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The feasibility of a continued presence of international forces in Afghanistan has come into question following recent events in the country. Calls have been made by both Afghans and foreigners, encouraging international forces to leave. The nature and timing of a transition of control from international forces to Afghans has various influencing factors, including the Afghan presidential election in 2014.

Recent events in Afghanistan have fuelled speculation over the ability of international forces to continue their presence in the country until 2014. In January 2012, four American Marines in Helmand were shown in a video urinating on Afghan corpses. In February, in a case that appears to have been no more than exceedingly poor judgement, copies of the Qur’an were burnt, damaged and treated disrespectfully manner. In March, a US army staff sergeant in the Panjwayi district of Kandahar province is believed to have killed seventeen individuals (many of them women and children) in a single night.

These events are extreme outliers that have captured the imagination of Afghans and foreigners alike, and seem to many to be a continuation of the past decade of war. In the perception of many Afghans, the difference between these extreme events and the ongoing more frequent violence of night raids, large military operations and so on seems marginal. A number of prominent international voices have called on the United States (and the forty-nine other countries serving in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) coalition) to start leaving Afghanistan immediately. Their argument is that foreign forces are unable to play a positive role in Afghanistan, that they will be unable to start doing so, and that large numbers of lives and amounts of money are being spent to no avail.

Aside from this international discourse, there have also been calls from inside Afghanistan for international forces to leave – most loudly by the various groups that make up the insurgency. This is echoed to some extent by public opinion, although it is difficult to get an accurate reading of people’s attitudes in the current environment. The general themes of Afghan public opinion – as gathered from discussions with Afghans and by following civil society debate and media discourse – towards the foreign presence is a deep scepticism towards anyone’s promises. Outside the major cities, there is a severe lack of trust in international forces or in any overall positive vision of Afghanistan’s future. It seems that few are hopeful that Afghanistan will be better off five years from now.

A key metric that illustrates this is the number of Afghans leaving the country for neighbouring countries, and travelling further afield. This group includes a large number of children and youth. In fact, 2011 saw the highest number of such departures since the United States-led invasion began in 2001 – more than 30,000. This paper will assess the current staying power of the international presence in Afghanistan from a military and broader strategic perspective. To what extent are they able to continue to carry out their mission? What are the likely key milestones between now and 2014? And to what extent do the on-going discussions between the United States and the Taliban offer a way to make this transition period easier?

On paper, the transition or enteqal process has a number of benchmarks, some of which have already been reached. This year, Afghanistan will most likely sign the highly contested Status of Forces Agreement with the United States. The agreement provides a legal and practical framework for the US presence in Afghanistan after 2014. The central sticking point in the ongoing bilateral discussions has been the extent to which the US will be allowed to continue to operate out of bases in Afghanistan. Chicago will host a NATO conference in May, and this will be followed by a conference in Kabul. These are expected to affirm the ‘transition’ process and endorse its continued implementation. The upcoming US presidential election on 6 November will provoke intense speculation, hedging and political stasis within Afghanistan in the months leading up to it as all parties to the conflict predict how their fortunes may rise or fall depending on electoral outcomes. Afghanistan is scheduled to have its own presidential elections in 2014, although the precise dates and mechanics of that election remain unclear.

While ‘transition’ is regarded as a multilevel process, it appears primarily to be premised on a transfer of military control to Afghans. International military forces will be reduced and control of those areas from which international forces are withdrawn will fall to Afghan security forces (of whatever shape or form). This includes the army and police forces. This year, a number of private security companies that protect local and international programmes, offices and staff around the country are due to transition into the Afghanistan Public Protection Force (APPF). This has been delayed several times, however, and some entities will be exempt from the process. The militia forces that ISAF has been installing around the country – for example, in Kunduz, Kandahar and Helmand – will play a key part in this transition process and will mimic the Soviet withdrawal in the late 1990s. The issue of a political transfer of power will also come to the fore in 2014, when President Hamid Karzai is to hand over power to a new president after elections. The US will want to find a way to involve itself in this process in a useful way.

The various elements of this transition process have all been called into question over the past year. Each element is the subject of heated debate, as was seen during recent testimony by ISAF commander, General John R. Allen on 20 March. The factual basis for claims of progress as well as the nature of the process itself are still under debate.

The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and its ability to perform as required by the transition plan have repeatedly been challenged over the past year. The Afghan National Army is still only able to field only one battalion capable of operating independently. The use of militia forces – under a plethora of names and designations – has not been problem-free. These groups have been involved in the same human rights violations, corruption and uses of violence that they were set up in part to prevent. The Afghan government has yet seriously to tackle the issue of internal corruption, and attempts to block investigations have come from as high up as President Karzai himself. Also, in terms of their forward-planning, there are few indications that the US has started to anticipate the various possible scenarios surrounding the 2014 Afghan presidential elections, a milestone that it needs to start engaging with immediately.

This catalogue of doubt as to the efficacy of the international mission in Afghanistan is undeniable, but does it call into question the staying power of those forces? After all, previous years have also seen problems and mistakes, but international forces remained and even expanded their presence.

The Taliban and its affiliated groups continue to remain an issue, in part because their continued attacks make it difficult for NATO/ISAF to claim the upper hand. After all, the realities of the levels of violence only count if the population does not believe that these trend shifts are not going to be permanent or meaningful for their own lives and that of their children. The Taliban will likely attempt to demonstrate its continued ability to operate throughout the country, albeit through a continued emphasis on asymmetric tactics such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), assassinations and ’spectacular’ operations.

This is unlikely to be quantitatively different from attacks and threats that the international forces within Afghanistan have already faced. Even if we assume there will be more individual incidents of the type that we saw in recent weeks or even on the level of the border incident between US and Pakistani forces in November 2011, it is unlikely that the reaction to these would be such that international forces would have to accelerate their departure. Undoubtedly, it is the fact of their looming departure that itself plays a role in accentuating some of these disputes.

It is in this context that the ongoing, sometimes faltering, negotiation process is being held. The promise of negotiations with the insurgency is very much part of the US ‘transition’ strategy. There has been increasing talk about a political solution that potentially holds the promise of stopping the current downward spiral and which could not only prepare the ground for the withdrawal of foreign troops but even achieve much-desired stability in Afghanistan that will prevent the country from again becoming a terrorist haven. If they are left as they are, there is considerable doubt that the current Kabul government will remain viable and that the Afghan security forces will have the ability to control and counter the growing insurgency. Riddled with corruption and stripped of legitimacy by endemic election fraud, much of the central state seems to be plagued with internal conflict and is currently held together only by foreign actors. On the other hand, a potential political process that would see a change in the balance of power within the central state as well as on the local level will be met with considerable resistance from the incumbent elite.

While there might be incentives to find a political solution, there are also factions within both the insurgency and the Afghan government that are opposed to a settlement or to a substantial inclusion of the insurgency into the current political paradigm. Karzai has stressed that he seeks reconciliation but there are significant voices within the current administration that are not interested in any such process. While the ongoing capture-or-kill campaign is removing credible negotiation partners among the Taliban, the current Afghan government also lacks credibility. Time, however, is of the essence.

Moreover, the perception among the Taliban is that it is ‘winning’. Numerous military and political leaders have announced that the insurgency’s momentum has been reversed, but this does not reflect the perception of much of the general public – particularly in Afghanistan’s south and east but increasingly in the north as well. The underlying assumption of the US troop surge, that negotiations need to be held from a position of strength and that the Taliban should be forced to the negotiation table by military pressure, offers a bleak prospect for peace. A key incentive in the other direction can be found in the realisation that present conditions are a precursor for civil war. This prospect of a return to civil war – similar to that of the 1990s – offers an incentive for all participants in Afghanistan to begin working on a political settlement that could prevent this from becoming a reality.

The status of the US-Pakistani relationship is likely to play a key role in this process. While the two countries will likely remain caught in their false embrace – each needing the other but not caring much for the other at the same time – the extent of Pakistani support for the Afghan Taliban’s operations could make a huge difference in terms of how active the group is between now and 2014. Pakistan retains the capacity to clamp down on the leadership, logistics and operational activities of the Afghan Taliban within Pakistan.

It is likely that the international transition plan will happen more or less on schedule, with all the relevant milestones achieved. There is a considerable amount of leeway for this to happen and even with all the problems noted above, 2014 will see an attempt on the part of all parties to the conflict (from the US to the Taliban) to declare victory. Indeed, both are already doing this. This is not to say that the ideal solution to Afghanistan’s problems is likely to be achieved by 2014; too much would have to change for that to be possible. Instead, the transition process offers a way out for the current large international presence within the country. From the group’s statements over the past year, it becomes clear that the discourse of those calling for reform is focused on several key issues: unemployment, housing, institutional reform and popular political participation, and the issue of prisoners of conscience and prisoners held without trial. This reformist discourse does not consider recent political decisions to be evidence of progress towards real political participation. Consequently, the recent decision on the participation of women was not celebrated, as the experience of women in these councils can at most be equal to that of their male predecessors, namely, the realisation of the ineffectiveness of the elected. Moreover, the decision came at a time when reform movements were campaigning to expand the powers of these councils and make them independent and fully-elected.

The lack of a path and a space through which women can engage in the political process renders decisions supporting women’s rights akin to a car with no road to drive upon. It can only remain still, hovering over the same spot. It will remain difficult to capitalise on these decisions in the confining context in which the elites – particularly the political and religious elites – are to be held responsible. Women will not be able to succeed and find the space to voice their demands and act to achieve them if they are not present and active in these institutions in ways that will help to push forward the renewal of religious thought, and find appropriate forms for the country’s political economy that will ensure a role for the individual citizen, whether man or woman. Any success for women in bringing about change in these two areas has the potential to reverberate more broadly, affecting the entire society and the network of social relations. If and when this is achieved, the restructuring of society will be one from which all will benefit.

By Alex Strick van Linschoten and Felix Kuehn

March 2012

@ Afro-Middle East Centre

Alex Strick van Linschoten and Felix Kuehn live in Kandahar, Afghanistan. They edited the autobiography of Taliban leader Abdul Salam Zaeef, My Life with the Taliban. In 2006, they founded AfghanWire.com to improve awareness of issues relating to Afghanistan through a newsletter and informational database.

Syrian Martyrs

The Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic presents its compliments and in referring to the current situation in Syria, has the honour to provide the following information on the Syrian martyrs from civilians, military personnel, security forces, kidnapping, vandalism and robbery perpetrated by armed terrorist groups since the beginning of the crisis until 15th March, 2012   :

1.   Civilian martyrs                                                              :           3,211

2.   Police forces martyrs                                                      :           478

3.   Army and security forces martyrs (until 21.03.2012)      :           2,088

4.   Targeted assassination martyrs                                      :           106

5.   Women martyrs                                                               :           204

6.   Children martyrs                                                              :           56

Total number of Syrian martyrs                                             :           6,143

7.   Vehicles stolen                                                                :           2,256

8.   1,560 civilians, military personnel and security forces kidnapped, out of which 931 are unaccounted for.

Source: The Embassy of Syrian Arab Republican in Kuala Lumpur.

Syria’s murky, multi-level conflict continues to grow worse. So does public confusion here in the west as the US, British and some European media keep depicting Syria’s civil war as a simple passion play pitting the evil Asad regime in Damascus against mostly unarmed democratic protestors.

We saw this same one-dimensional, deceptive reporting recently in Libya that was designed to support foreign intervention. It’s as incomplete today about Syria as it was in Libya which, by the way, is turning into a dangerous mess.

My assessment based on reliable primary sources in Washington, Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon:

Support for the Asad family’s Ba’ath regime, now in power for 41 years, is clearly slipping. But important sections of the armed forces, the 17 intelligence and security agencies, the powerful Alawai minority, most Syrian Christians, tribal elements and much of the commercial middle and upper class still back the Asad’s. In spite of intense western efforts to overthrow  him, Bashar Asad, a  mild-mannered former eye specialist, is still hanging on.

The US, Britain, France, and some conservative Arab allies have funded and armed the Syrian rebellion from its start a year ago. In fact, the US has been funding anti-Asad groups since the mid 1990’s. Arms and munitions are said to be flowing to Syria’s rebels through Jordan and Lebanon. Extreme rightwing groups in Lebanon, funded by western and Arab powers and Israel, are playing a key role in infiltrating gunmen and arms into northern Syria.

The Sunni Muslim Brotherhood has once again risen against the Alawi-dominated regime in Damascus. In 1982, this writer was outside the Syrian city of Hama when government forces crushed a Brotherhood uprising, killing an estimated 10,000 people and razing part of the city with heavy artillery.

Enter the jihadis. Recently, small numbers of al- Qaida veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have entered Syria and are using car bombs to try to destabilize the government. Current al-Qaida leader, Dr Ayman al- Zawahiri, has called for all-out war against the Asad regime.

Interestingly, the US, France and Britain now find themselves in bed with the very jihadist forces they profess to abhor – but, of course, whom they used in Afghanistan in the 1980’s and, lately, in Libya.

Add to this dangerous mix growing numbers of local militias in Syria who are battling one another and committing many of the atrocities against civilians, recalling Iraq and Lebanon’s bloody civil wars.

Washington’s key objective in Syria is to overthrow the Asad regime in order to injure its closest ally, Iran. There is so much anti-Iranian hysteria now in the US, that any blow against the Islamic republic is seen as good. Former US fears of a chaotic, post-Asad Syria are now forgotten in the rush to undermine Iran, by destabilizing Syria. Republicans, led by Sen. John McCain, are baying for war against Syria as President Barak Obama tries to hold back the war hawks.

Israel, whose influence in Washington in this election year is unprecedented, is stoking war fever against Syria and Iran. Israel is delighted that the crises with both nations have eclipsed the issue of Palestine and of Syria’s Golan Heights, which were illegally annexed by Israel in 1981. Golan supplies on third of Israel’s total water. Israel’s objective is to see Syria splintered into feuding cantons like today’s Iraq.

France’s right wing, led by President Nicholas Sarkozy’s UMP party, has long desired to re-establish France’s former colonial influence in Lebanon and Syria. The Asad regime in Syria has been a thorn in France’ side for four decades, particularly so in Lebanon, which Syria still insists is a historical part of Syria. France hopes to duplicate in Syria its success in stirring up and profiting from the uprising in Libya.

Russia has been defending the Asad regime and is determined not to be outfoxed in Syria by a false “humanitarian” intervention as it was in Libya. China is similarly cautious. But both are slowly lessening their former staunch support of Damascus as seen by last week’s UN Security Council call for a new peace plan in Syria.

A cease fire is urgently needed. Syria must stop using heavy weapons in urban areas. But outside powers  must also stop supporting violent armed groups that Damascus calls “terrorists.” There are no clean hands in Syria.

by Eric Margolis

28 March 2012

@ ericmargolis.com

copyright Eric S. Margolis 2012

• 24 Martyrs Escorted to Final Resting Place in Lattakia

LATTAKIA, (SANA)- The bodies of 24 martyrs on Sunday were escorted to their final resting place in the Martyrs’ Cemetery of Besnada in Lattakia Province.

The martyrs were targeted by the armed terrorist groups while performing their national duty in Homs province.

Governor of Lattakia Abdel Qader Mohammad al-Sheikh said that the martyrs sacrificed their souls for the sake of the homeland.

Mufti of Lattakia, Sheikh Ghazal Ghazal, said that the Syrian Army will always be the defender of the homeland regardless of the conspiracies that aim at Syria’s steadfastness and national unity.

For his part, Christian Father Jihad Nassif expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of the martyrs to protect Syria’s security and stability.

• Fourteen Army and Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

PROVINCES, (SANA)- Fourteen army and law-enforcement martyrs were escorted on Sunday from Tishreen, Aleppo and Zahi Azraq Military Hospitals in Damascus, Aleppo and Lattakia and Police Hospital in Harasta to their final resting place.

Solemn funeral processions were held for the martyrs who were targeted by armed terrorist groups while they were in the line of duty in Lattakia, Homs, Damascus and its Countryside and in Idleb.

The martyrs are: -Lieutenant Colonel Saad Takla, from Lattakia.

-Retired Major Ali Ahmad Alloush, from Hama.

-First Lieutenant Muhannad Abdul-Karim al-Ali, from Tartous.

-Sergeant Major Osama Ja’far al-Shibli, from Daraa.

-Sergeant Ayman Wajieh Nadeh, from Tartous.

-Sergeant Mulham Riyad al-Hariri, from Daraa.

-Sergeant Mohammad Khalid Walid, from Damascus Countryside.

-Conscript Mahmoud Khalil Ezz-eddin, from Damascus Countryside.

-Conscript Mohammad Jaber al-Hakim, from Damascus Countryside.

-Conscript, Wesam Farid al-Halabi, from Damascus Countryside.

-Conscript Ibrahim Abdullah al-Suleiman, from Raqaa.

-Conscript Hajji Hussein al-Abdullah, from Aleppo.

-Conscript Ahmad Abdullah Hili, from Idleb.

-Conscript Ammar Alaa-eddin, from Damascus.

The families of the martyrs stressed that the blood of the martyrs is the guarantee to restore Syria’s security and stability, calling for dealing firmly with the armed terrorist groups for up-rooting errorism.

They called on the Syrian people to commit to their national unity, asserting that the terrorist acts perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups will not persuade the Syrian people from defending and protecting their homeland.

• Armed Groups Impersonate Security Officers to Commit Robberies, Attack Oil Pipeline, Murder and Abduct Citizens

PROVINCES, (SANA) – An armed terrorist group impersonated security officers to be allowed into the house of citizen Mayada Aref Bourazi from al-Sanamin town in Daraa. After their entry, the terrorist group introduced themselves as members of the so-called “Free Army” and threatened the woman and stole a large amount of jewelry and money.

Terrorist Groups Targets Oil Pipeline in Deir Ezzor with Explosive Device, Detonate Explosives on Ariha-Lattakia Highway

A terrorist group targeted an oil pipeline between the villages of Mahkan and al-Quriya in Deri Ezzor with an explosive device, damaging a valve and causing large amounts of oil to leak.

An official source at the Petroleum Ministry told SANA that the pipeline transports crude oil from al-Omar field to T2 station, and that pumping operations were halpted after the explosion, adding that production remains unaffected since there are alternative lines that can be used until repairs are carried out.

Another terrorist group detonated two explosive devices on the highway between Ariha  and Lattakia.

Terrorists Assassinate Employee at Idleb Post Office, Injure Citizen and Abduct His Son, Abduct Mayor of Deir Haffer

A terrorist group assassinated citizen Mohammad Sattouf al-Kasem, born in 1969, who works in Idleb Post Office.

A source at the governorate told SANA’s correspondent that al-Kasem was shot by the terrorist while on his way to work near his village of Ein Sheb, west of Idleb city.

The source said that on Saturday night, two terrorist broke into the house of nurse Haitham Yazaji who works in Idleb National Hospital, shooting him in the foot and abducting his 18 year-old son Ghazal.

Another terrorist group abducted Rajab al-Khamis, Mayor of Deir Haffer in Aleppo. A source at the governorate said that three terrorists using two cars forced al-Khamis out of his home and took him to an unknown destination.

Authorities Confiscate Weapons, Arrest Terrorists in Hama Countryside

A terrorist group attacked law-enforcement forces in Hama’s eastern countryside, and the authorities confronted them and chased them to their hideouts where they arrested many terrorists and confiscated large amounts of weapons.

A source at the governorate said that 16 assault rifles, 2 PKC machineguns, a Degtyarev machinegun, 3 sniper rifles, 2 RPG launchers with 7 rounds, 3 ENERGA missiles, and large amounts of ammo were confiscated, along with 14 explosive devices and stolen license plates.

Child Martyred, Another wounded by Armed Terrorist Group in Deir Ezzor

An armed terrorist group opened fire on civilians and law-enforcement personnel in al- Qurayyat city in Deir Ezzor, killing a child and wounding another and a law-enforcement member.

A source at the province said that child Ammar Mossa al-Daher was martyred while child Hiba al-Khidr and a law-enforcement member were wounded in the attack.

Armed Terrorist Group Loots Teachers’ Salaries in Daraa Countryside

An armed terrorist group attacked a vehicle that was taking salaries to teachers of al-Mizereeb area in Daraa Countryside.

SANA’s correspondent quoted a source at the province as saying that the group stopped by force the salaries car and stole SYP 9,3 million.

Four Members of Armament Department Died in Explosion of Ammunition Box

An ammunition box exploded while it was transferred into a warehouse owned by the Armament Department in Khan Touman area, 20km south of Aleppo, causing the martyrdom of four members who were transferring it, a military source told SANA reporter.

174 Persons Involved in Recent Events Turn Themselves In to the Authorities in Idleb and Damascus Countryside

174 persons who were involved in recent events but didn’t shed any blood turned themselves in to the authorities in Idleb and Damascus countryside.

129 persons from Idleb, 4 from al-Jarajer village, 6 from Harasta, 18 from Zabadani in Damascus countryside and 17 from other areas surrendered to the competent authorities along with their weapons.

The authorities immediately released them after they had pledged not to bear arms or participate in any acts of sabotage.

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Head of the UN Observer Mission in Syria, the Norwegian General Robert Mood, said that the UN expanded mission will be based on what has been done by the UN advance team.

In a press statement upon his arrival in Damascus on Sunday, Gen. Mood added that the mission will work on implementing the UN envoy Kofi Annan’s six-point plan agreed on with Syria.

“We would’ like to have joint efforts to achieve a comfortable life for the Syrian people through implementing the halt of violence,” said Gen. Mood, adding that “We will work with all the sides of the Syrian crisis to realize that.”

He called upon everybody to halt the violence and to help the mission and cooperate with it to reach success and accomplish its tasks.

The Head of the UN observer mission pointed out that there are 30 observers on the ground in Syria till now, adding that the number will be increased in the coming days to reach 300 with the aim of working with all parties to implement Annan’s plan.

He added “the observers came from all nationalities… we are guests in Syria.. 10, 30, 300 or 1000 observers will not solve all problems.. so everyone has to help us achieve this mission.”

On the difficulties of the mission, Mood said “we call on everyone to stop violence, help us continue cease-fire… this doesn’t contradict with the fact that we will do our best.”

As for the benefit from deploying the observers in Syria, Mood underlined that this mission is very important… those monitors can’t solve the problems alone.. everyone who is involved in violence must decide to go to the political process to give the peaceful solution a chance.

Singh: International Observers Continue Tours in Homs, Daraa and Idleb

The International Observers’ team on Sunday visited al-Khaldiyeh neighborhood in Homs.

Spokesman of the UN observer mission in Syria, Niraj Singh, said that the mission’s members in Homs, Daraa and Idleb continue their tours in these cities, adding that the UN team in Damascus is preparing the ground for the expanded mission to come.

In a statement to the journalists, Singh added that the team send their notes about the situation to the UN Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia and China have adopted ‘unified stance’ towards the crisis in Syria based on the need for consolidating the bases of the international relations in line wiht the principles of the UN charter and international law.

In an interview with the “Russia 24” TV channel aired on Friday, Lavrov added “It is impossible to find a compromise for the crisis in Syria without taking into account the stances of Russia and China in this regard.”

Russian Foreign Ministry Condemns Terrorist Acts in Syria, Calls for Confronting Terrorists

Russian Foreign Ministry condemned in a statement the series of terrorist acts in Syria and held the extremist Syrian opposition responsible for escalating violence in the country to thwart the implementation of the peace plan of UN special envoy, Kofi Annan.

“The attempts of the extremist Syrian opposition to inflame the situation in the country and fuel violence even at the expense of the lives of innocent people raise serious concerns,” said the statement .

It added that “the provocative goal behind these attempts is clear, which is to foil Annan’s plan-based peaceful settlement in Syria that is being implemented and was unanimously approved by the Security Council and supported by the entire international community.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed the necessity of firmly confronting the terrorists operating in Syria, calling on all internal and external sides to stop providing any kind of support to the terrorists as provided by the Security Council’s anti-terrorism resolutions.

“Moscow firmly condemns these brutal acts that have claimed many victims as a result of the bombings which took place in Damascus, Aleppo, Lattakia, Banias and Jableh and in three neighborhoods in Hama,” said the statement.

It expressed Russia’s deepest condolences to the victims’ families and relatives and wishes for speedy recovery to the injured, stressing the necessity of finding the plotters and perpetrators of these crimes and holding them to account.

Russia and Iran renews rejection of any foreign intervention in Syria

Russia and Iran today renewed rejection of any foreign intervention in Syria’s domestic affairs, stressing the need for settling the crisis in Syria through a comprehensive national dialogue.

Russian foreign Ministry announced that the Russian President’s special representative to the Middle East, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, stressed during a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador in Moscow Mahmoud Riza Sajidi the need for supporting the efforts of the UN envoy Annan and the work of international monitors in the country.

• Syrian Human Rights Network Calls for International Condemnation of Attempts at Escalating Violence in Syria

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- The Syrian Human Rights Network on Sunday called on the international community, the UN Secretary General and the human rights organizations to condemn attempts at escalating the violence in Syria through smuggling gunmen and arms to the armed terrorist groups.

The Network referred in a statement to the recently made attempts at escalating the violence in Syria through smuggling arms and gunmen from Lebanon, Turkey and Libya, citing the inflatable boats coming from Turkey to infiltrate terrorists offshore from Lattakia and Lufallah II ship that came from Libya through Egypt to deliver RPG’s, air and anti-tank missiles and communication devices to the terrorist groups in Syria.

The statement called on the international community, the human rights organizatiosn and the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon to condemn and expose these violations as are considered breaches of the peace plan of the UN envoy Kofi Annan and the UN Charter.

The Network also demanded that all those confirmed to be involved in or support the terrorist acts inside Syria be brought to the International Criminal Court.

• Extremist Terrorist Group Claims Responsibility for al-Midan Bombing on Website Used by Al-Qaeda

DUBAI, (SANA) – An extremist terrorist group calling itself “Jabhet al-Nasra” claimed responsibility for the terrorist bombing which took place in al-Midan neighborhood in Damascus on Friday.

A statement posted on Shumoukh al-Islam website, a site used by Al-Qaeda, said that a man referred to as Abu Omar al-Shami carried out the bombing.

Jabhet al-Nasra has already claimed responsibility for several suicide bombings in Syria, including two that took place on February 12th in Aleppo and one on January 6th in Damascus.

• Three Containers Loaded with Weapons in Lutfallah II Ship

BEIRUT, (SANA)- The Lebanese Army’s interrogation of the captain of Lutfallah II ship, which was seized last Friday by the Army and the UNIFIL forces in Lebanon’s territorial waters, showed that it contained three containers including huge amounts of heavy and light weapons.

The Lebanese national news agency reported that the ship’s 10-member crew of were arrested along with its agent, Ahmad Bernard, and were referred to the Lebanese judiciary.

The Lebanese al-Akhbar newspaper on Saturday revealed that the three containers onboard the ship were full of machineguns, RPG’s, air and anti-tank missiles and a huge amount of explosives, that were intended to be delivered to the armed groups of the Syrian opposition according to initial information.

The newspaper said that the ship was intercepted in the Lebanese territorial waters in coordination between the Lebanese maritime forces and the UNIFIL forces and was steered to Salata Port in the north after it was suspected of carrying smuggled weapons.

The Lebanese newspaper quoted reliable sources as saying that a Lebanese figure from Tripoli went last March to Egypt and held several meetings with leaders of one of the armed groups in Libya in the presence of members from the so-called ‘Istanbul Council’, at which they agreed to supply the armed groups in Syria with anti-tank missiles at half of the price available in the market.

Earlier, Télé Liban TV channel said that the ship came from Libya via Alexandria under the cover of transporting engines and oil and is owned by a Syrian named Mohammad Khafaja, who was arrested along with the ship’s commission agent, Ahmad Bernard, after finding the weapons.

• UN Observers Team Visits Hama Province

HAMA, (SANA) – A team of the UN observers on Sunday visited Hama Province and toured areas which were targeted by the armed terrorist groups.

SANA’s correspondent quoted a source at the Interior Ministry as saying that the team visited al-Arba’een Roundabout, where five law-enforcement personnel were injured after terrorists attacked them with RPG rounds.

The team also visited al-Sahha Roundabout, where Chief Warrant Officer Wajeeh Suleiman was martyred after terrorists attacked a law-enforcement vehicle in the area. They also visited al-Assi Square and al-Baath Neighborhood.

• Activities of 6^th Women Economic Forum on Business Administration Start

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The 6th Women Economic Forum on Business Administration kicked off activities under the title “Risks of Hindering Development at Work” at al-Cham Hotel in Damascus.

The event is organized by al-Jawdah Group for Studies in cooperation with the Women’s General Union and the State Planning and International Cooperation Commission.

The two-day forum discusses the situation of women workers in Syria, the law of job and funding small enterprises.

Chairperson of Women’s General Union, Majida Kteit, indicated to the extraordinary circumstances in which the forum taking place as Syria is facing a conspiracy targeting its steadfastness and national stances, hailing the awareness of the Syrian people and their national unity in facing the conspiracy.

She underlined the positive influence of the reform announced by the political leadership on the citizen and the homeland.

Kteit added that the forum stresses the Syrian woman’s determination in building the homeland and preserving its stability and development.

She pointed out to the important role of such forums in shedding light on the women’s experiences , exchanging opinions and expertise, supporting small women’s enterprises and enhancing the role of women in economy and business management.

Kteit reviewed the development achieved by women through their participation in popular institution, the government, the People’s Assembly, councils of local administration, judiciary and education.

For his part, Mehi-Eddin Hamza, Assistant Chairman of the State Planning and International Cooperation Commission called for empowering women and enhancing their contribution to the development process.

In turn, Director General of al-Jawdah Group for Studies, Majed Sharaf, expressed the Group’s readiness to support the Syrian women in all fields through organizing events that increase the women’s ability to run their own businesses.

• Chinese Foreign Ministry: Stances of Moscow and Beijing Regarding Syrian Crisis Are Identical

MOSCOW, (SANA) – The Chinese Foreign Ministry affirmed on Saturday that the stances of Moscow and Beijing regarding the crisis in Syria are identical, reiterating China’s rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s affairs.

Russia Today channel quoted China’s Vice Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping as saying that “the stances of Moscow and Beijing regarding the Syrian crisis are 100% identical,”

In a statement after the meetings of Executive Vice-Premier of the State Council of China Li Keqiang with Russian officials in Moscow,  Guoping affirmed that his country opposes resolving the Syrian crisis through force and is absolutely against foreign interference in Syria’s affairs, warning against repeating the Libyan scenario.

He voiced China’s conviction that Syria’s problems must be resolved by the Syrians themselves, and that the government should take the people’s demands for reforms into consideration, affirming that Beijing is committed to the cessation of violence in Syria and resolving the issue peacefully.

Terrorist Group Infiltration Attempt from Turkey Foiled, Dead Bodies of Citizens and Military Members Foud in Daraa, Citizen Martyred in Aleppo

PROVINCES, (SANA) – Authorities on Wednesday foiled an infiltration attempt by an armed terrorist group from the Turkish territories into Syria near Khirbet al-Jouz border village in Idleb countryside.

SANA reporter quoted a source at Idleb Province as saying that the authorities killed one of the terrorists, while the others escaped to Turkey.

Law-enforcement Member Martyred, Two Injured by Suicidal Attack in Idleb

The source added that a suicidal terrorist in a booby-trapped car blew himself up near a law-enforcement post on Idleb-Silkeen road, causing the martyrdom of Ismael Asaad Qasim and the injury of Corporal Fadi Mahmoud Ismael and conscript Qasim Mohammad Rajab.

Citizen Khaled al-Khaled Martyred in Idleb by His Son Who Belongs to Armed Terrorist Groups

Citizen Khaled al-Khaled was martyred on Wednesday in Saraqeb city in Idleb province as his son, Mohammad, who belongs to an armed terrorist group, shot him dead.

A source told SANA reporter that Khaled was killed by his son in response to his father’s advice to refrain from terrorizing people and sabotaging properties.

Dead Body Found Thrown in Orontes River in Idleb

The authorities found the body of citizen Issam Mousa thrown in the Orontes River. Mousa works in Oyoun Ara water plant and he was abducted by an armed terrorist group one week ago.

Red Crescent Volunteer Martyred, Another Injured by Terrorists in Douma, Damascus Countryside

An armed terrorist group targeted with their gunfire an ambulance car which belongs to the branch of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent in Damascus Countryside while performing a humanitarian mission in Douma city.

The attack resulted in the martyrdom of volunteer Mohammad Ahmad al-Khadra and the injury of volunteer Moayed Qadamani, SANA correspondent said.

The Syrian Red Crescent Organization said in a statement that volunteer al-Khadra was martyred while performing his duty as emergency staff came under fire yesterday in Doma.

It called on all sides concerned to protect the emergency staff and respect the sign of the Red Crescent.

A Citizen Martyred, Three Others Seriously Injured in Aleppo

In Aleppo, an armed terrorist group attacked a flower shop of citizen Mohammad Shihaza Bin Mohammad Ali in al-Hamdaniyah area, shooting at the shop’s owner causing his death.

Three citizens were gravely injured at al-Marjeh Quarter in a blast of an explosive charge planted by an armed terrorist group.

Heavy material damage to shops and nearby houses were also caused by the explosion.

Dead Bodies of a Military Member and 3 Citizens Found , Policeman Assassinated, Sergeant Major Abducted , An Explosive Device Dismantled while Two Others Detonated, Lieutenant Colonel Martyred in Daraa

In Daraa countryside, authorities found the body of Captain Nawras Rahieh thrown under a bridge.

Captain Rahieh was abducted by an armed terrorist group yesterday as he was heading to work.

Authorities found the body of the Palestinian Ra’d Nidal Fauzi in a grocery market in Daraa bearing marks of severe torture that showed attempt to hang him.

The body of citizen Met’eb Mohammad al-Faroukh was found stabbed in al-Hara town in Daraa countryside.

Another armed terrorist group assassinated policeman Amjad Abu Qteif and abducted Sergeant Major Yamen Taqi from the law-enforcement forces in an armed ambush while leaving Jadal Izraa Police Station.

In Namer town in Daraa, the body of Abdel Kareem al-Amari was found, while two explosive devices were detonated on the way to the town and no injuries were reported.

Military engineering units dismantled an explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group near “April 7th” School.

Lieutenant Colonel Habis Aslan was martyred by gunfire of a terrorist sniper in Basr al-Harir in Daraa Countryside.

SANA correspondent said that the terrorist opened fire on the martyr while he was driving his car in Basr al-Harir town to his workplace in the region.

Terrorists Open Fire on Bus in Khan Shikhoun, Four Civilians Martyred and Six Injured

An armed terrorist group opened fire on a bus belonging to al-Ahliya transport company in Khan Shikhoun, martyring four civilians and injuring six. The bus was headed to Hama from Aleppo.

An official source said that the martyrs are Issa Ismael al-Rayyes, born in 1987, who sustained a gunshot to the head, the bus driver Abdelghani Shekh Sobeh, born in 1957, who sustained a gunshot to the thigh, Lama Mheddin al-Masri, boen in 1978, who sustained an injury to the chest, and Iman Alloush al-Zaben, born in 1978, who sustained a gunshot in the neck.

The injured civilians include assistant driver Mohammad al-Mustafa, born in 1993, who sisyyained a gunshot to the neck, Imad Abdelmajid Kazkaz, born in 1989, who sustained gunshots to the legs, Dalia Mtanious, born in 1987, who sustained a gunshot to the back, and Ruba Abdelrahman Ramr al-Barazi, born in 1978, who sustained a gunshot to the hand.

Authorities Seize Explosive Devices and Arms in Stolen Car in Deir Ezzor

Authorities recovered a car which was stolen by an armed terrorist group in Deir Ezzor.

A source in the governorate told SANA correspondent that a pump-action rifle, explosive devices, TNT explosives and ammunition were found in the car.

Armed Terrorist Group Blows up Explosive Device in Workers’ Bus, Injures Six

An armed terrorist group targeted a bus carrying workers at Idleb Spinning Factory on Idleb-Jisr al-Shughour road near Sallet al-Zohour village, injuring six and the driver.

A source in the governorate said that the injured were carried to Jisr al-Shughour National Hospital to receive aid.

Also a citizen was injured by an armed group’s gunfire that targeted al-Shahbaa bus heading from Damascus to Aleppo.

SANA correspondent quoted a source in the governorate as saying that the terrorist group targeted the bus at 10:00 a.m. near al-Taman’a in Khan Sheikhoun, injuring the civilian Khaled al-Jassem.

On a different note, the source added that the body of the retired Chief Warrant Officer Labib Ahmad Ma’arri was found between Karkour and Freikeh towns in Jisr al-Shughour, indicating that Ma’arri was kidnapped by an armed terrorist group along with his car from his house in Mahambel town yesterday. The source said that the death was caused by an electric shock.

The source indicated that an armed terrorist group seized a car owned by Idleb Health Directorate on al-Nayrab-Sarmin road and took it to an unknown place.

Explosive Device Goes Off in Hama, Sixteen Killed According to Initial Estimates

An explosive device went off while a terrorist group were setting it up in a house which was used to make explosives  in Masha’a al-Tair neighborhood in Hama city, claiming sixteen lives according to initial estimates, including women and children.

12 were injured in the explosion which caused significant damage to six neighboring houses in the neighborhood, which is a random housing area.

Civil Defense teams are still carrying out rescue operations in the area.

Seven Army and Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS/ LATTAKIA, (SANA)– Seven army and law-enforcement martyrs were escorted on Wednesday from Tishreen and Zahi Azraq Military Hospitals in Damascus and Lattakia and the Police Hospital in Harasta to their final resting place.

Solemn funeral processions were held for the martyrs who were targeted by armed terrorist groups while they were in the line of duty in Homs, Daraa, Damascus Countryside and Lattakia.

         The martyrs are:

         Chief Warrant Officer Said Haj Said, from Idleb.

         Chief Warrant Officer Shukri Mohammed Kheir Kazhali, from Daraa.

         Sergeant Major Ibrahim Mohammad Saker, from Homs.

         Sergeant Major Mohammad Ali Suleiman, from Lattakia.

         Sergeant Major Alaa Mahmoud Sultan, from Lattakia.

         Corporal Osama George Darghali, from Homs.

         Conscript Mahmoud Jasem al-Ali, from Deir Ezzor.

The families of the martyrs called for unifying stances in the face of the schemes that aim at undermining Syria’s pivotal role in the region, expressing denunciation over the criminal acts perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups against the army, law-enforcement members and innocent civilians.

They stressed that the terrorist acts perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups will not persuade the Syrian people from defending and protecting their homeland.

WPC Reiterates Full Support and Solidarity with Syria to Overcome Current Crisis

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – President of the World Peace Council (WPC), Socorro Gomes, on Wednesday expressed the Council’s full support with Syria in the face of the conspiracy hatched against it because of its adherence to its rights and defense of the issue of just peace as well as its historical role in defending international liberation movements against the imperialist and Zionist powers.

During her meeting with Assistant Secretary General of Al-Baath Arab Socialist Party Abdullah Al-Ahmar, Gomes said all the people worldwide who call for freedom and reject imperialist hegemony stand in solidarity with Syria and support it to overcome the current crisis.

She noted that the WPC support to the Syrian people stems from its duty in consolidating peace in the world.

She added that what Syria is passing through is due to the US administration which tries to get out of its economic crises through creating wars in the countries of the world with the aim of destabilizing their security and unity and controlling their people.

Gomes stressed that the unity and the awareness of the Syrian people guarantee to help Syria come out stronger from the crisis.

The delegation members hailed the political and economic reform process taking place in Syria, reiterating their support to Syria to restore the occupied Syrian Golan.

For his part, al-Ahmar stressed that the US, the Western colonialist countries, Israel and some Arab and regional countries are behind the conspiracy hatched against Syria to undermine its pan-Arab and national stances in support of the resistance.

He said that the Syrian people are committed to their national unity, adding that they reject any foreign interference in their country’s internal affairs and believe in national dialogue as the only way out of the current crisis.

He added that Syria will come out victorious with the cooperation of international organization which call for peace and liberation and reject the American domination.

Al-Ahmar hailed the WPC stances in solidarity with Syria and in support of the ongoing reforms taking place in the country, in addition to the WPC condemnation of foreign interference in Syria and its calls for dialogue among all Syrians to find a political solution to the crisis.

Gomes: Delegation’s Visit to Syria Showed Solidarity and Unity Among Syrians

Later, Gomes held a press conference at the headquarters of the National Union of Syrian Students in which she said that the delegation’s visit to Syria allowed them to see reality, participate in the funerals of martyrs, and join the martyrs’ families in their sorrow, in addition to showing the degree of solidarity and unity among Syrians.

Other members of the delegation said that their visit also helped gather information about what is actually happening in Syria, stressing that the attack against Syria is due to imperialistic interests and plots concocted by the US, EU, Turkey and Arab Gulf countries to assume control of the region.

The delegation members reiterated their support for the Syrian people, noting that they witnessed firsthand how the Syrians are committed to defend their country no matter the cost, adding that the sanctions imposed on Syria by the US, the EU and the Arab League aim to stabilize stability and disrupt Syrians’ lives.

WPC and WFDY Delegation Visit Monument of Unknown Soldier

Meanwhile, the delegation of the World Peace Council (WPC) and the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) visited the Monument of the Unknown Soldier on Qassioun Mountain and put a wreath of roses on the tomb.

In a statement to SANA reporter following the visit, the delegation members stressed that the Syrian people will come out victorious and stronger from the conspiracy as they are alone able to solve their problems.

They condemned attempts of foreign interference in the Syrian internal affair and the misleading media campaign against Syria led by Arab and western countries.

A delegation member said that his visit to Syria is to express solidarity and support to the Syrian people to determine their destiny, denouncing the role of the US and some Arab countries which supply the opposition with money and arms to kill the Syrian people.

Another delegation member from Turkey said that he came to Syria as a representative of several Turkish organizations to see the facts on the ground and convey them to the Turkish people and organizations, adding that his visit revealed the misleading lies fabricated against Syria.

He stressed the good relations between the Syrian and Turkish people, adding that the Turks care about stability in Syria and reject violence acts and they stand by Syria in the face of the conspiracy.

Another delegation member called upon the opposition to come to dialogue and stay away from all forms of violence, expressing confidence in the Syrian people’s ability to overcome the current stage.

WPC Delegation Meets Executive Office of the General Federation of Trade Unions

Later, the WPC delegation held a meeting with the Executive Office of the General Federation of Trade Unions.

During the meeting, Chairman of the General Federation of Trade Unions Mohammad Shaaban Azouz stressed that Syria is facing a conspiracy targeting its stances with the aim of causing division and strife among its people.

Two Observers Join International Observer Mission in Syria, International Observers Continue Tours in Syrian Cities

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Two observers joined on Wednesday the international observer advance team in Syria.

The United Press International (UPI) News Agency quoted the spokesperson for the UN Observer advance team in Syria, Neeraj Singh, as saying that an observer from Indonesia and another one from Ghana joined the advance team in Syria during the past hours.

Singh added that more observers are expected to join the team.

Earlier, a Chinese diplomatic source announced that two Chinese observers joined the international observer mission in Syria.

International Observers Continue Tours in Damascus Countryside, Homs and Hama

A delegation of the international observers visited Hama governorate, met several citizens and figures who briefed them on the reality of the situation in the city.

The delegation also toured al-Assi Square and other parts of the city.

In Homs, a delegation of the international observers visited al-Abassiyyin roundabout in al-Zahra neighborhood heading to al-Qahera roundabout.

Earlier in the morning, a delegation of international observers visited Douma city in Damascus countryside not accompanied by media.

Other observers toured Homs ancient neighborhoods.

Issa Abboud, a Young Inventor Killed by Enemies of the Homeland

HOMS, (SANA) – Issa Abboud is a young inventor who was killed by armed terrorist groups almost a year ago, in al-Nezha suburb in Homs city.

He was distinguished for his creative capabilities which he devoted to serving his homeland. He offered during his twenty-seven-year lifetime over 100 inventions

His sister, Fatima, told SANA reporter that her brother’s first invention was during his secondary school as he won several awards for his inventions, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) award in Geneva, Switzerland.

In 2001, he participated in al-Basel Creativity and Inventions Exhibition, and he won several gold and silver awards for his inventions which included an integrated system for protecting and operating water pumps and a stereo recorder with TV broadcasting server.

In 2002, he won several gold and silver awards at al-Basel Creativity and Inventions Exhibition for his inventions, particularly a machine for cleaning porcelain, and a robot equipped with a memory unit.

In 2003, he was granted a patent on a number of his inventions, including an electronic brain for modern irrigation and automatic watering.

In 2004, he won the gold award at al-Basel Creativity and Inventions Exhibition for conducting a research on generating electricity from the ground.

Martyr Issa’s most distinguished inventions include turning the brain of a chicken into a memory unit that equals over 3000 CDs and another invention on translating the senses of chicken such as hunger, thirst and illness into readable data.

Martyr Issa Abboud was born in Hadida town in Homs province in 1984, and he was martyred in 2011 by the enemies of Syria.

Qadri Jamil: Popular Front supports National dialogue away from Foreign intervention

MOSCOW, (SANA)-Leader of the Popular Front for Change and Liberation, Qadri Jamil said that the front backs the national dialogue and it doesn’t contact with any side that supports the foreign intervention in Syria’s domestic affairs.

“All sides in Syria should sit around the table of dialogue which has proved is the only way to resolve the crisis in Syria,” Russia Today Site quoted Jamil as saying upon his arrival to Moscow Wednesday.

He added that the Front thinks about the destiny of the Syrian people who have the right to live in peace and achieve reforms.

Jamil saw that with the arrival of international monitors to Syria, the situation began to improve, even though it was slow, saying that the current number of observers is not enough, but when it reaches to 300 monitors, they will play more active role.

Margelov : Russia Holds Meetings with all Representatives of the Syrian Opposition except for Terrorists

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Chairman of the Russian Duma Council Foreign Affairs Committee Mikhail Margelov stressed on Wednesday that his country is holding meetings with all representatives of the Syrian opposition except for terrorists because Russia respects the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria.

In a statement, Margelov said that since the crisis in Syria started, Russia has called for overcoming it in peaceful means only  through internal dialogue without foreign interference.

He considered the UN envoy to Syria Kofi Annan’s efforts as an important political step that should be backed fully.

He added that he will meet on Thursday a delegation of the Syrian Popular Front for Change and Liberation, pointing out that the meeting will be the second meeting with the Front and the fifth meeting with delegations from the Syrian opposition.

Indian Delegation to Convey Reality of Situation in Syria Objectively

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Tourism Lamia Assi underlined the importance of the Indian delegation’s visit to Syria to shape a true image about what is taking place in the country and the contribution of conveying the truth to the Indian public opinion.

During her meeting with the Indian delegation, including cultural and media figures and former diplomats on Wednesday, the Minister pointed out that the Syrian people are aware of the volume of the conspiracy, pointing out that they will get over the crisis thanks to their unity.

Members of the delegation pointed out to the historical, tourist and cultural components of Syria, underlining that they will convey the truth about what is going on objectively and sincerely.

Ajet Sahi, a journalist from United Press International, said that meeting Syrian officials contributed to supplying him with very important information, adding that he formerly depended on western and eastern media facilities to shape a clear view of the reality of the situation because he knows that each side tackle the news from their point of view.

For his part, Bhim Sing, Editor in-Chief of Voices of Millions Newspaper that the reason for his visit to Syria is to express his supportive stance to Syria, which also backs the Arab causes.

The Ministry’s invitation to the Indian delegation comes in the framework of heading towards the markets of Russia, China, India, Malaysia and Iran, as it made several activities in these markets in order to promote for Syria as a tourist attraction.

Syrian-Venezuelan Parliamentary Friendship Association: Conspiracy against Syria Now Clear to International Public Opinion

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Chairman of the Syrian-Venezuelan Parliamentary Friendship Association Joel Jabbour said that the conspiracy against Syria has become clear to the international public opinion despite the great role of satellite channels, expressing confidence in Syria’s ability to come out from the crisis and overcome the challenges.

Meeting Speaker of the People’s Assembly Mahmoud al-Abrash, Jabbour hoped that security and stability will be restored to Syria as soon as possible, hailing the deep Syrian-Venezuelan relations.

For his part, al-Abrash said that the conspiracy against Syria aimed at undermining its security, stability and stances in support of just Arab and international issues.

Al-Abrash pointed out to the misleading media campaigns which aimed at distorting facts and conveying an image that contradicts the reality, adding that the misleading media not only fabricate news but also they direct armed groups in targeting civilians.

The two sides discussed the bilateral relations between Syria and Venezuela and the role of the Arab and foreign delegation in explaining what is really taking place on the ground away from misleading information by some media.

Seven Army and Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The bodies of seven army and law-enforcement martyrs were escorted on Tuesday from Tishreen Military Hospital to their final resting place.

The martyrs were killed in line of duty in Damascus, Damascus Countryside, Hama, Homs and Daraa. Solemn funeral processions were held for the martyrs who were targeted by armed terrorist groups while they were in the line of duty in Damascus Countryside, Daraa, and Homs.

The martyrs are:

­           Colonel Arkan Mahmoud Khidr Zytoun from Homs.

­           Lieutenant Colonel Said Suleiman al-Assi from Lattakia.

­           Retired Lieutenant Colonel Asaad Ahmad Ismael from Hama.

­           Chief Warrant Officer Jihad Toufeeq Ismael from Lattakia.

­           Chief Warrant Officer Jameel Kaysar Hussein from Quneitra.

­           Chief Warrant Officer Suleiman Ahmad Ismael from Hama.

­           Conscript Mahmoud Hameed al-Ali from Deir Ezzor.

The families of martyrs underscored that the blood of martyrs will further strengthen the homeland against challenges, stressing that they will go ahead in the road of martyrdom to foil the conspiracy hatched against Syria.

They also stressed their faith in the ability of the Syrian army in foiling the plot.

Terrorists Detonate Explosive Device in Damascus, Assassinate Retired Lieutenant Colonel and His Brother, Law Enforcement Member Martyred

PROVINCES, (SANA)- An explosive device went off on Tuesday near Yelbagha complex in al-Marjeh area in Damascus.

SANA reporter quoted a source at Damascus Police Command as saying that the explosive device was placed under a car.

The explosion resulted in the injury of the car driver.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel and Brother Assassinated in Damascus Countryside:

In Damascus Countryside, an armed terrorist group assassinated a retired Lieutenant Colonel and his brother in Jedaydet al-Fadel.

SANA reporter quoted a source at the Province Police Command as saying that an armed terrorist group opened fire against the retired Lieutenant Colonel As’aad Ahmad Ismael and his brother Chief Warrant Officer Suleiman Ahmad Ismael, causing their immediate martyrdom.

A Law Enforcement member martyred, others wounded by terrorist attacks in Doma:

An armed terrorist group today fired RPGs at  law enforcement personnel and civilians in Doma, Damascus countryside.

SANA reporter learned that Chief Warrant Officer Shikri al-Kazhali was martyred while three other members were wounded in the attacks.

At Shoufoniya in Doma countryside, an armed terrorist group fired bullets and RPGs at the law enforcement personnel and civilians, causing many injuries.. the terrorists also besieged an oil station in order to burglarize it.

Lavrov Hopes That Attempts to Foil Mission of International Observers in Syria won’t Succeed

MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed the hope that all attempts to foil the work of the mission of the international observers in Syria will not succeed, expressing regret at the existence of a blackmail in media that depends on unreliable sources.

The Russia Today TV Channel quoted Lavrov as saying, in a press conference on Tuesday at Dushanbe, “I hope that all those who try to foil the work of the UN observers mission in Syria will not be able to carry out their plans”, asserting that the mission has played ‘a positive role’.

He also expressed the hope that the number of the observers will increase soon to 300 persons as it was endorsed by the UN Security Council’s resolution No. 2043.

He pointed out that the more number of the observer were large, the more information based on objective facts we get, asserting that the work of the observers is undoubtedly “a positive factor”.

Pushkov: Western Countries Began to Realize Wrongness of Previous Stances Over Syria

Alexei Pushkov, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee for International Affairs, said that implementing the plan of the UN Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan doesn’t depend only on Russia but also on the so-called ‘Friends of Syria’ who are supporting the armed opposition.

In statements made before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, Pushkov added that the stances of the western countries concerning President Bashar al-Assad were not realistic.

Pushkov, Head of the Russian Delegation, said that there is a change in the stances of the (PACE) over the crisis in Syria.

Churkin: Dealing with Syrian Crisis Should be through Comprehensive Dialogue under Syrian Leadership

Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, said “We want a comprehensive Syrian dialogue under a Syrian leadership,” adding that Syria will not breach its obligations regarding Annan’s plan as they realize that the crisis cannot be solved by force.

In an interview with the American CNN TV., Churkin said that “dealing with the Syrian crisis should be through laying the foundation for a political process right now or to wait for 3 or 4 years of bloodshed as it is the case in Iraq where more than 100 thousand citizens were killed.

He added that “the role of the Security Council is not changing regimes … if there is a country which suffers a crisis, the countries of the world should help this country find a peaceful political way out of that crisis.

Churkin said ” when we saw some of the resolutions, which included sanctions, we knew that those were resolutions which aimed at regime change by force, which would, in turn, lead only to much more bloodshed in Syria, indicating that Syria has a strong army and President al-Assad does have support among the population.

“So this easy way, which incidentally succeeded in Libya, 57000 people were killed and the country is still in a very difficult situation,” said Churkin, adding that Russia is against such kind of scenario in Syria as the national and regional consequences will be ” dramatic”.

He said that “The conflict in Syria could have been ended since last August when Russia presented a draft resolution to the Security Council calling upon all sides to halt violence and to start a comprehensive political dialogue under political leadership but instead of that they tried to issue a resolution which aims to change the regime so Russia had to reject it and use the veto.”

Chizhov: Syrians Alone Should Decide Destiny of their Country

Permanent Representative of Russia to the EU, Vladimir Chizhov, stressed the need for the Syrians alone to decide the destiny of their country without any foreign interference, adding that the decision is a Syrian affair.

In a statement today, Chizhov said that “We want this decision to be a result of a political dialogue, not as a consequence of outside prescriptions imposed by other countries nor a result of foreign military intervention.”

He pointed out that Russia considered the sanctions in regard to the situation in Syria or any other situation don’t lead to a political settlement, adding that Russia’s stance towards sanctions against Syria, including the EU countries which imposed the sanctions, is clear.

He stressed the necessity of halting violence and close supervision of ceasefire by the UN observers mission, in addition to beginning a political dialogue with the participation of all political forces in Syria which may help make a decision by the Syrians themselves.

Russian Military Official Stresses Continuity of Military Cooperation between Russia and Syria

Russia’s Deputy Premier in charge of Defense and Space Industry, Dmitry Rogozin, stressed that Russia will continue military and technical cooperation according to the existing agreements between the two countries in this regard.

Russia Today website quoted Rogozin as saying in a statement to the journalists that “Only a UNSC resolution could ban exporting weapons from Russia to Syria and since such a resolution does not exist, we won’t commit ourselves to fulfill additional obligations.”

He said that Russia supplies several countries with defense arms including advanced air-defense missiles, adding that S-300 missile system is not among the exported arms.

Russian Diplomatic Source: Lavrov to Hold Talks with Representatives of Syrian Opposition Thursday

A well-informed Russian diplomatic source said that Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will hold talks next Thursday with representatives of the ‘Front for Change and Liberation’ from the Syrian opposition.

The Russian Source added that the delegation of the Syrian opposition will arrive in Moscow on Wednesday.

721 Men Involved in Events but Not in Killing Turn Themselves in in a number of cities

HAMA, (SANA)- 721 men who got involved in the recent events but whose hands were not stained with Syrian blood handed in themselves and their weapons to the authorities in different Syrian cities on Tuesday.

In Hama and its countryside, 248 persons gave themselves up along with their wepoans to the authorities.

230 persons in Idleb, 11 men in al-Hifa, Lattakia and 107 persons in Damascus countryside also surrendered to the authorities.

in the same context, 30 persons from Yabroud and 95 men from al-Zabadani and the surrounding areas surrendered to the Police.

The 721 men were set free after they vowed not to take up arms again in the face of the state or threaten the security of the homeland and the citizens.

During the past ten days, more than 1000 citizens who were mislead into getting involved in the events turned themselves in to the authorities in Hama and its countryside.

Mikdad: Syrian people reject any Foreign intervention in Domestic Affairs

DAMASCUS-(SANA)-Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad described the events in Syria as a conspiracy which the US and Western colonial states stand behind, supported by Israel and some Arab and regional states and perpetrated by armed terrorist groups to weaken Syria’s national stances.

Meeting  a  delegation of the World Peace Council (WPC) , the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY)Tuesday, Mikdad said that the Syrian people are adhered to national unity and they reject any foreign intervention in the country’s domestic affairs.

He added that the Syrian people believe in the dialogue as the only safe way to overcome the crisis.

Members of the visiting delegation said that they came to Syria to show solidarity with the country, adding that the Syrian people enjoy high spirit of nationality which would foil all plots that aim at overthrowing their state.

WPC and WFDY Delegation Affirms Falsity of What Some Media Outlets Are Reporting about Syria

The delegation from the World Peace Council (WPC), the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY) and representatives of Arab and international student and youth organization currently visiting Syria on Tuesday continued its tour of the city of Lattakia.

Members of the delegation said that the Syrian people’s resilience and cohesion was the basis of foiling the conspiracy against them, noting that they witnessed firsthand normal life in Lattakia and that they will relay what they witnessed faithfully to the media.

They said that what they witnessed in Syria is very different from what the media is reporting, particularly al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya, stressing that propaganda is being used to create and instigate war and sedition, adding that media misdirection proves that there’s a premeditated plan to destroy Syria.

Turkish members of the delegation regretted the participation of Erdogan’s government in the conspiracy against Syria, saying that Erdogan who talks about freedom and human rights should have refrained from arresting Turkish journalists and suppressing the activities of youths in Turkey’s streets, and that those who claim to love Syria must help it achieve security rather than incite strife and provide weapons.

Tehran Calls for Solving the Syrian Issue without any Foreign Intervention

TEHRAN, (SANA)-Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salihi on Tuesday underlined the need for solving the Syrian issue in wisdom, without any foreign intervention.

IRNA news Agency quoted Salihi as saying at a press conference with his Tunisian counterpart Rafik Abdulsalam that he is contacting with friends in other states to make consultations on international and regional issues, including the Syrian file.

“The Syrian government has declared its willingness to conduct dialogue with the opposition,” Salihi said, adding it is necessary for all to cooperate to make the plan of the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan a success.

He called for giving an opportunity to Syria to tackle its problems, saying “the Syrian Leadership has stressed its readiness to meet the Syrian people’s demands, including the new constitution.”

In Beirut, the Iranian Ambassador Ghadanfar Rokon Abadi renewed his country’s stance towards Syria which support it in the face of the conspiracy to which it is exposed.

“We reiterate support and standing by Syria, as people and leadership,” Rokon Abadi said today, asserting the right demands of the Syrian people who call for reforms under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkish Military and Party Leaders: Erdogan Government Turned Turkey into Base for Terrorism

ANKARA, (SANA)- Former Commander of Turkish Naval Academy, Admiral Turker Erturk , said the government of the Justice and Development Party (JDP) has given up to imperialism in every sense of the word and turned Turley into a base for terrorism.

The retired Admiral considered in a press article that security and stability in Syria and the success of its reform program are contingent on the Western countries abandoning their schemes to bring the downfall of the Syrian state, adding that the talk about supporting the plan of the UN envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, without quitting these schems is considered “misleading of the public opinion”.

Adm. Erturk criticized the meeting recently held by the US, France, Turkey and some of the Gulf states in Paris on Syria and these countries’ efforts to impose new sanctions on Syria, lashing out at the pressures practiced by the US on Ankara to join the French leadership in case of possible direct military intervention in Syria in the pattern of what happened in Libya.

He pointed out visits made once in a while by a number of U.S. officials to the Syrian-Turkish borders to monitor the situation there.

The former Turkish Commander warned of the gravity of the U.S. schemes in the region that are aimed at “breaking the strong anti-U.S. policy alliance between Syria and Iran”.

He said that during the past stage the US pushed the JDP to improve relations with Syria with the aim of distancing Syria away from Iran.

He added that when Washington failed to damage the Syrian-Iranian relations at the hands of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as Syria sought to improve its economic and political relations with Turkey but has not abandoned its vital relationship with Iran, the US had to follow an alternative plan based on changing the Syrian regime through creating chaos that leads to dividing the country and working for a Libya-style military intervention using a regional tool to undermine the Syrian government.

Adm. Erturk stressed the Turkish armed forces’ rejection of any military intervention in Syria as it is unjustified and dissatisfaction with allowing the importing of terrorism into Syria and using the Turkish territories to wage attacks against Syria by the JDP government.

For his part, Deputy Head of Turkish Labor Party, Mehmet Bedri Gultekin, described the JDP government’s foreign policy as “shameful” and “embarrassing” as it brings grave consequences to the Turkish state due to the hostile approach followed towards the neighboring countries.

In a article published on the Turkish Ulusalbakis website, Gultekin said Erdogan government’s policy has brought damage to Turkey’s Relations with the neighboring countries when the JDP leaders have unhesitantly rushed to interfere in the affairs of Libya and Syria believing they are in front of a historic chance to play their role in the framework of the US schemes in the region.

Gultekin criticized the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s attempts at imploring the NATO intervention in Syria, saying this bid came after the failure of the terrorists hosted in the Turkish camps on the borders with Syria and backed by Erdogan to hold sway over the border region as planned before.

“At the end of the day, the Turkish people will have to face the dire results of the JDP government’s policy to limit these results and consequences caused by this hostile policy towards the neighboring countries,” said Gultekin.

Cabinet Forms a Committee to Estimate Damages in Homs City to Restore Life to Normal

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Cabinet discussed in a session chaired by Prime Minister Adel Safar on Tuesday the mechanisms and procedures required for restoring citizens who were forced to leave their houses in some areas and cities because of the armed terrorist groups’ criminal acts.

The Cabinet also discussed a new bill on the Higher Constitutional Court and approved a decision on regulating the establishment Syrian companies for e-payment services.

In a statement after the Cabinet’s session,  Secretary-General of the Cabinet Tayseer al-Zughbi said that the Cabinet decided to form a committee tasked with estimating the damages in Homs city and authorized it to accomplish its mission and restore life back to normal for citizens to come back to their homes as soon as possible.

Lebanon Reiterates Rejection of Foreign Interference in Syria’s Affairs

BEIRUT, (SANA)- Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour renewed his country’s rejection of any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, stressing that the disassociation policy means that Lebanon rejects any policy that leads to any interference in Syria’s affairs.

In an interview with Lebanese NBN TV. Channel aired on Monday, Mansour underlined that Lebanon rejects the military intervention and internationalizing the Syrian crisis, pointing out that the Syrian Leadership set a timetable for the implementation of the reforms and enacted decrees in this regard, asserting that the reforms will be carried out through national dialogue not by violence.

He hailed Russia’s stance towards the crisis in Syria, pointing out that the Syrian leadership was able to contain the crisis in spite of weapons smuggling through the borders and the unlimited financial support provided to the armed terrorist groups and unprecedented media campaigns.

He affirmed that the Syrian people and leadership foiled the hostile war against their homeland, hailing the role of the Syrian army in foiling this global conspiracy hatched against Syria.

He also slammed the role of the Arab League (AL) towards the crisis in Syria as the AL sought from the beginning of the crisis to refer the Syrian crisis to the UN Security Council, internationalize it and bringing the foreign military intervention to Syria.

Syrian Army Celebrates 66th Anniversary of Independence Day

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian armed forces on Tuesday celebrated the 66th anniversary of the Independence Day, the evacuation of the French colonization from Syria.

Athlete activities, oratorical festivals held on the occasion. Speeches made by the leaders of the military formations stressed that Syria’s enemies thought that, by arming and funding the armed terrorist groups and practicing misleading media campaigns, they can move forward in implementing the Western colonial scheme.

In their speeches, the leaders also stressed that Syria will not allow what had occurred during the presence of the Arab monitors, when the armed terrorist groups exploited the mission and reorganized and rearmed its terrorists who committed crimes against civilians and public and private properties.

They vowed to be always the loyal soldiers to the values of the Independence through confronting the schemes and plots made by Syria’s enemies.

Eight Army, Law-Enforcement, Civilian Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS/ LATTAKIA, (SANA) – The bodies of eight army, law enforcement and civilian martyrs were escorted on Tuesday from Tishreen and Zahi Azraq Military Hospitals in Damascus and Lattakia to their final resting place.

Solemn funeral processions were held for the martyrs who were targeted by armed terrorist groups while they were in the line of duty in Homs, Daraa, Aleppo  and Damascus Countryside.

The martyrs are:

•           Captain Ghandi Ali Omran, from Tartous.

•           Chief Warrant Officer Adnan Mohammad al-Nabulsi, from Damascus.

•           Conscript Nouri Ahmad Assaf, from al-Hasaka.

•           Conscript Rami Moussa Ahmad, from Aleppo.

•           Conscript Dia Mohammad Habbous, from Sweida.

•           Conscript Isam Mustafa al-Zoufi, from Damascus countryside.

•           Citizen Ahmad Abdul-Karim al-Nabhan, from Lattakia.

•           Citizen Samer Shaher Karoudi, from Damascus.

The martyrs’ families stressed confidence in the ability of the Syrian people to overcome the crisis through their unity, condemning the criminal acts committed by the armed terrorist groups against the army, law-enforcement forces and innocent citizens.

They expressed readiness to sacrifice their lives to defend the homeland and protect its people.

Russian Foreign Ministry.. a Meeting with Syrian National Coordination Committee for the Democratic Change held in Moscow

MOSCOW, (SANA)-The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that on April 17th, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met a delegation of the Syrian National Coordination Committee for the Democratic Change who is on a visit to Moscow.

The two sides expressed support for the efforts of the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria and support the cease-fire which was achieved within this framework on April 12th.

Both sides were satisfied over the identical stances which reject any foreign intervention, particularly the military interference in the current events in Syria or instigating the religious problems in the country.

They underlined the necessity for conducting a national comprehensive dialogue and make democratic measures to meet the interests of all Syrians.

The Russian side stressed the importance for supporting the positive trend which was featured by the developments of events in Syria through launching an internal political dialogue process between the authorities and opposition.

Four Law Enforcement members, one civilian Martyred by an armed group’s Attack in Aleppo

Aleppo, (SANA)-Four Law enforcement members and one civilian were martyred Tuesday as an armed terrorist group threw a bomb at a bus transporting the members at al-Shaar circle in Aleppo.

The civilian was a private car driver who was in the place at the time of attack.

SANA reporter in Aleppo learned that 9 other law enforcement members and 7 civilians were injured by the aggression.

Citizen Killed in Daraa, a Judge and a Mayor Kidnapped in Idleb and Daraa

An armed terrorist group on Tuesday stormed into the house of Rami Sirani from the Army in Ghabaghib region in Daraa province and opened fire inside the house killing Sirani’s brother-in-law Ahmad Masoud al-Masoud.

Another terrorist group kidnapped the mayor of al-Mseifra town Hussein Shahada al-Zoubi and took him to an unknown place.

Meanwhile in Idleb province, a group of gunmen abducted judge Farouq Kamel Oubeid in the town of Qournini.

In another context, the authorities seized, with the help of the inhabitants of al-Ameriyeh village in Talkalakh in the countryside of Homs province, an amount of weapons hidden by an armed terrorist group in the village.

SANA reporter was informed that the weapons included 25 landmines and explosive devices, each weighs 10 kg, an RPG launcher and two Belgian sniper rifles.

National Activities in Syrian Provinces Marking Independence Day

PROVINCES, (SANA) – On occasion of the 66th anniversary of Independence Day and the evacuation of French Colonialism from Syria, a memorial monument dedicated to leader of the Greater Syrian Revolution, freedom fighter Sultan Basha al-Atrash, was unveiled in the town of al-Kuraya in Sweida.

Participants in the unveiling ceremony affirmed adherence to national unity and independent national decision, voicing rejection off all forms of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs and stressing support to reforms led by President Bashar al-Assad.

The participants held Syrian flags and banners bearing national slogans saluting independence and  supporting the Syrian Arab Army, affirming that Syrians stand united in the face of conspiracies targeting Syria and its dignity.

Sculptor Maaruf Shkeir, who worked on the monument, said that the monument is a basalt sculpture depicting Sultan Basha al-Atrash, weighing between 2 and 3 tons, and is 3 meters high and 75 centimeters wide.

A speech was delivered by Salim al-Hadi on behalf of the descendants of the freedom fighters of the Greater Syrian Revolution, stressing the need to preserve the legacy of the heroes of independence who, through their faith and adherence to national unity, prevailed in the face of aggression and colonialism.

Participants in the event lauded the heroic battles waged by freedom fighters against French colonialism, affirming that the creed of these freedom fighters managed to foil all the colonial plots aiming to divide Syria and pillage its resources.

They said that they came from across Syria to affirm the unity of the Syrian people and their adherence to security, safety and stability and stress that the plot against Syria which is funded by oil sheikhs was foiled by the resilience of the Syrians.

Popular Delegations Visit Tomb of Leader of Maysaloun Battle Yusuf al-Azmeh

Meanwhile, popular delegations visited the tomb of the hero Yusuf al-Azmeh in Maysaloun, who courageously faced the French at the battle of Maysaloun in July 1920, with the participants stressing that the sacrifices of the martyred hero in defense of Syria’s freedom and independence have taught the generations the concept of resistance against the colonialist.

Citizens Recall Sacrifices of Freedom Fighter Izz Eddin al-Qassam at His Tomb

Recalling the sacrifices of the freedom fighter Izz Eddin al-Qassam, the citizens in the city of Jableh in the coastal province of Lattakia, together with delegations from Syrian and Arab tribes, commemorated the anniversary of the 66th Independence Day by visiting the tomb of martyr al-Qassam, the city’s son who struggled against the French and British forces.

People of Occupied Golan Commemorate Independence Day

In the meantime, the citizens in the villages of Masada and Majdal Shams in the occupied Syrian Golan organized national activities marking the Independence Day.

The participants stressed adherence to the homeland Syria and rejection of all forms of occupation and its practices.

The activities included artistic shows at the national museum in Majdal Shams portraying the heroism of the Syrian freedom fighters against the French occupation and the continuous struggle to expel the Zionists from the Golan Heights.

People of Masada lit candles on the village’s main road in commemoration of Syria’s martyrs, civilian and military, who were targeted by the armed terrorist groups in the latest events in the country.

The citizens stressed adherence to the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, hailing the sublime meanings of the Evacuation Day and expressing confidence in achieving the ‘Great Evacuation Day’ by which the Golan will have been fully liberated.

China Supports Annan’s Efforts to Resolve Crisis in Syria, Confirms Respecting its Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity

BEIJING, (SANA)_ Spokesman of Chinese Foreign Ministry Hong Lie said China supports the international observers’ mission in Syria and will provide the required assistance to them.

“At the present time, we have to support reconciliation in Syria and work to resolve the crisis peacefully,” the Russian news agency Itar-Tass quoted Lie as saying during a press conference held in Beijing on Monday.

He added that discussions regarding that issue should aim to ease tension in Syria, stop the violence and make all parties concerned to involve in dialogue.

The Spokesman went on to say” We are against any intervention may lead to regime change and China has always called for realizing peace and stability in the Middle East and this is what the Syrian people are looking forward.

The Spokesman said “Some positive changes happened regarding the situation in Syrian due to the efforts of all parties of the conflict and the international community, clarifying that the current reconciliation shows that efforts of the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan led to the beginning of the progress.

“We support Annan’s efforts and hope all parties of the conflict to stop the violence and begin the dialogue and the political process as soon as possible,” Lie said.

He affirmed that China has always stressed the necessity of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, underlining that the international community should play a constructive role in this regard.

Head of al-Jazeera Office In Tehran Quits Because of Biased Coverage

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Chairman of al-Jazeera channel office in Tehran, Melhem Rayya, announced resignation in protest against the participation of the channel in a U.S.-Israeli scheme against the resistance.

Rayya told Fars News Agency that his resignation came because of the biased coverage made by al-Jazeera over important Islamic and Arab issues.

Answering a question on the indications of the resignations made by several al-Jazeera staff, Rayya said that these resignations indicate that the channel is carrying out political schemes at the interest of the USA and Israel against the interests of the region’s people.

He stressed that al-Jazeera is suffering major decrease in its viewers in the Arab world, as the latest surveys showed that the channel has lost over 13 million viewer in the last year.

Delegation of Syrian Communities in France and Belgium Visits Martyrs Graveyard in Najha

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The delegation representing the Syrian communities in France and Belgium currently visiting Syria on Tuesday took part in signing a document titled ‘I’ am Syrian and the Syrian Arab Army Protects Me’, an event organized by Damascus Voluntary Youth Team in support for the Aramy in defending the homeland’s security.

Writing on a 150 m long fabric document, the delegation members expressed support to The Syrian Army, with the delegation’s head, Omran al-Khateeb, noting that “this event comes in solidarity with our people who are undergoing tragic circumstances because of the conspiracy hatched against the Homeland.”

Basima Younan, one of the delegation’s members, said the aim of signing the document is “to declare rejection of the calls for withdrawing the Syrian Army from the cities and diminishing its key role in guarding the citizens and their properties, while nobody knows what will happen to those in the presence of armed terrorists that have not stopped their attacks against the innocents and the public and private facilities.”

Earlier, the delegation members paid a visit to the Martyrs Graveyard in Najha, where they laid flowers on the martyrs’ monument.

Participants recited the national anthem and chanted slogans lauding the sacrifices of martyrs, lauding the Syrian Arab Army’s heroics and sacrifices in the face of the conspiracies and armed terrorist groups.

Members of the delegation also participated in the funeral procession of Chief Warrant Officer Adnan Mohammad al-Nabelsi who has killed in the line of duty by terrorists in Daraa.

In statements to SANA, members of the delegation said that this visit is part of their national duty towards Syria’s martyrs, and that it also aims at showing solidarity with their brethren in Syria, their support for reform, and their rejection of interference in Syria’s affairs.

In turn, Mohammad al-Nabelsi, father of the martyr Adnan, voiced pride in his son’s martyrdom and thanked the delegation members for participating in the funeral, voicing hope that they will relay the reality of what is happening in Syria and refute the lies of mercenary channels that falsify facts and trade in the blood of Syrians.

The delegation consists of Syrian expatriates living in France and Belgium, in addition to French citizens of Arab origins.

Jordanian Salafi Jihadist Movement officials: We have Smuggled Gunmen to Syria to Fuel Violence

AMMAN, (SANA) – So-called ‘Jordanian Salafi Jihadist Movement’ official, Mohammad al-Shalabi, said on Tuesday that the movement has smuggled gunmen to Syria to ignite the situation and fail the efforts exerted to stop violence.

In an interview with al-Ghad newspaper, al-Shalabi revealed that Jordanian security forces have recently arrested seven  members of the movement near the borders between Jordan and Syria.

He added that the seven members were trying to infiltrate to Syria to launch military attacks in Syria.

Cabinet on Independence Day : Syria Stronger, Development and Reform process On

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Cabinet underlined that the Independence Day, achieved by the sacrifice of the Syrian people, will ever remain a bright day in the country’s history.

On the occasion of the 66th anniversary of Syria’s independence, the Cabinet pointed out in a statement issued on Tuesday that the national patriotic spirit sprang up in the face of the French occupation, which assumed that by arrogance, conspiratorial acts and stirring up sedition would guarantee the duration of occupying Syria, pointing out that the Syrians of all backgrounds rushed to defend their homeland.

It clarified that the occasion this year coincides with the risks and challenges encountering the stability, security and pan-Arab role of the country, underlining the importance of reminding all those who forgot, did not read or did not understand Syria’s history well, that the faith of the Syrians in their country and adherence to the national unity are the strongest weapon to foil the conspiracy.

The Cabinet congratulated the Syrians, underlining its commitment and determination to double up efforts to go on in the reform and development process.

Al-Mahabba Spring Festival Kicks off in Lattakia

LATTAKIA, (SANA) – Al-Mahabba Spring Festival kicked off on Tuesday in Lattakia, organized by Lattakia Governorate, City Council, and Ashtar Foundation in cooperation with several official, civil and popular activities.

The Festival includes several economic, cultural, social, artistic, sports and vocational activities.

The opening ceremony included performances by a chorus from the Handicapped and Their Friends Association, in addition to performances by singers Anas Arnaout and Fadia Hamdan, a ballet performance by the Damascus Ballet School and al-Safa Sports Institute, and a fashion show featuring designs by Nahed Muna.

Other activities include several food, consumers products, electronics and technology exhibitions, in addition to exhibitions of handicrafts and home-made products, a farmer’s market, and more.

The Festival also featured a freefall parachuting display by the Syrian Military Team, with the official parachuting competition set to be held on Wednesday along with other sports activities including football, basketball and swimming competitions.

Other upcoming activities include concerts, an open-air art exhibit, theatrical plays, seminars, and a poetry contest.

Military Source: Dozens of Violations by Terrorist Groups since Halting Military Operations

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- A military source on Sunday declared the authorities will prevent the armed terrorist groups from continuing their criminal aggressions against the army and law enforcement forces and citizens which hysterically escalated since announcing the halt of military operations last Thursday morning.

The source said since the announcement of halting the military operations, the attacks of the armed terrorist groups have escalated against the civilians, the military, the law enforcement forces checkpoints and the private and public properties.

It affirmed that there have been dozens of violations by the armed groups that have caused big losses in terms of lives and properties.

“In conjunction with the UN Security Council resolution to send international observers to monitor the implementation of the initiative of the UN envoy Kofi Annan, the armed terrorist groups have hysterically escalated their aggressions on the army, the law enforcement forces and the civilians,” said the military source.

Its stressed that “out of their duty to protect the security of the homeland and citizens, the authorities will prevent these armed terrorist groups from continuing their criminal aggressions and acts of killings and sabotage against the citizens and their properties.”

Law-enforcement Member Martyred in Idleb, 3 Citizens Killed in Hama and Daraa

PROVINCES, (SANA) – A law-enforcement member was martyred and three others were injured on Sunday in an armed terrorist group attack in Harem City in Idleb governorate.

SANA correspondent said that the terrorist group opened fire on the law-enforcement personnel, causing the martyrdom of Yousef Dawood Qawarid and the injury of three members.

In the same context, a car loaded with explosives blew up in Idleb city in an attempt to kill law-enforcement personnel, but no injuries were reported.

SANA correspondent said that the car exploded after three terrorists parked the car and fled away.

Oil Tanker Set to Fire on Ariha-Aleppo Road

Another armed terrorist group targeted an oil tanker loaded with around 30 thousand liters of fuel on Ariha – Aleppo road, near Mseibeen town and set it on fire.

Two Citizens Killed in Terrorists’ Gunfire on Their Car in Hama

Two citizens were killed when an armed terrorist group opened fire at their care near Qatrat al-Rihan Bridge in Hama province.

The two martyrs are Malek Mahmoud Sleiteen and Riyad Nawras Hassa.

Meanwhile, an explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group exploded in al-Ta’awouniyeh neighborhood in the city of Hama causing material damages, but no injuries were reported.

Terrorist group abducts citizen Osama Qaddour, kills him in al-Rastan

An armed terrorist group today abducted citizen Osama Nawaf Qaddour, 28, from Hama, and after 3 hours, the group contacted his family, informing them that he was killed at a deserted house in al-Rastan.

SANA reporter learned that when Qaddour Family went to al-Rastan to see the abducted, they found his body  mutilated at a deserted house.

Al-A’edein Camp in Hama, the authorities found the body of female citizen Abeer Hassan Ibrahim, who was kidnapped by an armed group yesterday from her house in al-Qusur,  killed by a bullet in the head.

Another terrorist group kidnapped Chief warrant officer Ali al-Turk from the Camp, taking his to unknown place.

Charity Association Guard Killed by Terrorists in Daraa, Dead Body of Kidnapped Warrant Officer Found

In the countryside of Daraa province, an armed terrorist group opened fire on the 60-year- old guard of the charity association in Saida town, Ismael Talal al-Homsi, causing his immediate death.

In the meantime, the authorities found the dead body of Chief Warrant Officer Adnan Nabulsi from the law enforcement forces near western al-Gharia crossroad in Daraa, who had been kidnapped by an armed terrorist group from his house in al-Naimeh town.

Car’s Driver Injured in Explosive Device Blast in al-Tadamun Neighborhood in Damascus

An explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group under a car exploded on Sunday in al-Tadamun neighborhood in Damascus, injuring the car’s driver.

SANA reporter quoted a Police source in the province as saying the explosive device went off when Mohammad Abdul-Aal , a member of the Palestinian al-Sa’iqa (thunderbolt) Organization was getting on the car along with his driver.

The source added that the explosion caused injury to the driver as the explosive device was planted on his side.

Authorities Uncover Workshops for Manufacturing Explosives in Hama and Daraa

With the help of locals, the authorities uncovered a workshop for manufacturing explosive devices in Abi al-Fidaa neighborhood in Hama, which contained chemicals and contains used for making explosives.

Locals reported an explosion in the area followed by suspicious movement by strangers.

In Daraa’s northern countryside, the locals also helped the authorities uncover a workshop which contained explosive devices, equipment and materials for manufacturing them, automatic rifles, ammo and motorbikes.

One of the confiscated explosive devices had a yield of 9 kilograms and contend white phosphorus, which is an internationally prohibited explosive substance.

Al-Moallem visits China to discuss Annan’s Mission, Bilateral Relations

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Upon an invitation by Foreign Minister of China Yang Jiechi, Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem will hold a 2-day official visit to the Popular Republic of China.

During the visit, al-Moallem will discuss means of enhancing bilateral relations and the mission of the UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

Five Army, Civilian Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS, LATTAKIA, (SANA) – The bodies of five army and civilian martyrs were escorted on Sunday from Tishreen and Zahi Azraq Military Hospitals in Damascus and Lattakia to their final resting place.

Solemn funeral processions were held for the martyrs who were targeted by armed terrorist groups while they were in the line of duty in Damascus Countryside and Idleb.

The martyrs are:

­           Retired Brigadier General Akl Hussein Mahmoud from Tartous.

­           Sergeant Major Samer Dirgham from Hama.

­           Conscript Ghazi Ahmad Barazi from Hama.

­           Civilian Hussam Abu Hamdan from Sweida.

­           Civilian Mansour Hamad al-Ali from Sweida.

Families of the martyrs stressed confidence in the ability of the Syrian people to overcome the crisis through their unity, condemning the criminal acts committed by the armed terrorist groups against the army, law-enforcement forces and innocent citizens.

They expressed readiness to sacrifice their lives to defend the homeland and protect its people.

Easter Celebrations in Syria Limited to Prayers and Requiems

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Easter celebrations of Christian denominations in Syria were limited to prayers at churches and places of worshiping marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the messenger of peace and amity.

A mass religious celebration was held at Mar Jirjis’s Cathedral for Syriac Orthodox, headed by Patriarch Mar Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of Antioch an All the East for the Syriac Orthodox, Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, assisted by bishops, priests and the patriarchal Mar Ephrem choir in Damascus.

In his sermon, Patriarch Iwas explained the sublime meaning of this occasion and the sacrifice of the Jesus Christ to save the humanity and achieve happiness through faith.

He added that Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus, which makes us full of hope and determination despite all circumstances.

Patriarch Iwas prayed to God to preserve Syria’s people and President Bashar al-Assad, to bless the martyrs and heal the injured.

Chairing a requiem at Mar Jirjis Church for Roman Orthodox in Damascus, Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Assistant, Bishop Luca al- Khouri said that Zionism and those who follow it are behind the events taking place in the Middle East with the aim of stoking seditions and shedding the Syrian blood to force Syria give up its stances in support of the Arab issues.

He stressed that the Syrian people are committed to their national unity for the sake of their freedom and independence, calling upon all Syrians to pray to God to protect Syria’s people, president and Army, whose members have sacrificed their lives to defend the homeland.

Prayers and requiems were performed at churches and worshiping places throughout the Syrian governorates.

The sermons hailed the national unity of the Syrian people which constitutes the main pillar for Syria’s strength and steadfastness against challenges.

Syrian and Arab Tribes Forum Stresses Popular National Reconciliation

TARTOUS, (SANA) – The activities of the 11th session of Syrian and Arab Tribes and Clans Forum kicked off on Sunday with the participation of 700 Syrian figures and delegations from Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan.

The participants stressed that the national unity of the Syrian people has foiled the enemies’ bet to undermine Syria and the resistance.

They underlined the Syrian people’s rejection of any foreign interference in their affairs, stressing that they will remain united to defend the homeland’s independence and sovereignty.

They called for dialogue to overcome the current circumstances, adding that the Syrian tribes and clans stand by Syria’s people, army and leadership to defend their dignity.

Founder of the Syrian and Arab Tribes and Clans Forum, Sheikh Saleh al-Deli al-Nu’eimi, said the forum is “a national and popular initiative per excellence” that came under the title “Popular National Reconciliation”, adding that the tribes came to Tartous and will also meet in Lattakia to express gratitude to the national awareness and unity of their people.

The 3-day forum included Arab delegations that support reforms in Syria under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad, adding that Syria will remain the country of resistance and steadfastness.

He said that the forum is a call for people to reconcile and for those who took up arms to turn themselves in to authorities.

For his part, Mufti of Tartous, Sheikh Mohammad Ismael said the Forum stresses the Syrians’ national unity and gives a good example for Syria’s united fabric with all its spectrums in response to the instigative satellite channels which try to fragment this fabric.

Bishop of Tartous, Elias Suleiman said Syria is the homeland of all Syrians who have to build it on the basis of mutual respect and dialogue.

Representatives of tribes in the Syrian provinces who attended the meeting stressed that Syria will remain unified under the leadership of President al-Assad who has been approved by all Syrians to be the guarantor of their unity.

They reiterated commitment to national unity and the leadership’s national and pan-Arab stances against all the Zionist and imperialist conspiracies, stressing support to current reforms which will end up in supporting efforts to liberate the occupied territories, restore rights and achieve security and stability in Syria.

The tribes’ representatives in Syria called upon the armed terrorist groups to hand in their weapons and come to dialogue, calling also on those who were forced to leave their houses to return, stressing that the Syrian army will always safeguard the homeland.

“Syria is not for the Syrians only, but for all the honest people in the Arab and Islamic nation,” said Head of the National Center in South Lebanon Kamal al-Kheir, stressing that Lebanon will not be a basis to target and sabotage Syria.

For his part, head of the Iraqi delegation Fayez al-Saad greeted the Syrian people, stressing the firm stance of the Iraqi government towards Syria in terms of supporting Syria’s territorial integrity and rejection of foreign interference in its internal affairs.

Delegation of Syrian Communities in France and Belgium Light Candles in Honor of Army and Civilian Martyrs

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The delegation of the Syrian communities in France and Belgium on Sunday visited the site of the terrorist attack which hit the zone linking Baghdad Street and al-Qasaa Quarter last month.

The participants chanted the Syrian national anthem, after which they observed a minute of silence and lit candles in honor of the army and civilian martyrs.

They condemned the conspiracy hatched against Syria, hailing the sacrifices of Syrian Army in defending the homeland’s stability and confronting the armed terrorist groups.

In a statement to SANA, expatriate Nasrallah Nassrallah, who has been in France for more than 24 years, said “this visit is a personal initiative to express love to Syria and stress rejection of the conspiracy,” describing the terrorist attack at al-Qasaa neighborhood as “immoral” as it aims to undermine the Syrian people’s strength and steadfastness.

Another delegation member Dayana Jadaan said that they are here today to express solidarity to the homeland and stand by its people in the face of all challenges.

She stressed support the reform process led by President Bashar al-Assad, expressing confidence that Syria will overcome the conspiracy.

For his part, Omran al-Khateeb who, has lived in France form 20 years, said the visit aimed at revealing the misleading and instigative role of some media.

He said that the Western countries seek to spread chaos and destruction in Syria in the name of freedom, democracy and human rights while such concepts are absent in such countries as veiled women are prevented from entering public hospitals or schools in France and nobody is allowed to criticize the Israeli daily violations against the Palestinian people.

The delegation includes 80 people of Syrian descent who live in France and Belgium, in addition to French citizens of Arab origins.

The delegation of the Syrian communities in France and Belgium also visited Tishreen Military Hospital in Damascus to show solidarity with the wounded soldiers of the Army who were targeted by the armed terrorist groups while they were performing their sacred duty in protecting the citizens.

Members of the delegation assured the health of the wounded, underlining support to the comprehensive reform program led by President Bashar al-Assad.

They presented symbolic gifts to the injured soldiers in honor of their sacrifices.

The participants in the delegation also visited the monument of the Unknown Soldier in Qasioun Mount in Damascus.

They stood a minute of silence, recited verses of the holy Quran for the souls of civilians and Army soldiers who were targeted by the armed terrorist groups,  chanted the Syrian national anthem and put a wreath on the monument.

UN Security Council Unanimously Passes Resolution to Send Unarmed Monitors to Syria

NEW YORK, (SANA)_The UN Security Council unanimously passed a resolution to send unarmed military observers to Syria.

The resolution authorizes the first 30 unarmed observers to establish contact and cooperation with the Syrian sides and delegates them to submit reports to ensure that all sides commit to ending armed violence until a UN mission is deployed.

The resolution calls upon the Syrian government and other sides to ensure appropriate conditions for the group of monitors to carry out their mission, without restricting their free movement and access to cities.

Al-Jaafari: Annan’s Mission Can Only Succeed with Syria’s Support… Sides Affiliated with Armed Groups Must Commit in Words and Actions

In a speech during the Security Council session, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, said that Syria took serious steps towards fulfilling its obligations as per the plan of UN Envoy Kofi Annan, and that it actually upheld its commitment to ceasing the missions of the armed forces on March 12th.

He affirmed that since the beginning, Syria welcomed Anna’s mission and dealt with its positively, sparing no effort to ensure its success, noting that Syria is providing Annan with regular written updates on the steps taken to implement his plan.

Al-Jaafari said that Syria agreed on the principle of UN observation which respects Syrian sovereignty, and that talks are underway with Annan and his team to formulate a protocol on deploying the observers.

He pointed out that Syria’s openness and commitment to Annan’s mission was met by an escalation of terrorism, which included the forced displacement of citizen to premade camps in neighboring countries in order to manufacture a refugee crisis which would be exploited politically to create so-called buffer zones and summon military intervention.

Al-Jaafari  said that Syria is concerned over the ill intents of some Security Council member countries in terms of deliberately not holding armed groups accountable for their crimes, adding that Syria provided Annan with documented data on the violations committed by armed groups since the ceasefire came into effect, and that these violations number over 50.

He drew attention to the fact that those who claim to care for human rights continue to ignore the information provided by many international sides other than the Syrian government regarding the grave violations of human rights committed by armed groups in Syria, which include abduction, holding hostages, demanding ransom, torture, execution, recruiting children in combat, and using civilians as human shields.

Al-Jaafari pointed out to an article published in Germany’s Der Spiegel which contained an interview with two criminals hiding in Lebanon who confessed to the reporter that they slit the throats of 150 people in Syria on orders from their leaders in the armed groups.

He went on to say that Syria hopes that Annan will handle the crisis in an inclusive manner, stressing the need for Annan to make the necessary communication with the Arab, regional and international sides affiliated with the armed groups to guarantee their commitment to ending violence.

“Annan’s mission can’t be successful with only the Syrian governmental support… those countries must commit in words and actions to stopping the funding, arming and training of armed groups, refraining from encouraging them in continuing their terrorist acts, and providing safe havens to their members, as well as ceasing to prompt the Syrian opposition to reject any initiative for comprehensive national dialogue aiming to reach a political, peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria,” al-Jaafari said.

He noted that while Annan’s was holding dialogue in Syria, some were holding conferences in Istanbul in a clear attempt to circumvent his mission and the UN role and undermine his plan, adding that these conferences devised mechanism allowing Arab Gulf countries to finance armed groups by providing them with salaries, in addition to pledging USD 100 million to exasperate the crisis, in addition to the calls which were issued at the Security Council – particularly from Qatar’s Foreign Minister – for military intervention in Syria and establishing so-called safe zones, along with the Saudi Foreign Minister’s statement that arming the Syrian opposition is a “duty.”

Al-Jaafari asked how some countries can claim to support Annan’s plan while at the same time they take steps to fund armed terrorist groups, impose sanctions on the Syrian people, and call for direct military intervention, all of which contradicts the goal and logic of Annan’s plan.

He affirmed that continuing to support armed groups is a true threat to Annan’s plan, and that those responsible for this are responsible for the shedding of Syrian blood and the spread of terrorism in Syria, adding that countries who imposed the unjust economic sanctions on the Syrian people are accomplices in the crisis and thus are not allowed to bemoan the difficulties that Syrians are facing in their daily lives as they are largely responsible for them.

Al-Jaafari pointed out to the external manipulation of the Syrian Pound exchange rate and the steps taken to prevent Syrian expatriates from sending money to their families at home, in addition to damaging the Syrian energy sector, wondering if such actions ensure the Syrians’ welfare and demands for reforms.

He pointed out that the crisis in Syria is a geopolitics conflict over regional roles and a settlement of old and new scores, adding that some sides have a deep desire to bury the Palestinian cause in favor of other issues.

Al-Jaafari noted that in an earlier meeting, he relayed the news of the assassination of Saria Hassoun, the son of Syria’s Grand Mufti, at the hands of armed terrorist groups, and during this session he reported that the Syrian authorities apprehended the killers of Saria, adding that the two terrorists confessed that they committed the assassination in exchange for USD 800 each.

He said that some sides questioned his last speech before the Council over the existence of armed groups in Syria, adding “Today, fortunately, we heard many Council members urging those armed groups to discipline and adhere to Annan’s plan.”

Al-Jaafari pointed out that the resolution needs the loyalty of all countries which adopted it and continued supporting the armed groups in Syria, saying that Syria hopes for the countries which commit themselves to this resolution to comply to it practically by not sending lethal or non-lethal aid to the terrorists and armed groups in Syria because these funds and equipment are used to kill the Syrian people, including women, children, and the elderly.

He stressed that the Syrian people need help to live in peace and safety, not incitement, adding that the Syrians also need the unjust sanctions which cost them billions of dollars to be lifted.

Concluding his speech, al-Jaafari commented on France’s Representative Gerad Araud who told the Syrian people that “the time of violence is over” by saying “I agree with him, but I would like to remind him that the time of mandates had also gone and that his speech is inappropriate now as the Syrian people are to celebrate their Independence Day from the French occupation on April 17th.”

Churkin: Syrian Opposition Should Commit to Annan’s Plan

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin said that the draft resolution approved at the UN Security Council undergone radical amendments influenced by Russia to make it more balanced and reflective of the situation on the ground.

Churkin said ” Russia has cautioned from the very beginning against the use of force by any side, and called for a political solution to the problems in Syria through comprehensive dialogue.”

”Out of respect for Syria’s sovereignty, we’ve cautioned against foreign interference attempts or imposing unsuitable solutions, ” said Churkin, adding ”We also backed the draft resolution today, taking into consideration the need for sending a UN monitoring mission to Syria.”

He clarified that the resolution is not only for the Syrian government, but also for the opposition groups to fully cooperate with the monitors and implement Annan’s 6-point plan.

Churkin stressed that the observers’ mission needs a great deal of professionalism and objectivity, adding that it is necessary that circumstances be favorable, including ensuring the safety of the mission.

He added ”We are at a critical moment…and it is important that all Syrian sides, including the armed opposition, stop violence immediately, respect Annan’s plan and start organizing an extensive dialogue process.”

China’s Representative Stresses Beijing’s Support to Syria’s Unity, Peaceful Solution for the Crisis

China’s Representative to the UN Security Council, Li Baodong, stressed that Beijing supports the stability, independence and unity of Syria, pointing out to the necessity of solving the crisis peacefully through political dialogue and respecting the choices of the Syrian people.

“We encourage all sides, including the government and the opposition, to meet their commitments in stopping violence and creating the appropriate circumstances for a political process led by Syria,” he said in his speech before the Council.

He stressed that supporting Annan’s efforts is the best way to get out of the crisis and settle it peacefully.

Baodong called upon the international community to support Annan’s efforts, adding that “Efforts that may hinder Annan’s plan are unacceptable and should be opposed decisively.”

In turn, the representative of India stressed the need for countries – both those neighboring Syria and those who are farther away – to facilitate reaching a political solution to the crisis in Syria, while Azerbaijan’s representative stressed the need for emphasizing the Security Council’s commitment to the sovereignty, independence and integrity of Syria.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s representative said that this decision is an important step in achieving a peaceful resolution to the situation in Syria, while the Guatemalan representative said that this decision is a chance to reverse the cycle of violence and take the first step towards a better future for all Syrians.

Portugal’s representative limited his calls for cooperating with Annan to the Syrian government, excluding the opposition, while South Africa’s representative called all sides, including the violations, to maintain a ceasefire and welcomed the Syrian government’s commencement of carrying out its obligations.

Togo’s representative called upon those who have influence on the Syrian government and opposition to support this decision and pave the way for launching a comprehensive political process.

However, the US representative  Susan Rice continued to show bias by neglecting all the reports that prove the opposition’s violations, preferring to pile on accusations against the Syrian government, with the British representative Mark Grant also recounted the lies and fabrications of biased channels and ignored the crimes of armed groups in his attempt to undermine Annan’s plan which have been ongoing since Syria agreed to it.

Similarly, France’s representative Gerard Araud recited a stream of lies and allegations that the French diplomacy have been pushing for months to misdirect public opinion, bringing into mind his country’s colonialist past and tendency to use force and threats in crises.

Meanwhile, Columbia’s representative seemed closer to objectivity as he began by saying that the decision to send observers is a step to resolving the crisis in Syria, but he then regressed to promoting fabrications similar to the ones made by the US, France and Britain, matching these countries in ignoring the crimes of terrorist groups.

The speech delivered by Germany’s representative Peter Wittig showed clear bias, ignoring the crimes committed by the armed groups since announcing the ceasefire and even going as far as to commend them for “ceasing combat,” something which these groups only did in the TV  channels of their Gulf and Western accomplices. Wittig also turned a blind idea to the reports run by German media on the crimes of armed groups during his attempt to pass himself off as a defender of human rights.

Iran hopes Annan’s Mission will be successful

TEHRAN, (SANA)- The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Sunday hoped that the mission of the UN envoy to Syria Kofi Annan will be successful in prevailing security and stability and preventing the foreign intervention in Syria.

Ramin Mehmanparast, Spokesman of the Ministry, who is on a visit to Belgrade, described in an interview with the Serbian TV Tehran stance towards crisis in Syria as clear and frank.

“Syria is confronting Israel’s crimes and opposes the policies of the US in the region,” Mehmanparast said, adding “64% of the Syrian people have participated in the new constitution referendum, which means that the majority of the citizens back the reforms.”

Ki-moon, Annan Call for Urging Syrian Opposition to Take Step to Ensure Cessation of Violence

GENEVA, (SANA) – UN Security General Ban Ki-moon and UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan on Saturday called upon countries and sides with influence on the Syrian opposition to urge them to take “reciprocal steps” to ensure the cessation of violence in Syria.

Reuters reported that Ki-Moon and Annan issued a statement after their meeting which lauds the Security Council’s decision to send unarmed observers to Syria, saying that they will do their best to deploy the observers as soon as possible.

In this statement, Ki-Moon said that the primary responsibility falls upon the Syrian government in the cessation of violence and the withdrawal of its forces.

The statement said that Annan briefed Ki-moon on his communication with Syrian officials, the opposition, and influential countries, adding that Annan explained the efforts being made to ensure the full implementation of his plan and the initiation of a political process that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.

Al-Maliki Reiterates Support to Political Solution to Syrian Crisis

BAGHDAD, (SANA)- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Malki on Sunday reiterated his country’s support to finding a political solution to the crisis in Syria and its rejection to interference in the Syrian internal affairs and all that leads to aggravating the violence in terms of arming or instigation.

“The policy of Iraq is against interference in the internal affairs [of Syria] and against violence and all that leads to aggravating it in terms of arming or instigation and so forth,” the AFP quoted al-Maliki as saying in an interview with the Iraqi Awena newspaper.

He stressed Iraq’s support to reaching a political solution to the crisis in Syria so as for Syria and the region to evade more wars.

Al-Maliki said his country” has put in use all its political and diplomatic capabilities towards arriving at a political solution in Syria that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and helps it and the region avoid more wars and bloodshed.”

“We said before that the language of using force to overthrow the regime [in Syria] won’t overthrow it,” said the Iraqi Prime. “It has been a year now and the regime has not fallen and it won’t fall,” he added wondering, “why would it fall?”

Al-Maliki warned at the Arab Summit held in Baghdad last March that arming the opposition will lead to alternate regional and international wars in Syria, affirming Iraq’s rejection of any act of arming as it will result in an cumulative crisis in the region.

Israeli Occupation Forces Prevent Golan Woman from Visiting Her Relatives in Homeland

QUNEITRA, (SANA) – The Israeli occupation forces on Sunday prevented citizen Wissam al-Sabbagh from visiting her relatives in the homeland.

Mrs. al-Sabbagh is from Damascus and is married to a man from the occupied Syrian town of Majdal Shams.

The Israeli forces have refused dozens of visit applications submitted by al-Sabbagh to the international Red Cross Bureau in the occupied territories.

Al-Sabbagh, who has been under chemotherapy in the Palestinian occupied lands since last September, called upon all human rights associations to exert pressure on the Israeli occupation forces to enable her to visit the homeland and see her relatives and family before she passes away.

Al-Sabbagh said that Israel has been depriving her from visiting her relatives in the homeland since 1998, adding that “I haven’t seen my daughter for 13 year.”

Source: The Embassy of Syrian Arab Republican in Kuala Lumpur.

Sixteen Army, Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS, ALEPPO (SANA) – Bodies of 16 army and law enforcement martyrs on Wednesday were escorted from Tishreen and Aleppo Military Hospitals in Damascus and Aleppo to their final resting place.

Solemn processions were held for the martyrs who were targeted by armed terrorist groups while on duty in Aleppo, Idleb, Damascus Countryside, Daraa, Homs and Hama.

The martyrs are:

-Colonel Mohammad Ahmad Suleiman for Tartous.

-Lieutenant Colonel Hammoud Mohammad Kamal Eddin from Damascus Countryside.

-Chief Warrant Officer Sameer Ahmad Ismael from Tartous

-Sergeant Major Alaa Abdullah from Lattakia

-Sergeant Iyhab Aziz Haydar from Tartous

-Sergeant Radwan Ali al-Hussein from Hama

-Sergeant Anas Ahmad al-Deeb from Daraa

-Sergeant Zuhair Ali Sultan from Lattakia

-Sergeant Ali Mohammad Ali from Hama

-Sergeant Motaz Shukri al-Rihyji from Lattakia

-Conscript Qasim Hassan Kaka from Aleppo

-Conscript Hameed Mustafa Tama from Aleppo

-Conscript Khalid Ibrahim al-Salih from Deir Ezzor

-Conscript Mohammad Ahmad al- Hussein from Deir Ezzor

-Conscript Ahmad Dahir al-Hussein from Deir Ezzor

-Conscript Mohammad Kanjo al-Shami from Idleb

Families of the martyrs stressed adherence to national unity and determination to foil the conspiracy hatched against the homeland, expressing confidence in the Syrian people’s ability to overcome the crisis through their steadfastness and the sacrifices of the Syrian army.

BASP: Commitment to Reforms and Active Participation in Democratic Practices

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ The Regional Leadership of the Baath Arab Socialist Party (BASP) reiterated commitment to the implementations of the ongoing reforms in Syria and to active participation in the coming democratic practices, on top of which the parliamentary elections next May the 7th.

In a statement on the 65th anniversary of the BASP Foundation Day, the Leadership asserted that it would take active part in deepening the concept of democracy, freedom, and voting in contribution to the building of Syria and strengthening the process of the Reforms and development led by President Bashar al-Assad.

The BASP leadership called on the Party members to redouble efforts to keep pace with the events and explain the priorities, exposing the conspiracy hatched against Syria and exposing its tools and those who support the conspiracy with weapons and money.

The BASP lauded in the statement the strong National Unity of Syria and the great sacrifices of the Syrian Arab Army Martyrs and members who have contributed to the immunity and defense of the sovereignty of Syria against the conspiracy.

Mikdad: ICRC has to ask countries that Support Terrorism to stop financing it

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad discussed with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Jakob Kellenberger bilateral relations between Syria and the international organization and the detailed sides of this cooperation.

During the meeting Wednesday, Dr. Mikdad underlined that confidence has been the core of cooperation between Syria and ICRC during the latest years which gave fruits for important achievements in the human field.

“Within its mission in Syria, ICRC has to ask the countries that support and fund terrorism to halt operations of arming and financing in order to stop the Syrian bloodshed,” Mikdad said.

He added that Syria completely cooperates with ICRC and it is committed to offer all possible facilitations to make its mission a success.

For his part, Kellenberger hailed the confidence given to him by the Syrian government which facilitated his mission, hoping that cooperation between the two sides will boost the committee’s work in offering more humanitarian and logistic services.

Explosive Devices Go off as Terrorists were Preparing them, Kill Seven in Damascus Countryside

DAMASCUS, SANA_ Explosive devices went off while terrorists were preparing them in the basement of a building in Beit Sehem in Damascus countryside, causing the building to collapse and damaging a nearby building.

Damascus Countryside Police Commander Abdul Razzak al-Mutlak told SANA correspondent that 7 bodies were pulled from underneath the rubble, among them the bodies of a mother and her two children, in addition to unidentified human remains.

Armed Terrorist Group Sets Fire to Red Cerscent Warehouse in Homs

An armed terrorist group on Wednesday set fire to a warehouse owned by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Homs branch, in al-Qarabiss neighborhood.

SANA correspondent was informed that Civil Defense members extinguished the fire in the warehouse which contained food and medicine, pointing out that only material damage was caused and no human losses or injuries were reported.

Authorities storm a farm at Barza orchards, seizing different weapons

Following pursuit and investigations, the authorities stormed a farm at Barza orchards in Damascus for terrorist Tammam Saab, seizing different weapons, ammunitions and communication sets.

An official source told SANA reporter that the weapons confiscated were explosives, rifles, snipers, made-hand bombs and night goggles.

Grand Mufti of Syria: Conspiracy against Syria Aims at Undermining its National Stances

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Grand Mufti of the Republic Dr. Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun on Wednesday stressed that Syria is targeted for its national stances and keenness on supporting resistance.

Meeting members of the delegation of the Syrian community in Sweden visiting Syria, Dr. Hassoun stressed the role of expatriates in conveying the reality of what is taking place in Syria in light of the misleading Arab-Western media campaign which aims at undermining Syria.

For their part, the delegation members stressed support to the comprehensive reform program led by President Bashar al-Assad, expressing readiness to defend Syria through continuing organizing events and activities to expose the conspiracy targeting their country.

Head of the delegation Sabri Ayyoub expressed confidence that the conspiracy is doomed to failure thanks to the awareness of the Syrian people.

Father Gabriel Dawood from the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate underlined the role of the expatriates in defending the homeland and conveying the reality of what is taking place.

Turkish Republican Popular Party rejects Erdogan’s hostile policy towards Syria

ANKARA, (SANA)-Turkish opposition Republican Popular Party reiterated rejection of Erdogan’s government hostile policy towards Syria and its intervention in the Syrian internal affairs as well as hosting armed terrorist groups in Turkey.

“The republican popular Party along with the majority of the Turkish people oppose the military intervention through Turkey into Syria… the Turkish people don’t want war with Syria, particularly with the Syrian friends,” Osman Faruk Logoglu, Deputy Chairman of the Party said.

He considered that hosting armed terrorist groups by Erdogan government on the Turkish lands undermines security and stability in Syria.

Ten Army, Law-enforcement and Civilian Martyrs Laid to Rest

PROVINCES, (SANA) – The bodies of 10 army, law enforcement and civilian martyrs on Tuesday were escorted from Tishreen , Zahi Azraq and Aleppo Military Hospitals in Damascus, Lattakia and Aleppo to their final resting place.

Solemn processions were held for the martyrs who were targeted by armed terrorist groups while on duty in Aleppo, Idleb, Damascus Countryside, Daraa, Homs and Hama.

The martyrs are:

•           First Lieutenant Moayad Ibrahim Yousef, from Lattakia.

•           Chief Warrant Officer Ali Mohammad Ratabeh, from Lattakia.

•           Sergeant Safwan Jamal Mutran, from Homs.

•           Corporal Mohammad Kheir Abdel Azeem Khallouf, from Damascus Countryside.

•           Corporal Ibrahim Khleif Freih, from Deir Ezzor.

•           Conscript Riyad Ahmad al-Omar, from Raqqa.

•           Conscript Shihadeh Hillo al-Khalaf, from Aleppo.

•           Conscript Mohammad Said al-Ahmad, from Aleppo.

•           Conscript Abdo Ahmad Khalil, from Aleppo.

•           Civil service worker Ihab Yousef Hamdoush, from Homs.

The Martyrs’ families stressed adherence to the national unity and their determination to foil the conspiracy hatched against the homeland, expressing confidence in the Syrian people’s ability to overcome the crisis through their steadfastness and the sacrifices of the Syrian army.

Armed groups perpetrate two new massacres at Dir Baalba,killing four women and a number of citizens

HOMS, (SANA)-Armed terrorist groups on Tuesday perpetrated two new heinous massacres at Dir Baalba town in Homs , killing four women and a number of citizens who were abducted earlier.

At a poultry farm in one of Dir Baalba orchards , the terrorists killed a number of citizens in cold blood, mutilating and burning their bodies after kidnapping them.

The terrorists also killed four women at one house in the same neighborhood after storming it.

The armed terrorist groups terrified the safe citizens in Dir Baalab and forced them to flee, sabotaged the private and public properties, including the buildings of Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering Faculty affiliated to al-Baath University.

The competent authorities arrested a number of terrorists who perpetrated crimes against citizens, seizing big quantities of weapons, stolen medical equipment hidden in one of the schools.

Meanwhile, a patrol for the law enforcement members came under heavy fire by an armed terrorist group one Khan Sheikhoun- Marrat al-Numan road.

A source told SANA correspondent that the authorities responded to the fires of the terrorists, killing one of them and confiscating their weapons.

Authorities clash with armed group in Taftanaz, killing a number of terrorists

The authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group in Taftanaz, Idleb, which was attacking citizens, and perpetrating acts of killing, kidnapping and planting explosives that target law enforcement members.

SANA correspondent learned that the clashes led to the killing of several terrorists, arresting a number of them and confiscating their weapons.

Three security members were also martyred during the operation.

Citizen from Daraa Slaughters his own family

Citizen Majed Taha Arshidat Aba Zaid, from Daraa, perpetrated a heinous crime against his family, killing his father Taha Suleiman, his brother Ibrahim, injuring his mother Ghazaleh, his sister Samar and his brother Hassan.

His brother Hassan who was rescued said in a statement that his brother Majed perpetrated this crime against his family at 4 a.m. today after storming the house.

He added that reason behind his brother’s slaughter was of inheritance disagreement.

31 persons from Madaya, Damascus Countryside give themselves up

31 persons from Madaya, Damascus Countryside gave themselves up to the authorities today.

The persons underlined that they were subjected to a lot of deception, but the reality became clear, underlining that the authorities released them immediately to return to normal life.

They pledged not to carry any weapon in future or participate in any acts of sabotage.

Earlier, 103 persons in Madaya gave themselves up along with their weapons to the authorities on Monday.

Foreign Minister to ICRC President: Syria Continues to Work to Ensure Success of Red Cross’s Humanitarian Mission

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem on Tuesday held a meeting with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Jakob Kellenberger, during which he reviewed the details of the ICRC’s work and its needs in terms of humanitarian work in Syria.

Al-Moallem affirmed that Syria will continue to provide all that is needed to ensure the success of the ICRC’s work and humanitarian mission in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC).

The two sides agreed upon a mechanism for direct cooperation and coordination between the ICRC and the SARC  on one sides and the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry on the other in order to overcome any obstacle and achieve the desired cooperation.

For his part, Kellenberger voiced appreciation for the cooperation shown by the Syrian authorities, which allowed the ICRC to reach areas affected by the current events and provide aid to those who need it.

The meeting was attended by President of the SARC Dr. Abdelrahman al-Attar and Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad.

Interior Minister Meets ICRC President, Welcomes Any Assistance or Advice on Humanitarian Situation in Penal Establishments

The meeting of Interior Ministry Lt. Gen. Mohammad al-Shaar with Kellenberger on Tuesday focused on issues related to the ICRC’s work in Syria and the facilitations the Ministry can provide, particularly regarding the inspection of penal facilities and meeting inmates in them.

Al-Shaar said that the Ministry is working to improve the status of prisoners, provide health and humanitarian services to them, and rehabilitating them to allow them to reintegrate into society.

He said that all arrested individuals who are being tried are under judicial supervision and are all equal in receiving health and humanitarian services, affirming that the Ministry welcomes any assistance or advice regarding humanitarian factors that the ICRC can provide.

In turn, Kellenberger noted that the Syrian authorities allowed an ICRC delegation to visit Damascus Central Prison and inspect the status of its inmates in June 2011, adding “it would be unfair to say that you didn’t cooperate with us, despite that the visit of the delegation didn’t obligate you to allow us to visit the prison.”

He voiced hope for making such visits in the future in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

Al-Halqi: Public and private hospitals didn’t stop performing duty despite current difficult circumstances

Minister of Health Wael al-Halqi reviewed with Kellenberger the situation of health sector, challenges and the services provided for citizens across Syria.

Minister Halqi said that Syria’s public and  private hospitals, during those difficult circumstances, did not stop performing their duty in receiving and treating patients and injured people regardless of the political attitudes unlike what has been broadcast by the instigative media channels with the aim of  damaging the reputation of this sector and its humanitarian services.

He called upon the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit any hospital or place to inspect work mechanism there.

The minister indicated to losses of the health sector in Syria at the hands of the armed terrorist groups, adding that 22  members of medical cadres were martyred while 30 others were injured, in addition to the damage caused to 19 national hospitals, 107 health centers and 125 ambulance cars.

Minister al-Halqi underlined the negative impact of  the unjust economic sanctions imposed on the Syrian people in general and the health sector in particular

Kellenberger stressed that the ICRC will study the possibility of meeting the requirements proposed by the Syrian Ministry of Health.

For his part, Head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Abdulrahman al-Attar reviewed the health aid provided by the SARC through its centers in the Syrian provinces, in addition to the training courses.

He hailed the facilitations provided by the Ministry to reach some areas and provide help and humanitarian aid

Gatilov: So-Called ‘Friends of Syria’ Group not Friend of Majority of Syrians

MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said “Moscow sees that most of the Syrian people do not consider the ‘friends of Syria’ group as a genuine friend of them and don’t see it positively.”

In a comment posted on his Twitter page on Tuesday, Gatilov added that the protests held by many Syrians near the location where the ‘Friends of Syria’ meeting was held in Istanbul and which have been dispersed, show that many Syrians don’t consider this group as a friend of them.

Gatilov urged  all concerned parties to actively support the mission of the UN envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan.

Bogdanov Welcomes Syrian Decision to Withdraw Troops and Heavy Weapons from Syrian Cities before April 10th

” The Russian President’s Special Representative for Middle East Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov welcomes Syria’s decision to take the first step and withdraw troops and heavy weapons from the Syrian cities and villages before April 10th,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement added that Bogdanov reviewed with the Syrian Ambassador in Moscow Riyad Haddad the development of the situation in Syria and the efforts exerted by the Syrian leadership to solve the crisis in the country.

“Ambassador Haddad stressed that Damascus has started fulfilling its obligations under the plan suggested by the UN special envoy Kofi Annan,” the statement said.

The statement added that stress was laid on the need for positive steps by the Syrian opposition and its armed groups, including clear expression of support to the Kofi Annan plan and practical steps towards its implementation.

Syrian Family Forum stresses commitment to National Unity

SWEIDA, (SANA)-With wide participation from different Syrian cities, delegations from Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan, the religious, civil and youth activities in the southern city of Sweida held on Tuesday the Founding Syrian Family Forum under the title “Syria is Fine”.

The participants rejected all forms of intervention in Syria’s domestic affairs, showing commitment to the national unity and support to the reforms led by President Bashar al-Assad.

They hailed the national role played by the Syrian Army to restore security and stability to the Homeland, condemning all acts of killing, sabotage and terrifying the safe people as well as the criminal acts perpetrated by the terrorist groups which serve foreign agendas.

The Syrian and Arab participants thanked all honest people and counties which stood by the Syrian people in the face of conspiracy to which Syria is exposed, underlining that building the homeland lies in the way of reforms, dialogue and tolerance.

Ali Hashim: al-Jazeera Channel Smuggled Thuraya Communication Devices into Syria

BEIRUT, (SANA) – Former al-Jazeera channel correspondent, Ali Hashim, said on Tuesday that the channel has smuggled Thuraya communication devices and BGAN satellite internet devices into Syria through Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.

In an interview with al-Safir Newspaper, Hashim underscored that al-Jazeera channel paid USD 50,000 for each device smuggled into Syria for the opposition to relate their fabricated stories to the channel.

He stressed that al-Jazeera administration forced him not to broadcast the footages of gunmen at the Syrian-Lebanese borders, pointing out that al-Jazeera has lost credibility because of its one-sided view and the absence of ‘the other opinion’.

Musin: Syrian Leadership Faces International Terrorism

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Deputy-Chairman of the Russian Committee of Solidarity with the peoples of Syria and Libya, Marat Musin, on Tuesday said that the Syrian leadership is facing an international terrorism on its soil.

In an interview with Russia Today TV, Musin added that there is a major betting war carried out through intelligence and media agencies, armed gangs and mercenaries in Syria.

He outlined that there are armed groups and mercenaries that are kidnapping, killing and spreading chaos in Syria, stressing that these terrorists are supported by Qatar, KSA and Turkey.

Musin pointed out that the initiative of the UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan will be effective only if the USA ordered the mercenaries of Qatar and KSA to cease fire and violence, adding that ” Everyone knows that the Gulf states have US military bases and that Qatar is arming terrorists and recruiting mercenaries at the orders of the USA.”

Musin said that the solidarity committee is working on conveying the reality of the events taking place in Syria and Libya, especially after the global media channels shifted to suit the interests of the USA and the NATO.

Larijani: Istanbul Conference Gathering for those Bought by Israel, not Syria’s Friends

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Iranian Chairman of the Shura Council, Ali Larijani, stressed on Tuesday that Istanbul Conference held recently with the theme of “Friends of Syria” is in fact a conference for those bought by Israel and not for Syria’s friends.

In a statement, Larijani said that the UN Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, has not finished his mission yet, while the conference started highlighting disagreements, reiterating his country’s support to the ongoing democratic reforms in Syria and condemnation of the conspiracy hatched against it.

Larijani added that the United Kingdom offered 500,000 pounds to fuel unrest in Syria and the US is talking about helping the saboteurs and terrorists inside Syria to undermine the Resistance against the Israeli entity.

He pointed out that if the states taking part in Istanbul conference are obsessed with democracy why do they keep silent about the dictatorship in Bahrain?

In turn, Iranian Defense Minster Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi said that those who claim to be Syria’s friends should support the reforms that are taking place in it, affirming that the Syrian people have chosen their paths and began reforms that should be supported.

He said that what is happening to Syria at the hands of those who claim to be its friends is a sign of hostility, and that the west’s reluctance to denounce terrorist attacks in Syria constitutes support for terrorists which is unacceptable.

Bishop al-Khouri: Syria Will Come out of Crisis Stronger

MONTREAL, CANADA, (SANA) – Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Assistant, Bishop Luca al- Khouri stressed that Syria will come out stronger and more united from the current crisis.

In a event in his honor held by the Syrian Honorary Consul Nelly Kanou in Montreal, al-Khouri added that the conspiracy which was plotted by western parties and implemented by Saudi Arabia and Qatar aims at spreading chaos and destabilizing Syria.

He said that it is silly for a country like Saudi Arabia, which lacks the minimum requirements of civilized countries, to teach the Syrian people democracy, freedom and co-existence.

Bishop al-Khouri added the Syrian people and army ‘s rallying around their leadership is the guarantee for preserving Syria strong and united in the face of the sabotage and murder committed by armed terrorist groups.

He reiterated that Syria’s history and the unity of its people set an example of democracy, equality and co-existence for the whole world.

In Racial Measure Violating International Charter on Occupied Golan, Israeli Authorities Prevent Crossing of Golan Apples to Homeland

QUNEITRA, (SANA)- The Israeli occupation authority rejected the crossing of batches of Syrian Golan apples, the main source of the livelihood of the people of the occupied Syrian Golan, into the local markets in Syria in the framework of tightening its economic grip on the farmers of the occupied Golan.

In a statement to SANA reporter in Quneitra, Chairman of the Marketing Committee of the Golan Apples in the occupied village of Buq’atha, Said Farhat, said that the Israeli practices will not persuade the people of Golan from continuing their struggle, committing to their land and defending it in the face of the Israeli occupation arrogance and inhuman practices.

For his part, Quneitra Governor, Hussein Arnous, said that transferring the Golan apples to the Homeland constitutes the main source of the farmers’ livelihood in occupied Golan and one of the main factors of their steadfastness and commitment to the national identity.

Arnous called upon the international , legal and humanitarian organizations to put pressures on the Israeli occupation authorities to allow the crossing of the Golan apples, asserting that Quneitra Province has already completed all procedures to receive the apples’ shipments across Quneitra crossing, in coordination with the International Red Cross and United Nations Disengagement Observer Forces ( UNDOF).

Annan Informs Security Council of his mission in Syria… al-Jaafari: Countries that call for Arming opposition seek to make the Mission a failure

NEW YORK, (SANA)-Syria’s permanent Envoy to the UN Bashar al-Jaafari said that the countries which arm the terrorists in Syria, fund and supply them with communication sets seek to make the mission of UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan a failure.

“Those countries are violating the Syrian sovereignty and declaring the war on it… those countries are involved in complicating the crisis… they have to assume responsibilities and commit to Annan’s mission,” al-Jaafar said at a press conference held in the New York-based the UN.

“The Saudi Foreign Minister didn’t hide his personal intervention in the Syrian domestic affairs as he openly called for arming the opposition, moreover; he considered that a duty,” al-Jaafari added.

He said that those statements and others indicate to a duality in language that contradicts the harmonious way adopted by the Security Council, those statements represent a call for foiling Annan’s mission, so there are sides who want to confuse his voice through finding parallel tracks as the case in the meeting of Syria’s Enemies in Istanbul.

“The Turkish current government’s policy is hostile towards Syria… it hosted a meeting on its land which undermines sovereignty of a neighboring country as to be considered declaring war on it,” al-Jaafari added.

He made clear that commitment to Annan’s mission must be applied on all, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and all who seek to pass the Syrian sovereignty, create parallel tracks for the security Council which are not recognized internationally.

“All now acknowledge the existence of armed terrorist groups in Syria… the Syrian Government didn’t accept what it rejected in the past… Syria deals with a matter that is proven now and it was asking all, including al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya TV channels to acknowledge the existence of the armed groups,” al-Jaafari underlined.

He said that Syria is doing its best to make Annan’s mission a success, adding “we expect that Mr. Annan and members of the UNSC have as much as Syria commitment to make the plan a success… in diplomacy, there is no obligation to impose preconditions, what is important is preserving the Syrian sovereignty, and talking about observers is too early.

“We expect Mr. Annan will contact the other sides, particularly those who are involved in arming the terrorist groups to end acts of violence,” Dr. al-Jaafari added.

At a closed session, Mr. Annan informed members of the UNSC of his mission in Syria, saying that Syria has agreed his plan, but it awaits a commitment by the opposition to halt violence and withdraw the armed terrorist groups.