill scores of terrorists in al-Wae’r and Baba Houd in Homs
A unit of the Army stormed a den for the armed terrorist groups at al-Wae’r neighborhood in Homs, seizing 22 mortars.
A source told SANA that the competent authorities confiscated three anti-tank missiles, 48 RPGs, 5000 bullets and big quantities of smuggled cigarettes.
The source added that the army killed scores of terrorists during clashes with two armed groups that were terrifying the families and sabotaging private and public authorities at Bab Houd neighborhood in Homs.
Authorities Kill Tens of Terrorists in Lattakia Countryside
The competent authorities killed tens of terrorists and injured many others during clashes with members of an armed group which were trying to infiltrate into Yousef Prophet Peak in Lattakia countryside.
The authorities confiscated weapons and RPGs during the clashes.
Explosive Device on Electric Bike Goes off in Kafarsousseh, Causing Limited Material Damage
An explosive device that an armed terrorist group fixed on an electric bike near Osman Bin Affan Mosque in Kafarsousseh area went off, causing limited material damage.
An official source told SANA that terrorists parked the bike near the Mosque under construction and detonated the explosive device remotely, indicating that the device weighed between 10-15 kg. No human losses were reported, and damage was done to some cars parking nearby.
Sheikh Mohammad Walid al-Taki, supervisor of the mosque under construction, said that the ”bombing is a criminal act intended to target the mosque and worshippers, especially that it happened as worshippers were leaving the mosque.”
He added that such acts are so detached from the teachings of Islam, and those behind this terrorist act deserve the death penalty.
Terrorists Detonate Oil and Gas Transfer Pipelines in Deir Ezzor
An armed terrorist group on Thursday detonated with an explosive device a gas pipeline extending from Deir Ezzor to Palmyra and an oil transfer pipeline extending from al-Omar field to Atteim field in Murrat village, north of Deir Ezzor, causing a fire to erupt at the site.
SANA reporter quoted an official source at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources as saying that the Company halted pumping operations through the damaged pipelines, adding that workshops will start repair works to restore operations in the next few days.
Stability Restored in Masshara Town in Quneitra after Army Cleans it of Terrorism
A unit of the armed forces restored security and stability to Masshara town in Quneitra after cleaning it of armed terrorist groups.
An official source told SANA reporter that dozens of terrorists were killed and others were injured during the operation, as different sorts of weapons and ammunition seized.
Weapons and Ammunition Seized in a Tunnel for Terrorists in Homs
Authorities seized 3 anti-tank DNGR missiles, 48 RBG launchers, 15,000 PKC bullets and 5,000 bullets hidden inside a tunnel extended between al-Ghouta, Nizar Qabbani roundabout to al-Sinaa area in Homs, which the terrorists were using to smuggle weapons and ammunition.
Meanwhile, an army unit clashed with two terrorist groups in Bab Hood neighborhood in Homs city, killing scores of their members.
Another unit of the Armed Forces killed a number of terrorists who cut off roads in al-Hosn village in the countryside of Talkalakh in Homs.
The body of terrorist Ahmad Sheikh Bass was identified among the dead.
Armed Forces Continue Cleaning Eastern Countryside of Maaret al-Numaan in Idleb of Terrorists
Units of the armed forces continued cleaning villages of eastern countryside ofMaaret al-Numaan in Idleb province.
A source in the province told SANA reporter that the Armed Forces cleaned Maarshumarin and Maaret Hutat in the eastern countryside of the armed terrorist groups, killed a large number of terrorists and injured others.
The source added that the army units also destroyed heavy weapons, including a mortar and four DShK-equipped vehicles.
The armed forces killed a large number of terrorists in Bseida, al-Deir al-Gharbi, Armanaya, Maaret Hutat in the countryside of Idleb and dismantled 60 explosive devices, weighing between 100 to 200 kg.
The army units continued cleaning the tunnels and caves in these villages of terrorists.
A unit of the armed forces destroyed 3 DShK-equipped cars with the terrorists inside near Kfar Sajna power station in Maaret al-Nu’man in Idleb.
Units of the armed forces killed a big number of terrorists in a qualitative operation north of Khan Sheikhoun in Idleb countryside, and destroyed scores of cars equipped with mortar shells , and reopened the international road that terrorist groups planted with hundreds of explosive devices.
A unit of the armed forces destroyed a den for terrorists and a warehouse containing scores of explosive devices in a qualitative operation in al-Madiq Citadel, killing scores of terrorists , among them Omar Mohammad al-Omar, one of the most dangerous terrorists in Hama countryside.
In Hama countryside, a unit of the Armed Forces destroyed a hideout of terrorists and a weapons cache in al-madiq Castle.
SANA reporter in the province said that a large number of explosive devices were destroyed and a large number of terrorists were killed.
Symposium in Brazil: Syria Targeted by US-led Aggressive Attack
Oct 18, 2012
BRASILIA, (SANA) – Participants in a symposium held on Thursday in Brazil under the theme of “Brazil in the World: Duties and Responsibilities in the Middle East” stressed that Syria is targeted by an aggressive attack because of its stance which reject the dictations of the US and its western and regional allies.
The symposium was organized by the Foreign Relations and National Defense Committee at the Brazilian Parliament.
The participants affirmed that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey are contributing to shedding the Syrian blood in implementation of the western and US plots, calling these countries to stop supporting terrorism in Syria.
The Brazilian Foreign Affairs Ministry representative who attended the symposium called on all countries concerned in solving the crisis in Syria to resort to dialogue to help solve this crisis.
Syria’s Ambassador and Iran’s Ambassador in Brazil also attended the symposium, in addition to other personalities representing the Syrian Arab community in Brazil.
38 Persons Involved in Current Events without Committing Murder Released in Aleppo
Oct 18, 2012
ALEPPO, (SANA)_38 persons who were misled into getting involved in the current events without committing murder were released in Aleppo on Thursday.
Earlier on Wednesday, the juridical authorities in Aleppo on Wednesday released 109 citizens who got involved in recent events but commit no murders.
The citizens were released after they pledged not to take up weapons again or commit any act that might undermine Syria’s security.
Al-Jaafari: Syria Fully Supports Tendency Toward an International Community Free from Using or Threatening to Use Force
Oct 18, 2012
NEW YORK, (SANA) – Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, on Tuesday stressed Syria’s full support to the global tendency aiming at building an international community that is free from using or threatening to use force, whether nuclear or traditional.
In a speech before the UN General Assembly’ First Committee on Disarmament and International Security Affairs, al-Jaafari said that the continued support made by major countries to Israel in the fields of traditional and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is a negative measure that doesn’t help building peace or establishing a region free from nuclear weapons.
Syria’s representative pointed out to the war waged against Syria by armed extremist organizations and mercenaries, urging the member countries to commit themselves to international agreements and stop smuggling weapons and materials, both lethal and non-lethal, through the borders of Syria’s neighboring countries.
“My country’s delegation stresses full support to the global tendency toward establishing an international society that is free of using force, whether nuclear or traditional, a community where the principles of the UN Charter stipulating for justice in dealing, equality in sovereignty and peace among nations and peoples prevail,” al-Jaafari said.
He added that ” Preserving national security is a right guaranteed by the UN Charter to all countries, it’s not a privilege to be used by some countries to circumvent the principle of Nuclear non-proliferation and to conduct double-standard criteria that hinder the process of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”
Al-Jaafari said that the world is facing huge challenges, on top of which is the danger of WMD proliferation, especially as some countries are threatening to use these weapons to achieve political purposes and gains.
Syria’s representative said that “After more than four decades since the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was signed, it is very important that nuclear countries comply with the 6th article of the treaty, stipulating for working seriously to relieve the world from this danger.”
He underlined that the continued support made by major countries to Israel in the fields of providing various nuclear and cutting-edge traditional weapons and enabling it from manufacturing such weapons with ability to store them locally can’t help build peace or establish a region that is free of nuclear weapons.
Al-Jaafari underscored that some countries have been providing Israel with advanced nuclear technology for decades and violating their commitment to the first and second articles of the Non-Proliferation Treaty through protecting this Israeli nuclear anomaly in the region.
He highlighted that these violations enabled Israel to build nuclear weapons and delivery methods, which pose threats to the safety and security of the whole Middle East region and beyond it.
Al-Jaafari warned of the risks of the continuation of the international suspicious and inexcusable silence over Israel’s policies, as it moved from the policy of nuclear ambiguity, based on US-Israeli understanding since the beginning of the 1960s, to publicly declare its possession of nuclear weapons and threatening to use them amidst a western silence that confirms the connivance of some states in protecting Israel from the repercussions of disavowal of the relevant international obligations,” he added.
Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations said that Syria expresses its deep concern that the NPT Review Conferences have not been able to set a specific and obligatory timetable for possessing nuclear weapons so far.
He stressed that what has been issued in the Review Conference for 2010 regarding the establishment of a the Middle East Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (MENWFZ) based on Review Conference of 1995 that necessitates the international community to work for achieving this goal through the need to pressure Israel to join NPT.
Al-Jaafari added that most world states are aspiring for convening this conference and making it a success, as it is due to be held at the end of the current year in Helsinki in Finland, yet Israel’s declaration in the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last month confirms its intention to shirk the resolution of Review Conference for 2010 and thus foiling Helsinki Conference.
Al-Jaafari called on the international community to put pressures on Israel to take part in the Conference and to join the NPT as a non-nuclear party.
He pointed out to the necessity that the conference adopt a comprehensive balanced work program which includes the formation of subsidiary bodies to negotiate eliminating all nuclear weapons according to a binding , unconditioned specific timetable.
“Syria confirms the inalienable right of the NPT’s member states, according to the provisions of article IV of the Treaty, to access the nuclear technology and employ this technology for peaceful purposes in cooperation with the IAEA,” he said, calling on the Agency to shoulder its responsibilities for facilitating the cooperation among the countries in the field of using the nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
He expressed Syria’s rejection of any attempt to interpret these texts in a way that detracts this right or restricts its use.
On the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, al-Jaafari said that some countries are involved in transporting these weapons to the terrorist groups, illegitimate armed groups and mercenaries with the aim of igniting crisis and undermining certain countries and areas to serve the geopolitical interests of other countries.
Al-Jaafari went on as saying “My country is witnessing grievous events due to the terrorist acts perpetrated by armed extremist groups , mercenaries and Jihadist groups from Arab and regional countries that committed criminal acts based on takfiri and extremist irresponsible Fatwas.”
He added that these suicidal groups are using booby-trapped cars, explosive devices and all forms of small arms and light weapons to hit the Syrian citizens, infrastructure and the state institutions with the aim of spreading panic and pushing sectarian war forwards and bringing foreign military intervention under the pretext of protecting civilians.
Al-Jaafari stressed that the terrorist attacks which hit Syria cannot be carried out without financial and weapon support or political and media coverage of the practices of the armed groups.
Syria’s Representative to the UN said, “Unfortunately, some Arab, regional and international states are providing facilitations to the armed terrorist groups to carry out terrorist attacks in Syria.”
Al-Jaafari called on the member states to shoulder their responsibilities and commit themselves to international conventions and treaties, in addition to stopping smuggling of weapons and all related materials whether they are lethal or ‘non-lethal’ across the borders to Syria.
Deputy Russian FM: Need for Solving Situation by Syrians, International Community Should Support Brahimi
Oct 18, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Deputy Russian Foreign Minister, Alexander Grushko, stressed his country’s firm stance about the necessity of solving the situation by the Syrians’ efforts without any foreign interference.
In a speech before Council of the Russian Federation at presence of a delegation from NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), Grushko said that Russia works its best for helping to start a political dialogue and halt violence in Syria, yet Russia’s partners should also exert all efforts possible to push the Syrian opposition to start dialogue with the authority.
He added that the main task of the international community is restricted to implementing the plan of the former UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan and Geneva statement, in addition to providing support to the current UN Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi’s mission.
Grushko expressed worry over terrorist s ‘ infiltration and weapon trafficking into Syria, pointing out that the fragmentation of the opposition constitutes an obstacle on the way of solving the crisis in Syria.
He added that this opposition is unable to unite its ranks or form a political power which could be dialogued with.
Russian Foreign Ministry: US State Department should stop giving advice to Russia on Syria and Stop Funding Syrian Opposition
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich stressed on Thursday that the US State Department should stop giving advice to Russia concerning Syria and stop funding ‘the Syrian opposition’.
During his wekkly press conference in Moscow, Lukashevich said that Russia is observing the evaluations presented during the US State Department’s official press conferences, particularly the evaluation of the Russian policy and the expressions of aspirations to change its course.
He added that Russia has its point of view on what Washington should do, pointing out that Russia wants the US to use its relations with the ‘Syrian opposition’ instead of offering financial and logistic aid.
He described the provision of the armed terrorist groups with MANPADs as ‘a very dangerous move’.
The US should encourage the opposition for a political settlement and get involved in a wide Syrian-Syrian dialogue, he said.
He pointed out that the attempts of some states to take the Syrian issue to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and to other international organizations are attempts of failure because they lack legal rules.
Lukashevich asserted that the UN Security Council is the regulating side to solve the crisis in Syria and to make decisions on this issue.
Ordjonikidze: No Alternative to Political Solution in Syria
Former United Nations Deputy Secretary General Sergei Ordjonikidze stressed that there is no alternative to political solution in Syria in accordance to accredited references, especially Geneva statement, adding that the Western’s elusion, particularly the US, from the statement is considered a dangerous precedent in the international relations and a big collapse of the American diplomacy.
Interviewed by Russia Today TV Channel, Ordjonikidze said that “We are waiting the plan and work mechanism to be set up by the UN envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi, adding that if Brahimi did not receive full support from all the Security Council members, he will not reach the anticipated result.
He stressed that Geneva statement is the key to reach solution and some countries’ attempts to hinder it complicated the crisis in Syria.
Ordjonikidze said that Russia presented several proposals for immediate halt of violence, return to centering points and preparation for next elections which are clear points and need no internationalization. “To achieve the aforementioned points, it is a must to provide all appropriate conditions, particularly stopping foreign intervention in Syria’s affairs, mainly Turkey, and preventing arms smuggling operations to the opposition groups, not to mention the funding of Saudi Arabia and Qatar to these groups,” he added.
He considered the West as direct sponsor for terrorism, adding that the U.S. gave USD 40 million to the opposition to purchase weapons despite their allegations about providing humanitarian aid and communication devices to them.
Ordjonikidze said that the unilateral sanctions imposed against the Syrian people affect them negatively and they cannot be a way to solve problems, regretting that the West is not interested in the rights of other peoples, rather it cares about its own interests.
He added that the best solution to the crisis in Syria is simple and depends on immediate halt of violence and sitting around dialogue table to find a joint solution without foreign dedicates.
Cooperation Agreement Worth USD 300,000 to Assist Families Affected by Terrorist Acts Singed
Oct 17, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Ministry of Local Administration and the UN Higher Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a cooperation agreement to provide aid to the displaced, hosting and affected families due to the armed terrorist groups’ attacks.
The total budget of the agreement is initially estimated at USD 300,000 and it might reach USD 5 to 6 million by the end of 2012.
The agreement stipulates for carrying out maintenance and rehabilitation works for makeshift centers in the provinces, ensure basic materials and provide aid to affected and displaced families.
According to the agreement which came within the framework of the response plan signed by the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry and the UN organization working in Syria, monthly cash assistance will be provided for displaced citizens in the Syrian provinces to meet their needs.
Deputy Prime Minister for Services Affairs, Minister of Local Administration, Omar Ghalawanji on the Syrian side and the Head of the UNHCR Office in Syria, Tareq al-Kurdi signed the agreement.
Minister Ghalawanji said that the UN aid came to support Syria in current crisis which forced a large number of citizens to leave their houses to alternative places.
He hailed the Syrian government’s efforts to reduce the negative impact of the crisis and provide humanitarian aid for citizens, underlining the role of the international organizations working in Syria to help the Syrians overcome part of these negative repercussions, especially the UN Higher Commission for Refugees Affairs.
In turn , al-Kurdi stressed the Commission’s commitment to establish a database on the level of Syria and contribute to distributing aid in cooperation with the Syrian government, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the UNICEF to improve the economic and social situation of families affected by the current circumstances.
Putin: No-One Has the Right to Tell Russia How and to Whom it Exports Weapons if Exports Don’t Contradict UN Sanctions
Oct 17, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said that no-one has the right to tell Russia how and to whom it may export weapons if the exports don’t contradict UN sanctions.
In a speech on Wednesday, Putin said that Russia only signs agreements to export weapons and military equipment with legitimate authorities to boost the defensive capabilities of independent countries after careful study of the situation in the region in question, noting that not all exporters of weapons are so methodical.
Putin also said that unilateral or group sanctions outside the framework of the UN, particularly politicized sanctions, do not represent a rule for international law.
He also called for increasing the level of technical military cooperation among Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and Vietnam.
125 Citizens Released after Pledging Not to Take up Arms Again
Oct 17, 2012
PROVINCES, (SANA) – The juridical authorities in Aleppo on Wednesday released 109 citizens who got involved in recent events but commit no murders.
The citizens were released after they pledged not to take up weapons again or commit any act that might undermine Syria’s security
In the same context, 16 citizens who got involved in the recent events in the country and did not commit murder were released in Damascus Countryside.
Meeting the released citizens, Governor of Damascus Countryside, Hussein Makhlouf said that it is an opportunity for all those who have been misled to return to the right path and a call for those who are involved to turn themselves in.
He hailed the governorate’s efforts to facilitate procedures of releasing the misled citizens to go back to normal life and contribute to building their country.
The governor stressed that the governorate will take care of those who surrendered themselves and weapons to the authorities, solve their problems and help them find job opportunities to start again.
He indicated that the governorate of Damascus Countryside is working on communicating with all sides that reject violence and seek dialogue as a way to achieve legitimate rights.
He said that those who turn themselves in are contributing to reducing the bloodshed and the burden on authorities and the whole country in combating terrorism.
The released citizens said that the humane treatment while they were under arrest changed their convictions.
They asked for providing job opportunities for them and releasing some others in addition to calling upon the Ministry of National Reconciliation Affairs to reduce of the social consequences of the crisis in some areas in the governorate.
Earlier on Tuesday, 68 persons from Homs and its countryside who were misled into getting involved in recent events without shedding Syrian blood were released after turning themselves and their weapons in and pledging not to bear arms again.
Ahmadinejad Calls on All Countries to Help Find Solution to Crisis in Syria through National Dialogue and Accord
Oct 17, 2012
TEHRAN, (SANA) – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on all countries to help resolve the crisis in Syria through dialogue and talks, saying that his recent talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan focused on achieving peace and stability in Syria and the developments in it.
In a press conference during his visit to Kuwait on Wednesday, Ahmadinejad said that those who love the Syrian people must work to establish groundwork for dialogue, peace and free elections, stressing that the future of Syria must be decided upon by the Syrians and that their choices must be respected.
He affirmed that national reconciliation and unity and ending violence is an urgent need, adding that no-one should work against the opinion of the Syrian people.
Ahmadinejad said that weapons and war cannot achieve a solution in Syria as they perpetuate violence and war and do not lead to a future, stressing that ending violence and holding dialogue to hold free elections is the right way to reach a solution.
The Iranian President also criticized suggestions and allegations that Iran poses a threat to security in the region, affirming that Iran considers the region’s security equal to its own security, and that it has been a protector of security in the Gulf area and regional countries across history.
He noted that lack of security in the region is only caused by the presence of foreign forces, which is proven by history, pointing out that the region’s peoples have coexisted for thousands of years.
Ahmadinejad also warned against plots by foreign sides for sowing disputes in the region to preserve their own presence in it.
Brahimi: Solution to Crisis in Syria Depends on Syrians
Oct 17, 2012
BEIRUT, (SANA) – The UN envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi reiterated that solution in Syria depends mainly on the Syrians, adding that his mission to find a solution to the crisis in Syria is based on Kofi Annan’s plan and Geneva statement.
In a press conference in Beirut, Brahimi said that “We deal with the problem depending on different visions, particularly Annan’s six-point plan and Geneva statement which has been agreed on by the UN Security Council members and the majority of countries of the region.
He said that he is holding talks with all sides to stop bloodshed in Syria and to establish a project for the Syrians and by the Syrians themselves to solve their problems. Brahimi added that the solution to the crisis in Syria lies in the hands of the Syrians since they are mainly concerned, with the possibility of providing international support by the UN.
He indicate that the neighboring countries are interested in solving the crisis, depending on the necessity of putting an end to the suffering of the Syrian people, not to mention their fear of the fact that the crisis will not remain within the Syrian borders forever, it might be solved or it will expand.
Regarding a ceasefire on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Brahimi said “It bodes well as regards the Syrian government, and if the opposition responded positively to the proposal, it might be a small stride towards ceasefire and start talks about withdrawing heavy weapons and halt the flow of arms from outside to reach a political solution to the crisis in Syria.”
Interior Minister: Exerting More Efforts to Prevent Attempts to Destabilize Security of the Homeland
Oct 17, 2012
DAMASCUS COUNTRYSIDE, (SANA) – Interior Minister, General Mohammad al-Shaar called upon police officers for exerting more efforts to protect citizens and shoulder their responsibilities in confronting all attempts to destabilize the security of the homeland.
Meeting police officers in Damascus Countryside, Minister al-Shaar reviewed the recent events taking place in the country and the instigative campaigns launched by Arab and international sides to undermine Syria’s stability due to its national and pan-Arab stances, its support to the resistance and its rejection of domination policies and dictates.
He said the media campaign by some satellite channels aimed at stoking internal situation and affect the international public opinion through the support of foreign countries and the armed terrorist groups which kill and commit sabotage acts serving foreign agendas.
