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Makdessi: Turkish Military Aircraft Violated Syria’s Sovereignty, Syrian Response Was Defensive Act

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Spokesman for the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry Dr. Jihad Makdessi said that the Syrian response to the Turkish military aircraft which blatantly violated the Syrian sovereignty was a defensive and sovereign act, and that Syrian territories, waters and airspace are sacrosanct.

In a press conference held on Monday, Makdessi said that what happened was a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty according to international law, which is confirmed by facts, information, and the Turkish statements that admitted to the violation of Syrian airspace and territorial waters, regardless of the intents of the aircraft be they reconnaissance or training.

He said that what the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said in the interview on Sunday is baseless and inaccurate, as he gave a story that completely contradicted the facts of this aggression on Syrian sovereignty when he claimed that the aircraft was hit and crashed in international waters.

Makdessi pointed out that the Syrian anti-aircraft defense used a land-based anti-aircraft machinegun with a maximum range of 2.5 kilometers, and that the wreckage found by the Syrian authorities and delivered to the Turkish side with an official record shows holes in the tail-end of the plane which confirm that it was shot down by a ground-based machinegun, not missiles.

“Had the aircraft been over territorial waters, we would have used missiles, not a land-based anti-aircraft machinegun with a maximum range of 2.5 kilometers… all of this confirms the falsity of the allegations that the aircraft was shot down outside Syrian territorial waters,” he said.

In response to Davutoglu’s statement that the aircraft wasn’t alerted, Makedessi said that the Syrian anti-air defenses operate automatically in such cases, and that even if the unidentified aircraft was Syrian, it would have been shot down in the same manner, adding that that machinegun that shot down the plane isn’t equipped with radar; rather it had visual confirmation of it approaching it at a distance of 1 to 2 kilometers at an altitude of 100 meters and at a speed of 800 kph.

He noted that Syrian anti-air defenses repelled violations by Israeli enemy airplanes in that same area in 2007 and that those aircrafts weren’t shot down then because that breach was different and unexpected and had a military nature.

Makdessi pointed out that Syria suggested to Turkey to form a joint military technical committee to visit the site of the incident in Lattakia to inspect the reality of what happened, but the Turkish side didn’t respond up to the moment, adding that rescue operations are ongoing with coordination between the two sides, which resulted in finding the wreckage and delivering it to the Turkish side, but unfortunately the pilots have not been found

“There’s a political campaign that has nothing to do with reality, and it aims to further demonize Syria, and the more the fail on the political level to aggravate the situaiton with Syria, they resort to other means… unfortunately, the Turkish Foreign Minister in particular and the Turkish government in general have been negative over the past 15 months regarding the crisis in Syria… they seek to aggravate the situation in Syria.”

Makdessi hoped that Davutoglu would make a positive reconsideration regarding Syria, adding that Syria has no ill intentions towards Turkey, adding “There is  a crisis in Syria, but the solution cannot be through aggravating, mobilizing and arming the movement in Syria, nor through hosting entities that do not believe in a political solution but rather believe in militarizing the movement and  undermining the stability of the neighboring country, Syria.”

He stressed that there’s still considerable friendliness between the Syrian and Turkish people despite the sly practices of the Turkish government which seek to gain the support of the Turkish people for its policies which do not serve Turkey through manipulating the the nationalist feeling which we respect.

“Syria, just like Turkey, is a proud nation. We know whenever someone hurts us what our nationalist feeling is like, but the Turkish government will not succeed in this. We are explaining the whole issue wisely and rationally with the hope that Turkey will show wisdom and rationality in return,” he said. Makdessi pointed out that official correspondence with Turkey on Sunday clarified the details of the incident in response to the Turkish allegations that what happened was a Syrian aggression against Turkey, with the correspondence stating that on 11.40 AM  on June 22nd, Syrian radar systems detected a flying object heading towards Syrian territories that performed a left turn towards the northeast and climbed down to a low altitude where it disappeared from the radars, only to appear suddenly at an altitude of 100 meters, 1 to 2 kilometers from the beach and Syrian land, and became suddenly visible to the naked eye.

He added that later, it turned out that the object was an aircraft heading towards the beach and Syrian land at a speed of 700 to 800 kph, which engaged the rules of engagement employed in all sovereign countries, prompting Syrian anti-air defense to engage it.

Makdessi affirmed that the weapon used in repelling this violation of Syrian airspace was anti-aircraft artillery firing 23.57 rounds stationed on Syrian beaches, hitting the aircraft directly, adding that the aircraft was seen heading left afterwards and crashing in Syrian territorial waters.

He said that Syria is committed to the good neighborly relations with Turkey and that it wishes to resume cooperation with the Turkish side, noting that Syria wasn’t the one who harmed the bilateral relations is not Syria, which in the worst cases applied the principle of reciprocity, adding “We might respond to every positive step from the Turkish side with positive steps on our side if the Turkish government still believes in good neighborly relations with Syria.

“We live a state of political tension with Turkey but we hold no hostile intentions towards the Turkish people or the Turkish state,” Makdessi elaborated, pointing out that the Syrian Air Force Commander and the Navy Commander communicated with their Turkish counterparts after the fall of the warplane and allowed the Turkish helicopters to enter to the site of the incident, with the Syrian military boats participating in the  search and rescue operations, all of which stresses that Syria has no hostile intentions and considers the Turkish people as brothers.

Regarding the Turkish government’s call for holding a NATO meeting, Makdessi said that the NATO is supposed to be an organization whose aim is to preserve security and stability and if the meeting is convened with such good intentions, then Syria wishes them success.

“We heard previous statements made by the NATO that they have no intention of military intervention in Syria. If the aim of the meeting is aggressive in nature, I want to reassure everyone that the Syrian territories, waters and airspace are sacrosanct for the Syrian army.”

On the role of the European Union in the Syrian crisis, Makdessi said that the EU has played a negative role, and that if it actually wants to help solve the crisis, it should come to Syria and inspect what is taking place on the ground, since what is happening is totally different from what the EU officials are hearing in the media.

Regarding Syria’s view of the results of Egypt’s presidential elections, he said that Syria always supports democratic choices of other people, congratulating the Egyptian people who made the decision, adding that he does not agree with those who make an issue out of the background of the president since he is now the President of Egypt.

Twenty Army, Law-enforcement Martyrs Paid Final Tribute

PROVINCES, (SANA) – The bodies of 20 army and law enforcement martyrs on Monday were escorted from the military hospitals of Aleppo and Tishreen in Damascus, Zahi Azraq in Lattakia and the National Hospital in Sweida to their final resting place.

Solemn funeral ceremonies were held for the martyrs who were targeted by armed terrorist groups while they were in line of duty in Homs, Aleppo, Idleb and Deir Ezzor.

The martyrs are:

-First Lieutenant Yahia Yousef al-Salam from Homs.

– Second Lieutenant Anas Anwar Abbas from Lattakia.

-Chief Warrant Officer Azad Ismael Hammo from Hasaka.

-Sergeant Ghassan Mohammad Sa’our from Damascus.

– Sergeant Maher Mohammad Ahmad from Damascus.

– Sergeant Hadi Mohammad Ismael from Damascus.

– Sergeant Hassan Mohammad al-Fata from Lattakia.

– Private Marwan Adeeb Harb from Sweida.

– Conscript Mohammad Abdul-Mone’m Yousef Mohammad from Aleppo.

– Conscript Shamdeen Hussein Al Rashi from Hasaka.

– Conscript Abdul-Hanan Asaad al-Mohammad al-Bakr from Aleppo.

– Conscript Hussein Ahmad Ibrahim from Aleppo.

– Conscript Jalal Razzouq Malkoun from Hasaka.

– Conscript Shadi Khaled Qusairi from Quneitra.

– Conscript Waheed Abdul-Masyakh from Deir Ezzor.

– Conscript Yaman Fawaz Abu Jouryyah from Daraa.

– Conscript Adnan al-Qawwas from Damascus.

– Conscript Mahmoud Mohammad Nae’m Hantoush from Damascus Countryside.

– Conscript Mahmoud Khaled al-Lahham from Damascus Countryside.

– Policeman Jaafar Mehsen Baddour Marouf from Lattakia.

The martyrs’ families called for firmly confronting the armed terrorist groups that have been committing criminal and sabotage acts in implementation of foreign agendas to undermine Syria’s national and pan-Arab role.

They expressed pride in the martyrdom of their sons, stressing their readiness for martyrdom in defending the homeland whenever duty calls.

Four Terrorists Killed in Booby-Trapped Car in Idleb, Authorities Clash with Terrorists in Deir Ezzor

IDLEB, (SANA)- 4 terrorists were on Monday killed in a booby-trapped car which they were intending to detonate near the law-enforcement forces in Kafarnubl in Idleb countryside.

A source in Idleb Province told SANA reporter that the booby-trapped car went off about 500 meters before it arrives near the law-enforcement forces, causing the death of three terrorists who were in it and another one driving a motorcycle.

The source added that no causalities or material damages were reported among the law-enforcement forces.

An engineering unit member stressed that the amount of the explosives in the car are estimated at 300 to 500 kg.

Authorities Clash with Terrorists, Kill some of them and Destroy their Cars in Deir Ezzor

Authorities stormed a terrorist hideout in al-Ba’ajein in the city of Deir Ezzor.

A source in the province told SANA reporter that the clash resulted in killing a number of terrorists, among them Ismael Ali al-Azeel.

The authorities also clashed with terrorists in 5 pickup trucks equipped with machineguns in al-Shuhadaa neighborhood after the locals informed them about cars carrying terrorists in the region.

The authorities killed the terrorists and destroyed their cars.

In the same context, the authorities stormed a hideout of an armed terrorist group in al-Rashidiyeh neighborhood where they found money, fake passports, computers and weapons.

The authorities clashed with the terrorist Saleh al-Ghbeir who leads a terrorist group in Deir Ezzor and killed him.

Authorities hunt terrorists in Jabar and Sultaniya, Homs

The competent authorities in Homs are continuing pursuit to the armed terrorist groups at Jobar and al-Sultaniya neighborhoods, killing a number of terrorists including the criminal Radi Khaled.

An official source in Homs told SANA reporter that the pursuit operations led to arresting some other terrorists and confiscating their weapons .

Two Explosive Devices Deactivated in Aleppo and Hama

Military engineering units deactivated on Monday two explosive devices planted by armed terrorist groups in al-Sakhour neighborhood in Hanano city in Aleppo province.

The explosive devices weigh over 10 kilograms each, according to sources in the province.

In Hama city, military engineering units dismantled an explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group near al-Mahatah crossroads.

Ten Terrorists Killed during Clashes with Competent  Authorities in Douma

The competent authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group looting and firing at people and cars in Douma city in Damascus countryside.

A source in the province told SANA reporter that 10 terrorists were killed and others were wounded during the clashes.

Moscow hopes NATO will not take any measures leading to aggravating situation in Syria

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko on Monday hoped that the NATO Alliance will not take during its meeting tomorrow any steps that would aggravate situation in Syria or foiling the political settlement of the crisis in Syria.

In an interview with Novosti news agency in Vienna where he arrived to  participate in The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) conference,  Grushko said that Turkey’s call for NATO Council concerning the shot down of the Turkish jet last Friday is a worrisome indication to a military escalation in Syria.

He added that the efforts of the international community should be aimed at preparing the current circumstances for shifting the military situation to a political process and for pushing all Syrian parties to sit at the dialogue table to discuss a political solution.

Ahmad Said: Armed Group abducted me, photographed me as a defected colonel

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Citizen Ahmad Omar Said related how he was abducted by an armed terrorist group in Douma, Damascus countryside to be photographed as a colonel defected from the Syrian Arab army.

” I am Palestinian, works in Douma… while arriving at al-Siyndiana mosque, two gunmen, on a motorcycle intercepted me, tied my hands and blindfolded me..later they took me to unknown farm,” Said told the Syrian TV in an interview broadcast Monday.

He said that the gunmen put him in a room, beat him and asked him to bear a weapon and claim that he is a defected Army colonel… later they photographed him after giving him a rifle.

“The armed group contacted my family by phone, claiming that they are from the so-called the free army, asking my family; do you want to send him back in a box or torn apart in sacks..”, Said added.

Cyprus Foreign Minister: We Support Annan’s Plan for Resolving Crisis in Syria, Reject any Military Intervention in It

NICOSIA, (SANA) – Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis said that her country supports the plan of International Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan and opposes any military intervention against Syria, calling for adopting a political solution as the optimal way to resolve the crisis.

In an interview with Russia’s ITAR-TASS agency, Kozakou-Marcoullis said that Cyprus took a decisive position from the beginning based on total rejection of any military intervention in Syria and that it views that reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis is very important.

The Minister, whose country will preside upon the EU during the next six months, said that Cyprus supports Annan’s plan and its six points, and that her country will try to convince the rest of Europe that this is the best path to follow in this affair.

Kozakou-Marcoullis, who is participating in the EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday, said that it’s in the best interests of Cyprus and the EU to unite efforts in supporting Annan’s plan, and not just within the EU, but also with partners in the Security Councils, including Russia which is a main partner.

She warned that if foreign intervention and a war take place in Syria, then the conflict will spread to neighboring countries and the entire region, which is in nobody’s interest and no-one wishes for such developments to happen.

The Minister said that Cyprus’ words have weight in the EU foreign ministers council, so as the nearest European neighbor of Syria, it will spare no effort to inform other European countries of its concerns over any military escalation.

China: Ending Violence in Syria Demands Participation of the Region’s Countries

BEIJING, (SANA) – Spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Hong Li, on Monday said that Beijing believes that ending violence in Syria demands the participation of all the region’s countries, especially those who have influence in Syria.

In his daily press conference, Li expressed hope that the international conference, due to be held in Geneva on June 30th, will help build an international concord and give full support to Annan’s plan with the aim of implementing the relevant UN Security Council’s resolutions.

Turkish Communist Party Holds Erdogan’s Government Responsibile for the Turkish Warplane Incident

ANKARA, (SANA) – The Turkish Communist Party held the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan responsible for the incident of the Turkish military plane which was shot down by the Syrian anti air defenses after violating the Syrian airspace, calling for the government’s resignation.

The Central Committee of the party said in a press release made on Monday that “This behavior is a dirty game played by the Turkish government supported by the USA and Israel. It is not the first provocative move made by the Turkish government.”

Turkish MP: Government of Justice and Development Party Responsible for the Turkish Warplane Accident

Turkish MP Kamer Genc of the Turkish Republican People’s Party in Tunceli province said that he does not trust anything that Erdogan’s government says.

Answering a question on whether the Republican People’s Party will agree to passing a memo that allows the Turkish government to wage a war, Genc was quoted Genc as saying ”First we have to know why the warplane went there and who ordered it.”

Genc considered that the Justice and Development Party is the only one responsible for the accident, adding ”we do not trust anything that the government of Justice and Development Party says”.

Popular Front For the Liberation Of the Golan: Resistance Only Way to Liberate Lands and Restor Rights

QUNEITRA, (SANA) – The Front for the Liberation of the Golan on Monday stressed that resistance is the only way to liberate the lands and restore the rights.

In a statement on the 38th anniversary of liberating Quneitra, the Front said that liberating the city was a landmark in the history of struggle with the Israeli enemy.

The Front hailed the sacrifices made by the Syrian army during years of struggle with the Zionist entity.

The Front underlined that Quneitra became an evidence on the savagery of the new-Nazis, stressing its resolve to continue the process of liberation until the historic moment when President Bashar al-Assad rises the Syrian flag on Golan.

Lavrov: Geneva’s Document Imposes Nothing on the Syrians, Contains no Preconditions for Political Process or National Dialogue

GENEVA, (SANA) – Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday said that the document released from Geneva meeting imposes nothing on the Syrian people and has no preconditions on the political process or national dialogue nor does it exclude any side.

In a press conference after the first session of the international work group meeting in Geneva, Lavrov said that Russia rejects any preconditions, and that it managed to reach a unified position with its partners to pressure all sides, not to take any unilateral steps, adding that Russia also worked constructively to avoid any attempts to make ultimatums and made amendments to the preliminary statements which resulted in the final version.

He said that the document produced by the meeting sends a clear message to the Syrian government and the armed groups to work in a synchronized manner to implement the plan of UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan, cease all armed activities, and support the UN mission.

Lavrov said that the meeting aims at calling major players in Syria to cooperate to guarantee the implementation of the peace plan and calling on foreign sides to influence all sides within Syria to commit to the plan.

He pointed out that the transitional political process will be led by the Syrian people, and that the document complies with the principles leading to such a process and affirms the basic principles of a democratic countries, including respecting human rights and the rights of minorities and sects, in addition to stressing the need for free and democratic elections and forming a body that expresses the people’s opinions.

Lavrov noted that partners in the work group wanted to issue a new resolution from the Security Council, but Russia rejected this as the group gathering in Geneva isn’t authorized to preemptively issue such a resolution as the Council has its procedures, and that this idea is being studied and the decision will be made by the Security Council.

He said that before discussing Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, the best possible efforts must be exerted to implement Annan’s plan on the basis of existing resolutions, noting that armed groups and those who support the opposition and sponsor them aren’t upholding their commitments and that they are acting in a way that makes it impossible to guarantee security as they are provoking the Syrian government and forces to respond to them.

“Some armed groups and the sides sponsoring them are using provocation to spread violence, and there are many facts in this regard that can be seen in western and US media sources… this is happening in several towns and villages where there are attacks on administrative establishments, government and private properties, the army forces and the police… there are more facts that turn up successively, showing the presence of sectarian instigation,” Lavrov said.

He pointed out that the armed groups hindered the attempts of the International Committee of the Red Cross to evacuate civilians and the trapped in various areas, adding that armed groups are receiving weapons illegally from external sides, and that these practices which violate international law are ongoing and motivate armed group to refrain from disarmament.

He hoped that all sides will realize that the document requires them to commit to it and exert positive influence on all sides, specifically armed groups, to implement Annan’s plan.

“We support Anna’s Efforts and have full trust in the UN observer mission and its ability to achieve stability in all these town and villages so that civilians can live in peace,” Lavrov said.

He stressed that the document produced by the Geneva meeting underscores the need for a peaceful solution that takes the interests of all Syrians into consideration, adding that all the participants in the Geneva meeting are against further militarization of the conflict.

“We cannot call upon the government forces to withdraw from cities while armed groups are receiving weapons… US and European media show this, ” he added.

Lavrov affirmed that Moscow is in contact with almost all representatives of the opposition and is trying to integrate them into the political process and commit them to Annan’s plan, but there are other foreign sides that are asking them to refrain from discarding their weapons and stopping combat under the pretense that foreign countries will help them.

He also stressed that the anti-air weapons delivered to Syria cannot be used against the opposition, as they can only be used to defend the country from an aerial attack.

Lavrov noted that there’s a media dimension to the Syrian crisis, as some channels like Euro News, CNN and BBC show images captured by mobiles and claim that they cannot verify them, while several al-Jazeera resigned in protest of the channel’s coverage of events in Syria.

“There was an attack on the Syrian al-Ikhbariya channel… I asked my colleagues in the work group about their opinion on the EU and Arab League decision to cease the broadcast of Syrian satellite channels, and I received no answer, despite that members of the EU always talk about freedom of expression and journalists’ right to reach information,” he said.

Regarding the effects of the so-called “friends of Syria” meeting on the work group’s efforts, Lavrov said that the name itself is very expressive, since if someone wants to be Syria’s friend, they must be sure that all Syrians view them as a friend of Syria, adding “we told our colleagues that if they want to meet as friends of Syria, they mustn’t keep meeting as friends of part of the opposition, since we’re trying to unite our efforts as external players and coordinate with each other… I don’t know how that group can have a positive effects on the efforts exerted and discussed today.”

He said that Russia is ready to participate in meetings to unify the opposition, noting that this requires work with the government as per Annan’s plan.

Lavrov stressed that the document produced by the Geneva meeting doesn’t exclude anyone, since such an exclusion is inconsistent with inclusiveness in the political process and the UN Charter and rules against interference in the affairs of sovereign countries.

On the shooting down of the Turkish military aircraft which violated Syria’s sovereignty, Lavrov said that the incident requires careful investigation, and that Russia voiced deep regret over and called for taking all precautions to avoid repeating it and exploiting any incident to increase tension.

“We supported a joint investigation between Syria and Turkey… we have our own information and objective observations and we’re ready to present them to both countries, but the main responsibility is on the two countries,” he said.

Two Terrorists Killed in Explosive Device Blast in Aleppo Countryside, 3 Explosive Devices Dismantled in Idleb

PROVINCES, (SANA)- Two terrorists on Sunday killed in explosion of an explosive device they were trying to plant near Tal Erin site, 20-km east of Aleppo.

SANA reporter quoted a source in Aleppo Province as saying the explosive device went off causing the immediate death of the two terrorists.

Authorities Arrest Terrorist who Participated in Attack on Law-enforcement Forces in Hama

Authorities in Hama province arrested the terrorist Tammam Mahmoud al-Hamid, a member of the armed terrorist group who attacked law-enforcement forces in Helfaiya town.

Arms Warehouse Explodes in al-Khaldiya, Several Terrorists Killed

A weapon warehouse used by terrorist groups in al-Khaldiya neighborhood in Homs exploded on Sunday, killing and wounding several terrorists.

SANA reporter quoted a source at the province as saying that there were improvised explosive devices (IEDs), weapons and ammunition at the warehouse, adding that the terrorists used these arms to attack law-enforcement personnel and terrorize citizens.

The source added that military engineering units dismantled four IEDs in al-Qusair area, adding that the devices ranged in weight between 15 and 50 kilograms.

In Deir Ezzor, authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group in al-Hamydiya and al-Sheikh Miskeen areas, killing and wounded many terrorists.

A source at the province said that five terrorists were killed while planting an IED in al-Ardi area in the Deir Ezzor city

Three Explosive Devices Dismantled in Idleb

Military engineering units dismantled 3 explosive devices planed by an armed terrorist group on al-Z’einiyeh – Beksariya road in Jisr al-Shughour area to target citizens and law-enforcement forces.

SANA reporter said that the explosive devices weighed between 30 to 40 kg, rigged for remote detonation.

120-Kilo IED Dismantled in Hama

Military engineering units in Hama Province dismantled a 120 kilo improvised explosive device planted in Mharda area.

An official source told SANA reporter that the explosive device was camouflaged and planted at an intersection, adding that the charge was set to be remotely detonated.

Interior Minister Calls on Policemen to Confront Terrorists, Foil Plot against Syria

ALEPPO, (SANA) – Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Mohammad al-Shaar on Sunday called upon law-enforcement personnel to confront the armed terrorist groups which commit murders and sabotage acts.

The remarks came during a meeting with officers of Aleppo’s Police Department.

Al-Shaar stressed that law-enforcement personnel should be brave and wise during implementing their missions with the aim of foiling the conspiracy against the country.

He added that people should feel safe and secure in the presence of the policemen as they preserve the stability of the country and security of the citizens.

He underlined the need to promote the work up to face the plot that is targeting the country, adding that the misleading media campaign against Syria aims at escalating the situation and affecting the international opinion.

He concluded saying that some Arab and foreign countries are supporting these misleading media outlets.

Head of Russian Delegation Visiting Syria: Western Media Falsify Facts about Events in Syria

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Head of the delegation of the Public Chamber at the Russian Federation visiting Syria, Sergei Ordzhonikidze, said that the western media is falsifying facts about the situation in Syria and they don’t convey the objective image of what is happening.

Meeting Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, Ordzhonikidze stressed Russia’s understanding of the events taking place in Syria, adding that they will convey the reality to the Russian public opinion.

For his part, Mikdad expressed Syria’s appreciation for Russia’s people and government’s support to Syria in the current crisis which stresses the deep Syrian-Russian relations.

Mikdad reiterated Syria’s commitment to the plan of the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Kofi Anann, and its effort to make his mission a success.

Haidar: Ministry of National Reconciliation Affairs to Set Up Work Program to Inspect Citizens’ Needs

HAMA, (SANA) – Minister of State for National Reconciliation Affairs, Dr. Ali Haidar, said that the Ministry is preparing a work program for next stage which aims at activating the Ministry’s role in verifying facts and inspecting the citizens’ issues and problems to achieve national reconciliation.

Meeting members of the National Work Forum in Hama, Minister Haidar said that the Ministry will take daily procedures to achieve civil and social peace that would contribute to finding a peaceful solution to the current crisis.

He called for establishing good relations to preserve the strong structure of the state despite different opinions and thoughts, considering national dialogue and listening to all viewpoints as essential factors to overcome the crisis and restore Syria’s strength in the face of all foreign challenges.

For his part, Hama Governor Anas al-Naem said that the forum aimed at activating the role of civil society, protecting private and public facilities and responding to the citizens’ aspirations.

Father Iskandar al-Turk and Sheikh Hussein al-Ahmad stressed that Islam and Christianity call for tolerance, the respect of others, rejection of violence and conflicts to defend the countries against all enemies and conspirators.

100 Citizens Involved in Recent Events Turn Themselves In in Hama

HAMA, (SANA) – 100 citizens who were misled and got involved in the recent events in the country and whose hands are clean of Syrian blood turned themselves in and surrendered their weapons in to the authorities in Hama.

The citizens were released after pledging not to take up arms again or take part in vandalism or any act that affects Syria’s security and stability in the future, SANA reporter said.

Annan: International Work Group Reached Agreement to Help Resolve Crisis in Syria Through Political Process Led by Syrians

GENEVA, (SANA) – UN Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan said that the international work group on Syria reached an agreement to help resolve the crisis in Syria through a political process led by Syrians themselves through comprehensive national dialogue in an atmosphere of calm, which requires disarming armed groups.

At the conclusion of the work group’s meetings on Saturday, Annan said that all sides are aware of the situation in Syria, and that they have taken cooperation to a higher level through a clearer and more specific course which they hope the Syrians can take.

“We’re determined to work together and intensively to put an end to violence in Syria and launch a process led by Syria leading to a transitional process meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and enabling this people to decide their future independently,” he said.

Annan called on all sides to commit to a permanent cessation of violence and carrying out the six-point plan without waiting others to take steps, in addition to calling on the government and the armed group to cooperate with the UN observers.

He also called on the Syrian government to release detainees, allow journalists to enter and move freely, respect the right to peaceful protests, and allow the entry of humanitarian aid.

Annan said that the workgroup agreed upon a number of directive principles regarding the transitional process in Syria, presenting a vision in which everyone participates in a pluralistic democratic country with free elections that respects human rights, the rule of law, equal access to rights, and respecting the rights of minorities, noting that this requires clear steps within a specific timeframe.

He said that the main steps in the transitional period involves establishing a “governing society” that establishes a neutral environment to affect change, with this transitional body consisting of members of the current government and opposition figures and formed through mutual agreement.

Annan stressed that the political process must be implemented in a secure and quiet environment, which requires the disarming of armed group.

He stressed that the Syrians are the ones to decide their country’s future, and that all social groups must be able to participate in comprehensive national dialogue that produces feasible results, stressing the importance of women’ being represented in all aspect, adding that the constitutional and legal systems may be reconsidered, which is up to the people’s agreement, which would be followed by free, democratic elections.

Anna said that time is running out, and that quick steps are needed to reach an agreement and resolve the conflict through peaceful dialogue and negotiations only, adding that conditions for peaceful settlement must begin immediately, and that violence must cease and all sides must be prepared to appoint negotiators to work on the transitional process.

He affirmed that the international community is ready to support any agreement reached by all sides, and that the work group members will pressure all sides to carry out the discussed points, opposing any further militarization of the conflict.

Annan said that the work group will support him completely through his direct work with the government and the opposition and in consultation with all spectrums of the Syrian people and international players to move forward, adding that he will inform the UN and the Arab League of progress.

“Today’s hopes must not turn to disappointment in the future… we must work together to carry out what we agreed upon, and we can’t do this alone,” he concluded.

Annan: Work Group Gave General and Directive Principles to Help Syrian People, But the Results and Decision Are Up to the Syrian People

In a press conference after the meeting, Annan said that the work group presented general and directive principles for the Syrian people regarding political process, establishing a transitional government and making the needed changes, but the results and the decisions are up to the Syrian people.

He said that efforts must focus on pushing all sides to cease violence and commit to the political solution, which sometimes requires a mediator.

Annan vowed to work with all sides and governments that participated in the Geneva meeting and offered help, and that they will use their influence on the government and the opposition to move in the right direction, hoping to end violence as it’s the most pressing issue.

He noted that the Security Council is fully informed of the situation and that its member countries voiced support for his efforts, stressing the need for unity among these member countries to take cooperation to a higher level.

Annan said the Security Council members are working together and individually to urge all sides to do what is necessary, which will help achieve more.

Regarding the British Foreign Minister’s suggestion to issue the results of the meeting in a decision under Chapter 7, Annan said that this is up to the Security Council.

He pointed out that the Geneva meeting was a great opportunity to encourage countries to work together, and that this meeting showed unity and cooperation among the members of the international community.

On the future of the international observer mission, Annan said the mission is still in Syria and is waiting to resume its duties when circumstances permit it.

Regarding an upcoming meeting of the work group, Annan said that they agreed to be ready to convene at any moment in case of emergencies and according to circumstances and developments; apart from that, no date or place or an upcoming meeting were set.

On the schedule of the plan, Annan said that such an issue should result from talks with government and the opposition, hoping that it won’t be long and saying that he can’t predict the future.

Regarding the date of Annan’s visit to Damascus, Annan said that he hasn’t set a date but he will certainly go to Damascus, noting that he agreed with President al-Assad that when the time comes, he will go and ask him to appoint an authorized representative to continue the process and help matters go forward, adding that President al-Assad voiced readiness to do so.

Annan: Geneva Meeting Should Meet Syrians’ Interests, Not International Players’ Interests

Earlier, Annan stressed that the results of Geneva meeting should be in the interests of the Syrian people not some international players.

The remarks came during Annan’s speech at the first session of the international work group meeting on Syria in Geneva.

Annan added that the crisis in Syria has aggravated, calling on all sides to exert effort with the aim of reaching a solution for the crisis.

He underscored that the crisis in Syria could result in an international crisis, stressing that the Syrians only are responsible for settling the crisis in their country.

He stressed that the international community can play an effective role in solving the crisis in Syria if the international players managed to shorten the distance among their views.

Chinese Foreign Minister: Outsiders Cannot Make Decisions On Behalf of the Syrian People

GENEVA, (SANA) – Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Yang Jiechi affirmed that the agreement achieved during the meeting of the work group in Geneva is very important in terms of strengthening the political solution of the problem in Syria.

During a press conference at the conclusion of the work group meetings in Geneva on Saturday, Yang said that the transitional plan regarding Syria can only be led by Syrians and with the approval of all important sides in Syria, stressing that outsiders cannot make decisions on behalf of the Syrian people.

He affirmed that China welcomes the results of the meeting in terms of agreement in principles and headlines in terms of transition in Syria, adding that as long as sides are committed to neutral , patient in-depth talks, then understanding can be achieved.

Foreign and Expatriates Ministry: Some Media Outlets Deliberately Put Its Statement Delivered by Makdissi Out of Context

Jul 24, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Foreign and Expatriates Ministry issued a statement commenting on how some negative media outlets dealt with its previous statement delivered by spokesman Dr. Jihad Makdissi, deliberately taking it out of context and portraying it as a declaration of possessing non-traditional weapons by Syria.

The Ministry said that the goal of the statement and the press conference wasn’t to declare but rather to respond to a methodical media campaign targeting Syria to prepare world public opinion for the possibility of military intervention under the false premise of weapons of mass destruction (similar to what happened with Iraq) or the possibility of using such weapons against terrorist groups or civilians, or transporting them to a third party.

The statement affirmed that such allegations are completely false, noting that nonetheless they are dangerous allegations as they are made by the same sides that are rallying against Syria in mass media and international circles, noting that these are the same sides that fabricated lies about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction which turned out to be false later.

The Ministry said that Makdissi’s statements were meant to explain the state’s general defensive policies in response to false media speculations and allegations, stressing the need to commit to precision and professionalism in news related to Syria and putting them in the proper context.

Earlier, Foreign and Expatriates Ministry spokesman Dr. Jihad Makdissi responded to a question on developments in some neighborhoods in Damascus and outskirts by saying that “it is clear that the Syrian army is defending the Syrians and that we are in state of self-defense. There might be clashes in certain areas but the security situation is much more better.”

He added that the state will respond to those who carry weapons in the same way, stressing that doors are open those who call for dialogue and adopt political solution.

Makdissi noted that the media labels what is happening as the “great battle of Damascus” and wondered how can such a battle against armed sides be fought if not in a military manner, even if some civilians were forced out of their houses, adding that Damascus Governorate is cooperating with charity organizations to provide help for those people.

He stressed that this is an urgent situation that won’t last for more than one or two days before things go back to normal, pointing out that those who follow the Syrian media can see those who are arrested and the operations being carried out to establish peace.

Regarding news on armed terrorist groups taking control of border crossings with Turkey and Iraq, Makdissi said that two such border crossings are out of control which were already abandoned and out of service since last June.

Commenting on the statement of the Arab Ministerial Committee in Doha, Makdissi said that changing Annan’s mission is not at the hands of the Arabs and that it’s mere wishes they make and constitutes political hypocrisy, underlining that talking about a transitional authority system constitutes a flagrant interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state.

Makdissi regretted that the Arab League has descended to this immoral level in dealing with a founding state and the fact that instead of helping Syria, they are complicating the situation further.

He said that the Syrian people make their own decisions and that they are the ones who will meet for dialogue, and the results of this dialogue will be binding as the decisive factor is the ballot boxes and sitting down for dialogue serving Syria’s interests and not the interests of others.

Makdissi said that if these Arab countries were honest in wanting to end the shedding of Syrian blood, then they should stop arming and harboring terrorists and instigating through the media against Syria because these acts can’t contribute to overcoming the crisis in peaceful ways.

He added that the alleged keenness of these Arab countries is fake and proves their political hypocrisy.

As for the statements of the Russian ambassador in Paris, Makdissi stressed that the Russian diplomat is the only one to clarify his statements, not the Syrian Foreign Ministry.

He went on to add that Syria has agreed to a political process within Annan’s plan which was approved by the UN Security Council and agreed to a political process led by Syria and the Syrians, adding “We will commit to what the Syrians agree upon, but not what the west agrees upon.”

Regarding the tumult regarding the recent Security Council decision to extend the observer mission, Makdissi highlighted that Syria didn’t request Annan’s mission; rather the international community pretended that it wanted to help Syria, noting that they had sent an Arab observer mission earlier then they themselves foiled it, not Syria.

He hoped that the UN observer mission will be successful, noting that shifting or amending this mission is entrusted to the Security Council and reaffirming Syria’s commitment to the success of Annan’s plan.

Makdissi stressed that the obstacles hindering Annan’s plan aren’t caused by Syria, but rather by those who fund, arm and harbor terrorists and those who speak of weapons of mass destruction and prepare the public opinions for things that will not happen.

Answering a question on the external political escalation which synchronies with a visit of the US Secretary of Defense to Israel to discuss the possibility of targeting the sites of Syrian weapons, Makdissi said that “Even though I don’t know the agenda of the visit, but the reasons can’t be good… They are making a media and political campaign and they are leading it, while we say that we are in a state of self-defense.”

On the possibility of a comprehensive war taking place in the region in case Israel decided to attack Syria, Makdissi said “Don’t ask a diplomat about a war option, I’m not talking about a war and, God willing, there will be no war.”

Regarding the issue of the appearance of Hussam Hussam, the “witness” in the assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri, in a video broadcast by some channels in which he claimed that he has surprises regarding that case, Makdissi said he saw that Youtube clip like everyone else, noting that Hussam contradicted himself, adding “we don’t want to spoil the surprise… we will wait and hear these surprises.”

Information Minister: Foreign Media and Diplomatic Misconstrued Foreign Ministry Statement and Put it Out of Context

Jul 23, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Information Minister  Omran al-Zoubi said that foreign media and diplomatic sides misconstrued the Foreign Ministry statement and interpreted it however they like, taking it out of context, noting that the Foreign Ministry issued a statement clarifying this.

Al-Zoubi told Sham FM Radio on Monday that there’s an international campaign led by US-Israeli diplomacy under the guise of warning against alleged chemical weapons that Syria supposedly possesses, and that this campaign is part of ongoing pressure to pass an international resolution under the pretext of preserving world peace.

The Minister noted that Syria has been calling for dismantling weapons of mass destruction in the region for more than two decades, which includes Israeli nuclear weapons which Israel admitted to possessing.

He explained that when Syria discussed these allegations, it’s merely responding to claims and lies from western diplomatic or intelligence sides, no more, no less, and that when the Foreign Ministry spokesman says that Syria will not use chemical weapons against its people, then this doesn’t mean that Syria has such weapons in the first place.

“They interpreted this answer as a saying that Syria admits to possessing chemical weapons; these are their wishes and obsessions, but the meaning is in a whole other context,” he concluded.

Putin: Crisis in Syria Must Be Resolved Through Negotiations

Jul 23, 2012

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the crisis in Syria must be resolved through negotiations and compromises, warning that any change of the authority in Syria in a non-legitimate manner – which means that the opposition and the current leadership would switch places – would lead to a civil war that could last for years.

In statements following talks with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti in the city of Sochi on Monday, Putin said that the Syrian leadership and what is referred to as armed opposition must find strength within themselves to reach acceptable compromises for the sake of the country’s future.

Putin affirmed that Syria’s future mustn’t be based on military defeat or victory for one side, but rather on negotiations and compromises, underlining the series of actions that must be taken to restore the situation in Syria to normal and stressing the need to end violence.

On the agreements reached in the UN to extend the observer mission in Syria, Putin said they show that compromises can be made in the UN despite differences on priorities, and that all participants in the process can reach an agreement to benefit everyone, stressing that the most important issue is the well-being of the Syrian people.

Syria Denounces Strongly Bombings in Iraq which Resulted in Hundreds of Deaths and Injuries

Jul 23, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Foreign and Expatriates Ministry on Monday denounced strongly the series of bombings and terrorist attack which took place in several areas in Iraq, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries among innocent civilians.

In a statement, the Ministry stressed that such terrorist acts aim to destabilize Iraq and preventing it from returning to normal, and that terrorism continues to strike at the Iraqi people without discrimination.

The Ministry called on the Iraqi people to overcome pain and work to restore Iraq to a health state, affirming that the terrorists who carry out such bloody crimes in Iraq are mistaken in believing that they can affect the will and faith of the Iraqi people and their determination to build a safe and stable Iraq.

The Ministry offered the government and people of Iraq the sincerest condolences for those who died in these attacks and its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, wishing the wounded a swift recovery.

Iran: Calls for Military Intervention in Syria Outside UNSC Will Cost Very Dearly

Jul 23, 2012

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Speaker of Iranian Shura Council, Ali Larijani warned against many countries’ attempts seeking military intervention in Syria outside the UN Security Council, adding that the repercussions of such behavior will reach the neighboring countries.

In a statement to al-Alam TV channel on Sunday, Larijani said that the calls by many countries inside the region and abroad for military intervention in Syria will cost very dearly.

He added that military intervention in Syria will not achieve calm, rather it will turn the country into a conflict stage between all forces and the Syrian people will be greatly affected.

Larijani stressed that Syria is the axis of resistance and the countries which seek sabotaging Syria don’t seek realistic reforms but they try to seize the opportunity to eliminate the axis of resistance.

He indicated to the impressive reaction of these countries towards the explosion which hit the National Security HQ in Damascus as the US, Britain and other western countries did not condemn this terrorist act, instead of that they expressed relief that it is time to change the government in Syria and take serious steps at the UN Security Council.

Larijani underscored certain points made by western officials which indicated that the terrorist explosion of the National Security HQ in Damascus was planned to refer the Syrian file to the UNSC.

For the US, not all terrorist acts are bad and since the terrorist operations taking place in Damascus came in line with their will, they are good, said Larijani.

He added that many Gulf countries which lack the minimum standards of democracy are still supplying the armed terrorist groups in Syria with money and arms.

It is a must in any state to achieve security before making political reforms, said Larijani, adding that after one year and a half of what is happening in Syria, it seems clear that these countries which call for freedom and democracy have other goals and they are not interested in the aspirations of the Syrian people. He expressed belief that if security restored in Syria, reforms will be achieved in Syria but they leave no room for such thing to happen.

He added that the opposition in Syria is not stable and it consists of different parties, indicating that the instigation by some countries prevented the launch of dialogue between the government and the opposition.

Larijani stressed Iran’s readiness to provide help if the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, succeeded in holding dialogue with the opposition members.

It is Iran’s duty to defend the Islamic Nation, said Larijani, adding that after one year and a half, everything was revealed and the involvement of Israel, the US and some countries in the region to eliminate the resistance rather than ssympathy with the Syrian people was exposed.

Larijani considered the Israeli threats against Syria as inapplicable, stressing that the involvement of the Israeli entity in such circumstances is not a possibility.

Salehi Reiterates Calls for Resolving Syrian Crisis Through Dialogue

In a statement to al-Aalam news channel on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi reiterated calls for resolving the crisis in Syria through dialogue, affirming that Tehran is prepared to host dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition.

He said that Syrian has seen enough destruction, murder  and terrorism, hoping that the opposition which rejects these horrible acts to convene and Iran and enter talks with the Syrian government, which has already announced readiness for this.

Salehi also noted that there are many attempts by western countries to further complicate matters in the Syrian issue.

Abdollahian: US and Its Allies Adopting New Model in Their War on Syria

Deputy Foreign Minister for African and Arab Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian affirmed that the US and its allies are adopting a new model in their war on Syria, stressing that terrorism and arming terrorist will not avail them.

In a statement, Abdollahian said that the option of war and arming terrorists will not solve the current crisis, and that the optimal choice is the political solution, adding that continuing the foreign interference in Syria will create a state of instability and lack of security that will spread across the entire region.

He said that the global alliance now targeting Syria has been defeated before in their war on Lebanon, and that it’s certain that it will face another major defeat in their terrorist war against Syria.

Abdollahian also reiterated his country’s support for the Syrian people and the reforms undertaken by the Syrian leadership.

Head of UN Investigation Team: There is a Propaganda War against Syria

Jul 23, 2012

MADRID, (SANA) – Head of the UN Investigating Team on Syria Paulo Pinheiro on Monday said that there is a propaganda war against Syria.

In a speech to the Spanish Newspaper of El Pais, Pinheiro said that some of death tolls, reports on the number of victims and video footage are baseless.

Pinheiro added that starting the work of the team before finishing the training course will result in deteriorating the situation, adding that there no solution to the crisis in Syria other than a political one.

On the massacres which took place in al-Houla and al-Treimseh, Pinheiro said that information needed for identifying the sides responsible for these massacres is not clear.

Syrian TV Shows Bodies of Terrorists of Arab Nationalities Killed by the Syrian Army in al-Qaboun Neighborhood

Jul 23, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian TV showed footage of bodies of terrorists from Egypt and Jordan who were killed by the Syrian armed forces when it was clearing al-Qaboun neighborhood in Damascus from armed terrorist groups.

The terrorists are Abdullah al-Desuqi Musa’ad Bassal and Yasser Abdelrazzaq Kamel Ibrahim from Egypt, Fares Faleh al-Ghazi, Usama Abdelqader Ahmad al-Zahabi, and Ahmmad Abullah al-Zahabi from Jordan.

Earlier, the Syrian TV showed footage of other terrorists who came from Tunisia and Libya, with Turkey and other neighboring countries providing facilitations to allow these murderers to enter Syria and kill its people.

The Times newspaper had reported that the so-called “rebels” in Syria are no more than mercenaries who are funded and given weapons from external sides.

Ministry of State for Environment Affairs Calls on World Public Opinion to Confront Israeli Aggressive Practices in Occupied Golan

Jul 23, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_The Ministry of State for Environment Affairs called upon the world public opinion and upon concerned environment organizations to confront the aggressive practices of the Israeli occupation authorities in the occupied Syrian Golan, which aim to deplete its resources.

In a statement on Monday, the Ministry said that the Israeli occupation is deliberately causing fire in Ein El-Tineh, al-Shita, al-Hamidieh, Bir Ajam, Breika, Kodneh and al-Rafeed, adding that the fire burned thousands of acres of oak trees and plenty of rare plant species.

The statement indicated that the Israeli occupation has uprooted thousands of apple and cherry trees in Golan for Israeli military purposes, displaced Syrian citizens, buried nuclear, chemical and industrial materials in the land and deprived the Syrian citizens of their right in investing their lands and properties.

The ministry underlined the importance of putting pressure on the Israeli occupation authorities to abide by the Golan-relevant resolutions and refrain from exploiting its natural resources or any measures that could harm the environment.

Information Ministry Warns of Plans to Hijack Syrian Channels’ Frequencies to Broadcast False News on Alleged Coup d’etat or Defections

Jul 22, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – A Information Ministry source on Sunday warned that Western intelligence are planning in cooperation with some Arab parties to hijack the frequencies of Syrian satellite channels for some time to broadcast false news on alleged coup d’etat or certain military defections or the fall of certain cities and the like.

The Ministry source added that the frequencies of Syrian channels are to be hijacked through broadcast control stations in neighboring countries, noting that false news might be broadcast by Syrian presenters and journalists who work for Arab and Western channels or who might be or have been abducted and pressured to present such false news.

The Ministry stressed that any news that might be broadcast with regard to such alleged information are completely baseless and should be regarded by the citizens as being part of the misleading and fabrication campaign launched against Syria.

Information Source: News Broadcast by Some Satellite Channels on Aerial Bombardment of Some Places in Damascus Baseless

Earlier, an information source refuted as baseless the news broadcast by some satellite channels on aerial bombardment of some areas in Damascus.

The source stressed normal life in Damascus, adding that the authorities, in cooperation with locals, are chasing vanquished terrorists in certain streets.

President al-Assad Appoints Gen. Fahd Jassem al-Freij Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense

Jul 18, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday issued Decree No. 275 for 2012 appointing Gen. Fahd Jassem al-Freij as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Armed Forces.

The President also issued Decree No. 275 for 2012 appointing Gen. al-Freij as Minister of Defense.

Gen. al-Freij said in a statement that the General Command of the Army and the Armed Forces announced the martyrdom of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Armed Forces, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense Gen. Dawood Rajiha and Deputy Minister of Defense Gen. Asef Shawkat “as a result of a terrorist criminal act that targeted a regular meeting of ministers and authorities leaders in Damascus on July 18th, 2012.”

He stressed that “the Armed Forces will not be deterred by this coward terrorist act from continuing their sacred duties to chasing down the criminal terrorist gangs and cutting off every hand that harms the security of the homeland and citizens.”

Gen. al-Freij dismissed in a phone call with the Syrian TV the reports of al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya channels on the Syrian Arab Army as “false and fabricated news that is completely untrue” and aimed at undermining the steadfastness the Syrian Arab Army and people’s unity behind the keadership of President Bashar al-Assad.

He stressed the falseness of the news broadcast by these channels on military defections taking place in Idleb and al-Midan neighborhood in Damascus and the Third Armored Brigade and on explosions in the Fourth Division.

The Minister emphasized that the Armed Forces are firm and steadfast at all their positions and are chasing the terrorist groups to foil the conspiracy targeting Syria’s steadfastness and dignity.

Gen. al-Freij was born in Hama in January 1st, 1950. He joined the Military Academy and graduated on January 1st in 1971 with the rank of Second Lieutenant, specialized in Armored Vehicles.He was ranked Lieutenant General on July 1st, 2001 and General on July 1st, 2009.

He held several leadership positions, the latest was Chief of the General Staff on August 10th, 2011. He was awarded several military merits throughout his military service. He is married and has three children.

Defense Minister, His Deputy and Assistant Vice-President Martyred in Terrorist Explosion Targeting National Security HQ in Damascus

Jul 18, 2012

DAMASCUS (SANA) – Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Armed Forces, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense Gen. Dawood Rajiha, Deputy Minister of Defense Gen. Asef Shawkat and Assisstant Vice-President Gen. Hassan Turkmani were martyred on Wednesday in a terrorist explosion targeting the National Security headquarters in Damascus.

The terrorist blast happened while a meeting of a number of ministers and senior military and security officials was taking place, causing injuries among the attenendees, some of them critical.

An official source confirmed in a statement to SANA that Interior Minister Lt. Gen. Mohammad al-Shaar and and Lt. Gen. Hisham are in a stable health condition.

Martyr Rajiha was born in 1947 in Damascus, and he graduated from  the Military Academy in 1968, specialized in artillery. He took several military training courses, including Leadership and Staff course and Higher Staff course. He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 1998, ad he was made General in 2005.

He occupied various military posts including battalion and brigade commander and director of a number of directorates and departments at the Armed Forces, and he was appointed Deputy Chief of General Staff in 2004 and later Chief of General Staff in 2009.

He was awarded several military medals during the course of his career, and he was married and left behind four children.

Martyr General Asef Shawkat

Martyr General Asef Shawkat was born in al-Madhala, Tartous in 1950. He joined the Military Academy to graduate as an Infantry officer.

He took part in Tishreen Liberation War in 1973, continued his studies in Law, then his higher studies in history. He gained his doctorate in History in 1976.

Martyr Shawkat occupied several posts.  In 2005, he was appointed as Commander of the Military Intelligence, then he was promoted to General in 2009.

Later, he was appointed as Deputy Defense Minister.

Martyr General Hassan Turkmani:

General Turkmani was born in Aleppo, 1935. He joined the Military Academy in 1954. He was graduated from the Artillery School in 1956.

Turknami participated in Tishreen Liberation War as Commander of a division.

He was promoted to Lieutenant General in 1978, then to General in 1988.

He was appointed as Deputy- Chief of Staff in 1982, then as Chief of Staff in 2002.

Defense Minister since 2004 till 2009.

He was appointed as Assistant Vice President on June, 3rd 2009.

Russia, Iran Condemn Terrorist Attack on National Security HQ in Damascus

Jul 18, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Russia on Wednesday condemned the terrorist explosion which hit the National Security HQ in Damascus.

“Moscow strongly condemns terrorism with all its forms.. and rely on finding and punishing those who committed this terrorist attack,” Alexander Lukachevich, spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

He added “we see that what happened was an attempt to continue undermining the situation in Syria.. we are confident that the authority and people in Syria will seek a peaceful settlement to the crisis in Syria.”

Lukachevich expressed condolences to the Syrian people, government and families of the victims.

Iran Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attack on National Security HQ

The Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted the National Security headquarters, affirming that any attempt to destabilize Syria will reflect on the whole region.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said that Iran strongly condemns the terrorist attack that led to the martyrdom of a number of officials and wounded several others, offering deep condolences of the Iranian government and people to the Syrian people and government.

The statement added that foreign interference and sending weapons and the backing provided by regional and western countries to the armed terrorist groups will lead to nowhere.

The statement added that Iran repeatedly stressed its condemnation of all forms of violence and resort to sabotage acts, stressing that Iran believes that the sole exit from the Syrian crisis is through dialogue.

In a statement to al-Alam TV Channel on Wednesday, Iranian Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdullahian said that Iran strongly condemns the terrorist attack, stressing that the parties which are sending weapons and supporting the armed groups in Syria have failed in destabilizing the country.

Abdullahian expressed the support of his country to the Syrian people and the reform program led by President Bashar al-Assad, indicating that foreign sides are attempting to foil the plan of the UN envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan.

Large Number of Terrorists Killed or Arrested in Damascus, Heavy Losses Inflicted upon Terrorists in Homs and Idleb

Jul 18, 2012

PROVINCES, (SANA)- Units from the Armed Forces on Wednesday chased down terrorists who infiltrated into al-Midan neighborhood in Damascus and killed and arrested a large number of them.

The military units also chased down terrorists who terrorized some families in the neighborhoods of al-Qaboun and Tishreen and forced them to leave their homes.

Army units clash with terrorists in al-Hajar al-Aswad and al-Sbeineh

The Syrian Army units confronted an armed terrorist group in al-Hajar al-Aswad, Damascus countryside. The group attacked civilians, forced them to leave their homes and tried to break off streets.

The Army units also clashed with another armed terrorist group in al-Sbeineh, Damascus countryside.

The group attacked civilians, forced them to leave their homes and tried to break off streets

An official source told SANA reporter that The army unites killed and wounded a big number of terrorists in the two neighborhoods.

Terrorists in al-Qseir, Homs, Suffer Heavy Losses

The competent authorities in Homs countryside on Wednesday clashed with an armed terrorist group which attacked security forces in the villages of al-Joura, al-Nizariya, Rabla and al-Zira in al-Qseir.

SANA reporter quoted an official source in Homs governorate as saying that the competent authorities inflicted huge losses upon the terrorists.

Authorities Clash with Terrorists in Idleb Countryside, Inflict Heavy Losses upon Them

The competent authorities on Tuesday tracked down an armed terrorist group in Selqin and Kafar Takharim towns in Idleb countryside.

An official source in the province told SANA reporter that the clashes resulted in inflicting heavy losses on the terrorists, pointing out that among the terrorists who were killed during clashes were the bodies of Mohannad Hassoun, Ahmad al-Daher, Mustafa Hamida and Wael Mazroui.

Ministry of Information: News and Photos Broadcast by Some Media on Terrorist Bombing at National Security HQ Baseless

Jul 18, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Ministry of Information said “Since the terrorist bombing which caused the death of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Armed Forces, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense Gen. Dawood Rajiha, Deputy Minister of Defense Gen. Asef Shawkat and Assistant Vice-President Gen. Hassan Turkmani hundreds of websites, social networking websites and satellite channels started broadcasting huge amount of information, news and photos aimed at undermining the morals of the Syrian citizen.”

In its statement on Wednesday, the Ministry stressed that all these news and photos are baseless and have been prepared by western intelligence apparatuses and psychological war centers, adding that the goals of this campaign revealed a clear weakness on the side of the conspirators against Syria abroad and their tools inside Syria.

The statement added that weakness and frustration pushed these websites and satellite channels towards such a desperate attempt to get out of its frustration.

The statement pointed out that “the Ministry condemns this cheap manner of media and calls for giving up these ways which have been exposed to the public opinion” as it calls these satellite channels and websites to admit of their failure in their open media war against Syria.

The ministry stressed that the hired media will not be able to achieve what the armed gangs failed to achieve.

Al-Zoubi: Responsibility for Terrorist Explosion in Damascus Lies with the Countries Sending Money and Arms to Syria

Earlier, Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi stressed in an interview with the Syrian TV that the terrorist explosion which targeted the National Security headquarters in Damascus expresses Syria’s enemies’ feeling of weakness and frustration at the strength and firmness of the Syrian Arab Army and at the terrorists’ failure to undermine the Army’s unity.

The Minister held the Qatari, Saudi, Turkish and Israeli intelligence accountable for the terrorist bombing which hit the building of the National Security.

He added that Arab and western governments, intelligence systems and agents are legally, politically and morally responsible for the killing, assassination and sabotage acts taking place in Syria for sending money and arms to the terrorists in it and that they will be punished for their crimes.

Al-Zoubi said that the Syrian army will protect the country and safeguard the homeland, calling upon the intelligence systems, agents and governments which conspired against Syria and its people to stop their terrorist activities.

He said that “We are a real state, a real people and a real army…We have always been able to defend ourselves against any aggression and conspiracies… We will hold them accountable according to the legal, moral, political and legitimate international tools.”

The Minister said that this coward terrorist act, which came a few days after successful military maneuvers were conducted by the Syrian armed forces which proved the Syrian army’s firmness and ability to confront any foreign attack indicates the weakness and the frustration of Syria’s enemies, which pushed those who supply the terrorists with money and arms to target the leaders of this army.

Al-Zoubi said that what happened today is “the last chapter of the U.S.-Western-Israeli conspiracy against Syria”, stressing that the morals of the Syrian people and Army are high and at their best and that Syria’s enemies are mistaken in their assessment of the strength of the people, army and the country.

He dismissed what the satellite channels that are involved in shedding the Syrian blood have reported on explosions taking place in Damascus as “completely untrue”, stressing that Syria will not let these channels which went too far in the media war on the Syrian people get away with their crime of instigation against Syria and that they will be sued.

Al-Zoubi underscored the Syrian Armed Forces’ full preparedness and determination to uproot terrorism in Syria.

Russia Proposes Second Meeting for Action Group on Syria

Jul 18, 2012

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia has proposed to the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Kofi Anna, holding a second round of talks of the international action group on Syria on the level of political experts.

In a statement to the journalists in Moscow, Lavrov stressed the need for such a meeting to consider the mechanism of implementing what was agreed on, adding that the western countries are working hard to prevent the UN Security Council from adopting Geneva agreements.

Lavrov added that Annan viewed the Russian proposal as useful and that he will discuss it with other participants, indicating that the Russian side also talked about the need to fix the mistake of not inviting Iran and Saudi Arabia to Geneva.

French Defense Ministry: Journalist Jacquier Killed by Syrian Opposition Gunmen’s Fire

Jul 18, 2012

PARIS, (SANA) – A source at the French Defense Ministry stressed to the Le Figaro Newspaper that the French TV reporter Gilles Jacquier, who was killed on January 11th , 2011 in Homs, died in a blast of a mortar fired by the armed terrorist groups in the city.

In his article, Georges Malbrunot quoted a source in the Ministry of Defense in Paris as saying that the information collected from the site of the accident and the tests of shells affirmed that Jacquier was killed by a 18-mm mortar fired from a neighborhood where gunmen were gathering.

The source added that all investigations and analysis clearly showed the source of fire and that all authorities concerned including the Central Directorate of Interior Intelligence, the General Directorate for External Security and diplomats at the French Embassy in Damascus approved the result.

The writer said that the French journalist who worked as TV reporter for France 2 TV channel was killed by a blast of a mortar fired by mistake by what he called Syrian rebels as the journalist was in a pro-government neighborhood and he was wounded by shrapnel from a shell as he was leaving the building along with other French and Swiss journalists.

Malbrunot said that the results reached by the French Defense Ministry stressed the information published by Le Figaro newspaper a week after the accident basing on a statement for an official in a so-called human rights association in Homs as saying that “we made a big blunder”.

He added that article 44 of the document indicated that the reports submitted by the UN observers revealed that the French journalist was killed by a mortar fired by the opposition, indicating to the presence of many reports and a detailed text written by the Arab observers in Homs that is at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo but it has never been published.

Malbrunot quoted an official in the Syrian opposition as saying that he asked the AL Secretary General’s Assistants about not publishing the second report and was answered that France and Qatar, who were chairing the AL Ministerial Committee, asked them not to publish it as the issue was referred to the French judiciary.

The opposition official, according to Malbrunot, said that both France and Qatar support the so-called free army and it will not serve their interest if any opposition member was accused of killing Jacquier.

Malbrunot said that the Elysée, having admitted that it has no evidence on the killing of Jacquier, preferred that the government would have been the one responsible for committing the crime to prevent the journalists from investigating the opposition’s movement against him.

Malbrunot said that the juridical investigation in the killing of the French journalist opened by the prosecutor was inclined to the hypothesis of blunder, quoting a juridical source as saying that it was clear that it was not one aimed bullet.

Velayati: Iran Will Defend Syria Being Main Part of Resistance in the Region

Jul 18, 2012

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Ali Akbar Velayati, Iranian Supreme Leader’s Advisor for International Affairs stressed that the policy of the U.S., Europe and the reactionary powers against Syria aims at undermining the resistance in the region.

Velatati said in a statement on Wednesday that there are sides of the so-called Syrian opposition, one is inside Syria seeking reform and the other side is abroad comprising agents who are killing the Syrian people using the money and weapons.

He added that the goal of reactionary powers in the region is undermining the approach of resistance against the Zionist entity and not achieving democracy, adding that “If this is the goal, then the duty is clear as Iran will defend Syria being the main part of resistance against the Zionists.”

Velayati reiterated his country’s support to reforms in Syria, stressing the need for launching national dialogue in Syria and reaching a peaceful solution to move forward with reforms to achieve a better future for the Syrian people.

Foreign Ministry in Report to UN Secretary General.. Politicized Decisions Adopted by Human Rights’ Council Gave Green Light to Armed terrorist Groups to Kill Innocents

Jul 17, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Syria underlined that the politicized decisions adopted by the Human Rights’ Council and other organizations against Syria have given the green light to the armed terrorist groups to go ahead in the acts of killing against the Syrian people.

In a detailed report sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates to the UN Secretary General, Syria refuted the allegations included in the Human Rights’ Council decision No. 19/22, asserting that the continuation in resorting to a biased, unprecedented approach by the Council will not contribute to achieving a peaceful solution to the crisis led by Syria, but it aims at complicating the situations and covering the support offered by Arab, regional and western states to the armed groups.

“Time has come for the Human Rights’ Council and those who mislead it to abandon the accusations pointed to Syria and to direct these accusations to their right place; the armed terrorist groups which perpetrate acts of killing against the Syrian people, target the national interests in addition to its ignorance to the difficult impacts of 60 bulks of sanctions and coercive measures imposed by states that claim commitment to the Syrian people’s rights,” the Ministry said.

It wondered how would they justify preventing the caner medicines, included in the sanctions, from being exported to Syria.

The report also referred to the Council’s ignorance of the sanctions imposed on a number of Syrian media institutions.

The Ministry expressed the Syrian Government’s hope that Ban Ki-Moon would be neutral and objective when dealing with the situation in Syria in a way that reflects the reality and contributes to reaching a solution based on the national dialogue among the Syrians, away from the foreign intervention in the Syrian internal affairs where some countries seek to prolong the scope of the crisis and destabilize the situation.

The report called for putting an end to the intervention of those countries in the Syrian domestic affairs and stop supplying the armed terrorist groups, which target the Syrians, with money, weapons, media and political coverage.

“What is happening in Syria is terrorist and criminal acts, killing civilians and destroying the private and public properties where the State is implementing its duty in preventing terror acts and protecting the Syrian people,” the report added.

The Ministry concluded its report by saying that Syria has cooperated with the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan and carried out a lot of the sides enlisted in his 6-point plan at a time when the armed groups and their supporters seek to foil his plan and obstruct the mission of the UN observers.

Decree Granting Families of Military and Security Events Martyrs University Seats

Jul 17, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday issued Decree No. 274 for 2012 on amending paragraph of Article 116 of the executive list of University Regulation Law so as to grant student seats at all faculties, departments and specializations for sons, brothers and spouses of the martyrs and the disabled due to war and military operations and the internal security events.

Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Mohammad Yehia Moalla, said in a statement to SANA that the decree came in honoring of martyrdom and the martyrs who offered their lives in defense of the homeland’s unity, dignity and freedom, as well as for their families.

“They deserve that we all safeguard their principles and be faithful to their families through at least helping them continue education,” the Minister added.

Terrorists Attack Al-Qaboun Electricity Station, Authorities Clash with Armed Groups in Damascus and Aleppo

Jul 18, 2012

DAMASCUS/ALEPPO,(SANA) – An armed terrorist group Tuesday at dawn attacked al-Qaboun third electricity converter station, causing big financial loss and breaking down three converters.

An official source at Ministry of Electricity said that an armed terrorist group attacked the station with mortar and RPG shells, leaving material damages estimated at SYP 300 million due to the harm caused to three converters and maintenance levers, in addition to the burning of the station.

The source pointed out that maintenance workshops restored the voltage and replaced the damaged parts to re-operate the station in two days.

The authorities are hunting the terrorist group in the neighboring area to the station, the sources pointed out.

Authorities Confront and Chase down Terrorist Groups in Neighborhoods in Damascus

The authorities confronted an armed terrorist group that was opening fire and attempting to block roads in Naher Aisha area in Damascus.

An official source told SANA that the authorities managed to deal with the terrorists and cleared the roads in the area.

The source added that the authorities continue to chase down an armed terrorist group in  the outskirts of al-Midan neighborhood in Damascus, inflicting heavy losses in the terrorists’ ranks.

In al-Maysat neighborhood, the authorities chased a group of three terrorist who opened fire on an ambulance, injuring the ambulance driver and the accompanying medic.

An official source told SANA that two of the terrorists have been arrested and that the authorities are still searching for the third.

In Bab Sereijeh area, the security personnel confronted a number of terrorists who opened fire randomly at the citizens and shops and killed them.

Two Citizens Injured in Booby-trapped Car Blast in al-Midan Neighborhood

After being hardly hit by the authorities, members of the armed terrorist groups blew up a booby-trapped car in al-Midan injuring two people, according to the source.

The terrorist attack resulted in injuring two citizens and caused great damage to the buildings, shops and cars in the site of the blast.

Some residents of al-Midan neighborhood said that the neighborhood is one of the most densely populated areas in Damascus that is why the gunmen wanted to use the innocent Syrian citizens as human shields.

The residents hailed the efforts of the Syrian Army members who evacuated the citizens and helped them flee away from the explosive devices and bombings carried out by the terrorist gunmen.

Some citizens said that the gunmen entered the neighborhood and opened fire randomly using different types of weapons then the Syrian army forces interfered, clashed with the terrorists and released the detained citizens.

They expressed gratitude for the Syrian army, stressing their cooperation with authorities in chasing the terrorists, pointing out that the terrorist acts will not undermine their determination or unity.

Terrorists Attack General Establishment for Printing in Barzeh, Damascus

An armed terrorist group attacked the building of the General Establishment for Printing in Barzeh with RPGs and machineguns.

Director of the Establishment Zouhir Suleiman told SANA reporter that the attack caused big material damage to the building, in addition to damaging printing equipment and the building’s doors and glass facades.

8 Terrorists Killed Tens Others Injured While Making Explosive Devices in Yabroud, Damascus Countryside

In Yabroud region in Damascus Countryside, 8 terrorists were killed and tens others were injured when a workshop for making explosive devices exploded while they were inside.

SANA reporter quoted a source at the Police Command in the province as saying that the place where the terrorists were making explosive charges was in a farm, noting that among the killed was Ousama al-Assali, who was a leader of an armed terrorist group and had been wanted for crimes of murder and abduction.

Traffic Police Wound and Arrest Terrorists in Daraa countryside

In Daraa countryside, members of Traffic Police in Bakhbab repelled an armed terrorist group driving a car and heading to Damascus.

A source at the Police Department told SANA reporter that the clash resulted in the injury of two terrorists, Hatem al-Abd and Abdul-Rahman al-Azzawi.

The source added that the driver Mohammad Abdul-Karim al-Mahamid and another terrorist was arrested in the clash and three Russian rifles were seized by the police members.

Authorities Clash with Terrorist Groups in Aleppo Destroying 14 Vehicles

Authorities on Monday clashed with armed terrorist groups riding in ten vehicles and attacking residents and law enforcement members in Bethraton and Bayanon in Aleppo.

An official source told SANA reporter that the clash caused heavy losses among the terrorists and destroyed the ten cars with the terrorists inside.

The source added that the authorities also clashed with armed terrorist groups in Aazaz area in the Province, adding that they were blocking roads, stealing and attacking citizens.

The authorities destroyed four cars supplied with machine guns and caused heavy losses among the terrorists.

The bodies of the terrorists Mohammad Fawzi Hafez, Ghazi Mohammad al-Ezzo, Ismail Hamandoush, Omar Qadour al-Sayyed Ali and Mohammad Akkash were identified, according to the source.

Authorities Storm dens used by terrorists in Hama, confiscate weapons

Following information by families and investigations, the competent authorities in Hama stormed yesterday a number of dens used by terrorists in al-Hamediya and al-Hader neighborhoods.

A source in Hama told SANA reporter that the authorities clashed with the terrorists, causing big losses among them and arresting many others.

It added that the authorities confiscated  big quantities of weapons and ammunitions including 37 rifles, 5 snipers, 3 machine guns, 11 hand-made bombs, 23 RPGs, 3 pistols and hundreds of bullets.

Law Enforcement members in al-Eremeh, Aleppo, clash with terrorists

Law enforcement members of al-Eremeh  neighborhood in Aleppo confronted an armed terrorist group which attacked the police department there.

A police source told SANA reporter that the clash caused big losses among the terrorists, destroying a Pickup car used by them.

Authorities Arrest Terrorist Involved in Bombing a Café in Aleppo

A blast hit Express Café in Bab al-Nasr area in Aleppo on Monday evening.

Authorities in Aleppo arrested Mohammad Walid Aurwa in Bab al-Nirab area in Aleppo with a Czech-made pistol and a cell phone near the site of the blast.

Searching the cell phone, the authorities found a video filming the bombing of Express Café with a voice announcing that Aisha’s Sons Battalion adopts the bombing.

Putin: Russia Will Continue to Support Annan’s Efforts to Settle Crisis in Syria

Jul 17, 2012

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said that since the beginning, Russia supported the efforts of UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan to settle the crisis in Syria, and that it intends to continue to support them in the future.

During his talks with Annan at the Kremlin on Tuesday, Putin said “since the beginning and since your first steps as a special envoy for the United Nations to Syria, we provided support, and now we support your efforts to restore civil peace in Syria.”

He pointed out that Annan’s visit to Moscow is taking place on the background of tragic events in Syria, stressing that Annan is known to Moscow as a man with integrity who has popularity and trust.

For his part, Annan said that the situation in Syria has reached a turning point and is currently in a critical moment.

Lavrov: There’s No Reason Preventing Agreement in Security Council on Syria

After the conclusion of the talks between President Putin and Annan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov voiced confidence that the Security Council will reach a consensus on the draft resolution on Syria.

Lavrov said that there was general consensus in the meeting in Geneva which was called for by Annan, and that agreement to the resulting Geneva statement was unanimous, thus he doesn’t see any reason that prevents agreement in the Security Council.

In turn, Annan said that the talks touched on the discussions at the Security Council on Syria, hoping that the Council members will find solutions that are accepted by everyone.

Churkin: Russia will Veto Western Draft Resolution as it is a Preface for Military Intervention in Syria

Jul 17, 2012

MOSCOW,(SANA) – Russia’s Permanent Envoy to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, stressed that his country will veto any western draft resolution that constitutes a preface for military intervention in Syria.

Russia Today TV Channel quoted Churkin as saying, ” Any hint to Chapter VII in Western draft resolution will be totally unacceptable to Moscow”, pledging that Russia will use veto against it.

The Russian Envoy pointed out to a Russian decision prepared by his country to vote for at the Security Council with regard to Russia’s readiness to adopt a draft resolution that would expand the mission of UNSMIS in Syria

Haidar: National Reconciliation Is Only Solution to Crisis in Syria

Jul 17, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of State for National Reconciliation Affairs, Dr. Ali Haidar, stressed that the solution to the crisis in Syria is through national reconciliation that rejects violence and the use of arms and creates the appropriate environment to start the process of national reconciliation on the basis of a compromises that serve the interest of all Syrians.

Haidar was speaking in a statement to the journalists after meeting Swedish Ambassador in Damascus Niklas Kebbon.

The Minister said that the meeting dealt with prospects of cooperation between the ministry and the international community or through the UN Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan and his team or through the European Union and some of its countries which might have effective contributions to solving the crisis in Syria.

He added that the Swedish Ambassador stressed that his country will not cut off its diplomatic relations with Syria and THAT the Embassy will open its door as long as the security situation allows it.

700 Jordanian Figures Condemn Premier’s Statements on Foreign Intervention in Syria

Jul 17, 2012

AMMAN, (SANA)- Hundreds of Jordanian figures condemned the statements made by Jordan’s Prime Minister Fayez al-Tarawneh on international intervention in Syria, stressing support to the Syrian people and their national leadership in the face of the conspiracy hatched against Syria.

Some 700 figures representing various Jordanian unionist, popular, parliamentary and national spectrums signed a statement proclaiming their stance in support of Syria in defending its people’s unity and territorial integrity.

The statement warned that the Jordanian premier’s statement that dialogue in Syria will no longer avail in resolving the crisis in it means that Jordan has officially shifted to the rank of the powers conspiring against Syria.

The statement reiterated the Jordanians’ support to internal national dialogue in Syria as a means for achieving the economic, political and social reforms as this will safeguard Syria and its stance of resisting the Zionist-U.S. and Arab reactionist project.

It affirmed that Jordan’s higher national and pan-Arab interests regarding what is going on in Syria demand that the Jordanians call for a solution in Syria that is through a Syrian internal national dialogue.

“We strongly reject an talk on foreign intervention in Syria under Chapter VII of the UN Charter,” the statement added.

China, Russia Support Extending UNSMIS Mission

Jul 17, 2012

UN, MOSCOW, (SANA) – China’s Representative to the United Nations Li Baodong said that China supports extending the mission of the United Nations Supervision Mission In Syria (UNSMIS).

Xinhua News Agency quoted Baodong as saying that Russia’s draft resolution is in line with China’s point of view in this regard.

He added that it is difficult for China to agree on Britain’s draft resolution as it is under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

“The priority, concerning the crisis in Syria, is that the international community should continue supporting the efforts of the UN Envoy Kofi Annan and the statement of the Geneva meeting with the aim of alleviating tension and pushing forwards the political solution for the crisis,” Baodong said.

He stressed that the political process in Syria should be led by the Syrians themselves, highlighting that all plans should be discussed with all the Syrian sides.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: Annan Supports Extending UNSMIS Mission

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov on Tuesday said that the UN Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, supports the Russian suggestion on extending the work of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS).

In statements made after the meeting between Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Annan, Gatilov said that “We believe that the mission is playing an important and constructive role in stabilizing the situation, Annan supports us in this regard.”

Gatilov added that Lavrov and Annan stressed that the results of Geneva meeting should be supported.

Mehmanparast : Syria Adopts Reform Steps, Some Countries Seek Inflaming Situation

Jul 17, 2012

TEHRAN,(SANA)- Spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Ramin Mehmanparast on Tuesday stressed that the Syrian government has adopted constructive steps in reform process and the fulfillment of the Syrian people’s legitimate demands, stressing that since the beginning of the crisis, Iran called for stopping violence, yet some countries seek to stir up internal clashes and supply the terrorist groups with money and weapons.

During his weekly press conference, Mehmanparast reiterated Iran’s readiness to host a dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition to create the convenient environment to solve the Syrian crisis in Syria, stressing that Iran is exerting all possible efforts to restore security and stability to the country.

The Iranian official underlined the importance of cooperation between all countries to bring the views closer to reach a final formula to the crisis in Syria, warning against the danger of the spread of the terrorist operations to other neighboring countries.

Mehmanparast said that Iran sees that the opposition’s demands should be done through dialogue without foreign interference or dictations.

Salehi: Dialogue is the Only Way to Resolve Crisis in Syria

On a relevant note, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi stressed  that the only way to resolve the crisis in Syria is through dialogue between the opposition and the government within the framework of the plan of UN Envoy Kofi Annan.

In a statement on the sideline of the 1st Scientific Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Tehran, Salehi said that Iran voiced readiness to receive Syrian opposition representatives to hold dialogue with the Syrian government in Tehran

Two Pioneering Projects to Revive Cultural and Urban Heritage in Syria Launched

Jul 17, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums, in cooperation with Aga Khan Network for Cultural Services (AKCS), on Tuesday launched two projects to revive the cultural and urban heritage in Syria.

The first project includes improving Ugarit site and establishing a development, cultural and social center in the region, in addition to studying means of maintaining the archeological ruins in the site.

The second project aims at setting up the framework of cooperation between the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums and the Network to implement the first stage of improving the Old City of Damascus and accomplish the historical study and the urban analysis of the City.

Director General of Antiquities and Museums Bassam Jamous stressed Syria’s archeological importance as it was classified among the World’s richest countries in terms of the number of archeological sites since it embraces more than 10000 archeological sites, seven of which are included in the World Heritage List.

In turn, AKCS Executive Director Ali Ismael reviewed the Network’s activities in Syria since 1991 which included the rehabilitation of Aleppo, Misyaf and Salah Eddin Castles and other archeological sites in the Syrian provinces.

Russian Foreign Ministry: Russia Opposes New Western Draft Resolution on Syria

Jul 13, 2012

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia’s Foreign Ministry said that it will not accept a new UN draft resolution on Syria submitted by a number of western countries to the UN Security Council.

The Ministry stressed that Russia will oppose a resolution on Syria under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

Russia Today Website quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov as saying that Moscow has repeatedly informed its partners at the UN Security Council that it will not accept issuing a resolution on Syria under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, stressing that “Using the resolution to justify the use of force in the future is absolutely unacceptable to us.”

He underlined the need for making use of opportunities provided after Geneva meeting, adding that such thing requires all foreign players to work with both the government and the opposition.

Gatilov warned that the stance of the Syrian opposition factions in insisting on excluding the government from the negotiations put an obstacle in the way of launching political dialogue in Syria, adding that if there is a political will to start the negotiations, parties should show flexibility otherwise this will lead to a dead end.

The United States, France, Britain and Germany have drafted a resolution two days after Russia’s resolution on extending the mission of the UN Observers in Syria for three months.

Russia will Veto Western-backed UNSC Draft Resolution on Syria

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister added that his country will veto the Western-backed UN Security Council draft resolution on Syria.

The French News Agency (AFP) quoted Gatilov as saying, “In case they decided to submit the draft resolution for voting on Thursday although they already know that it is rejected, Russia will veto the draft resolution.”

Bogdanov Underlines Necessity of the continuation of observers’ mission

The Special Representative of the Russian President for the Middle East Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister Michael Bogdanov reiterated Russia’s stance on the necessity of continuing the task of the UN observer mission in Syria in light of the discussions currently held at the UN Security Council.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Bogdanov discussed today with the Syrian Ambassador in Moscow Riad Haddad viewpoints on the crisis in Syria as well as the work done by the Russian side with representatives of the Syrian opposition in light of the plan of the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

Later, Bogdanov discussed with Director of the Middle East, Asia and Latin America at the German Foreign Ministry the crisis in Syria and the efforts exerted to find a peaceful solution to this crisis in light of Anna’s plan and Geneva Conference.

Russian Naval Fleet General Staff: Black Sea Fleet Ships will start trainings late July

The Russian Naval military Fleet’s General Staff announced that a group of the Black Sea fleet ships crossed Boshporus and Dardanelles Straits and sailed to meet the unified ships’ group affiliated to the Russian fleets positioned in the North, Baltic and the black sea.

A source at the Russian Naval General Staff said today that the warships will run drills under one leadership in late July, adding “they will not enter Syrian Tartous port except for supplying the ships with fuel, water and food.”

The Russian Source denied reports saying that the Russian warships head for Syrian shores, saying “such mission was not proposed… the Russian fleet will enter Tartous port to provide ships with fuel, water and food.. the warships will not enter the Syrian port except in case there was a technical necessity for that.”

Authorities Destroy Two Boats Used by Terrorists to Transfer Weapons in Homs

Jul 13, 2012

PROVINCES, (SANA)- The authorities on Thursday clashed with a number of terrorists on board two boats in Qitina Lake in Homs province that were transferring weapons and ammunition to terrorist groups in the village of al-Qseir in the province’s countryside.

A source in the province told SANA reporter that the authorities destroyed the two boats completely.

Authorities Clash with Terrorists in Daraa and Lattakia Causing them Big Losses

In Daraa, law enforcement members clashed with an armed terrorist group which blocked the highway in Khabab village for stealing passengers’ cars.

An official source in the Province said that three members of the terrorist group were killed, as the other members were arrested.

Mohammad Fuad al-Turkmani, one of the killed terrorist members was identified.

In Lattakia Province, the authorities hunted an armed terrorist group in al-Rabia town in Lattakia countryside, causing big losses to the terrorists.

An official source in the Province told SANA reporter that a number of the terrorists fled to the Turkish borders, pointing out that the authorities confiscated amounts of weapons and ammunition from the terrorists.

Military Engineering Units Dismantle 3 Roadside Bombs Planted by Armed Terrorist Groups in Idleb

Military engineering units dismantled on Thursday 3 roadside bombs, each weighs over 100 kilograms, planted by armed terrorist groups on Idleb-Ariha highway.

A source in the province told SANA correspondent that the roadside bombs were set to be remotely detonated to attack civilians and law-enforcement forces.

The source added that the competent authorities arrested the terrorists who planted the roadside bombs.

Meanwhile, the competent authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group that attacked law-enforcement forces in Ariha city and seized the terrorists’ weapons.

Competent Authorities Cause Armed Terrorist Group Heavy Losses in Homs

The competent authorities clashed on Thursday with an armed terrorist group in Homs city causing them heavy losses.

A source in the province told SANA correspondent that during the clashes some terrorists tried to run away with a car; however, the competent authorities destroyed the car.

Authorities clash with terrorists at al-Trimsa Town in Hama countryside

The competent security forces today clashed with armed terrorist groups at al-Trimsa town in Hama countryside, arresting a number of terrorists and causing great losses among them.

SANA reporter said that the clashes, which came after the appeals of families, led to confiscating the terrorists’ weapons.

Foreign and Expatriates Ministry: Nawaf al-Fares Made Statements Contrary to His Position’s Duties and Was Relieved of Duty

Jul 12, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- The Foreign and Expatriates Ministry said Nawaf al-Fares made press statements that contradict the duties of his position of defending the country’s stances and issues, which demands legal and behavioral accountability.

The Ministry pointed out in a statement on Thursday that al-Fares had left the headquarters of the Syrian Embassy in Baghdad without having obtained prior consent from the Ministry according to instructions followed in the diplomatic corps and missions.

The Ministry announced that Nawaf al-Fares was relieved of his duties according to rules and has no longer any relation with the Syrian Embassy in Baghdad or with the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry.

The statement noted that the Syrian Ministry will continue its work as usual with accustomed efficiency in service of the interests of the brotherly people of Syria and Iraq.

Syria’s Missile Forces Conclude Military Exercises with Live Ammunition

Jul 11, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian missile forces concluded on Wednesday the military exercises carried out by the Syrian armed forces with a tactical exercise using live ammunition.

The missile forces proved high performance based on self-confidence and permanent readiness and ability to destroy any enemy target.

Launching various types of missiles and hitting their targets accurately highlight the high level of training of the missile troops and their ability to invest the destructive power of their weapons perfectly.

Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Armed Forces, Gen. Dawood Rajiha, accompanied by General Talal Mustafa Tlas and a number of senior officers attended the exercises.

Al-Jaafari, Pankin and Annan Stress Need to Support and Implement Six-Point Plan

Jul 12, 2012

NEW YORK/GENEVA, (SANA) – Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari affirmed that the success of the plan of UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan depends on international commitment and an honest and impartial political will to implement the plan fully and stop the arming of funding of armed terrorist groups by some countries and sides.

In a press conference held on Wednesday following a Security Council closed session, al-Jaafari said that Annan’s talks in Damascus were positive and constructive, with the Syrian side affirming its commitment to implementing the six-point plan and agreeing to a number of mechanism to reduce violence and restore security fully across Syria.

He pointed out that Annan’s briefing during the session and the UN Secretary-General’s report didn’t indicate a need to escalate the situation politically nor did they refer to the UN Chapter VII or ending the observer mission; rather they both stressed the need to help the Syrian people and government by carrying out all six points of Annan’s plan in full, not partially.

Al-Jaafari stressed the need for those who can influence sides in Syria to help Annan and the Syrian government to implement the plan, adding that without ceasing the funding and arming of armed groups, it would be very hard for the plan to succeed if only the Syrian government is committed to it.

He said that those who jumped immediately to adopting a resolution based on Chapter VII and called for sanctions aren’t genuine and true supporters of Annan’s plan, reiterating the Syrian government’s commitment to ensuring the success of Annan’s plan and that it warns against the efforts of some countries to derail it and sabotage it, which is very dangerous.

Al-Jaafari indicated that the UN Secretary-General’s report said that the UN observer mission was greatly supported by Syria, and that the members of the workgroup on Syria pledged to each other and to Annan to apply equal pressure on all side to prevent further militarization.

“The situation has become more complex as there have been a series of bombings, some of which indicate the existence of a third part,” he added.

“Since the beginning, we warned about the presence of armed terrorist groups in Syria, which was denied by some members of the Security Council and others outside it, but Ban Ki-moon himself admits that there’s a third party fighting in Syria,” al-Jaafari said, noting that Washington and London admitted to this, as well as Switzerland whose grenades which were exported to the UAE were used in Syria.

He stressed the need for those who have influence over amred group to desist from arming and funding them and instead support comprehensive dialogue among all Syrians under the leadership of the Syrians themselves.

Al-Jaafari said that the Security Council needs to extend the mission of the observer mission in Syria, which is a proper procedural step, noting that some countries are seeking to politicize it.

Regarding the Russian raft resolution which was submitted to the Council, al-Jaafari said that it is objective and deals with the Syrian issue in a procedural manner according to Security Council protocols, and that it deals with the extension of the observer mission based on the report of Ki-moon and Annan’s position, not based on the narrow interests of specific countries.

He said that it’s natural for delegations to disagree, but it’s necessary to maintain integrity and help Annan implement his plan rather than derail it through loopholes to serve agendas that don’t benefit the Syrians.

Al-Jaafari pointed out that Syria sent to the Security Council and international organizations 141 documented letters confirming the presence of terrorists from some Arab countries including Libya, Tunisia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and others, and that these terrorists committed crimes and terrorist acts in Syria, calling on the Security Council to deal with this issue at the source and assume responsibility as part of its efforts in combating terrorism.

He said that a part of the Syrian crisis is internal and UN resolutions insist that the solution must be by Syrians, noting that if this matter was dealt with by Syrians from the beginning then the crisis would have been over a long time ago, adding that the west acknowledges the presence of Al Qaeda in Syria, and thus there’s also a terrorism aspect of the crisis controlled by elements from outside Syria and this aspect has nothing to do with Syrians or the Syrian government.

Al-Jaafari affirmed that the majority of Syrians are against corruption with the exception of only a smalls section of Syrians who should be made accountable, stressing that political opposition must never push a country towards group suicide and destroying all the social gains made since independence.

He stressed that the opposition must be nationalistic and responsible, which is necessary, legitimate and required for building Syria’s future, as long as its motives are honest and against foreign interference, bloodshed and sabotage.

Al-Jaafari said that all Syrians are involved in rebuilding Syrian on correct reformative basis that meet the people’s needs and the reforms that began a year ago, adding “However, we must move as politicians, not as terrorists.”

He affirmed that the issue of power is an internal issue that is up to the Syrian people alone, which applies to any member of the UN and is the basis of relations in the world, stressing that the UN charter confirms the sanctity of sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, adding that any interference in others’ internal affairs breaches this charter.

Al-Jaafari said that the work of the observer mission’s leader, Gen. Mood, was somewhat positive, affirming that Mood is a professional who carries out his duties properly and has the trust of many people in Syria and outside it, noting that Syria has no objections on how he conducts his work.

“I don’t want to praise him more than that because he may find himself removed from heading the observer mission as a result of that,” he added.

In response to the German representative’s statements who thanked Mood for his work, al-Jaafari said that he wished that Germany would be positive with the efforts to cease violence, as Germany has adopted contradictory approaches towards the region, noting that Germany cannot help Syria reach a peaceful solution by encouraging escalation through providing Israel with six submarines capable of launching nuclear weapons.

Pankin: Russian Draft Resolution Focuses on Supporting Annan’s Plan

In  a similar press conference, Russia’s Deputy Representative to the UN Alexander Pankin said that the Russiand raft resolution submitted to the UN on extending the observer mission focuses on supporting Annan’s efforts and six-point plan and the statement of the Geneva meeting of the workgroup on Syria, adding that it doesn’t include any steps involving Chapter VII nor any sanctions.

Pankin said that both the six-point plan and the Geneva statement require pressure on all sides in Syria and all foreign players for them to be applicable, stressing the need for agreement in the Security Council on helping Annan, which can’t be done through Chapter VII which isn’t effective in most cases, stressing that without political will by all sides and faith in the process, then the unilateral steps against the Syrian government will not be useful.

He noted that some described the Russian draft resolution as insufficient because they want it to include Chapter VII, saying that the Security Council’s resolution must be applied and political pressure must be used equally on all sides, adding that unfortunately, there are sides constituting the third party in the crisis who are unreachable.

Pankin said that the work of the observer mission in Syria was positive and helped towards achieving stability, but the circumstances changed in May which led to suspending its primary operations.

He pointed out that the mission isn’t used to apply pressure, and that it was established and deployed on the basis that the circumstances will be suitable and that Annan’s plan will be carried out, with their duty being supervising, monitoring and reporting.

Pankin said that minimizing or withdrawing ht emission would send a wrong mission, explaining that it doesn’t mean that there’s no believe in ceasing violence, peace, political dialogue and diplomacy for resolving the crisis.

He went on to note that Russia’s meetings with Syrian opposition groups weren’t easy yet were constructive and showed differing opinions, with most of the opposition showing that they’re not ready for dialogue and will continue fighting, which isn’t encouraging.

Pankin said that the meetings with the opposition aimed to move things forward and learn about their goals and purposes, adding that one cannot talk about a unified opposition as most opposition figures confessed to having no influence on many of the actual combatants.

He stressed that those who commit murder in Syria mustn’t be affiliated with civilized political opposition and should be dealt with separately, explaining that fighting won’t cease with dialogue and a political process because those who are fighting don’t listen to those who negotiate.

Pankin said that weapons are being sent to armed groups include countries along with terrorist organizations and individual combatants who fight for their own causes and aren’t part of any political group, adding that this causes the situation to resemble a mosaic that must be dealt with.

He stressed that the only way to realize the Geneva agreement is by exercising constant pressure on all sides, including those involved in the crisis and those who support them by providing financial, human and material resources, including combatants who are flocking to Syria in great numbers from the Middle East and elsewhere.

On the sending of Russian ships to Syria, Pankin said that many countries have ships and fleets in the area, and that Russian ships were sent to Tartous for refueling and doesn’t have a military dimension nor is it a show of power of presence, adding that Russia’s contracts with Syria are for providing defensive systems only, not weapons that can be used against protestors.

He said that discussions during the Council’s session involved the arming of the opposition, pointing out that the more weapons flow into the area, the more the crisis will escalate, adding that there are many weapons being used to target government forces and civilians, including small arms, grenades and handheld weaponry which are more dangerous and come via land from neighboring countries that aren’t ashamed to admit it; rather they vaunt it, stressing that this should stop and that there should be means to guarantee closing the borders and stopping the flow of weapons.

Pankin concluded by calling for brining all the influential foreign sides to the table regardless of their viewpoints, including Iran, noting that Russia called for brining all influential players while preparing for the Geneva meeting, including the countries neighboring Syria such as Iran, adding that ignoring these countries is unwise.

Later, Pankin said in statements to Russian journalists that Russia will not support any Security Council resolution on imposing sanctions on Syria, saying that this is based on the fact that sanctions will not achieve results, adding that China also opposes imposing sanctions on Syria.

He said that the west didn’t exclude imposing sanctions on the Syrian opposition, but he pointed out that it’s difficult to imagine how such sanctions can be imposed on individual opposition groups.

Pankin said that the Syrian government gave a sign that inspires trust when it shoed readiness for taking an initiative to stop armed conflicts in the more sensitive areas, adding that the government is generally prepared to join various operations related to implementing Annan’s plan.

He also added that Annan will visit Moscow next week to hold talks with Russian officials.

Annan: My Talks in Syria Covered Means to Implement Six-Point Plan and Taking Steps to End Violence

UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan said that the Security Council discussed during a closed session on Wednesday the crisis in Syria and the steps to be taken in the future, and that he briefed the Council on the results of his recent visit to the region and outcomes of the work group which convened recently in Geneva.

In a press conference after addressing the Security Council, Annan said that the talks he held in Syria covered the implantation of the six-point plan approved by the Council, and that there were no discussions about “three months.”

He said that talks also discussed steps that should be taken in areas witnessing extreme violence into which no humanitarian aid can be sent nor can trapped people leave them, and that the discussions covered steps to affect a ceasefire in these areas with the help of observers, adding that this doesn’t absolve any side of their duty towards the ceasefire according to the plan, regardless of the area in question.

Annan said that the members of the workgroup on Syria pledged to maintain constant pressure on all sides of the crisis to implement the Security Council decisions then take steps to end violence in order to launch political dialogue.

He said that Iran and Iraq voiced support for the six-point plan and the idea of a political transition that allows Syrians to decide upon their future, and that the two countries will use their influence to move forward in this direction.

Regarding the future of the UN observer mission in Syria, Annan said this matter is up to the Security Council, explaining that there’s a Russian draft resolution in addition to another draft which will be presented by three members according to the British representative, adding that there’s also the report of the UN Secretary-General which outlines options about what should be done in the future.

He said that so far, he has not witnessed success in ending violence and he told all governments that and asked them to work together to pressure all sides to support the plan in order to ensure the success of all sides’ mutual goal.

Annan said that the Security Council’s voice would be stronger if it were united rather than divided, and that the region’s government’s all voiced mutual interests, adding “we all want to protect the Syrian people, see an end to violence and not have the conflict go out of control or spread in the region.”

He said that this calls for working to achieve mutual interests rather than moving in different directions which would make everyone a loser and end up making the Syrians the biggest victims.

On his talks with President al-Assad on appointing a negotiator to talk with the opposition, Annan said that this issue was broached and President al-Assad proposed a name, and that he would like to know more information about the person in question.

60 Civilians Who Were Trapped by Terrorists in Homs Neighborhoods Evacuated

Jul 12, 2012

HOMS, (SANA) – The National Reconciliation Committee, in cooperation with the authorities in Homs, managed to evacuate on Wednesday a second group of civilians who had been trapped by armed terrorist groups in the old neighborhoods of the city.

The 60 civilians include women and children who were trapped in the neighborhood of al-Warsheh, Jouret al-Shiyah and al-Khalidiye.

During this week, the National Reconciliation Committee managed to evacuate 23 civilians, most of them women and children, who were trapped by terrorist groups in the neighborhoods of al-Khalidiye and al-Hamidiye.

This bring the total of civilians evacuated from Homs within a week to 92.

The citizens expressed relief over being freed from the terrorists’ grip and reaching safety after weeks of hardships, saying that they couldn’t leave on their owns because the terrorist had set up roadblocks in the neighborhoods

Authorities Arrest Terrorists, Tunnel Used by Terrorists Found in Homs

Jul 11, 2012

PROVINCES, (SANA) – Authorities in Hama on Wednesday clashed with 6 gunmen in Qalet al-Mdeiq town after the locals informed them about the gunmen’s digging works for antiquities.

An official source told SANA reporter that the clash resulted in wounding the gunmen, four of whom hold Turkish nationality.

The source added that the authorities confronted am armed terrorist group in al-Tweineh village, pursued its members in the agricultural lands and injured some of them.

Authorities Clash with Terrorists Who Were Planting Explosives in Hama

The authorities in Hama province also clashed with a terrorist group that was setting ambushes and planting explosives in the area between the villages of Mork and Ma’an in the province.

The clash inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists, injuring many of them and destroying five cars equipped with machineguns along with the terrorists inside them, in addition to destroying two motorbikes they were using.

The terrorists’ weapons, which included RPG launchers and rounds, machineguns, and sniper rifles, were confiscated, along with ammo and advanced communication equipment.

Large Amounts of Ammunition, Weapons and Money Seized in Hasaka

In Hasaka, the authorities seized large amount of weapons, ammunition and money while storming a terrorist hideout in Tal Hamis.

A source in the province told SANA reporter that the seized weapons included 24 machineguns, sniper rifle and large amount of ammunition.

One of the terrorists was found to have had USD 28000 and SYP 360000 buried in the ground.

Authorities Storm Terrorists’ Den in Darayya in Damascus Countryside

The authorities stormed a terrorist den in Bayader Nader orchards in Darayya, Damascus Countryside, after they were informed by the residents.

An official source told SANA reporter that a number of terrorists were arrested and their weapons were confiscated during the raid, adding that a workshop for making explosive devices and stolen cars prepared for bombs were found.

The source pointed out that machine guns, pistols, detonators, batteries, row materials for preparing explosive devices and ammunition, in addition to stolen military uniforms were found in a nearby farm.

Military engineering units dismantled a number of explosive devices planted in different places on Darayya farms.

Terrorists’ Tunnel Extending from Jouret al-Shaiyah Area to Orontes River in Homs Uncovered

In Homs, the authorities uncovered a tunnel used by terrorists to move and transfer weapons extending from Jouret al-Shaiyah through al-Qarabis neighborhood and al-Ghouteh orchards to reach the Orontes River.

SANA reporter cited a source in the province as saying that a house linked with the tunnel by holes was found to include a large amount of food supply materials.

Authorities Storm Den of Terrorists in Homs

The authorities today stormed a den used by armed terrorist groups at al-Qarabes neighborhood in Homs used by them as a center for their operations against law enforcement personnel.

A source in Homs told SANA reporter that the authorities discovered inside the den different weapons and ammunitions, maps and documents that help the terrorists move in the city, explosives and cameras.

Authorities Raid Terrorist Hideout in al-Waer al-Qadim Neighborhood in Homs

In Homs city, the authorities raided a terrorist hideout in the neighborhood of al-Waer al-Qadim, arresting all the members of the terrorist group hiding in it and confiscating their weapons.

The arrested terrorist include Mohammad Ammar al-Jandali, Anas Ahmad Sleiman, Haitham Mustafa al-Hemsiye, and Huzaifa Abdelhadi Ghali

Russian Foreign Ministry: Moscow Committed to Peaceful Solution to Crisis in Syria

Jul 11, 2012

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia’s Foreign Ministry stressed Moscow’s commitment to peaceful settlement to the crisis in Syria by the Syrians themselves within the framework of Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial safety.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that “Only dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition without pre-conditions can guarantee the rapid cessation of shedding blood and destroying the country, in addition to achieving the aspirations of Syrian people in democratic, free and stable development in line with Syria’s unity and the respect of the rights of all religious and ethnic groups there.”

The statement added that the Ministry received a delegation from Istanbul Council which held talks with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian President special envoy to Middle East Affairs and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.

The Ministry stressed that Lavrov stressed the need for taking a clear stance which affirms Istanbul Council’s readiness to implement its commitments according to the plan of the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, the UNSC resolution and Geneva meeting decisions.

The statement added that the delegation members reviewed Istanbul Council’s current and future vision of situation in Syria and stressed Russia’s key role in providing appropriate circumstances to halt violence and launch a transitional political process.

Lavrov Calls on Syrian Government and all Opposition Factions to Start Dialogue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday called on the Syrian Government and all opposition factions to start a dialogue that gives the Syrian people the opportunity to decide their destiny.

Meeting the Istanbul Council delegation visiting Moscow, Lavrov said, “We want to understand the prospects of uniting opposition factions on the basis of dialogue with the Syrian Government according to the plan of UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.”

“Supporting Annan’s plan emphasizes Russia’s commitment to the necessity of ending violence with all its forms and from all sides as soon as possible, as well as moving to a dialogue in which the Syrian Government and all opposition factions take part,” Lavrov added.

He pointed out that the Russian side is seeking to get more details on the relationship between Istanbul Council and all other opposition groups, including the opposition inside Syria.

Russian Military Official: The Syrian Army Ready to Counter any Foreign Aggression

Chairman of the Social Council at the Russian Defense Ministry, Igor Korotchenko, said the Syrian Army has strong faith and is well armed, highly trained, coherent and supportive of its leadership and ready to defend its country against any foreign aggression as it is equipped with sophisticated weapons including anti-naval counterforce weapons.

In an interview with Russia Today TV, Korotchenko warned the NATO of any military venture against Syria, saying “If the NATO tried to use its naval capabilities against Syria, it wouldn’t be on an easy picnic.”

He called on the alliance to back the political process in Syria and refrain, along with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, from providing support and arms to the armed terrorist groups in Syria.

He affirmed that Russia’s arms exports to Syria do not contradict international law and are legally based on agreements signed with the Syrian side.

“Russia legitimately provides arms to Syria, whereas the West send arms to the armed terrorist groups secretly and in violation of the international laws which these groups use against the Syrian army and people,” said Korotchenko.

He pointed out that Moscow has documented information on the Turkish fighter aircraft’s violation of the Syrian airspace through which the Turkish intelligence hoped for getting information on the work mechanism and capabilities of the Syrian air defenses to be made use of by the NATO.

Abdullahian: Talks with Annan Focused on Monitoring Syrian Borders to Prevent Arms Smuggling

Jul 11, 2012

TEHRAN, (SANA)_ Iranian Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdullahian said that the talks with the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, focused on the need for monitoring the Syrian borders to prevent smuggling arms to the terrorist groups.

In a statement to the Iranian News Agency (IRNA), he said that Tehran stressed that “the important issue for now is to monitor the Syrian borders to prevent the flow of weapons to the terrorist groups to end violence, which will give the chance for the situation to go back to normal.”

Abdullahian said that Annan’s plan to halt violence has not achieved the hoped-for results because of smuggling arms from other countries to Syria, adding that Iran informed Annan of its concern over obstacles put by some countries in the way of the implementation of Annan’s plan as well as weapons smuggling into Syria.

For Tehran, the solution in Syria is not military or security one, rather it is a political solution within the framework of Annan’s six-point plan which is the same plan of President Bashar al-Assad for reforms, said Abdullahian, stressing that Annan’s plan can help settle the current crisis in Syria.

He added that the terrorist groups in Syria, which have connections with some foreign countries, are becoming more active, pushing popular demands into the shade.

German Journalist: I Met Terrorists from al-Qaeda in Syria

Jul 11, 2012

BERLIN, (SANA) – The German Journalist Jurgen Todenhofer said that there are armed terrorist groups affiliated to al-Qaeda organization in Syria.

Todenhofer, Ph.D in International Law and former member of the German Parliament, told German TV that he met several al-Qaeda-affiliated groups which are committing violence acts in Syria.

He underscored that the western media outlets are conveying distorted image of the events taking place in Syria.

“The U.S. administration should hold dialogue with the Syrian leadership with the aim of reaching a peaceful solution for the crisis in Syria,” Todenhofer said.

New Media Outlets See Light

Jul 11, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- The National Media Council approved the book of terms and general rules of licensing audio or visual media outlets.

Chairman of the Council, Taleb Qadi Amin, clarified that four newspapers were given license, including Sham, a political, cultural and social daily, the weekly newspaper of al-Minbar al-Hur, the legal magazine of Arwiqat al-Mahakem (Court Lobbies) and the medical magazine of al-Kamal.

Since its establishment last November, the Council granted authorization for 20 print media of different specializations.

Al-Zoubi: Job Opportunities for Top Media Graduates

Jul 11, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Information Omran al-Zoubi stressed that top and excellent graduates of the Faculty of Information will be given the chance to work at the various audio, visual and print media institutions within the framework of Youth Employment Program.

Touring the Faculty of Information at Damascus University, Minister al-Zoubi indicated to the efforts exerted to provide media with high qualified graduates, calling for making use of the faculty capabilities to turn it into a center for media training with the participation of academics and specialists.

He stressed the Ministry’s readiness to change the faculty into a media center that would contribute to upgrading national media.

The minister hailed the role of journalists in official and private media under the current crisis, adding that the attack against the Syrian al-Ikhbariya TV revealed the ability of Syrian journalists to face the most difficult circumstances.

Dean of Information Faculty, Kamal al-Haj, said that the graduates enjoy all qualifications required to enter the job market due to the efforts and facilitations provided regarding practical study and the facilitations provided in this regard such as TV, radio and program preparation studios and training courses to improve the students’ creative skills.

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The SYP/USD opened the week’s trade at SYP 64.25 and closed at 64.39, recording a rise of 0.22%, while the Euro started off the weekly trading against the SYP at 81.38 and closed at 80.74, dropping by 0.8%.

According to the Central Bank of Syria (CBS) weekly report, the CBS has continued steps to support the exchange rate of the SYP as it started last September to move the SYP/USD exchange rate in accordance with the global exchange rate movements in a way that reflects the changes in the local supply and demand of foreign currency.

The CBS decision came after the recent US sanctions which led Syria to replace the Dollar with other currencies. This move ensures better stability of the SYP exchange rate against other foreign currencies after the CBS fixed the SYP exchange rate against Dollar since the crisis started.

The Central Bank continues to meet the market’s needs of different currencies to keep the exchange processes going on and prevent any freeze due to the imposed sanctions.

The CBS has included the Chinese Yuan and the Russian Ruble in its daily exchange rates bulletin since last September to facilitate trading in light of heading eastward, particularly towards China.

The CBS also directly intervened in purchasing and selling of foreign currency at a price set according to the active market price and the offer and demand movement. Accordingly, this price becomes a reference for banks and exchange institutions when setting up their own exchange rate bulletins, which has effectively contributed to the local market stabilization and a gradual and calculated drop of the exchange rate.

The local market is witnessing a remarkable improvement in the trading in the Euro after the CBS decision to stop dealing in the Dollar and shift to other currencies

Sheikh Hajiri: Syria Facing Fierce Attack because of Rejecting US-Zionist Schemes in Region

Jul 11, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) –Sheikh Akl of al-Muwahhidun in Syria, Hekmat al-Hajiri, stressed on Wednesday that Syria constitutes an integrated pattern of Christian-Muslim fraternity, adding that today Syria is facing a fierce attack aimed at undermining the national unity of the Syrian society.

Meeting a Czech religious delegation, Sheikh al-Hajiri said that the fierce attack on Syria today is because of rejecting the US-Zionist schemes aimed at imposing hegemony on the region, calling on the delegation to relate the truth of what is happening in Syria to the world.

He pointed out that the religious message of the Muwahhidun is based on spreading amity and peace among people, adding that al-Muwahhidun stress that Syria is facing a conspiracy that is targeting the unity and security of the Syrians.

He noted that the Syrian people’s confidence in their leadership and their brave army, in addition to rallying around President Bashar al-Assad prove that Syria will get out of the crisis stronger.

The Czech delegation stressed that their visit is to know the truth of what is happening in Syria and inspecting the situation of Christians in it, expressing astonishment at some states’ behavior which are sending terrorists to kill and commit crimes against the Syrian people.

Air Force Formations Conduct Live Fire Tactical Operational Project with Bombing Aircrafts and Attack Helicopters

Jul 11, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- The Syrian Armed Forces on Tuesday continued military exercises for the fourth consecutive day with the participation of units from the air force formations which conducted a tactical operational project with live fire simulating real battle conditions.

Fighter aircrafts performed the tasks of repelling virtual counter air strikes in the project, while bombing aircrafts took part in carrying out the tasks of fire impacting and destroying hostile targets, with attack helicopters providing fire support to the forces.

The project included an airdrop behind proposed enemy lines in which the Special Armed Forces members were able to take control of the specified area at the right time with great efficiency and high combat spirit.

Transport aircrafts successfully conducted a cargo airdrop operation, in which healthcare vehicles and medically-equipped helicopters participated in evacuation and first aid tasks on battleground.

Chief of General Staff of the Army and the Armed Forces, Gen. `Fahd Jassem al-Freij, attended the exercises, accompanied by a number of senior General Command officers.

Gen. al-Freij praised the high morale of the Air Defense Forces and their successful performance at all the stages of the project.

He stressed that there is no need to fear for Syria as long as it has such men who have devoted themselves to defending the homeland and its air, sea and land.

Terrorists Assassinate Doctor, Farmer Martyred, Two Border Infiltration Attempts Foiled

Jul 10, 2012

PROVINCES, (SANA) – An armed terrorist group on Tuesday assassinated Dr. Adbul-Baset Arja at al-Kura al-Ardyyah Roundabout in Aleppo.

A source at the province told SANA that the armed terrorist group monitored Dr. Arja and opened fire at his car, Dr. Arja was hospitalized and martyred at the hospital.

Infiltration Attempts of Terrorists Coming from Lebanon Foiled

Authorities and border guards have foiled infiltration attempts by armed terrorist groups coming from Lebanon into Syria from several locations in Talkalkh, Homs countryside. Huge losses were reported among the terrorists.

SANA correspondent quoted a source at the province as saying that the terrorist groups opened fire on the sites of border guards on the Syrian side in Jisr Qumar, Jisr Abo Swaid, Harmoush crossings, al-Armouta, al-Arida, Noura, and al-Dalia and tried, several times, to infiltrate to the Syrian territories by several (SUV) cars equipped with machine-guns.

The source added that the clash resulted in the killing and injury of a number of terrorists. One person of the competent authorities was wounded.

Authorities Arrest Two Terrorists, Disable Four IEDs, Prevent Border Infiltration Attempt in Idleb Countryside

The authorities chased down a terrorist group which had opened fire on a food transport belonging to law-enforcement forces in Jisr al-Shughour area in Idleb countryside.

After returning fire, the authorities chased the terrorist and managed to arrest two of them: Ammar al-Ammoura and Mohammad al-Gharib, and confiscated their weapons.

On a relevant note, engineering units disabled four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by terrorists on the Jisr al-Shughour-Darkoush road. The IEDs ranged in weight from 40 to 50 kilograms and were rigged for remote detonation.

Authorities in Idleb also managed to prevent an attempt by an armed terrorist group which tried to infiltrate the Syrian borders and enter Syria from Turkey at Khirbet al-Hoz area in Jisr al-Shughour.

The authorities clashed with the armed group, injuring some of its members and confiscating their weapons.

Farmer Martyred, Three Citizens Injured by Terrorists’ Gunfire in Lattakia

Farmer Mufeed Mohammad Badour was martyred while three citizens, including a mother and her daughter, were injured in an attack by a number of terrorists on their fields in al-Balateh and al-Kharateh villages in al-Haffeh in Lattakia countryside.

A source in the province told SANA reporter that the authorities clashed with the terrorists, killed many of them, injured others and seized their weapons.

Authorities Confront attack by gunmen in al-Qseir, Homs

The competent authorities confronted an attack by armed terrorist groups on a number of law enforcement checkpoints near al-Qseir in Homs.

SANA reporter quoted a source in Homs as saying that the authorities clashed with the gunmen, destroying a Doshka vehicle used by the armed men in the attack, and killing a number of them.

Cabinet Approves Providing 25,000 Job Opportunities in One Year, Approves Bills on Combating Illicit Gains and Corruption

Jul 10, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Prime Minister, Dr. Riad Hijab, on Tuesday called on ministers to continue their field tours and intensify meetings and communication with citizens to fulfill their daily and basic demands.

In a session held on Tuesday, the cabinet discussed job opportunities currently available through the Youth Employment Program. The cabinet approved providing 25,000 job opportunities this year with annual contracts, with emphasis on appointing employees in their own areas.

The Cabinet also discussed economic and services issues as deputy Prime Minister for Services Affairs and Minister of Local Administration Omar Ghallawanji and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Qadri Jamil briefed the Cabinet on the economic and services situation.

Within the context of completing the Administrative Reform Program, the cabinet approved a bill on illicit gains, a bill on establishing a commission for combating corruption, and a bill on establishing a department for inspection and supervision in every ministry.

For his part, Minister of State for National Reconciliation Affairs, Dr. Ali Haidar, briefed the cabinet on the ministry’s activities and meetings with some opposition figures to reach joint cooperation and common denominators to achieve national reconciliation and prepare for holding a conference on national reconciliation soon.

In a statement after the session, Director of the Prime Minister’s Office Tayseer al-Zou’bi said that the Cabinet reviewed the economic, service and infrastructure issues which concern citizens.

He added that the cabinet took several decisions including offering services and rehabilitating infrastructure and public facilitations in the areas badly affected by the armed terrorist groups

Annan Holds Talks in Tehran and Baghdad on the situation in Syria

Jul 10, 2012

TEHRAN, (SANA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi stressed that the ominous interference of some foreign countries in the crisis in Syria led to its continuity despite that the Syrian leadership has adopted constructive steps to meet demands of the Syrian people.

In a joint press conference with the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan in Tehran on Tuesday, Salehi said “The political issues are complicated ones and the region and the world are on the brink of sensitive developments, ”

” All efforts should unite to prevent the extension of the crisis in Syria and limit its repercussions and we should not allow the situation to become worse,” he added.

The Iranian Minister pointed out that “Democracy, independence and combating corruption are preserved rights for the Syrian people,” asserting that the Syrian government committed to achieve its promises to meet all the legitimate demands of the Syrian people as it achieved tangible steps in this regard.

” We concentrate on ending the crisis in Syria which, if continued, will not be in the interest of anyone in the region, ” Salehi said.

Salehi advised the regional countries to exercise prudence over the crisis in Syria and warned against the ‘catastrophic’ upshots of a ‘wrong’ decision on Syria.

“We should not allow the situation to become worse, which would not be to anyone’s benefit.”

For his part, Annan said that his talks in Tehran aim at ensuring Iran’s support to find peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria, expressing hope to cooperate together to reach important upshots and steps to resolve this crisis, prevent its spreading to reach the whole region and to limit its repercussions which would not be to anyone’s interest.

On disarming the armed terrorist groups in Syria and preventing countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia from sending weapons to them and the role of the UN in implementing that, Annan said “The international organization seeks to defuse the violence in Syria by all sides,” asserting that if we want to halt the acts of violence we should talk to all those who carry weapons who should not kill the innocents.

Annan stressed that the disarmament of the armed terrorist groups is a very important thing in such crisis and after its end.

” I believe that the Syrian government should be able to control the weapons and we should have a strong state to prevent the spreading of the armed groups, ” he said.

The UN Envoy added “Regarding sending weapons to the armed terrorist groups, we discussed this issue in details in Geneva Conference and we clearly confirmed that we don’t wish the crisis to continue or to use a military solution but we should search for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria,”

He went on to say the use of arms is not consistent with the search for a peaceful solution. On the Iranian role in the crisis in Syria, Annan said “Iran plays positive role in this crisis and seeks to find a peaceful solution to it through dialogue which should start soon with the participation of all sides and that is a pivotal point in the six-point plan I had proposed, ”

Annan called on all sides to work together to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria and defuse it to prevent its bad consequences on the region.

Jalili: Solution in Syria Should Be Reached Without Foreign Intervention

For his part, Secretary General of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili stressed that the solution to the crisis in Syria should be reached in Syria and without foreign interference.

During his meeting with the UN Envoy Kofi Annan, Jalili added that the political dialogue and the efforts to reach a ceasefire should be synchronized.

He highlighted that the solution in Syria will be achieved by reaching the real democracy not by sending weapons and committing criminal acts.

“The International Observers should prevent the flow of weapons to the armed terrorist groups in Syria. The history of the USA proves that it is unable to play a positive role in solving the crisis in Syria, so it can’t be part of the solution,” Jalili said.

In return, Annan talked about the results of Geneva meeting, hailing the role of Tehran in solving the crisis in Syria.

Annan.. I held good Talks with al-Maliki on Syria

The UN envoy to Syria Kofi Annan said that he held good talks with the Iraqi Premier Nouri al-Maliki in Baghdad on the situation in Syria, adding that al-Maliki showed support to the six-point plan.

“I came to the region to discuss the crisis in Syria.. my trip took me to Damascus, Tehran and Baghdad, I had the opportunity to discuss this issue with the leaders to stop killing for  the sake of the Syrian people, and to guarantee no spread of conflict to Syrian neighbors,” AFP quoted Annan as saying at a press conference following his talks with al-Maliki.

Annan underlined that he will brief the UN Security Council tomorrow on the outcome of his talks in the region about Syria, saying that the UN will take the suitable measure and will adopt another decision regarding the task of observers whom mission end on July 12th.

“I believe that we have to continue pressures and we need to do so in a constructive way,” Annan concluded.

Boroujerdi: Syria Has Overcome the Difficult Circumstances

Chairman of the Iranian Shura Council’s Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security Alaeddin Boroujerdi, in a statement on Tuesday, stressed that Syria has overcome the difficult circumstances and is heading towards stability.

He underlined Iran’s pivotal role in solving the crisis in Syria

Moscow Denies Reports by some Media about Russian Warships Sailing into Syria

Jul 10, 2012

MOSCOW, (SANA)-An informed source at the Russian Foreign Ministry Tuesday denied reports of some media that Russian warships sailed into Syria, expressing astonishment at the attempts of stirring up this issue again.

“Simply, it is ridiculous what occurs in the mass media of rumors about alleged sailing of Russian ships that carry landing units into Syria,” the source stated, clarifying that Russia has nothing to hide.

” Russian Defense Ministry announced that a number of the North Sea fleet ships left Severomorsk Navy and sailed into the north part of the Atlantic Ocean to run regular trainings that have no relation to the events in Syria.” The source said.

It added that in spite of the noise about the Russian ships, no one talks about the maneuvers of the Western States’ fleets in the region.

Russian Defense Minister: Russia will not accept any foreign intervention in the Syrian domestic affairs

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said that his country supports any steps leading to a settlement for the crisis in Syria with peaceful means, adding “Russia will not accept any foreign intervention in the Syrian domestic affairs.

Russia Today site quoted a statement by the Russian Defense Ministry as saying that Serdyukov held talks with his Italian counterpart in Roma, reiterating that Russia will not accept any foreign intervention in the Syrian affairs.

In a relevant context, a Russian military source stated that 3 helicopters, of MI-25 style, have been mended in Russia and they will be sent back to Damascus via sea.

Bogdanov: Russia Ready to Host International Conference on Syria

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Tuesday that Russia is ready to host a new meeting of the world powers on Syria, adding that Moscow calls for holding such meetings periodically and extending representation.

In a statement, Bogdanov said that the Geneva meeting results provided that UN Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, calls for another meeting of the international group which met in Geneva on June 30, adding that the Russian side is waiting for tangible results out of Geneva’s negotiations.

He expressed Russia’s regret for the absence of Iran and Saudi Arabia in Geneva meeting, adding that these two countries have enormous influence on the situation in Syria and they can contribute to the joint efforts exerted by Syria’s neighbors such as Lebanon and Jordan, which were not represented at Geneva meeting, to restore security and stability to Syria.

He added that talks on the failure of Annan’s plan are harmful politically and morally as they directly or indirectly lead to escalating violence in Syria.

On some interpretations of Geneva meeting outcome, Bogdanov said that any international meeting cannot decide the fate of Syria and its president.

“The fate of a particular leader should be decided by the people in accordance with international legislation,” Bogdanov said.

He pointed out that the final document of Geneva meeting provides that members of the current government and the opposition can enter the governing transitional body in Syria according to mutual agreement.

On the military technical cooperation between Russia and Syria, Bogdanov pointed out that the two countries had established various relations since the 1950s. military technical cooperation is an essential component of these relations.

Margelov: Map of Africa and Middle East May Be Changed by Crisis in Syria

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Russian Federation Council Mikhail Margelov said that Syria’s understanding of the Middle East in general and Syria in particular is deeper than that of its partners.

In a radio interview, Margelov said that the crisis in Syria may lead to changing the map of Africa and the Middle East, stressing the need for this process to be civilized and controllable.

He said that Russia presented an initiative presenting alternatives for resolving the Syrian crisis, and that he’s due to hold his seventh meeting with a delegation from the Syrian opposition on Wednesday.

Margelov pointed out that the Syrian opposition is fragmented and divided, and that the opposition – whether in Syria, Turkey, France, Italy, the US or elsewhere – and are against the Syrian government often have conflicting positions to a degree that makes it seem hard to bring them all under one roof.

He noted that this is what prompted Russia to attend the Geneva meeting on Syria in June, and that some of Russia’s concerns and suggestions were heard.

Margelov stressed that Russia doesn’t want the Libyan scenario to be repeated in Syria, nor do its western partners, and that there must be dialogue to reach an agreement as differences do not necessarily mean hostility.

Youths and Children of Martyrs Present Shield and Letter of Thanks to Chinese Embassy

Jul 10, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – A youth delegation including children of martyrs visited on Tuesday the Chinese Embassy in Damascus and presented the ambassador with a commemorative shield and a letter of thanks in a gesture of appreciation for China’s support for the Syrian people and leadership.

In the letter, the children of martyrs voiced appreciation of China’s honorable stance and its tireless efforts to achieve peace and security and benefit Syria and its people.

China’s Ambassador in Damascus  Zhang Xun voiced hope that Syria will emerge from the crisis soon through political solutions, expressing support for the political process led by the Syrian people and the plan of UN Envoy to Syrian Kofi Annan.

He also affirmed that China will work diligently to direct the course of the Syrian issue in a political and peaceful direction.

For their part, members of the delegation said their visit aims to thank China’s government and people for their support of the Syrian people and for their rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, stressing that showing gratitude is the least that can be done.

They also said that the children of martyrs hold all those who conspired against Syria – including Arab and western countries – responsible for their fathers’ deaths.

The delegation members said that by supporting Syria, China stood up to the US hegemony and proved that China is a main and effective pole in the world.

New Health Center to Provide Medical Services to Douma Citizens

Jul 10, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Ministry of Health established a temporary health center in Adra region in Damascus Countryside with the aim of providing health services to people in Douma and its surrounding who were forced under the current circumstances to move to Adra.

In a statement on Tuesday, Minister of Health, Wael al-Halqi said that establishing a health center in Adra came in line with cooperation between the Ministry and the civil sector to improve health services.

He added that the center is equipped with all medical equipment and medicine, including those for diabetic , heart and high-blood pressure patients and vaccines for children.

Al-Halqi stressed the Ministry’s continuous efforts to meet the citizens’ growing health needs, particularly in the affected areas.

People of Golan Refute Allegations of Zionist Media, Stress Adherence to Syrian Identity

Jul 10, 2012

QUNEITRA, (SANA) – People of the occupied Syrian Golan reiterated their adherence to the Syrian nationality and their rejection to all practices of the Israeli occupation forces.

In a statement made by religious and social bodies in Majdal Shams town, people of Golan refuted the allegations of Zionist media outlets saying that they halted excommunication measures against the Syrians who accepted the Israeli IDs.

They stressed their commitment to the national document made on March 31st 1981, adding that the Golan is an integral part of the homeland, Syria.

Sheikh Atef Shaalan from Ein Qniyyeh town told SANA that “We are Syrian Arab people, we were and we’ll continue to be. occupation will go eventually as several armies came to this region and went out throughout centuries.”

Sheikh Hayel Sharaf from the occupied town of Mas’ada said that “These media allegations are an attempt to target the people of the occupied Golan as they preserved their Arab identity despite more than four decades of occupation.”

Hassan Fakhr Eddin from the occupied town of Majdal Shams said that the ‘excommunication’ measure is taken against any person from the Golan who disobeys the will of his society and refuses the national principles

275 Citizens Involved in Recent Events Set Free

Jul 10, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- 275 citizens who got involved in the recent events in the country and whose hands are clear of the Syrian blood were released on Tuesday in a seventh process of the kind.

Syria’s Naval, Land and Air Forces Conduct Military Exercises with Live Ammunitions

Jul 08, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian armed forces continued on Sunday their military exercises for the second consecutive day with high performance as the anti-submarine vessels in cooperation with the navy helicopters searched for proposed enemy submarines and destroyed them.

The coastal artillery also took part in the military exercises against vessels offshore, while the Syrian frogmen commandos and other forces performed marine landing and airdrop  to storm and free any given site from enemies.

The Syrian armored units performed a tactical exercise with live ammunition involving various kinds of weapons, including aircrafts, helicopters and artillery.

The Syrian forces which took part in those military exercises proved high performance and coordination among various units.

Terrorists Confess to Committing Murder, Rape, Abduction, Robbery and Smuggling Weapons and Gunmen

Jul 09, 2012

HOMS, (SANA) – The Syrian TV broadcast on Sunday the confessions of four terrorists who admitted to committing murder, rape, abduction and robbery, in addition to smuggling weapons and gunmen, in Homs countryside.

Terrorist Abdelkafi Abdelhamid Bakkour, a farmer born in Homs in 1980, said that he started off by being part of group that attempted to incite people to protest, and his job was to transport protestors from mosques to squares in the town of al-Qseir.

Afterwards, he and his cohorts were offered money to bear arms, and they accepted and received a rifle, a backpack, four magazine and two grenades each. They started by attacking an intelligence detachment and setting up a roadblock in al-Qseir.

Bakkour and his cohorts would halt passing cars and rob the passengers of their money, gold and mobile phones, and once he abducted two women and took them to nearby fields where he raped them then let them go.

Afterwards, Bakkour and some members of his group accompanied an empty fuel tanker into Lebanon in order to smuggle weapons into Syria, and they filled the tanker with 30 rifles and ammo, then they delivered the weapons to a man called Abu Jaafar Bakkar in al-Bayouda area.

Bakkour and his group smuggled weapons from Lebanon to Syria several times using motorbikes, delivering shipments containing 30 rifles and ammo each, adding that he wanted to become a professional weapon smuggler, so he tried to approach their contact in Lebanon who provided the weapons, a Syrian called Mehiddin Jarban, and asked him about his sources, and after initially refusing to divulge them, Jarban said that the weapons came from the Future Movement in Lebanon, and that they’re the ones supporting him.

He also confessed to attacking the municipal building in al-Qseir with his group, opening heavy fire on it, only to learn later that they killed four people.

In turn, terrorist Ahmad Amin Fayyad, a farmer from al-Qseir area, said that he started off by joining protests then he was recruited by Ahmad Amon who was forming an armed group.

Amon gave each member of the group a rifle and instructed them to attack military checkpoints, and so they attacked two checkpoints, then Amon told them to smuggle weapons from Lebanon to Syria, and they did as they were told and delivered 60 rifles, 5 sniper rifles, grenades and ammo to Amon, who paid them SYP 25,000 for bringing the weapons, and at a later time they smuggled four journalists from Lebanon into Syria and escorted them to their headquarters where they stayed for a day then left with Amon.

Fayyad also confessed to setting up a roadblock on al-Aboudiye road and robbing cars that passed buys, stealing phones, money and sometimes various things they found in the cars.

Similarly, terrorist Haitham Mohammad al-Qassem, born in al-Houla in 1975, said that a man called Khalil asked him to form a detachment and contacted a man called Mohammad Saad Shamseddin to provide them with weapons. He met Shamseddin and agreed to begin taking weapons one a time, either an RPG launcher or an AK-47 rifle, and al-Qassem was paid SYP 10 to 15 thousand per shipment.

Al-Qassem went on to say that he joined the detachment formed by Khalil, which consisted of civilians only, and they took control of a cement warehouse to use as headquarters.

He said that they started off by abducting two women and raping them, and afterwards they abducted two other women and attempted to rape them but they resisted, so they murdered them and dumped their body.

Al-Qassem said that they then began attacking checkpoints and security points, beginning with Teldo police department and a security checkpoint, followed by two more, then he was instructed to go to Damascus countryside since he was a driver by profession and wouldn’t arouse suspicion.

He met his contact in Damascus Countryside who gave him medicine, SYP 50,000 and gold bracelets, but he was halted by a military security patrol in al-Houla area and arrested.

For his part, terrorist Salman Khaled al-Kurdi, born in Telkalakh in 1990, said that he had been smuggling cigarettes and weapons from 2010 and throughout the events.

Al-Kurdi was approached by two men, Mohannad al-Hasan and Hammoud al-Leili, who asked him to smuggle weapons to armed groups and he agreed, and began smuggling firearms from a village called Jenin to the village of al-Ameriya, receiving the weapons from a Lebanese man and two others then delivering them to two others who distributed them among armed groups in Telkalakh, al-Zara and al-Hosn areas.

He confessed to smuggling 11 weapon shipments, one of which included wireless communication devices. Each shipment consisted of 10 rifles equipped with scopes, 5 rocket launchers, and FAL and M16 rifles.

Al-Kurdi said that upon the instructions of al-Hasan and al-Leili, he began smuggling members of Islamist groups into Syria, smuggling 23 fully-armed men and receiving SYP 5000 for each gunmen he brought into Syria. He added that the gunmen were Lebanese and that they were distributed among various areas, with most of them ending up in al-Hosn Citadel (Krak des Chevaliers).

Authorities Clash with Terrorists in Homs and Deir Ezzor, Terrorists Kill Three Civilians and Attack TV Crew, Infiltration Attempt from Turkey Foiled

Jul 08, 2012

PROVINCES, (SANA)_ The authorities on Sunday clashed with armed terrorist groups which were attacking citizens and the law-enforcement forces in al-Qseir city in Homs countryside.

A source in Homs Province told SANA reporter that the clash resulted in the killing and injury of a number of terrorists in addition to destroying two cars equipped with machinegun.

The source added that two members of the law-enforcement forces were wounded.

The authorities also clashed with terrorists in al-Qseir countryside, killing a number of terrorists including their leader Khaled al-Shabab, and confiscating their weapons. The authorities sustained no casualties or injuries.

Authorities Clash with Terrorists in al-Hosn Town in Homs

The authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group that attacked citizens and law-enforcement members in al-Hosn town in Talkalakh countryside, inflicting heavy losses among them.

SANA correspondent quoted an informed source in the governorate as saying that among the terrorists killed in the clash were the terrorists Haitham Meri, Khaled Zyad Safar and Odai Jamal Safar.

Tunnel Used by Terrorist Groups Found in Homs

The authorities discovered a tunnel that was used by armed terrorist groups to move between the neighborhoods of al-Khalidiya and al-Baiyada through al-Qahira roundabout.

A source told SANA reporter that the tunnel was found to include explosive devices and an amount of ammunition, indicating that it was used by the gunmen to smuggle and store arms.

Authorities Clash with Armed Groups in Deir Ezzor, Killing and Wounding a Number of Terrorists

The authorities clashed with gunmen who were shooting and attacking the public and private properties in Mohasan town in Deir Ezzor, causing huge losses among them.

A source in Deir Ezzor Province told SANA reporter that the clash resulted in destroying two cars equipped with machineguns.

The source added that the authorities also clashed with another armed group in al-Mayadin city killing a number of its members.

Dentist Assassinated by Terrorists in His Clinic in Jouber, Damascus

An armed terrorist group on Saturday evening assassinated the dentist Ali Jamil Abbas in his clinic in Jouber area in Damascus.

A source at Damascus Police Department told SANA reporter that four veiled terrorists stormed Dr. Abbas’ clinic around 9 pm, shooting him several times in the head.

Citizen and Son Martyred in Jdaydet Artouz in Damascus Countryside

An armed terrorist group opened fire and killed a citizen and his son in Jdaydet Artouz in Damascus countryside.

SANA correspondent quoted a police source in the governorate as saying that the armed group broke into a shop owned by the citizen Haitham Jameel Muhammad in al-Baladieh Street and opened fire on him and his son Wi’am, 21 years-old, causing their immediate death.

Terrorists Attack Syrian TV Crew Near Hosn Village Roundabout in Homs Countryside

An armed terrorist group attacked a news crew from the Syrian TV near the Hosn village roundabout in Homs Countryside, injuring driver Salah Ayoub and shattering the glass of the crew’s car.

Infiltration Attempt by Terrorist Group Coming from Turkey Foiled

In Idleb province, the authorities foiled an attempt of infiltration by an armed terrorist group that was trying to enter the Syrian territories from the Turkish land at al-Fouz site in Jisr al-Shughour.

SANA reporter quoted a source in the province as saying that the authorities clashed with the group’s members and killed and injured a number of terrorists, while the rest managed to flee away back into Turkey.

This is the second time within two days the authorities foil infiltration attempts of terrorists coming from Turkey.

Last Friday, a similar attempt was foiled near Bab al-Hawa site on the borders with Turkey.

The source added that members of the military engineering units dismantled two explosive devices, weighing 40-50 kg, that were planted by an armed terrorist group on Jisr al-Shughour-Ariha road to target citizens and law enforcement personnel.

Plans to Boost Industrialists’ Work and Increase Production and Export Capacity

Jul 08, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Prime Minister, Dr. Riyad Hijab, on Sunday stressed the government’s commitment to providing all forms of support to the Syrian industry to enable it increase its production and export capacity and competitiveness in foreign markets.

Hijab was speaking during a meeting with the head and members of the Board of Directors of Damascus and Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry.

He called for boosting cooperation and integration between the government and the Syrian chambers of industry to develop the industrial sector and overcoming the difficulties and obstacles it is suffering from at the current stage.

It was initially agreed during the meeting on allotting the needed land for Damascus and Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry to establish industrial parks for the small and tiny facilities, a plan aimed to boost industrial production, and taking the required measures and procedures to start setting up these parks.

Another meeting was held between the Minister of Finance with the members of the ministries of industry and economy, the Central Bank of Syria and Damascus and Damascus Countryside Chamber of Industry to study the financial issues of interest to the industrialists.

Talks discussed activating the role of the Exporters’ Union through opening new foreign offices in the friendly countries to promote the industrial products in the foreign markets.

Information Minister Stresses Support to Journalists, Increasing Their Union’s Allocations

Jul 08, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Information Minister, Omran al-Zubei, stressed that the media in Syria is media of the state with all its components, on top being the Syrian people with its spectrums, and not that of partisan or political media.

During the General Conference of the Journalists’ Union, held at al-Wahda Institution, al-Zubei said media should be free and independent and not subject to anybody’s guardianship and governed only by the authority of the judiciary.

He referred to President Bashar al-Assad’s directives in terms of regulating the situation of all the workers in the media sector and meeting the journalists’ demands as much as possible, stressing the point of not cancelling anyone’s contract or firing anyone except for corruption-related cases.

The Minister stressed on offering every possible thing to continue supporting retired journalists, highlighting the necessity of embracing skills and talents.

He voiced the Ministry’s desire to increase the Journalists’ Union’s allocations from the state budget and provide all forms of support to the National Media Council to enable it to carry out its tasks properly.

The Syrian journalists hailed the sacrifices of the Syrian Arab Army to restore security and stability to the country, stressing that the journalists will remain the soldiers that defend the nation.

They discussed a number of issues related to their job conditions and the difficulties that may face their tasks.

Palestinian Figures in al-Jaleel Express Solidarity with Syria and Its Leadership

Jul 08, 2012

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, (SANA)- The Popular Front for Defending the Syrian People and Its National Leadership on Sunday held an event to express solidarity with Syria in Shaab village in al-Jaleel.

A number of Muslim and Christian clergymen participated in the event, in addition to national figures and a huge crowd of the different spectrums of the Palestinian society, along with delegations from Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan.

The participants expressed full solidarity with Syria, leadership and people, considering the conspiracy hatched against Syria as a targeting of the whole Arab nations.

They denounced the instigative media campaign against Syria asking for boycotting the tendentious ad biased media outlets and voicing strong condemnation of the terrorist attack which recently targeted the Syrian al-Akhbariya TV channel and all other terrorist attacks and bombings in the country.

They saluted the Syrian Arab Army, saying it is a symbol of the unity of Syria and its people, calling upon the Syrians to cooperate and stand together to stop the violence and foil the conspiracy against their homeland.

Haidar: Everyone in Syria Except a Few Agree that the Only Way Out is Through a National Project

Jul 08, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – State Minister for National Reconciliation Affairs Dr. Ali Haidar stressed the need to form an establishment responsible for national reconciliation in Syria, stressing that everyone in Syria except a few agree that the only way out of the crisis is through a national project that benefits everybody and doesn’t exclude anybody.

In an interview with the Syrian TV on Sunday, Haidar said that this is why national reconciliation is the headline of the current government’s program, noting that the government started working since its first meeting with the idea that reconciliation is the main issue, adding that the government has already prepared a main outline and structure for moving on with this project.

He pointed out that national reconciliation isn’t about reconciling two disputing sides; rather it’s about building a nationwide reconciliation based on the unanimous acknowledgment by all Syrians that there’s a crisis that must be overcome.

Haidar called on all Syrians to work for finding a way out of the crisis and erasing the effects of the past through compassion and justice.

He noted that his ministry quickly began working on the basis that an opinion cannot be formed before being well-informed, which is why it started tours of Syria to inspect the situation on the ground, visiting Hama, Homs and Damascus already to identify the current situation so that an executive work program can be devised to realize urgent and justified popular demands, which would reduce tension and prepare the atmosphere for a true national project on which all Syrians can agree.

Haidar concluded by stating that the National Reconciliation Ministry will have a spate headquarters and will rely chiefly on open interactions with all Syrians inside and abroad through phone lines that are standing by all day long, in additions to fax, email and an interactive website.

Two Terrorists Confess to Smuggling Weapons and Gunmen, Receiving Weapon Training from Turkish Security Forces

Jul 08, 2012

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Terrorists Mustafa Sharrouf and Sobhi Aswad confessed to smuggling gunmen and various types of weapons from Turkey to Syria, and that one of them received weapon training from Turkish security forces at the so-called refugee camps.

In confessions broadcast by the Syrian TV on Saturday, Sharrouf, a 22 year-old Idleb native, said that he and his cousin Alaa Sharrouf and Samer Bakkoure smuggle weapons from Turkey to Syria and smuggling people into Turkey from Syria.

Sharrouf said that a man called Mohammad al-Tabak asked his cousin to provide him with weapons, so they sold him 12 pump-action shotguns with 18 boxes or rounds, and 11 PKC machineguns with its ammo.

Later, while on a smuggling run to bring more weapons for al-Tabak, the terrorists were arrested by the Turkish police who sent them to a “refugee camp” in Yayladagi, and there they were distributed among groups, with Sharrouf’s group numbering around 50.

Sharrouf and his group were trained to use firearms by Turkish officers, then after 25 days he and his cohorts were released and returned to smuggling, bringing al-Tabak anti-air missiles, 6 sniper rifles, 5 machineguns, 10 automatic rifles, 30 grenades, and military uniforms. Their last weapon shipment before being arrested consisted of 11 automatic rifles and 18 pump-action shotguns.

For his part, terrorist Aswad, born in 1980, said he started off smuggling fuel and cows into Turkey with a man called Hussam al-Shahoud, and then they moved on to smuggling weapons after striking a deal with a man in Turkey called Suheil Karadabasht who transported weapons to the Turkish side of the borders, while Aswad and al-Shahoud brought them into Syria through Orontes River and stored them in the latter’s basement.

Aswad said that the weapons then were distributed among terrorist groups by a man called Abdelkader Hajjar and his brothers.

He went on to say that he visited his cousin who lives in Izmir and works in Antioch, and the latter took him to a camp in Rihaniya, where he met people who warned him that visiting the camp was dangerous because he could be arrested by the Turkish security forces and transported to a shelter in Antioch, and they expressed regret over coming to the camp as the Turkish security forces abuse and mistreat them and prevent them from returning to Syria or leaving the camp.

Aswad said that he also visited the camp in Yayladagi, which had a hospital nearby along with a training camp where gunmen from Syria were trained.

President al-Assad to Cumhuriyet Newspaper: Base of Syrian-Turkish Relations is the Relation between the two Peoples

Damascus, (SANA) – The Cumhurieyt Turkish daily today published part of an interview it conducted with H.E. President Bashar al-Assad about the events in Syria and regional and international developments. A group of Turkish media, including Cumhurieyt, represented by Utku Cakirozer, Kanal D, CNN Turk and Posta newspaper, represented by Mehmet Ali Birand, and Hurriyet newspaper represented by Ertugrul Ozkok, and Radikal newspaper represented by Fehim Tastekin, and Haberturk newspaper represented by Amberin Zaman, requested interviews with President al-Assad. Based on Syria’s policy of opening up to the mass media, it was agreed to grant an interview to the abovementioned media organs. However, four of the representatives of these organs were not able to come to Syria to conduct the interview after they were contacted by the director of the office of the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, asking them not to conduct the interview.

Following is the full text of the interview:

Journalist: Mr. President, will the current tension in the relations between Syria and Turkey, caused by Syria’s downing of the Turkish aircraft, lead to a confrontation between the two sides, as the Turkish leadership believes?

President Assad: This period is full of events and developments, and it is a historical period during which the map of the whole region is being drawn. I think this is perhaps similar to what happened a hundred years ago when the Ottoman Empire declined and fell. Then, there was conflict between the Arabs and the Turks. As far as we are concerned, our vision during the past twelve years, i.e. since the first visit of President Sezer to Syria is to change this historical image, to delete it completely from the Arab mind. We have always said that the period of historical differences taught us plenty of lessons.

The Arabs lost and the Turks lost. So, it is unreasonable to go back suddenly to that stage so that we lose and you lose. During the past fifteen months, i.e. since the crisis began, we tried to work on more than one front. First, to solve the internal crisis in Syria and confront the terrorists. Second, to try and maintain what we have achieved in the Syrian-Turkish relations. We found that with every speech, with every step, with every decision taken by the current Turkish government there was an attempt to destroy these relations. I can say that they have been able to destroy most of what we have built. But what has remained is the foundation which consists of the relationship between the two peoples. So, in answer to your question, I would like to say that we will continue to work hard in Syria so that things do not reach the stage of confrontation. This confrontation is a losing one for Syria and for Turkey. Nevertheless, I think that this is happening only on the government level. On the popular level, the Turkish people are intelligent and fully aware of what is going on and will not allow – as we will not – things to lead to confrontation. The Turkish people know that this Turkish government wants to drag it to a confrontation for private interests, not for national interests.

Journalist: Mr. President, you said that you will not allow things to move in this direction. What is Syria’s position concerning the downing of the Turkish aircraft, and concerning the statements made by the Turkish government and the Turkish state to the effect that Syria downed the aircraft intentionally and under instructions from President al-Assad directly?

President Assad: Maybe they were sitting with me in the same room. This is ridiculous. We should ask logical questions. There are two options: that we downed it deliberately, as they claim, or that we downed it by mistake outside our territorial waters. If there was a mistake, and we downed the aircraft outside our territorial waters, we have no problem to say so and to apologize officially. The Turkish people will understand this. But if we downed it deliberately, the logical question is: what is Syria’s interest in downing a Turkish aircraft deliberately? Do we hate the Turkish people?! Do we want to send them a certain message? This is untrue, because the Turkish people reciprocated our love and affection during the past years. And during the crisis, the largest part of the Turkish people did not believe the claims of the Erdogan government. Did we down the aircraft in order to harm the Turkish army?! The Turkish army committed no aggression against Syria, so why should we attack it? What happened in fact is that the aircraft was downed with the smallest caliber gun used against aircraft. Its range is between two and two and a half kilometers. Usually, it’s very difficult for anti-aircraft guns to down a fighter jet unless it is flying too low. This means that downing it with this type of gun means that it was less than 2.5 kilometers from Syrian land and that it was flying at a very low altitude. In normal situations, and in peacetime, when you see a friendly aircraft from any country of the world doing this, you don’t down it, let alone if it were from a neighboring country like Turkey. But we are in a state of war, and when you do not know the identity of such an aircraft, you assume that it is an enemy aircraft. Usually, this kind of thing is not dealt with at the central level. Because the aircraft was flying at a very low altitude, it was not visible on Syrian radar screens. What happened was the following: we knew that we downed an unidentified aircraft, and Turkey announced the disappearance of one of its aircraft. So we expected that this aircraft was Turkish. No Turkish party contacted us. We contacted the Turkish side. The direct relationship between the Turkish and Syrian armies is fully severed upon a decision by the Turkish side, so we called the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Hours later, we received an answer and rescue boats were sent to the site. Of course, there was Syrian-Turkish cooperation in order to rescue the pilots. But the point which was not talked about is that the place which was violated was the same place which Israel has always tried to violate our airspace through. So this violation on this border point gives an indication to any Syrian military officer that the aircraft might be an enemy aircraft, and consequently he has to respond accordingly based on the velocity of the aircraft, the low altitude it was flying at, and the fact that it violated our airspace. Once again I stress that the Syrian side had no knowledge of the identity of the aircraft before downing it.

Journalist: The question now, Mr. President, why wasn’t the aircraft warned?

President Assad: Had it appeared centrally on the radar screen, it would have been warned. But when a soldier is behind his gun, and has no mechanism for sending a warning, and the military rules applied as far as such guns are concerned, are that when you see an aircraft, and you don’t have any information or instructions that an aircraft will be passing from that particular place, you shoot it. These are the standing military rules: the soldier shoots without going back to command and control, because the whole issue happens in a matter of seconds.

Journalist: Didn’t the aircraft appear on Syrian radars at all?

President Assad: Maybe it appeared on the radar screens when it was flying at a high altitude and was outside territorial waters. Inside territorial waters, the issue is different, and we all know that, we are talking about 20 kilometers and an aircraft usually takes a minute or maybe less to cover that distance. When an aircraft is flying at a low altitude the radar screens cannot catch it. The evidence is that when the Israeli aircraft that violated the same area in order to bomb a Syrian military site in 2007, Syrian radars did not see them. More importantly, there are no anti-aircraft missiles in that area which can reach beyond the limits of the territorial waters. So, the things said about this point are mere lies made up by some Turkish officials.

Journalist: The Turkish army said that it is in possession of communications made by Syrian officials on Syrian radars related to downing the Turkish aircraft, and it called on all the countries which possess eavesdropping equipment, satellites, and military bases in the region, like Cyprus, to present what they have in this regard.

President Assad: Let them publish what they have. But they are lying. We downed the aircraft, and we didn’t know its identity until it was announced by Turkey. Once again, I ask those who are saying this to state what is Syria’s interest in downing a Turkish aircraft? They don’t have an answer, although up till this moment, we are not dealing with the issue in terms of an aircraft sent to violate Syrian airspace. Up till now, we want to assume goodwill, that there was a mistake made by the pilot maybe. We in Syria dealt with the subject as we deal with any other accident.

Journalist: Mr. President, what did you feel when you were informed that a Turkish aircraft was downed?

President Assad: Psychologically, it wasn’t pleasant, because the Turkish people are brotherly people, so it is natural that you shouldn’t be pleased if an aircraft was downed unless it is an enemy aircraft. As far as we are concerned, the enemy is Israel only. But on the other hand, we felt that Erdogan and his government want to exploit this accident in order to make political gains they were not able to make last year. They haven’t been able to mobilize the Turkish people behind them on the Syrian issue during the past 15 months. They tried to create a case of animosity between the two peoples instead of having differences between the two governments. And this is a dangerous thing.

Journalist: Mr. President, you are telling the Turkish people that the aircraft was not downed deliberately by the Syrians, and you gave a different interpretation of the incident. But on the other hand, there are two pilots, two young people, killed in this accident, and they are victims whether they were sent deliberately or unintentionally. So, what do you say to the families of these two pilots, knowing that one of them was going to be sent on a space mission?

President Assad: Despite Erdogan’s policies which cause the Syrian people only blood and destruction, and regardless of this Turkish government which wants death for our people, we wish the Turkish people well, for it is a brotherly people. As far as we are concerned, there is no discussion about this. When a Turkish citizen dies, this means the death of a brother of ours.  So we offer their families our deepest condolences. We appreciate what we heard from the father of one of these two pilots when he addressed Erdogan by saying “the person killed is my son, and we do not want this incident to be manipulated in order to cause war.” This is an honorable position and is worthy of our respect. We certainly feel for them and sympathize with them. Since they are our brothers, we feel that the loss of any Turkish citizen is the same as the loss of a Syrian citizen, regardless, as I said, of Erdogan’s policies.

Journalist: Did you wish that the incident had never happened?

President Assad: We do not wish for such an incident to happen with any non-hostile aircraft, let alone with a Turkish aircraft. But on the other hand, any unidentified aircraft, an in the same circumstances, even if it the aircraft were Syrian, it would be considered an enemy aircraft. These are military rules of engagement, not political rules, and I believe that they exist in most countries of the world.

Journalist: Mr. President, what do you say to the fact that the two pilots who were killed do not belong to the Turkish government or state. With full appreciation for your sentiments towards them, what do you say to their families and to the Turkish people?

President Assad: This is natural, but these two pilots are part of the military establishment, and what you are proposing should be done through the direct relations between the two military establishments, and this has ceased to exist completely, i.e. there is no direct relationship between the two armies. There was supposed to be direct communication during the incident, but this did not happen.

Journalist: Communications are absent in relation to this incident alone?

President Assad: No, communications were stopped over six months ago by the Turkish government, specifically since the changes which took place in the Turkish army. You know that in neighboring countries, there is always the possibility for similar incident which needs direct coordination between the armed forces. Now the Syrian military establishment doesn’t have the phone numbers of the Turkish military if they wanted to communicate with them for any emergency. When we tried to contact them earlier through the military attaché, he said that contacts should be made through the foreign ministry. This is not practical, but all of that was upon a decision by the Turkish government and not by the Syrian side.

Journalist: Mr. President, the Turkish side claims that a point of strength for it case is the fact that this is a reconnaissance aircraft which doesn’t carry any weapons or any kind of protection. So why was it downed?

President Assad: Military rules are not related to the type, task or armament of an aircraft. The fighter or the solider sitting behind the gun doesn’t know whether this aircraft is a reconnaissance aircraft, a fighter aircraft, or whether it’s carrying missiles or not, whether it entered that area by mistake or whether it was carrying out a hostile act. He cannot make his own estimates. But there is a question in return to this question: why didn’t they notify us that there are aircraft approaching the Syrian airspace. Had there been coordination between the two armies, we would have been told about their exercises. Then it would have been easier to deal with such situations. The Turkish side should publically say what this aircraft was doing in Syrian airspace. Nevertheless, we are not demanding these things because we consider it an accident.

Journalist: The Turkish government now sees that in Syria there is an enemy government and regime, and they started to deploy military forces on the Syrian borders as a result of the last crisis. How do you see Turkey, and what is the Syrian response to what they are doing?

President Assad: The worst two stages in the Syrian-Turkish relations were in 1998 when Turkey deployed its army, and in the 1950s – I believe in 1955 – during the days of the Baghdad Alliance. Nevertheless, we have never looked at Turkey as an enemy. So it is self-evident that neither today nor in the future shall we look at Turkey as an enemy, even when we have differences with the governments. For animosity to exist between Syria and Turkey, that animosity should exist at the popular level, not at the government level. That’s why there’s no Syrian deployment against Turkey.

Journalist: Mr. President, there is talk in Turkey about new rules of engagement to the effect that any Syrian aircraft, tank, or piece of artillery coming close to the Turkish borders, will be shot at. What are your comments on that?

President Assad: No state has the right to fire unless its land has been encroached into.

Journalist: Let’s assume that a Syrian tank or aircraft was targeted?

President Assad: This is a hypothetical question, but we do not want things to move in that direction between Syria and Turkey. When they target anything inside Syrian borders, this is an aggression against Syria.

Journalist: What is you assessment of the Geneva Summit yesterday, particularly the points Kofi Annan talked about?

President Assad: There hasn’t been any direct contact between us and Kofi Annan or the Russians. But there were clear points in what Kofi Annan and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said. First, that the Syrian people decide, and this is our position in Syria. Violence should stop first, and this is our position in Syria. The armed groups should be disarmed, and this is our position. Hands stained with Syrian blood, as Kofi Annan said, do not exist only in Syria, but outside Syria as well. This shows the role of the other countries which have been involved. These points are essential for us, but the most important thing is that everything should be decided inside Syria, not outside it.

Journalist: Is there anything you didn’t like in what Kofi Annan said in his statement yesterday?

President Assad: As long as everything is subject to Syrian sovereignty, anything else can be discussed. We do not like anything that interferes with Syrian sovereignty. Yesterday, Annan said that everything should be decided by the Syrian people, and we are happy with that.

Journalist: I don’t know, Mr. President, if you followed Clinton’s statement in the press conference in which she said that she understood from what Kofi Annan said that President al-Assad should go. How did you understand what Clinton said?

President Assad: For us, what American officials say has no credibility in general. Second, the American position is already hostile to Syria in this crisis. They are part of the problem. They support the terrorists very clearly. That’s why we are not very interested in what this or that official says during this crisis.

Journalist: What’s important is how you understood what Kofi Annan said, not what Clinton or Lavrov said. How did you understand the result of the Geneva conference?

President Assad: The basic point which concerns us is that everything should be decided by the Syrian people. This is what we are interested in understanding. This is what concerns us: protecting our sovereignty and non-interference in our internal affairs.

Journalist: There was talk in the Geneva conference yesterday about a transition in Syria, with or without President al-Assad, and about internal, regional and international demands that should be implemented in order to complete the reform process. What is your position in that regard?

President Assad: Regionally and internationally they have nothing to do with us. We do not accept anything imposed on us from the outside. Everything will be decided internally. If I personally were interested in just holding this office, I would have implemented America’s dictates and the demands made through petrodollars, I would have accepted to sell my stances and principles in return for petrodollars, and what’s more important, I would have accepted the installation of a missile shield in Syria.

Journalist: If this process meant that you abandon your office in order to save your people and save Syria, would you do that?

President Assad: If the president’s departure is in the interest of Syria, the president should naturally go. This is self-evident. You should never stay in office one day if the people do not want you; and the elections are the means through which the people show whether they want you or not.

Journalist: This means that you are not thinking of staying in this office forever?

President Assad: I have just said that the office doesn’t mean anything to me. What is important is what I achieve. I am a person who likes to achieve.

Authorities Clash with Terrorists in Homs, Deir Ezzor, Aleppo… Terrorists Abduct Citizens in Idleb Countryside

PROVINCES, (SANA)- The competent authorities stormed terrorists dens in al-Qseir area in Homs countryside on Monday and seized a warehouse for explosive devices.

A source in Homs Province told SANA reporter that 25 explosive devices weighing 30 to 40 kg for each, were found in the warehouse and were ready for remote detonation.

The source added that the authorities also confronted an armed terrorist group which attacked the law-enforcement forces in al-Nizariya town, killing a number of terrorists.

In Aleppo, the authorities also stormed a house which was used by an armed terrorist group in al-Meridyan Neighborhood.

A source in Aleppo Province said that the authorities arrested 5 terrorists and seized their weapons.

Terrorists Abduct Citizens, Including Women and Children, in Idleb Countryside

An armed terrorist group abducted a number of citizens from the town of Maaret Masrin in Idleb countryside, with a source at the province telling SANA’s correspondent that the abducted include women in children.

In salkin area, a terrorist group attacked several neighborhoods and burned down a number of houses.

Engineering Units Dismantle IEDs in Idleb and Hama

Engineering units dismantled 10 IEDs (improvised explosive devices) planted by terrorists in several neighborhoods in Idleb city, with a source from the units saying that the IEDs ranging in weight from 30 to 80 kilograms, and that one of them was mounted on a motorbike.

In Hama, engineering units detonated an IED planted by terrorists in al-Qusur neighborhood without resulting in any injuries or damages.

Authorities Clash with Terrorists and Storm a Hideout in Deir Ezzor

Authorities in Deir Ezzor clashed with terrorists who were attacking citizens, looting and committing sabotage acts in al-Jubailiyeh and al-Arafi neighborhoods in the city.

A source in the province told SANA reporter that the clash resulted in killing many terrorists and destroying their six cars.

The source added that the authorities, after information by the locals, stormed a terrorist hideout in al-Sina’a neighborhood in Deir Ezzor and seized large amount of weapons including machineguns, grenades and a mortar, in addition to dismantling large number of explosive devices.

Authorities Confront Armed Terrorist Group who Attacked Branch of Omran Establishment in Aleppo Countryside

In Aleppo, the authorities confronted an armed terrorist group who attacked the branch of Omran Establishment in Deir Hafer area in Aleppo countryside and tried to burglarize its cars.

SANA reporter said that many terrorists were injured and the leader of the terrorist group was arrested, in addition to destroying the three cars which the terrorists were driving.

In Mesraba in Damascus Countryside, the authorities stormed a terrorist hideout and seized large amounts of sugar that were stolen from al-Shifouniyeh warehouses in Douma, in addition to 10 kg of Heroin and a number of explosive devices.

Authorities Seize Factory for Making Explosives in Douma

Authorities in Douma in Damascus Countryside seized a store that was used by terrorists to make explosive devices.

The seized materials included gas cylinders, bombs, stolen medical equipment, communication devices and cloths.

Engineering units dismantle two explosives put inside a car in Aleppo

Engineering units today dismantled two explosives put inside a white KIA RIO car, parked at Merza street in Aleppo.

A source told SANA that the first explosive which weighs 30 KG was put inside the package of the car while the second, weighs 3 KG was put in the back seat.

It added that the driver of the stolen car was arrested.

Lavrov: Western Countries Try to Twist Results of Geneva Meeting

MOSCOW, (SANA) – The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday said that some western countries are trying to distort the results of the Geneva meeting on Syria’s crisis.

During a press conference with Vietnam’s Foreign Minister in Moscow, Lavrov said that sadly, some representatives of the Syrian opposition started to announce that Geneva resolutions are unacceptable for them, adding that at the same time some participants in the Geneva meeting began distorting the results with their statements.

He affirmed that there’s no need to reinterpret the results of the Geneva meeting because these results are exactly what was written in the statement, and that the agreements reached during the meeting must be followed, stressing that Russia’s stance on this matter is honest.

“We aren’t trying to distort facts as if they mean something more than what is written in the text,” Lavrov said, underlining the importance of refraining from resorting to unsafe reinterpretations; rather everyone must coordinate and pressure all the sides relevant to the Syria process for the sole purpose of ending violence and holding talks.

Lavrov described the Geneva meeting as an important step to unite efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement for the crisis in Syria and setting aside attempts to solve the issue by military means, adding that Geneva created new opportunities to achieve this end and that these opportunities must be seized.

He stressed the need for an immediate start of dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition groups.

Regarding the meeting of the so-called “friends of Syria” in Paris, Lavrov said that Russia won’t participate in it because the need to do so has become redundant after the Geneva meeting.

He noted that the so-called “friends of Syria” group sought from the beginning to support a single group of the Syrian opposition which is outside Syria, not the opposition inside, and that Russia has honestly revealed the reasons for not joining this group, voicing belief that the Geneva meeting removed the need for other forums such as the one set to take place in Paris.

Lavrov affirmed that Russia cannot share the goals of the aforementioned group because those goals seek to escalate confrontations, not create an atmosphere for a comprehensive Syrian dialogue removed from foreign interference, underlining the contradiction between the group’s name and its goals, saying that the name contradicts their actions.

He also said that the Russian Ambassador in Egypt will work on convincing the Syrian opposition to unite their stances concerning the peaceful settlement of the crisis, and that the Ambassador is  participating in the Syrian’s opposition’s conference.

“Moscow calls for unifying the Syrian opposition in preparation for dialogue with the Syrian authorities as is stipulated in Annan’s plan which was approved by the Security Council… In accordance with that, we consider our participation in Cairo meeting which aims at unifying the Syrian opposition a logical matter,”  Lavrov concluded

Al-Hamwi Calls on Countries to Boycott Agricultural Products Originating from Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Arab Lands

GENEVA, (SANA) – Syria’s Representative at the United Nations office in Geneva Dr. Faisal al-Hamwi called upon the countries of the world to refrain immediately from refraining agricultural products produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Arab lands.

In a speech during a session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday to discuss the “state of human rights in Palestine and other occupied Arab lands,” al-Hamwi said that the aforementioned products are, in the eyes of international law, stolen and illegal products.

He underlined the Israeli occupation forces’ methodical violation of human rights in occupied Palestine and the occupied Syrian Golan, which include practices such as seizing lands and farms, preventing the Syrians in the Golan from exporting their cross under the seeing eye of the International Committee of the Red Cross which used to help market these crops on annual basis.

Al-Hamwi affirmed that the goals behind Israel’s practices is to force the people of the occupied Golan to emigrate and leave their lands so that it may construct more Israeli settlements, which already number over 40 settlements in which over 40,000 settlers live.

He went on to note that Israel continues to uproot fruit-bearing trees and confiscate lands to build turbines for generating electricity on them, in addition to its campaigns to excavate gas and oil and steal Golan’s water, despite the fact that international law forbids the exploitation of natural resources in occupied areas.

“The most dangerous thing done by the Israeli occupation authorities is building segregating walls… after the wall of shame erected in the West Bank, it began erecting segregating walls on the borders with Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon in Syria,” al-Hamwi said, adding that the occupation authorities is still detaining nine captives from the Golan in inhumane conditions that cause them to contract deadly illnesses which eventually claim their lives, which constitutes a blatant disregard for the 4th Geneva Convention and all principles of international humanitarian laws.

“Israel continues to torture detainees at a time when it promotes its image as the only democracy in the Middle East,” he said.

Al-Hamwi remarked that despite all of the aforementioned practices, none of those who support the Israeli occupation authorities called for holding a special session for condemning this series of crimes, because they consider Israel above accountability and above international law, while others are busy planning the internationalization of the Syrian crisis, the summoning of military intervention, and the active participation in shedding Syrian blood, while at the same time ignoring the deliberate tragedies, starvation, blockade and other human rights violations in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem and the occupied Syrian Golan.

“The Human Rights Council and the Higher Commission and the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – if they want to preserve their reputation as international organizations for achieving justice and  being just towards victims of violations – must not be silent over these Israeli violations of human rights nor submit to the threats of a side that practices state terrorism and commits massacres that many UN observers described as crimes against humanity.

“The few countries that defend Israel and find excuses for its crimes must cease this eclecticism and move to get the occupation authority to respect the principles of international humanitarian law and end the occupation of the Arab lands which must be restored to their owners,” he concluded.

Jalili Reiterates Iran’s Support to Syria

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili  stressed Iran’s support to Syria against the ferocious regional and international conspiracy.

He added that Syria is on the front line of resistance, reiterating Iran’s support to the reform process taking place in it.

Meeting Speaker of People’s Assembly Mohammad Jihad al-Laham in Tehran, Jalili condemned the pressure and threats that Syria is facing and the desperate attempts to undermine the determination of the Syrian people and Syria’s pioneering role.

Al-Laham stressed that the Syrian people’s steadfastness and their rallying around their leadership foiled all schemes hatched against Syria and its people.

He said that the Syrians support reforms and reject all forms of foreign interference in their affairs, adding that the Syrians are determined to move ahead with reforms despite the conspiracy and the news broadcast by misleading media.

Al-Laham hailed the role of China, Russia and Iran, their understanding of the current situation in Syria and what it faces, their support of what is right, their respect of other countries’ sovereignty and independence, and the fact that they never intervene in countries’ internal affairs.

He underlined that “the US and some mercenaries in the region try to impose their dictations on Syria in order to achieve the Zionist Entity’s goal to dominate the area.”

Later, al-Laham reviewed with heads of the parliamentary Committees at the Iranian Shura Council the situation in Syria and the conspiracy to which it is exposed.

Earlier, Speaker of the People’s Assembly Mohammad Jihad al-Laham stressed the importance of the Syrian-Iranian relations and the need to develop and activate them, particularly on the level of parliamentary cooperation.

In a statement upon his arrival in Tehran on Tuesday on a 3-day visit, Laham said that his visit aims at consolidating the parliamentary relations and exchanging views and full consultations and coordination between the Iranian Shura Council and the Syrian People’s Assembly to serve the interests of the two countries.

He underlined the importance of parliamentary coordination between the two countries, particularly in the light of the global conspiracy and the political, economic and media war waged against Syria.

Premier Hijab Asks  the Bodies Concerned to Speed up Renovation Works in Douma

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Prime Minister Dr. Riyad Hijab on Tuesday urged all the bodies concerned to speed up the rehabilitation and renovation works in Douma city in Damascus Countryside.

Chairing the Cabinet meeting, Hijab stressed the need to take the appropriate measures that enable inhabitants, who left the city because of the armed terrorist groups, to return to their houses.

Deputy Prime Minister for Services Affairs, Minister of Local Administration Eng. Omar Ghalawanji said that the rehabilitation and renovation works are to be implemented completely in a few days.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection Dr. Qadri Jamil briefed the ministers on the measures taken by the Ministry to fight monopoly and mitigate the effects of the crisis on the citizens.

Minister of State for National Reconciliation Affairs Dr. Ali Haidar talked about the efforts exerted by the Ministry in regard of national reconciliation, briefing the attendants on the Ministry’s meetings and visits to Hama and Homs provinces.

In a statement to the press after the session, Secretary General of the Cabinet Taisir al-Zoubi said that the ministers discussed the state of economy and services and the repercussions of the current crisis on the livelihood of citizens and the country in general, in addition to mechanisms for investing the available oil resources to reduce the burdens on citizens caused by the crisis.

Al-Zoubi underlined the steps being taken by the authorities to rehabilitate the infrastructure in areas affected by vandalism at the hands of terrorists, adding that the Cabinet also stressed the need to deal with the media directly and transparently.

He also said that the State Ministry for National Reconciliation Affairs laid basis for beginning reconciliation and assigned a team of volunteers for devising the necessary mechanism in this regard.

Regarding economy, al-Zoubi said that the government’s priority is providing citizens’ basic needs, and that the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection will establish a framework for alleviating the crisis, adding that in terms of foreign trade, the Cabinet also established new mechanisms for reconnecting with countries that used to import Syrian products to enhance trade with them and reduce the effects of unjust economic sanctions.

He went on to affirm that the government will pursue administrative reform, as the Cabinet reformed the Administrative Reform Committee, concluding by noting that the Cabinet approved the steps for distributing reparations of the Fund for Relieving the Effects of Drought and Natural Disasters among eligible and affected farmers and livestock breeders.

Rehabilitation and Maintenance Works in Douma City Continue

DAMASCUS COUNTRYSIDE, (SANA) – Minister of Health Wael al-Halqi stressed that the Ministry and Damascus Countryside Heath Directorate are working hard to rehabilitate Douma Hospital to resume provision of medical services to the people in Douma city and its surrounding after its equipment was sabotaged by the armed terrorist groups.

Touring al-Zahrawi and Red Crescent hospitals in Damascus, the Minister said that the emergency department and outpatient clinics in Douma will be back into service in the next few hours while services in other departments will be restored gradually.

Minister al-Halqi inspected the situation of health services provided in the two hospitals and the readiness of its departments, stressing the need for making necessary medicine and medical equipment available.

He said that the Ministry is committed to providing free health services to people who cannot afford treatment costs and those who were forced to move to another province due to the current circumstances and the terrorist acts in their provinces.

The Minister called for training resident doctors and improve their scientific level to upgrade the level of health care services in the hospital.

For his part, Governor of Damascus Countryside Hussein Makhlouf visited a number of government departments and buildings in the city of Douma and inspected the situation of the service facilities and the ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance works for the electricity, water and telephone departments.

He assured that the water networks in the city have restored normal function, while the repair works of the electricity network are going on to bring power transmission centers back to normal.

The Governor also toured the National Hospital in Douma, calling on Damascus Countryside Health Directorate to supply the hospital with the necessary medical equipment and medicine.

The Governor also toured the National Hospital in Douma, calling on Damascus Countryside Health Directorate to supply the hospital with the necessary medical equipment and medicine.

He stressed that all administration units’ staff are to resume work on Wednesday, giving directives to supply food baskets to the citizens once they return to the city.

He called on the residents of Douma to return to their homes since the city is now safe and all the necessary services have been restored

Leader of Turkish Labour Party: Government of Justice and Development Party Responsible for Killing Hundreds of Syrians

ANKARA, (SANA) – Leader of the Turkish Labour Party, Dogu Perincek, stressed that the government of Justice and Development Party is exploiting its hostile stance against Syria to train terrorists on the Turkish territories, provide them with light and heavy arms and send them to commit murdering and sabotage acts in Syria which resulted in killing hundreds of Syrians.

The Turkish Aydinlik Gazete quoted Perincek as saying that the government of Justice and Development Party is carrying out the task assigned to it within the framework of the so-called Great Middle East.

Perincek said that the government’s crimes are documented with evidence and should be punished according to the Turkish law, adding that putting part of the Turkish territories under the control of some foreign countries and committing acts that might undermine the independence of the country are crimes to be punished in the law.

He said that groups of gunmen to launch attacks against a foreign country or take hostile stances against another country are crimes according to the Turkish law

In Condemnation of Terrorists’ Crimes, Teachers Syndicate and Arab Teachers Union Stage a Sit-In in Damascus

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – In condemnation of the crimes committed by the armed terrorist groups against teachers and professors, the Syrian teachers Syndicate and the Arab Teachers Union on Tuesday staged a sit-in at the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Damascus University.

The participants held banners condemning the crimes of the armed terrorist groups, stressing that teachers are resolved to continue their work to preserve the strength of Syria.

Dean of Damascus University Dr. Mohammad al-Mardini said that targeting teachers is an inhuman act which aims at targeting the development progress in Syria.

For his part, Chairman of the Teachers Syndicate in Syria, Ziad Muhsen, said that the sit-in is a stand in solidarity with the martyrs from the education sector.

Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab Teachers Union, Khaled al-Maqt, said that the sit-in is held in condemnation of all murder and kidnapping acts.

He stressed that assassination of the Syrian teachers is in the framework of the fierce attack against Syria by the Zionists and imperialists