Armed Forces Inflict Heavy Losses Upon Terrorists in Several Provinces
Oct 16, 2012
PROVINCES, (SANA) – The Armed Forces on Tuesday killed tens of terrorists and destroyed three DShK-equipped vehicles and an armored vehicle equipped with a missile launcher near the Sports Institute in Bustan al-Basha area in Aleppo city.
Units of the Armed Forces destroyed four buses for transferring terrorists, two DShK-equipped vehicles and two mortars in qualitative operations against terrorists’ gatherings near al-Yarmouk Club and al-Isharat crossroads in Bustan al-Basha in the city.
An army unit stormed terrorists’ dens and gatherings near Saad Bin Mouaz School and al-Orouba Club in Bustan al-Basha, killing many terrorists.
The operation resulted in destroying a mortar launcher, seven cars equipped machineguns, RPG launchers, BKC machineguns and three cars for carrying terrorists.
Another army unit of the armed forces destroyed a stolen ambulance and a car with all terrorists inside of them in Bustan al-Basha area in Aleppo city.
Meanwhile, authorities stormed two hideouts for terrorists in Bab al-Faraj and al-Midan in Aleppo city, seizing 11 pump-action rifles, 11 machineguns, 29 chargers, 3 pistols and 4 grenades.
An armed forces unit inflicted heavy losses upon terrorists in a number of operations targeting hideouts southeast of the Great Umayyad Mosque in the Old City, al-Zahrawi Souq, Bustan al-Qaser, al-Kallaseh, Bab al-Nairab and the Forensic Medicine School.
Internal security forces confronted an armed terrorist group that attempted to attack the Police Academy in Khan al-Assal area in Aleppo city, killing and injuring a number of terrorists.
An armed forces unit targetted terrorist hideouts in al-Khafseh village in Aleppo countryside, eliminating a number of them including Hamed Abdelaziz, a Qatari, and Abdelbari al-Sammid, an Egyptian.
Four cars equipped with DShK machineguns and two cars transporting weapons, munitions and gunmen were destroyed near al-Saqqaleh village west of the town of al-Bab.
The armed forces also carried out operations in Daret Azza, Ein Jara, al-Barkoum and al-Atareb, inflicting heavy losses in lives and equipment upon the terrorists.
An armed forces unit destroyed a convoy of cars transporting terrorists and munitions and three pickup trucks in an operation on the road between Kafer Amma and al-Ibzimo, resulting in the death of tens of terrorists.
Armed forces units attacked terrorist gatherings and hideouts in Kafer Nouran, al-Sheikh Ali crossroads, and Arnaz village, resulting in the destruction of two cars and two motorcycles used by the terrorists and eliminating tens of them.
Booby-Trapped car explosion in Hama Causes injuries to Two persons
A booby-trapped car blew up at Dhi Qar Square in Hama today. The car was loaded with a big quantity of explosives causing injuries to two persons and material damages.
A source in Hama told SANA reporter that a Chana-car was parked in Dhi Qar street at al-Arbae’en neighborhood near the Passports and immegraion center was exploded by remote control.
Armed Forces Eliminate Terrorists in Damascus Countryside
The Armed Forces carried out qualitative operations against armed terrorist groups in al-Shoufiniyeh area and the surrounding villages in Damascus Countryside, eliminating a large number of terrorists.
A military unit killed all members of an an armed terrorist group in Jisreen town in the Eastern Ghouta, the body of terrorist Mohammad Taleb Darwish was identified.
Tunnel Used by Terrorists to Smuggle Weapons Uncovered, Workshop for Making Explosive Seized in Homs
The Armed Forces eliminated a number of terrorists in it in Bab Hood neighborhood in Homs city.
A source in the province told SANA reporter that the Armed Forces uncovered a tunnel linking Bab Hood neighborhood to Souq al-Hashish in Homs City.
It added that the tunnel was used by terrorists to smuggle weapons and ammunition.
Meanwhile, authorities seized a workshop for making explosive devices and large amounts of C4 explosives in al-Waar al-Jadeed neighborhood in Homs city.
A source in the province told SANA reporter that the seized materials included 15 explosive devices set to be detonated and 25 explosive devices under preparation, three barrels of gunpowder and 150 kg of C4 explosives, in addition to BKC machineguns and ammunition.
The source said that an army units destroyed three DShK-equipped vehicles, killing all terrorists inside them in qualitative operations in al-Qseir countryside in Homs.
The operations resulted in killing scores of terrorists.
A unit of the Armed Forces eliminated a number of terrorists in Jorat al-Shayah neighborhood and destroyed terrorist gatherings in al-Qseir countryside in Homs.
On Monday, a unit of the Armed Forces on Monday clashed with armed terrorist groups in Taldao in Homs countryside, destroying 8 cars and killing all the terrorists inside them.
SANA reporter quoted a source in the province as saying that the Armed Forces killed scores of terrorists and injured others.
Terrorists Ahmad Abdeen, Fayez Talha al-Ekish, Diyab al-Ekish and Ziyad al-Ekish were identified among the wounded.
The source pointed out that a unit of the Armed Forces destroyed 2 boats in Quttina Lake in Homs countryside which were used by the armed terrorist groups to transport weapons, ammunition and terrorists.
It added that the Armed Forces killed all the terrorists inside them.
Another unit of the Armed Forces destroyed a bus and killed all the terrorists inside it in al-Sultanieh neighborhood in Homs city.
A unit of the Armed forces targeted an armed terrorist group at al-Hisn twon in Talkalakh, Homs, killing three terrorists and injuring many others. Among the killed terrorists were Khaled Isber and Khaled Bilal.
Terrorists Killed, Weapons Seized in Idleb
A unit of the Armed Forces clashed with an armed terrorist group which was attacking and intimidating the citizens in Um al-Ghar, al-aliya and al-Ghasanieh villages in Jisr al-Shughour area in Idleb.
The clash resulted in the killing and wounding a large number of terrorists.
The Armed Forces seized amounts of weapons and eliminated a number of terrorists in Bennsh, Maarshamsheh, al-Janoudiyeh and Tal Salmo in Idleb countryside.
Terrorists’ Hideouts Stormed in Hama
Armed Forces carried out a qualitative operation against terrorists’ hideouts in Jeb Suleiman village near al-Madiq Castle in Hama, killing a number of terrorists and wounding others.
Armed Forces Destroy Weapons Cache in Deir Ezzor
The Armed Forces Destroyed a weapons cache and killed all terrorists in it near al-Mutafawiqin School in al-Jbeileh neighborhood in Deir Ezzor.
The Armed Forces also eliminated several terrorists who tried to infiltrate into the neighborhood.
Decree on Holding Legislative Elections to Fill Vacant Parliamentary Seats on the First Saturday in December 2012
Oct 16, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday issued Decree No. 379 for 2012 setting the date for holding legislative elections to fill vacant parliamentary seats on the first Saturday in December 2012.
The five vacant parliamentary seats are distributed as follows:
– One seat for Idleb province.
– One seat for Hama province.
– Two seats for Aleppo province.
– One seat for Hasaka province.
Makdessi: We’re Waiting for Ibrahimi’s Arrival to Learn about Results of Recent Visits to Countries including Those That Influence Armed Groups
Oct 16, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Spokesman of the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry Dr. Jihad Makdessi affirmed that any initiative, regardless of its type, requires commitment by all sides in order for it to succeed.
In a statement to SANA on Tuesday, Makdessi said that the Syrian side is waiting for the arrival of UN Envoy to Syria Lakhdar al-Ibrahimi to learn about the results of his recent visits to a number of countries, including countries that have influence over armed groups.
He voiced hope that Ibrahimi will bring from these countries something to lead to the success of any constructive initiative, noting that Syria has already shown commitment to Arab and international initiatives that were ultimately foiled by armed groups and the countries that influence them.
Ibrahimi had called for a ceasefire in Syria on occasion of Eid al-Adha, according to his spokesman Ahmad Fawzi.
Fingerprint Youth Syria Honors Media and Diplomatic figures.. Mikdad: Those who Call for NATO or Foreign Interference Away from Wisdom
Oct 16, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Fingerprint Youth Syria group held a celebration Tuesday in honor for the diplomatic and Media fronts which confront the aggression on Syria.
Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad, in a speech at the celebration, affirmed that Syria will come out of the crisis victorious due to the determination of the Syrian Arab army, the popular support to it and the compass defined by President Bashar al-Assad represented by the national dialogue.
“The wise person comes to the dialogue table and stands against the killing of his people, but those who call for NATO or the foreign intervention against their people are away from the wisdom,” Mikdad said.
He added that enemies of Syria want to divide the homeland, stir up discord among the people in the interest of Israel, so they try to “slaughter” it because it is the only remaining center in the region and outside which defends the rights and stands against the western, colonial agendas.
Mikdad disapproved talks which say that the reason behind what is going on in Syria is its need for reform as this was being achieved and being sought by President al-Assad to overcome corruption and promote the situation up in Syria.
“The aggressions against the Syrian embassies in some capitals, among them burning the Syrian embassy in Cairo, were targeting to burn the Syrian will and silence the pure voice as well as the fair and noble stance to carry out US- backed Israeli plots,” Mikdad said.
He added that the Syrian diplomacy, based on morals and the Syrians’ interest in their central issues, particularly the Palestinian issue, will remain forever the real conscience that defends sovereignty, independence and the freedom of peoples.
Chairman of the Boards of the Group Anas Mohamad Younes, for his part, underlined that honoring the voices of right in media and the diplomatic corps comes as an appreciation by the Syrian youth to the sacrifices and the efforts they exerted to overcome the crisis.
Khalaf al-Miftah, General Director of al-Wihda Establishment for Printing and Distribution said that the awareness of the Syrian youth of the nature of the conspiracy against Syria makes ‘all of us” more determined to come out of the crisis.
Syria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mihdi Dakhllalah said in a statement to SANA that away from the negative effects of the crisis in Syria which all talk about, the positive aspects Syria is passing through is that it possesses youth from the civil society which enjoy great role that expresses hidden energies which became an effective factor in the country.
Authorities Settle Cases of 68 persons involved in Events with no Crimes Committed against Syrians
Oct 16, 2012
HOMS, (SANA)-Sixty-Eight persons in Homs who were involved in the latest events and didn’t commit any crime against the Syrian people gave themselves up along with their weapons to the authorities on Tuesday. The authorities immediately settled their cases to return to their normal life.
A source in Homs told SANA reporter that the authorities released the persons whose cases were settled after they pledged not to bear any weapon or participate in any acts of chaos. The authorities lately settled the cases of hundreds of people who gave themselves up after they were aware of the volume of conspiracy against Syria.
President Ahmadinejad: Need for Halting Violence in Syria to Settle the Situation
Oct 16, 2012 TEHRAN, (SANA)-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran on Tuesday underlined the need for halting violence and realizing peace in Syria to settle the situation in the country.
Meeting Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the 12th Summit of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, President Ahmadinejad considered that there is no way except the national reconciliation, run free elections to settle the situation in Syria, saying “violence will not benefit any side.”
“The only way to resolve the issues in Syria is that the regional influential countries, including Iran and Turkey insist running free elections in Syria,” the Iranian President added, calling for respecting the Syrian people’s rights.
Al-Jaafari : Blatant Foreign Meddling in Syria’s Affairs Hinders Efforts for National Reconciliation and Comprehensive National Dialogue
Oct 16, 2012
NEW YORK, (SANA) – Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, stressed the need for the Security Council (UNSC) to assume its responsibilities in implementing its resolutions regarding the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian and the Syrian Golan territories and regarding the issue of the Palestinian refugees.
In the statement of the Syrian Arab Republic during the UNSC’s session on Monday night which was dedicated to the situation in the Middle East, al-Jaafari called upon the UNSC to assume its responsibilities, deal seriously with the continuation of the Israeli occupation to the Syrian Golan for 45 years, and implement UN Resolution No. 497 for 1981 which was issued unanimously and that considers the Israeli decision of annexing the occupied Golan as null and void with no legal effect, along with all Israeli relevant decisions.
Al-Jaafari said “The UNSC’s refraining from shouldering its responsibilities in this regard for decades confirms the existence of an eclectic and selective view by some of the member states in the Council regarding the implementation of its resolutions when they are related to Israel”.
He stressed that the UN General Secretariat representatives are responsible more than any other for carrying out their role through briefing the UNSC regularly, honestly and transparently on the violations committed by Israel, the authority which is occupying the Syrian Golan.
He pointed out that Syria is providing the Secretariat with reports on these violations on regular bases, particularly the increasing cases of Syrian citizens abducted from the Syrian part of the ceasefire line, in addition to Israel’s implementation of wide-range military maneuvers in the occupied Syrian Golan.
Al-Jaafari stressed that the explosion of cluster bombs and mines planted by the Israeli occupation in the Golan has claimed the lives of 726 Syrian citizens, including 227 children, the latest of these incidents taking place on October 4th when two Syrian children no older than ten succumbed to wounds caused by the detonation of a landmine left by the Israeli occupation.
Al-Jaafari added that the Palestinian people have been waiting for six decades to be given the most basic rights such as establishing a free, independent state with full sovereignty on the Palestinian territories.
He pointed out that Israel is still defying the international legitimacy through its arrogance and aggressive policy, adding that Israel is curbing any opportunity to achieve peace in the region, benefitting from the direct protection offered by some influential countries in the UN Security Council.
“How many decades must pass on the Israeli occupation of the Arab territories before some sides acknowledge the necessity of moving seriously to end this occupation… How many innocent lives must be lost in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon before some sides are convinced that there is a tragedy that should be ended?” al-Jaafari asked.
Syria’s Permanent representative to the UN pointed out to the reports submitted by tens of fact-finding and investigation committees to the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council over decades, saying that these reports are enough to diagnose the scale of the Israeli aggression and terrorism against the countries and peoples of the region.
Al-Jaafari said that more than thousands of resolutions were issued by the UN bodies calling for ending the Israeli occupation of the Arab territories and condemning Israel’s systematic violations and aggressive practices, wondering if these reports aren’t enough to push these countries to stop their unlimited military, economic and political support to Israel.
He stressed that some sides which claim keenness on the stability and security of the region turn a blind eye to the Israeli continued threats against regional and international security and stability, wondering about some countries’ silence towards Israel’s possession of nuclear weapons and its rejection to join the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT).
He pointed out that Israel refuses to confirm its participation in the Conference on a “Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone” scheduled for next month, reminding the Council of Syria’s adherence to the establishment of this zone through proposing an initiative by the end of 2003 on freeing the region of weapons of mass destruction.
Al-Jaafari renewed warnings against the hectic attempts of some biased delegations supporting the continuation of the Israeli occupation to the Arab lands and aiming to weaken the well-known historical references in the item entitled “The situation in the Middle East” through forcing in other issues in the framework of its discussions.
He pointed out that these attempts aim to keep the UNSC deliberations regarding this particular item away from the main goal the item was established for, which is ending the Israeli occupation to the Arab occupied territories based on relevant UN resolutions, particularly no. 242, no. 338, and no. 497.
He stressed that some member states’ delegations are violating international law and the UN Charter by interfering in Syria’s internal affairs and trying to seize the Syrian people’s right of deciding their own future and choosing their political system, in addition to these countries’ attempts to foil all comprehensive national dialogue bids.
Al-Jaafari stressed that the blatant foreign meddling in Syria’s affairs hinders efforts for national reconciliation which aim to build the country by all the Syrians, in addition to some countries’ attempts to infringe upon Syria’s sovereignty through encouraging terrorism and providing logistical, political and financial support to the armed terrorist groups.
He concluded the statement by referring to the ironic paradox of the unanimous decision of the UNSC to combat terrorism in Mali, criticizing the way the Council or some of its members deal with terrorism affecting Syria differently despite the fact that the terrorism in Mali is the same as the terrorism targeting Syria through the borders of the neighboring countries.
Gatilov: Any Peace-keeping Process in Syria Should be Approved by Syrian Government
Oct 16, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Gennady Gatilov, on Tuesday said that any peace-keeping process in Syria should pass through the UN Security Council and be agreed upon by all sides, particularly the Syrian Government.
Gatilov said in a statement that the UN Security Council is the only body that can send peace-keeping forces to Syria.
He added that Russia holds continued communications with UN Envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, and invited him to hold consultations.
Earlier, Brahimi denied that he proposed sending peacekeeping forces as British media reports claimed.
Bogdanov: Russia Prepared to Offer Brahimi Suggestions for Plan to Resolve Crisis in Syria
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said that Moscow is prepared to offer suggestions to Brahimi to make a plan for resolving the crisis in Syria.
In an interview with Novosti news agency, Bogdanov said that Moscow appreciates Brahimi’s determination to expedite finding political solutions to the Syrian crisis, particularly since he intends to employ the plan of his predecessor Kofi Annan and the closing statement of the workgroup meeting in Geneva.
He added that Brahimi doesn’t have a comprehensive plan yet, but he is talking with all relevant Syrian and international sides to clarify his vision on resolving the crisis.
Bogdanov reiterated Moscow’s call for the Security Council to issue a decision on Syria based on the Geneva statement, saying that Russia believes that doing so would help efforts for ending the violence in Syria, adding that Russia said this to its western partners repeatedly but they haven’t responded so far.
Bogdanov meeting Mufti Hassoun: Russia Continues Efforts to stop Violence in Syria
The Special Representative of the Russian President for the Middle East Affairs, Bogdanov discussed with Syria’s Grand Mufti, Dr. Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassoun the situation in Syria.
According to a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Bogdanov underlined during the meeting that Russia continues its pivotal efforts to realize an immediate halt to the violence in Syria, settle the situations by the Syrians themselves peacefully and through national comprehensive dialogue.
Mufti Hassoun, for his part, underlined that Muslims and followers of other religions in Syria are categorically rejecting ideologies of extremism and the terrorist ways which the armed terrorist group adopt, thanking Russia for its permanent support to Syria sovereignty and reject the foreign intervention.
The meeting comes within the Mufti’s participation in the 9th conference of the Central Religious Administration of Russia’s Muslims held in the city of Oufa.
Distribution of Relief from Armenian People to Affected Families in Aleppo Begins
Oct 16, 2012
ALEPPO, (SANA) – The Aleppo branch of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) began on Tuesday distributing the humanitarian relief provided by the Armenian people to Syrians to help them face the effects of terrorism and sanctions.
Governor of Aleppo Mohammad Walid Aqqad said this relief are a translation of the relations between the two friendly peoples, thanking the government and people of Armenia for their initiative.
In turn, Armenia’s Consul in Aleppo Karen Krikorian said that this relief is presented in this crisis by the Armenians to the Syrians who embraced the Armenian people during their ordeals.
Director of the Aleppo branch of SARC, Hael Assi, said that distribution of relief is carried out in cooperation with the Armenian Embassy and Armenian Orthodox Archdiocese, and that it will help meet the needs of families whose homes were damaged by terrorism.
The relief arrived on board an Armenian plane that landed in Aleppo on Monday evening carrying 14 tons of food relief.
Iran’s Permanent Ambassador to the UN: Iran Supports Brahimi’s Efforts to Solve Crisis in Syria Peacefully
Oct 16, 2012
TEHRAN, (SANA) – Iran’s Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations Mohammad Khazaei reiterated his country’s support to the efforts of the UN special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi to solve the crisis in Syria by peaceful means.
He warned that any foreign military intervention would make the crisis worse and threaten to destabilize the security of all countries of the region.
Iranian media quoted Khazaei at the UN Security Council meeting on Monday as saying that Iran will support Brahimi’s efforts, adding that his country believes that enhancing the peaceful political process under regional and international supervision and launching national dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition are the way out of the current crisis.
He described the current political and security circumstances in the Middle East as sensitive and serious, adding that threats to the region are mainly caused by from terrorism, extremism, militarization and the nuclear arsenal of Israel.
He indicated that any mistake in calculations or any wrong decision or military intervention in such circumstances will aggravate terrorism, extremism and sectarian conflicts.
Martyrs’ Families Honored in Hama
Oct 16, 2012
HAMA, (SANA) – A ceremony was held to honor 650 families of martyrs in Misyaf city and Ba’erin village in Hama in appreciation of their sons’ sacrifices to defend Syria.
Secretary of al-Baath Arab Socialist Party branch in Hama, Jihad Murad said that the event expresses gratitude for the families of the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the homeland.
In turn, Governor of Hama Anas al-Naem said that the sacrifices of the martyrs will remain a beacon for coming generations, adding that the province will include schools for martyrs’ sons in its budget for the next year.
A number of clergymen who attended the ceremony said that honoring the martyrs’ families is a national duty and an oath that the blood of the martyrs will not go to waste.
Father George Ibrahim Mkhawel said that the conflict in the Arab arena and particularly in Syria is a conflict between real faith and takfiri mentality.
Citizen Ibrahim Wannous from Misyaf city, the father of three martyrs, expressed pride in the martyrdom of his sons to preserve the unity and stability of the homeland.
In turn, mother of martyr Captain Mohammad Mahmoud al-Saad called upon all Syrians to be united in the face of conspiracies hatched against Syria and its unity.
Later on, the governor listened to the demands of the martyrs’ families and promised that they will be fulfilled as soon as possible.
Minister of Religious Endowments: Terrorist Attack on the Grand Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo Adds up to Conspiracy against Syria
Oct 16, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed, on Tuesday stressed that the terrorist attack by the armed terrorist groups on the Grand Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo has hurt all Syrians and it adds up to the conspiracy hatched against Syria.
In an interview with the Syrian Arab TV channel, al-Sayyed said that the misleading media targeting Syria is aimed at turning distorting facts, adding that the plot of burning Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem Mosque and burning the Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo are one scheme carried out by the same sinful hand.
The Minister asserted that dialogue is the only way to reconciliation and ending the crisis in Syria after eliminating terrorism.
He hailed the decree issued by President Bashar al-Assad providing for forming a committee tasked with rehabilitating the Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo.
Earlier, President Bashar al-Assad on Monday issued Presidential Decision No. 18 for 2012 on forming a committee to carry out maintenance and rehabilitation works of the Great Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo.The committee is headed by Governor of Aleppo , Mohammad Wahid Aqqad, and it consists of seven members.The decision set December 31st, 2013 as the deadline for completing the maintenance and rehabilitation works on.
General Command of Army and Armed Forces: Media Reports on Using Cluster Bombs by Syrian Army Untrue
Oct 16, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The General Command of the Army and the Armed Forces stressed on Monday that the misleading media outlets have recently published untrue news claiming the Syrian Arab Army has been using cluster bombs against armed terrorists.
In a statement, the General Command said the Syrian Army does not possess such bombs, stressing that those news are untrue and come in the framework of misleading media which is aimed at diverting the public opinion from the practices of the armed terrorist groups against civilians.
Lavrov Denies Claims on Using Cluster Bombs by Syria
Oct 16, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, stressed on Monday that Syria does not use cluster bombs as human rights organizations claimed, adding that there is no evidence to prove these claims.
In a statement to journalists in Luxembourg, Lavrov pointed out that the Middle East and other countries are full of illegal weapons, adding that it is difficult to specify from where these weapons are transferred.
Lavrov: Moscow Will Demand Retrieval of Shipment Seized by Turkey From Syrian Plane
Earlier, Lavrov said that Moscow will formally demand the retrieval of the shipment seized by Turkey onboard the Syrian plane as there are no violations in its nature or documents.
In a statement after the meeting of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin with members of the Russian National Security Council, Lavrov said that Moscow is waiting for a reply from Ankara on preventing the Russian diplomats from communicating with the Russians onboard the plane while it was grounded.
Lavrov stressed that there are no secrets regarding the Syrian plane, adding that the plane was carrying radar electronic equipment of dual use and not banned by any international agreement
Russian Foreign Ministry: Journalist Kochneva who Disappeared in Syria is Ukrainian Living Permanently in Syria
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich stressed that journalist Anhar Kochneva who is said to have disappeared in Syria is a Ukrainian citizen who lives permanently in Syria.
Lukashevich said in a statement that Kochneva has been in contact with several Russian TV channels, pointing out that the Russian Embassy in Damascus is exerting active efforts and coordinating with Ukrainian representatives to take necessary measures to free her.
In turn, the Ukrainian Presidential Media office announced that President Viktor Yanukovych tasked the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to inquire about the situation of Kochneva’s disappearance and to protect the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens.
Churkin: Halt of violence Priority to the International community
The Russian Envoy to the UN Vitaly Churkin described the halt of violence in Syria as a priority for the international community, saying that Moscow relies on the mission of the UN Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi and on the constructive participation of the international and regional players in finding a solution to the crisis as soon as possible.
“Geneva statement on the crisis in Syria is still important.. all responsible parties have to cooperate in order to reach a solution,” Itar Tass News Agency quoted Churkin as saying on Monday.
He called on the Syrian opposition to announce adherence to Geneva Action Group’s statement on Syria, referring that the Syrian government has expressed support to this statement.
“We expect similar steps by the Syrian opposition,” Churkin added.
Central Bank of Syria Denies Reports that it Stopped Interfering in the Syrian Market
Oct 15, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Governor of Central Bank of Syria Adib Mayaleh on Monday denied reports by the misleading media that the Bank has stopped to interfere and ordered the money-changing institutions to halt sale until further notice.
In a statement to SANA, Mayaleh reassured the Syrian citizens that the Central Bank has reserves of different currencies to meet the demands of the country and keep the price of Syrian pound, saying “the Central Bank of Syria is covering the trade market needs and others.”
Brahimi Denies He Suggested Sending Peacekeeping Force to Syria
Oct 15, 2012
BAGHDAD, (SANA) – UN Envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi on Monday dismissed reports alleging he suggested sending peacekeeping forces to Syria.
In a press conference held in Baghdad, Brahimi said “I didn’t propose such thing and I don’t know where this news came from, It certainly did not come from me.”
Earlier, Ahmad Fawzi, Spokesman for the UN Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi dismissed that Brahimi is setting a plan to deploy an international peacekeeping force in Syria, as the Sunday Telegraph reported earlier.
Answering a question on the creditability of a report published by the newspaper on Sunday, Fawzi said the report is baseless.
Ashton Voices Agreement with Russia over Seeking Peaceful Solution to Syrian Crisis and Supporting Brahimi’s Mission
Oct 15, 2012
LUXEMBURG, (SANA) – The European Union’s High Representative Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said on Monday that the EU shares Russia’s conviction that that solution in Syria must be peaceful.
The Italian news agency AKI said that Ashton made statements on the sideline of the regular meeting of EU foreign Ministers held on Monday in Luxemburg, with her statements commenting on the meetings between the ministers and their Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, although she didn’t give many details about the discussions during that meeting.
Ashton said that they discussed with Lavrov the latest developments in Syria and that they stressed the need to seek a peaceful solution and support the mission of UN Envoy Lakhdar Ibrahimi.
She said that the EU understand Russia’s concerns, particularly regarding the deteriorating relations between Turkey and Syria, stressing the need to work on an immediate cessation of violence inside Syria and not allowing this violence to spread.