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Syrian Ministry of Health Statement

The Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic has the honour to convey a statement by the Ministry of Health of the Syrian Arab Republic on the seditious broadcasts on Syria by the Aljazeera Channel, together with other partner channels and the media.

The above mentioned media, in particular on 16th March, 2012, broadcasted false news that security forces broke into the national hospital in Al-Rakka, Syria and arrested a number of the wounded who were transferred there.

The Ministry of Health of the Syrian Arab Republic confirms that the news is not just false but it is falsification of the facts and a complete fabrication of the truth and the goal of the Aljazeera Channel in doing so, is to stir the feelings of the Syrian citizens and incite them against the service sectors in Syria, including the health sector and thus depriving them of their right to free medical services, in particular the utilisation of ambulances.

The Syrian Health Ministry is surprised by the persistence of the said media in spreading the lies, in spite of the ability to refute them and expose the truth to all. The Ministry calls on all health and humanitarian international organizations to condemn these immoral and cynical methods which a number of foreign media and misleading channels insist on using to deviate from the truth in all aspects of health issues, despite repeated appeals to leave the sector from the schemes of foreign policy without discrimination and interference whatsoever as it serves basic life-saving for all.

The Syrian Health Ministry also confirms that the said hospital, as with all hospitals in the provinces, is constant in providing its medical and ambulance services 24hours to all citizens.

On this particular occasion, the Health Ministry of the Syrian Arab Republic calls on all International Organizations working on health and humanitarian affairs in Syria to provide proof of the false news and slander which the regional inflammatory media channels have broadcasted.

For your information.

With best compliments.

Thank you.

Interior Ministry: 89.4% of the 8,376,447 Voters Agreed to New Constitution

DAMASCUS, (SANA) –The Interior Ministry on Monday announced the results of the referendum on the new Constitution of Syria, with 89.4% of voters agreeing to it.

In a press conference, Minister of Interior Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ibrahim al-Shaar said that that 8,376,447 citizens voted in the referendum on the new draft constitution, which constitutes 57.4% of the 14,589,954 eligible voters, with 7,490,319 (89.4% of voters) agreeing to it while 753,208 (9% of voters) didn’t agree.

He said that there were 132,920 invalid ballots, which makes up 1.6% of votes.

Al-Shaar said that there was a good turnout despite the threats and intimidation by armed terrorist groups in some areas and the accompanying distortion and instigation campaigns by media which attempted to prevent citizens from practicing their right to vote and harm the democratic process.

Answering questions raised by journalists, al-Shaar underlined that the armed terrorist groups in some areas obstructed the arrival of citizens in a number of referendum centers, but they didn’t affect the process in general.

He added that what has prevented Syrian Embassies from opening referendum centers abroad was the ban on the airlines by some Arab and western states which hindered delivering the documents and publications related to referendum process.

“Instead, Syria has opened new referendum centers along the border points with the neighboring countries which witnessed good turnout,” the Minister said.

Al-Shaar stressed that new laws will be issued regarding the articles of the new constitution, adding that what needs amendment would be amended.

He concluded by saying that the government is serious in tackling security situation and ending all armed phenomena and all forms of chaos.

Russian Foreign Ministry: New Constitution Referendum Results  Indicate that the Syrian People Support their Leadership

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that the results of the referendum on the new constitution in Syria indicate that the Syrian people support their leadership.

In a statement, the Ministry said that Moscow considers the referendum as an important step on the way to making Syria a modern democratic state.

The Russian Ministry added that Russia views the results of the constitution as evident of the support the Syrian Government enjoys by its people, pointing out that the opposition groups which called for boycotting the referendum proved to be lacking popularity and they do not have the right to speak on behalf of the Syrian people.

The statement added that Russia calls on all sides to refrain from violence and get involved in dialogue with no preconditions.

Pushkov: Russia is Exerting Efforts to Evacuate Injured Foreign Journalists from Homs

Chairman of the Russian Duma’s International Affairs Committee Aleksey Pushkov said that Russia is exerting efforts to evacuate injured foreign journalists from Homs.

Pushkov was quoted as saying that according to his information, the Western countries are not trying to evacuate the injured, indicating that the gunmen haven’t consented to evacuating them, only allowing journalists to videotape them.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry had underlined the importance that foreign journalists respect the laws regulating journalistic work and not enter the Syrian territories to get to restive areas. F.Allafi/al-Ibrahim/M. Ismael

Seize More than 40 Explosive Devices in Daraa, Cars Loaded with Weapons in al-Hasaka

PROVINCES, (SANA)_ An armed Terrorist Group on Monday shelled with mortars a military educational Complex in Homs, claiming the lives of two members and injuring 12 others.

More than 40 Explosive Devices Seized in Daraa

Authorities seized in the Basra al-Harir town in Daraa countryside a  warehouse that includes explosive devices set to be detonated by armed terrorist groups to attack law-enforcement personnel and terrorize citizens.

SANA reporter in Daraa was informed that over 40 explosive devices weighing from 5 kilograms to 20 kilograms.

Border Guard Personnel Foil Infiltration Attempt of Armed Terrorist Group Coming from Jordan

Meanwhile, Border Guard personnel foiled an infiltration attempt by an armed terrorist group coming from Jordan in Tal-Shihab area in Daraa countryside.

SANA reporter in Daraa was informed that the border guard personnel clashed with the terrorist group killing 5 terrorists and wounding two others and the  rest of them ran away to the Jordanian territories.

Authorities Seize 3 cars Loaded with Amounts of Weapons and Ammunition in al-Hasaka

In the same context, Authorities seized in al-Hasaka province two cars loaded with various weapons.

SANA reporter in al-Hasaka reported an official source as saying that the weapons seized in the two cars included 106 rifles, machine guns and 3 RPG launchers, two sniper rifles and large amounts of ammunition coming from Iraq.

The source pointed out that after fire exchange, the authorities managed to seize the two cars and arrest the people riding them.

The source added that the authorities seized another  car  loaded with 26 rifles coming from Turkey.

16 Army and Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

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

The martyrs were killed in the line of duty by armed terrorist groups in Homs and Damascus Countryside.

Solemn processions were held for the martyrs, as the music of “The Martyr” and “The Farewell” was playing.

The martyrs are:

Warrant Officer Sami Sleiman al-Abdullah, from Tartous.

Retired Warrant Officer Hussein Ibrahim Hasan, from Lattakia.

Warrant Officer Hussein Matar Hamadi, from Homs.

Sergeant Major Mahmoud Ahmad al-Khatib, from Hama.

Sergeant Major Hatem Jamil Ahmad, from Lattakia.

Sergeant Mahmoud Hasan Salloum, from Tartous.

Sergeant Hussam Ibrahim al-Ali, from Aleppo.

Sergeant Mahmoud Ahmad Shams, from Aleppo.

Conscript Yehea Dawoud al-Homsi, from Damascus Countryside.

Conscript Khedr Khaled Abdullah, from Aleppo.

Conscript Yasser Hasan al-Hamad, from Aleppo.

Conscript Tamer Mahmoud al-Khamis, from Hasaka.

Conscript Khalil Ismael Taher, from Aleppo.

Conscript Hisham Hussein al-Atiya, from Aleppo.

Conscript Thabet Sobhi al-Hussein, from Idleb.

Conscript Bassem Issa Abbas, from Lattakia.

The martyrs’ relatives affirmed that their sons’ blood will make Syria stronger and more capable of facing challenges, and that Syria proved its ability to confront difficult conditions concocted by malicious hands.

They denounced the crimes and armed terrorist groups, warning people not to believe the lies of satellite channels who are accomplices in the shedding of Syrian blood.

Putin Affirms Russia’s Adherence to Its Independent Foreign Policy, Rejection of Any Foreign Interference in Syria

MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin affirmed Russia’s adherence to its rejection of any foreign interference in Syria or any attempt to repeat the Libyan scenario in Syria, stressing that the international community must exert efforts to achieve reconciliation among Syrians.

In an article under the title “Russia and the Changing World” published in the Russian newspaper Moskovskie Novosti on Monday, Putin underlined the need to end violence in Syria regardless of source and launch national dialogue without preconditions and without foreign interference in a manner respecting sovereignty, saying that this will compliment the steps announced by the Syrian leadership to promote democracy, and more importantly, will prevent the occurrence of a civil war.

He pointed out that after the bitter experience of Libya, Russia is against the Security Council issuing any resolutions that may be interpreted as permitting military intervention in Syria, noting that this is why Russia and China didn’t allow the resolution in February which could have been misinterpreted and urged one side to resort to violence.

Putin warned the west against creating a coalition or alliance to carry out an operation not sanctioned by the Security Council since such a behavior is very risky and does not help reach a settlement in a troubled country and will cause deterioration in international security, adding that the veto right is an integral part of the world order and the UN charter.

He expressed hope that the US and other countries will take the unfortunate experience of Libya into consideration, expressing wonder over the desire to use military force and the lack of patience to formulate a balanced unanimous stance, noting that such a stance could have been made by making the same demands from the armed opposition that were made from the government.

Putin said that rejecting this step was an impertinent act since all participants in armed conflict must come to their senses in order to guarantee the safety of innocent civilians, which is Russia’s primary goal.

Regarding the Arab region, Putin said that the “Arab Spring” resulted in the replacement of one force by another even more stern and oppressive one rather than establish democracy and protecting the rights of minorities, adding that foreign interference in favor of one side in an internal conflicts exasperated the situation, which is what happened in Libya, as countries worked to topple the Libyan regime under the guise of humanitarianism and resulted in the horrible scene of the killing of Muammar Gaddafi in a medieval manner.

He said that the tragic events in the Middle East aren’t motivated by protecting human rights, and that seeking to force democracy often leads to the opposite result as extremist religious forces emerge to subvert the development of countries.

Regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict, Putin stressed that there’s no magical solution to this issue and that work must continue to seek a solution, which is what Russian diplomacy will do.

He expressed Russia’s adherence to providing security to all countries and avoid the excessive use of force, saying that some of the actions of the US and NATO undermine Russia’s security and destabilize the world, adding that there are concerns over the armed conflicts which are being justified by humanitarian purposes.

Putin said that the selective protection of human rights leads to empty demagogy, stressing the need for the UN to resist pressure and dictations as no-one may use force against sovereign countries under the pretense of acquiring UN approval.

On the Iranian issue, Putin warned against the catastrophic consequences of a military strike against Iran, calling for resolving the Iranian issue peacefully.

Syrian Observatory for Victims of Violence and Terrorism Denounces Hamad Bin Jassim Calls for Arming Opposition

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_The Syrian Observatory for Victims of Violence and Terrorism denounced the statements made by Qatar’s Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim in which he called for supporting the opposition and arming Istanbul Council terrorist groups.

In a statement on Monday, the Observatory said that the Qatari and Saudi stances converge with those of the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, which amounts to conspiring and direct involvement in the Syrian events and is thus likely to raise the level of tension in Syria.

The Observatory saw that the so-called ”Friends of Syria” meeting came as part of endeavors by Western and Gulf states to conspire against Syria and rally as much support as possible to meet Istanbul Council’s demands.

The statement considered such US-Zionist initiatives as a direct involvement in the events taking place in Syria.

Syrian Consultative Center for Studies and Human Rights: Illusory Organizations were Invented to Stoke Instigation against Syria

The Syrian Consultative Center for Studies and Human Rights said that illusory organizations were invented under the pretext of protecting human rights with the aim to further stoke misleading campaigns against Syria, namely the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The center added that the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights distributes false and uncorroborated statements on violations and victims intended for disorienting the Arab and world public opinion.

China Hopes Referendum on New Constitution will Push Reform Process in Syria and Start Political Dialogue

BEIJING, (SANA) – China hoped on Monday that the referendum on the new constitution would push the ongoing reform process in Syria forward and start political dialogue in response to the Syrian people’s aspirations for change and legitimate demands.

“We hope that all sides in Syria work together and exert coordinated efforts to ease the tension as soon as possible,” Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, Hong Lei, told a news conference.

Lei pointed out that his country calls on the international community to fully respect Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and to respect the choice of the Syrian people.

He reiterated China’s stance which rejects any foreign interference or solutions, adding that China adheres to an objective and responsible stance based on protecting the interests of Syria and the Arab peoples.

Concerning the so-called “Friends of Syria Conference” held in Tunis recently, Lei pointed out that China decided not to attend this conference because the purpose of the conference and its mechanisms and role need more study and understanding.

Syrian youths launch activity of the longest letter in the world in loyalty to Homeland

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-A group of Syrian youths on Monday launched activity of the longest message in the world in loyalty to the Homeland, stressing that the aim of this message is to stress amity and solidarity among all Syrian people and reject the foreign intervention in Syria’s domestic affairs.

Organizers of the activity said that the message bears signatures of Syrian citizens from different cities in order to boost solidarity among them in the face of plots and pressures to which the country is exposed.

Lavrov: Russia lauds Holding Referendum on Draft Constitution in Syria

MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russia has welcomed holding a referendum on the new draft constitution in Syria as “a step toward achieving reform and  democracy”, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.

“Holding referendum on a new draft constitution in Syria constitutes an important step towards reform and democracy… The end of a one-party system in the country should be welcomed,” Lavrov added in a press conference in Moscow.

Lavrov called on all international powers to give a unified and clear sign to all Syria sides on the necessity of sitting around the table of dialogue to find solution to the crisis, pointing to the necessity of halting violence in the country by all parties.

Lavrov described the so-called ‘Friends of Syria’ meeting held recently in Tunisia as “a meeting of unilateral support”, noting that “To this day, we do not know the legal status of the document adopted by the meeting. We have an impression that this meeting didn’t contributed in ensuring the circumstances to encourage all sides to hold political dialogue”.

Lavrov expressed confidence that referendum on the draft of the new constitution for Syria is not a response to statements, but rather it is an important reform step.

He added that Russia welcomes any initiative to unify the international community on the basis of supporting decisions made by the Syrians themselves.

Damage Caused by Armed Groups to Irrigation Sector Exceeds SYP 1 Billion and 600 Million

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Irrigation George Somi on Monday said the damage caused by armed terrorist groups to water facilities and vehicles affiliated to the Ministry exceeded SYP 1 billion and 600 million.

“In Hama governorate, the attacks targeted pumping stations in al-Ghab region which hindered providing water to the dams and irrigation networks,” said Minister Somi in a statement to the journalists.

He added that the armed terrorist groups also prevented the companies responsible for water projects execution from continuing their works.

The minister said these armed groups also prevented employees at the Water Resources Directorate in Idleb governorate from going to their workplace which made it difficult to continue maintenance works of irrigation networks or monitoring ground water, adding that the case in Daraa and Homs governorates is similar.

He added that the situation of water facilities throughout the Syrian governorates was better except for Deir Ezzor as the General Establishment for Land Reclamation in the lower Euphrates Basin has been attacked with a total loss of more than SYP 5 million.

Minister Somi stressed that the Ministry will exert great efforts to preserve the safety of water facilities and vital projects throughout the Syrian territories.

Tunisian Writers Criticize Their Government’s Stance towards Syria

TUNIS, (SANA) – Tunisian writers criticized the aggressive stance of their country towards Syria and hosting the so-called “Friends of Syria” meeting.

Writer Amin Abu Masood from the Tunisian Al-Shorouk newspaper apologized to Syria and wondered what kind of friend lies, misleads and instigates against Damascus, gives a hand to Israel and supports armed figures from the Syrian opposition who fight in the name of the Zionists.

Abu Masood considered that hosting the meeting in Tunisia stresses the commitment of the Tunisian government and presidency to the US “Great Middle East” project which aims at re-drawing the map of the Arab world through fragmenting the region and provoking sectarian and ethnic division.

“It is naive that the President al-Marzouki circulating the lie about keenness on helping the Syrian people to build democracy through a meeting whose Arab, Western and Turkish members support armed terrorist gangs which shed the Syrian blood using US, French, British, Gulf and Israeli weapons,” he said.

For his part, the Tunisian University Professor Mustafa al-Keilani said the Syrian intelligence was proved once again which helped the country survive the scheme against it, noting that this scheme is very similar to the one used against Libya.

He warned agaisnt intensifying economic sanctions on Syria to gain time to change the reality on the ground through increasing the internal conflict along with several attempts to influence regional and international powers that support Syria.

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

Presidential Decree on Syria’s New Constitution

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday issued decree No. 94 on publishing the Constitution of the Syrian Arab Republic approved by referendum in the official gazette.

The new constitution comes into effect on February 27, 2012.

Syrian Delegation Walks out from UN Human Rights Council Session in Geneva Describing its Discussions as Futile

GENEVA, (SANA) – The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva held an emergency session on the situation in Syria on Tuesday, with Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fayssal Al-Hamwi, beginning by voicing Syria’s denouncement of holding this session in a manner contradicting procedural rules and showing blatant manipulation of the Council.

Al-Hamwi wondered why the session ignored Article 4 of its agenda which is dedicated to discussing the state of human rights in Syria, asking if the purpose of this session is to slander and politicize the situation of human rights.

He also questioned the decision to work behind the scenes and avoiding a direct dialogue with Syria in the same manner the Red Cross did, which resulted in providing humanitarian aid to several areas and helped evacuate civilians from them.

“We’re convinced that the true goal of holding today’s session is covering up the violence and murder committed by armed terrorist groups against innocent civilians which were clearly mentioned by Agence France-Presse on February 25,” he said, acknowledging that the services provided by the government suffered setbacks due to the presence of armed groups in some areas, adding that armed groups attacked 18 hospitals, 48 health centers and 129 ambulances as of February 9th, 2012.

He also pointed out to the negative effects of unilateral and unjust economic sanctions imposed by some countries against the Syria people, hindering the procurement of medicine, vaccine, food and fuel and hindering banking transactions used to purchase these materials.

”Unilateral economic sanctions are the ugliest violations of human rights, because they target foremost civilian populations including children, women and the elderly,” said al-Hamwi.

He said that the concepts of humanitarian intervention and protecting civilians have been distorted recently, using them to justify military intervention, topple governments and destroy infrastructures.

Al-Hamwi asserted that the call to hold a session about humanitarian condition in Syria is but part of a premeditated scheme as to strike at the Syrian State and its institutions under the pretext of humanitarian needs.

Headded that those who called for the meeting didn’t even wait for discussions of the independent international investigations committee, which included no hint to the deterioration of humanitarian condition in Syria.

He also underscored that the report of the said committee acknowledged the painful and catastrophic consequences of the economic sanctions imposed on the Syria People and that he who claims to be a friend for People should never impose hard and illegitimate sanctions on the people.

Al-Hamwi said to those who claim to be friends of the Syrian people to help them by immediately ceasing mobilization, sectarian instigation, media lies, supplying weapons and funds to armed groups, and turning the Syrians against each other.

he pointed out that the Council has been transformed into a tool in the hands of some countries, asserting that the real objective of the council out-of-procedure session is to inflame the fire of terrorism and prolong the crisis through message of support by the Council to the armed groups in Syria.

“The delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic  announces non-acknowledgement of the legitimacy of this session,” said Al-Hamwi, declaring Syria’s rejection of whatever illegitimate biased and malicious  resolutions  to be taken.

Seven Army and Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Seven army and law-enforcement martyrs on Tuesday were escorted from Tishreen Military Hospital in Damascus to their final resting place.

The martyrs were killed in the line of duty by armed terrorist groups in Homs and Damascus Countryside.

Solemn processions were held for the martyrs, as the music of “The Martyr” and “The Farewell” was playing.

The martyrs are:

­          Second Lieutenant Fadi Samir Ahmad from Lattakia.

­          Conscript Fares Ammash al-Subaikhan from Deir Ezzor.

­          Conscript Omar Ahmad Abu Bakr from Aleppo.

­          Conscript Mohammed Khalil Qutaifani from Damascus.

­          Conscript Nor Fahmi al-Jibbeh from Idleb.

­          Conscript Khalid Mustafa Ibrahim from Aleppo.

­          Conscript Ali Mohammed Hammad from Idleb.

The martyrs’ relatives affirmed that their sons’ blood will make Syria stronger, expressing readiness to face the conspiracy hatched against their homeland and to defend its security and stability

Terrorist Hideout Uncovered, Authorities Prevent Terrorists from Entering Syria, Four Explosive Devices Dismantled

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ Syrian competent Authorities have discovered Tuesday a terrorist hideout used by terrorist at a farm in al-Shoufiniah, Douma, Damascus Countryside.

SANA reporter quoted the authorities as saying that huge amounts of weapons, field hospital and medical materials were uncovered during the operation.

Among the weapons confiscated were 6 Kalashnikov rifles, 2 RPG launchers, 3 snipers, a Turkish pump action shotgun, 2 Turkish guns, snipers’ silencers, explosive charges, and tens of RPG shells, fire cartridges, communication tools and cameras.

Authorities Prevent Terrorists from Entering Syria from Lebanon

The authorities prevented an armed terrorist group from entering Syria through the Oyoun al-Shara-Halat crossing point in Telkalakh countryside on the Syrian-Lebanese borders.

An official source told SANA’s correspondent that three members of the terrorist group were killed and others were injured, while one member of law-enforcement forces was wounded and taken to al-Bassel Hospital in Tartous for treatment.

Earlier on Monday, the authorities prevented an armed terrorist group from entering Syria from Jordan in Tel Shihab area in Daraa countryside.

Four Explosive Devices Dismantled in Idleb Countryside

Engineering units dismantled four explosive devices planted by terrorists at the Maarshouren town crossroads east of al-Maara, Idleb countryside.

An informed source at Idleb governorate told SANA’s correspondent that each explosive device is rigged for remote detonation and has a yield of 50 kilograms.

Syrian Arab Red Crescent Refutes Allegations Pertaining to Its Impartiality

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) on Tuesday rejected allegations made by some media outlets throughout last week regarding its impartiality, refuting claims that the SARC is untrustworthy.

In a statement, the SARC voiced deep concern over these allegations which are not only untrue, but constitute insults to the workers and volunteers of the organization who are making sacrifices to reach vulnerable groups and provide humanitarian aid to whoever needs it regardless of nationality, religion or political beliefs.

The statement pointed out that volunteers from the Homs branch of the SARC have been working around the clock since Friday in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross to evacuate the injured form Baba Armo neighborhood, successfully evacuating 30 people.

The SARC added that it also provided humanitarian, medical and food aim to those who need them in areas including Daraa, Hama, Homs, Deir Ezzor, Madaya and al-Zabadani.

The statement said that the baseless allegations against the SARC not only undermine its efforts, but also endanger the lives of its workers and volunteers and hinders their humanitarian efforts, noting that the SARC lost two of its members already; volunteer al-Hakam Darrak al-Sibayi and secretary of the Idleb branch Dr. Abdelrazzaq Jbeiro.

The SARC concluded by voicing appreciation for the support it’s receiving from the associations of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and other organizations from across the world, saying “their support, along with the diligent efforts of our volunteers and workers, enabled us to provide humanitarian aid to thousands of people regardless of nationality, religion or political affiliation… it is of utmost necessity to those who need our humanitarian services that we continue to do our work.”

Head of the Syrian-Belgian Friendship Association: Constitutional Referendum, Historic Day for Syria and Syrians

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Head of the Syrian-Belgian Friendship Association Kriss Janssen said that February 26th marks a historic day for Syria and the Syrians as they participated in a national referendum to accept or reject the new constitution.

He added that the new constitution is the outcome of a year of consultations with all spectrums of the Syrian people to reach a clear viewpoint about the Syrians’ vision of their future.

Walking down to the Sabaa Bahrat Square in Damascus, he said that the whole atmosphere was different from stories broadcast by international media as there were no armored vehicles or snipers on rooftops, rather he saw families and students dancing and chanting national slogans as if they were in celebration.

He added that he met some of the participants and hailed their political awareness about this important day in Syria’s history.

Accompanying a friend to a polling center where he noted the large number of Syrian citizens, Janssen said that the gathering citizens told him that they are here to exercise their national duty and democratic right, unlike other people in the region whose governments criticized Syria and called for arming terrorist groups.

He refuted some western claims that only employees at state constitutions went to the polling centers by force and pressure.

Janssen added that a number of citizens asked him to convey a message to the foreign world which is “leave us alone and stop interfering in our affairs or telling us what to do… we Syrians don’t want the Americans, the French or the British to tell us how to arrange our life. We are able to do so by ourselves.”

He said that the majority of people are convinced that the new constitution represents the whole political scene in its plurality as they believe that their participation in the referendum is to confront terrorism, while terrorists and mercenaries kill innocent civilians and destroy infrastructures to create chaos and negatively influence the Syrian’s life in order to change Syria into Afghanistan.

Janssen said that he was moved by the sincere popular support to the political referendum and the wisdom of the Syrian people, expressing confidence that the Syrians, with their adherence to their principles and their belief in that only they can decide their future, will overcome all pressure.

Jordanian Youth Delegation Stresses Solidarity with Syria, Rejecting Foreign Interference in its Affairs

DARAA, (SANA) – A delegation from the Jordanian Youth Students Campaign to Support Syria and members of the Arab Students Union expressed solidarity with Syria and its independent decision, reiterating rejection of foreign interference in its internal affairs.

Head of the delegation Ahmad al-Seidawi said “our visit to Syria and our support to its leadership, people and government are stemmed from our belief in Syria’s role in defending the just Arab issues, particularly Palestine.”

Al-Seidawi said that the Jordanian students and youths will stand side by side with all Arab students across the Arab world to defend Syria and its people against the conspiracy which aims at fragmenting and undermining it.

Al-Seidawi expressed the Jordanian students’ confidence in that Syria will come out of the crisis victorious and strong thanks to the awareness of its people and its wise leadership.

Another delegation member, Abdel Majeed Abu Najm said that they are here to stress support to the comprehensive reform program launched by the Syrian leadership and represented in the new constitution which will transform Syria into an example of democracy.

He hailed the Syrian people’s awareness and unity in the face of the crisis.

For his part, Asef Ismael Naser said that he came to Syria to express gratitude to the Syrian leadership which supported the Palestinian cause and the Resistance.

People’s Assembly: New Constitution Marks New Stage, Heralds Pluralistic and Democratic Society

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Members of the People’s Assembly affirmed that the constitution referendum is a civilized achievement for the Syrian people, showing the people’s support for reforms led by President Bashar al-Assad and their adherence to national standards.

During a session chaired by Speaker Mahmoud al-Abrash on Tuesday, the Assembly members said the new constitution makes Syria stronger in the face of the plots against it, marking a new stage and heralding a pluralistic and democratic society.

They said that the new concepts and principles in the constitution require a new mentality to deal with their repercussions and amend current laws and legislations to match the modern constitution.

In turn, Speaker al-Abrash said that the citizens’ participation in the referendum on the constitution guaranteed that Syria will persist and that Syrians will be united by the new constitution, noting that  it’s possible to amend some of the constitution’s articles which raised some questions.

Members of an Egyptian media delegation visiting Syria attended a part of the session, affirming that Syria will remain the heart of Arabism and that the new Syrian constitution underlines Syria’s Arabism while some other countries are striking out Arabism from their constitutions.

During the session, the Assembly referred legislative decrees referred from the President to the appropriate committees for study, including a decree on establishing a center for agricultural research.

The Assembly also referred the new environment draft law to the Constitutional and Legislative Affairs Committee for study.

The session was adjourned until 11 AM on Wednesday.

On a relevant note, Speaker al-Abrash held a meeting with the visiting Egyptian media delegation, briefing them on the truth regarding the conspiracy against Syria and the media, political and economic attacks against it.

Al-Abrash affirmed that Syria will continue to pursue the reforms announced by the leadership.

In turn, members of the delegation said that the Syrians’ approval of the new constitution was a true blow for the conspirators against Syria, lauding the new constitution as a model of reform and development.

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Syria won the ‘Best Print Promotional Material’ award, during participation in Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) held in the Indian capital New Delhi from February 24 to 26.

Some 350 exhibitors from 27 countries and 28 Indian states took part in India’s leading travel show.

The Syrian Tourism Ministry’s delegation was granted a certificate of excellence and a medal in recognition of the distinction of the promotional materials, that were distributed in a party held by the fair’s administration for this purpose.

The Syrian participation drew the interest of the Indian visitors throughout the 3-day travel fair, who expressed admiration of the cultural and religious components of Syria, hailing the richness of the elements making up the Syrian tourism products.

Second Secretary and Counsel at the Syrian Embassy in India, Mustafa Dayoub, said the fair constituted an important gate to the Indian market and an appropriate opportunity to meet representatives of tourism companies from different countries so as to promote Syria as a diversified and unique tourist destination and introduce the investment opportunities it has.

Vice Chairman of Turkish Labor Party: Government of Erdogan is leader of Greater Middle East Project

ANKARA, (SANA)-Vice Chairman of the Turkish Labor Party Hasan Basri Ozbey said that the Turkish current government, headed by Recep Tayyib Erdogan, is the leader of the Greater Middle East Project on which the US-backed western courtiers are applying in the region.

In a speech to the Syrian TV broadcast Tuesday, Ozbey said that unfortunately Turkey has been without a government since 10 years, which means since the coming of the Development and Justice Party to the power, adding that he was not astonished at Turkey’s harboring for terrorists.

He described the Saudi-Qatari steps against Syria, particularly the calls for arming and funding the armed groups, as US orders to carry out satanic projects in order to divide the region and ignite hostility through arming terrorists, saying that this is unacceptable.

Corpses of US Journalist Marie Colvin, French Journalist Remi Ochlik, and Spanish Journalist Javier Espinosa uncovered at Baba Amro

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ The corpses of US Journalist Marie Colvin, French Journalist Remi Ochlik, and Spanish Journalist Javier Espinosa were uncovered by competent authorities at Baba Amro, Homs following humanitarian motivated strenuous efforts of search and follow up.

An official source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates declared , just after the Syrian Army cleansed Baba Amro from the foreign-backed armed groups of terrorists, that 3 previous bids by the Syrian Red Crescent in coordination with the International Red Cross failed to take these corpses out because the armed terrorist groups rejected to do so as to manipulate them along with the forces of provocations against Syria.

The corpses, added the source, are to be transferred into a Damascus hospital for Forensic DNA analysis, to be compared with the DNA to be received from their respective countries, before being handed over to the Embassies of Poland, on behalf of the US Embassy, France and Spain and in presence of representatives from the Syrian Red Crescent and International Red Cross.

”Syria offers condolences to the families of the three journalists, Syria, however, voices the hope that all foreigners would evade entering to the Syrian Territories in an illegal way and to evade going to the places where the terrorist armed groups are present,” concluded the source.

Foreign Ministry: Amos Asked to Come to Syria on Inappropriate Date for Us,   We Are Ready to Consult on Suitable Date

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Foreign and Expatriates Ministry Spokesman announced that the Ministry reviewed with regret the allegations which said that Syria rejected to welcome UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos or cooperate with her, which came in a press statement released by Amos.

“The Foreign and Expatriates Ministry would like to make clear that it had expressed welcome of Amos’ visit to Damascus and readiness to discuss her mission and cooperate with her and that an appropriate date for the visit for both sides was to be agreed on,” the Spokesman said in a statement on Thursday.

“However, we were surprised about her having arrived in the region and asking to come to Syria on a date not suitable for us,” added the statement.

“To put things in perspective,” it continued, “the Syrian side is ready to continue consultation with Amos on a date that is appropriate for both sides so that for Amos to start her visit to Damascus.”

Armed Group which Assassinated two Businessmen from Aleppo Caught, 8 Civil Workers Kidnapped in Hama

ALEPPO, HAMA(SANA)_The competent authorities arrested on Thursday the armed terrorist group which assassinated Mahmoud Ramadan and Mahmoud al-Sourani, two businessmen from Aleppo.

The terrorist group had also blown up public and private cars in Aleppo, intimidated locals there and vandalized public and private properties.

The armed group assassinated on February 20 the businessman Mahmoud Ramadan in front of his home in New Aleppo neighborhood.

Armed Terrorist Group Kidnaps 8 Civil Workers at the Defense Factories Establishment in Hama

An armed terrorist group seized a bus carrying 8 civil workers at the Defense Factories Establishment in Hama city.

SANA correspondent in the city said that the workers were kidnapped while they were heading to their workplace.

Syria has been exposed to a fierce unprecedented attack and plot

Palestinian Liberation Army Command asserted, in a statement received by SANA, that Syria has been exposed to a fierce unprecedented attack and plot, in which the ugliest kinds of misleading, falsifications and fabrication are being used.

The Command condemned the crimes perpetrated by armed terrorist groups, linked to foreign and Zionist agendas,  in Syria against civilians and army personnel, including that assassination of colonel Abul Naser Moqari at al-Yarmouk Camp in Damascus yesterday.

The Palestinian Liberation Army Command underscored that the crimes perpetrated by the terrorists would never deter the Palestinian People from pursuing the way of liberation and that Syria would emerge out from the crisis stronger, and more steadfast under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad.

Nine Army Martyrs Laid to Final Resting Place

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The bodies of 9 army martyrs on Thursday were escorted from Tishreen Military Hospital in Damascus to their final resting place.

The martyrs were killed by the armed terrorist groups while performing their national duty in Damascus, Damascus Countryside, Homs and in Idleb.

Solemn funeral ceremonies were held for the martyrs, as they were carried on shoulders while the music of the “Martyr” and “Farewell” was playing.

The martyrs are:

• Colonel: Abdel Nasser Mouqari from Damascus.
• Sergeant: Razan Izz Eddin Mohammad from Raqqa.
• Sergeant: Ahmed Mohammad al-Hashash from Deir Ezzor.
• Sergeant: Hussein Mohamad al-Hussein from Aleppo.
• Sergeant: Hussein Jaafar Dabjan from Homs.
• Private: Serfan Nouri kilom from Aleppo.
• Private: Mohammad Hassan Sheikho from Aleppo.
• Private: Khalid Wahhab Saad from Deir Ezzor.
• Private: Jum’aa Younis Buzu from Aleppo.

Families and relatives of the martyrs said that the blood of the martyrs will fortify Syria against all challenges and conspiracies and make it more stronger to defend the national principles which have become the title of the resistant Syrian identity.

Russia and China Oppose a UN Human Rights Council Resolution against Syria

GENEVA, (SANA)- Russia and China opposed a UN Human Rights Council resolution against Syria, Reuters reported.

It said that Russia, China and Cuba voted against the resolution, while three countries abstained from voting, which are Ecuador, India and the Philippines.

Russian and Chinese Foreign Ministers Reiterate Rejection of Foreign Interference in Syria’s Affairs

MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi on Thursday reiterated their rejection of any encouragement from the outside to any of the conflict parties in Syria as to help it reach its goals by means of violence, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement pointed out that Lavrov and Jiechi discussed in a phone call the situation in Syria in detail and stressed their countries’ unified stances against any direct or indirect encouragement from the outside to any of the parties to the conflict to help it realize its goals by force.

It added that Moscow and Beijing call on all the foreign parties concerned in a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis to create favorable conditions for starting comprehensive internal dialogue between the Syrian authorities and the opposition.

“Such joint work is the only way to ensure the effectiveness of the efforts aimed at a cease-fire as soon as possible, relieving the suffering of civilian citizens and resolving the acute humanitarian issues,” the statement continued.

Both ministers expressed readiness to continue close contacts on the Syrian issue and coordinating their countries’ stances at the UN and other international organizations.

They voiced their satisfaction over the results of the referendum on the new Syrian constitution which gained the support of the majority of Syrian people, stressing the necessity of accurate implementation of the reform program, including the parliamentary elections.

Russia’s Stances Defend Justice and Options of Syrian People

The Russian Foreign Minister said that his country’ s stances towards Syria defend the justice and the options of the Syrian people.

In a statement to Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper, Lavrov said Russia’s stances don’t defend a regime, rather they defend the justice and the right of the Syrian people to elect the government in a peaceful and democratic way that complies fully with the UN Charter and the international law.

He stressed his country’s conviction that the way to achieve this goal is comprehensive dialogue with the participation of all Syrian political sides and parties, otherwise the substitute will be a destructive civil war.

Gatilov: Russia Voted against Human Rights Council Resolution on Syria because it is Unbalanced

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Gennady Gatilov, stressed on Thursday that Russia voted against a Human Rights Council resolution on Syria because it is unbalanced.

In a statement to Itar Tass News Agency, Gatilov said that the Russian delegation to the UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) session voted against a resolution on Syria because the attempts of the delegation to form a balanced resolution were rejected by the members who drafted the resolution.

Gatilov added that the Russian delegation suggested adding some amendments to the resolution most of them were based on proposals and recommendations of the latest report of the UNHRC committee tasked with investigating human rights violations in Syria, but these amendments were rejected.

He affirmed that the Russian amendments are aimed at balancing the resolution to include the call on the opposition which is continuing its military attacks against government institutions and law-enforcement forces, and it shoulders a part of the responsibility for the current events in Syria to stop violence.

He pointed out that the resolution considered the Syrian Government as responsible for the humanitarian situation and human rights, while Moscow considers that as untrue and that the situation is more complicated.

Gatilov called for dedicating the efforts exerted by the international community to stop violence and search for a diplomatic and political settlement.

Russian Foreign Ministry:  al-Qaeda Members Fight against Syrian National Forces

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Alexander Lukashevich, stressed on Thursday that al-Qaeda members are fighting against national forces in Syria.

Itar Tass News Agency reported   Lukashevich as saying that the Russian proposals regarding the crisis in Syria were rejected by the west or frozen by the extremist opposition without mentioning armed units including al-Qaeda members and other extremists fighting against national forces in Syria.

Lavrov: Syria is Confronting Armed Gangs, al-Qaeda Members that Commited Horrible Crimes

NEW YORK, (SANA) – The United Nations Security Council held on Monday a session to discuss the situation in the Middle East in the framework of the attempts of some Arab states backed by the west to internationalize the crisis in Syria and ignore what is happening in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, stressed in a speech at the UNSC that the Syrian Government is confronting armed gangs and al-Qaeda members who committed horrible crimes in Syria, adding that violence should stop and humanitarian aid should be offered to civilians.

He reiterated that the calls for military intervention in Syria jeopardizes the whole region and risks an outbreak of conflicts.

Lavrov underlined the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian state that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people.

He added that the role of the international community is to guarantee that the current changes in the Arab world would lead to positive effects and to guarantee freedoms, human rights and the minorities’ rights.

Lavrov noted that the Syrian Government shoulders the responsibility for the current events, but “We have to take into consideration that the Syrian Government is fighting armed gangs and al-Qaeda members who committed horrible crimes.”

He called for finding an immediate solution to the crisis in Syria without violence, launching a comprehensive political process in Syria and implementing reforms, pointing out to the five points which were agreed on by the Arab League and Russia in this regard, including stopping violence by all sides, a monitoring mechanism, no foreign interference and supporting the mission of Kofi Annan to launch dialogue between the Government and Syrian opposition.

He stressed that Russia is ready to approve a UNSC resolution based on these five points.

For his part, China’s permanent representative to the UN Li Baodong stressed the importance that international community respect Syria’s sovereignty and independence and not interfere in its affairs, adding that China is ready to shoulder responsibility and establish talks with all sides to push for a peaceful settlement to the crisis.

He urged the international community to help the ME countries economically, emphasizing need to respect the demands of people in these countries without meddling in their internal affairs.

Baodong also called for commitment to the UN Charter and respecting the sovereignty, stability and safety of the region’s countries, voicing China’s rejection of foreign interference to achieve change under the pretext of humanitarian aid, indicating that economic sanctions don’t bring about change.

He stressed that China will remain committed to the just Arab causes and supporting the legitimate demands of Arab peoples, adding that it supports the two-state solution to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict. ”The situation in the Middle East has reached an impasse as we saw an escalation of tension in Gaza last week, ” Baodong said.

He expressed China’s support for the five-year agreement between Russia and the Arab League to solve the Syrian crisis, emphasizing that the parties concerned and the international community must provide the necessary circumstances for dialogue between all Syrian sides to start.

”The Syrian crisis is highly complicated and mediation won’t succeed overnight, but through synchronized and sustained efforts”, said Baodong, welcoming Annan’s mission to reach a political solution to the crisis in Syria.

He said China does not support one side over the other and respects the Syrians’ choices and sovereignty, adding that China backs the role of the UN in delivering aid to some Syrian cities and will offer USD 2 million in humanitarian aid.

For his part, the Indian foreign minister said India’s vision is based on the principle of giving peoples an opportunity to solve their own problems through internal and comprehensive political process. The Indian minister reiterated his country’s call for respecting the sovereignty and independence of countries, affirming that meeting the peoples’ aspirations cannot be achieved through foreign intervention.

Lavrov Expresses Support to Annan’s Mission in Syria

In a phone call with the UN special envoy to Syria Kofi Annan on Sunday, the Russian Foreign Minister expressed support to Annan’s mission in light of Russia’s vision which aims at halting violence from all sides and starting dialogue between the government and the opposition without preempting the results.

Sources in the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Annan informed Minister Lavrov about the start of his mission in Damascus in terms of enhancing what has been agreed upon in the 10th March meeting, stressing the inclination to cooperate with Russia in regards to achieving a peaceful settlement in Syria.

Syria’s Representative at HRC: Report of HRC Politicized, Serves Aggressive purposes

GENEVA, (SANA) – Syria’s Permanent Representative at the Human Rights Council (HRC), Fayssal Al-Hamwi, on Monday said that the report of the Human Rights Commission on Syria is politicized and serves aggressive purposes of some western and regional countries against Syria.

In his speech before the Council, al-Hamwi added that the foreign intervention under ‘humanitarian pretext’ aims at dividing Syria to achieve Israel’s interests.

He stressed that ” The crisis in Syria isn’t peaceful demonstrations…It is a political scheme carried out by external sides,” adding that it’s shameful to use the HRC as a tool to exert political pressure on a sovereign country.

Al-Hamwi underlined that the national dialogue that brings together all Syrian people could pave the way for reforms away from any violence to tackle the problems of victims, but reconciliation wouldn’t be achieved through the impact of foreign powers.

“The determination of the Committee to politicize its work and offer results based on illegal, non- objective and untrue criterion made it lack moral and legal duty… and this pushes the Syrian government to reject the report,” al-Hamwi said.

He added that the crisis in Syria is not peaceful demonstrations, but it is a political plot carried out by some foreign sides that aim to strike Syria through waging misleading media campaign and imposing unilateral economic sanctions against the Syrian people.

“Syria repeatedly stresses  its determination to end the current situation, conduct a comprehensive national dialogue, go on in the reform process and respect the human rights,” the Syrian Envoy said.

He added that the latest step towards reform was voting yes for the new constitution by the two thirds of the Syrian people, this constitution that guarantees democracy, political pluralism and public rights and basic freedoms.

Al-Hamwi concluded by saying that Syria welcomes any true effort to help it come out of the current crisis as it will cooperate with all honest who  present constructive political solutions.

Minister of Information: Terrorist Groups Committed Atrocious Massacre in Karm al-Zaytoun to Elicit International Stances against Syria

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Information Dr. Adnan Mahmoud said that armed terrorist groups committed a most atrocious massacre against women, children and elderly citizens in Karm al-Zaytoun neighborhood and mutilated their bodies in order to put pressure to elicit international stances against Syria.

In a statement on Monday, the Minister said that some countries which support the terrorist groups such as Qatar Saudi Arabia and provide them with weapons and money are accomplices in the terrorism targeting all the Syrian people, and that these countries are responsible for the shedding of Syrian blood.

“We’ve grown accustomed to the bloody escalation of these terrorist groups in committing massacres, murdering citizens and attacking public and private establishments which proceeds international meetings,” he said.

Dr. Mahmoud said that the terrorist channales such as al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya are accomplices in these heinous crimes, and that those which these channels proclaim to be correspondents in Homs and other areas are gunmen and terrorists who participate in these crimes and record them, then these channels broadcast false allegations and twist facts.

He said that the massacre committed by an armed terrorist group in Karm al-Zaytoun neighborhood, claiming the lives of entire families, is but one of the massacres committed by these groups and represents an escalation in their crimes.

A terrorist armed group perpetrated an appalling massacre in Homs in Karm al-Zaytoun neighborhood prior to convening the Security Council meeting to elicit hostile stances against Syria with the participation of bloodshed media channels.

Images broadcast in the Syrian TV showed the horrible crimes committed against families, as the brutality of the perpetrators have not saved the children, women or the elderly to satisfy their bloodlust.

The so-called al-Farouq Battalion documented its responsibility of the bloodbath by writing: ” al-Farouq Battalion passed here,” where all members of a family fell victim to the terrorism perpetrated by this militia.

A citizen said that the family targeted by the terrorists was simple and poor people including a 75-year-old man, as another neighbor clarified that the family members were killed for not responding to the gunmen’s dictations.

Local residents said that the terrorists were using a deserted under-construction building to commit crimes of killing and mutilating against kidnapped innocent citizens and then they filmed them and send the videos to Gulf-backed sedition channels, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

A woman from the neighborhood said that militants rape, kill, throw bodies in the streets and then film them and send the clips to Aljazeera and al-Arabia TV channels.

Earlier, a media source asserted that the footage of the corpses presented by some Satellite TV stations belong to the civilians, who were kidnapped by the terrorist armed groups.

The media source added that the crimes perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups and aired by al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya, who have among the terrorists operating in Syria special correspondents, coincide with today’s UN Security Council session , as to call for foreign interference in Syria.

The source also refuted the news circulated by some satellite TVs about the closure of al-Salihya and al-Midan Quarters in Damascus as groundless and fabricated  in line with the hysterical campaign unleashed by anti-Syria media  channels.

Family members of the kidnapped stated to Syrian TV that the corpses of their relatives were shown by al-Jazeera and al-Arabiya Satellite TV, which are but participants with the armed terrorist groups in perpetrating massacres.

Ahmad Shihab, a citizen from Bab al-Sibaa Quarter, Homs, said that he recognized two corpses for his relatives who were kidnapped more than a month ago.

Khalid al-Najar, from al-Naziheen Quarter, Homs, said also that two of the corpses were for two persons of his quarter.

Fou’ad Suleiman, a citizen from al-Nizha Quarter, Homs, said that one of the corpses belong to his cousin, Jihad, who was kidnapped more than 90 days ago.

Abukhald al-Abdullah, from al-Naziheen Quarter, Homs, said that the attacks by the armed terrorist groups, have turned their life into hell under house arrest, using their houses as prisons, kidnapping and killing the citizens casting their corpses at al-Siteen Street, Homs.

Syrian Consultative Center for Studies and Human Rights: Homs Massacre Committed by Criminal Groups

The Syrian Consultative Center for Studies and Human Rights considered that the killing and terrorism against innocent civilians which happened in Homs last night was perpetrated by criminal groups as part of a bloody scheme under external intelligence and media guidance and cover.

In a statement on Monday, the Center said that murdering kidnapped citizens is committed prior to the United Nations Security Council sessions to use as a pretext for blatant interference allegedly for protecting human rights.

The statement added that these armed groups embrace ”journalists” who entered illegally through routes that the gunmen opened to guarantee logistical help from outside.

The Center called upon the international community and human rights’ bodies to use their influence to pressure the regimes involved in the bloodshed to stop dispatching terrorist elements and the flow of weapons to Syria.

Armed Terrorist Group Blows up Diesel Transfer Pipeline in Homs that Feeds Hama Province

DAMASCUS, SANA_ An armed terrorist group on Monday targeted with an explosive device a diesel transport pipeline extended from Homs to Hama in al-Holeh area, east of Tal Daw, causing an explosion and fire to erupt in the pipeline.

An official source at the Ministry of Petroleum told SANA reporter that the 20-Inch diameter pipeline, which is affiliated to the Syrian Company for Fuel, provides Hama Province with diesel.

The reporter pointed out that the pumping into the targeted pipeline was immediately halted after the explosion and the fire was extinguished so that for the authorities to start repairing works to resume pumping in the pipeline.

Earlier last month, the armed terrorist groups targeted with an explosive device a diesel transport pipeline which extends from Homs Refinery to the oil warehouses in Adra at Damascus Countryside between al-Sultaniyeh and Baba Amr in Homs setting ablaze the site of the explosion.

Armed terrorist groups have targeted oil and gas transfer pipelines with explosive devices several times with the aim of sabotaging these pipelines and depriving the Syrian people of the energy supplies.

Lattakia Governor Denies News on Explosions in Lattakia Province

Lattakia Governor Abdul-Qader al-Sheikh denied as “completely baseless” the news circulated by some misleading satellite TV channels about explosions at Lattakia Province.

Al-Sheikh told SANA reporter on Monday that the life in Lattakia Province is normal, calm and secure.

The Governor said “These news come in the framework of the heinous media campaign hatched against Syria in an attempt to undermine Syria’s security, stability and the tranquility prevailing in Lattakia Province.”

For his part, Lattakia Police Chief Brigadier General Jamal Bitar told SANA reporter that the life across the Province is normal, calm and secure, denying as “baseless” the news broadcast by some satellite TV channels.

Authorities in Daraa discover hideouts of the armed terrorist groups

The competent authorities in Daraa countryside discovered hideouts of the armed terrorist groups,  7 explosives inside a stolen public car on a farm-road.

Five of the explosives weigh 50 KG and 2 40 KG, medical, emergency and some wears were also found.

Competent Authorities Confiscate Weapons in Aleppo Countryside

The Competent authorities in Aleppo countryside confiscated amounts of weapons hidden in a taxi that was parked in one of Manbej neighborhoods.

An Interior Ministry source said that the confiscated weapons include 22 rifles, RPG launchers, 203 bullets and 7 magazines.

Armed terrorist group burns four houses at Sankol town in Idleb

An armed terrorist group burned four houses at Sankol town in Idleb.

An official source told SANA reporter that the terrorists burned those houses because their owners rejected to join them in the acts of sabotage.

In Maarat al-Numan, the authorities found the body of the killed citizen Hassan Mahmoud al-Sultan inside the mosque of Saad bin Muaz, with signs of mutilation on it.

In Homs, the competent authorities arrested a number of the wanted persons who were engaged in dangerous crimes in a number of Homs regions.

Fire breaks out in a store of cotton to the East of Idleb

A fire broke out today in a store of cotton affiliated to Idleb old spinning factory, to the East of Idleb.

An official source in Idleb told SANA reporter that the fires swallowed up the contents of the store, while firefighters are doing their best to extinguish the fires.

The source added that armed terrorist groups are shooting fire to prevent the fire engines from reaching the place of fire.

Fifteen Army and Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS (SANA) – The bodies of 15 army and law-enforcement martyrs on Monday were escorted from Tishreen Military Hospital in Damascus 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 Damascus and its Countryside and Homs.

The martyrs are:

­           Colonel Mohammed Ali Halloum, from Tartous.

­           Warrant Officer Soumar Sharif Ali, from Lattakia.

­           Sergeant Major Alaa Youssef Hassan,from Hama.

­           Sergeant Abdul-Baset Ahmad Haj Hassan, from Aleppo.

­           Corporal Khalid Kamal Ismael, from Idleb.

­           Corporal Maizar Ibrahim Marae, from Raqaa.

­           Conscript Alaa Haji Shawakh, from Aleppo.

­           Conscript Mohammed Ibrahim Toumeh, from Quneitra.

­           Conscript Hassan Naseif Jamal-Eddin, from Idleb.

­           Conscript Khalid Mohsen al-Dairi al-Ahmad, from Aleppo.

­           Policeman Alaa Rajab, from Homs.

­           Policeman Bayan al-Rashid, from Sweida.

­           Policeman Alaa Nisafi, from Lattakia.

­           Policeman Mazen al-Sayek, from Damascus.

–           Policeman Ibrahim Hammoud, from Idleb.

The martyrs’ families denounced the criminal acts perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups, stressing adherence to the national unity and determination to foil the conspiracy hatched against Syria.

They stressed that the terrorism and attempts to sow sedition among the Syrian people will not dissuade them from defending their homeland, hailing the sacrifices of the Syrian army in protecting Syria’s security and stability.

China Reiterates Support to International Community Constructive Efforts to Solve Syrian Crisis

BEIJIN, (SANA) – China reiterated support to the international community’s constructive and positive efforts to reach a political settlement to the crisis in Syria.

In a press conference on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin expressed his country’s hope that the all sides will continue efforts to reach a just, peaceful and appropriate solution to the Syrian crisis.

He said that China welcomes the international community’s efforts to enhance communication and coordination on the crisis in Syria, adding that “We believe that the five-point plan reached between Russia and the Arabs is of realistic and positive significance to the political solution to the Syrian crisis.”

He added that China is open to all proposals that could contribute to enhancing political solution to the problem in Syria and ready to work with the international community ,including the Arab League (AL), to promote a just, peaceful and proper solution to the Syrian crisis.

Liu said China supports Annan’s constructive efforts in promoting the political solution and hopes all sides would cooperate with Annan’s mediation efforts.

He added that Beijing participated in the consultations on the new draft resolution and proposed some amendments based on the six Chinese proposals on solving the Syrian issue politically.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that some of what has been issued at the meeting of the Arab foreign ministers on March, 10th demonstrated the readiness of the Arab countries and the AL to solve the Syrian crisis through political means, especially the decision which calls upon the Syrian government and opposition to positively cooperate with the UN- Arab League’s envoy Kofi Annan.

“The decision has a positive impact on easing the current tensions in Syria as well as expanding consensus among all parties concerned,” he added.

He stressed China’s support to the peace process in the Middle East which is based on protecting peace and stability in the region and its commitment to reach political settlement to the issue of the Middle East and continue efforts to achieve this purpose.

Iran Reiterates Full Support to Syria

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir- Abdollahian on Monday reiterated Iran’s full support to Syria’s people and government.

Amir- Abdollahian was quoted as saying “We are confident that the Syrian people support the reform process led by President Bashar al-Assad and will stand up against any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.”

He added that Iran considers the political solution and support to the Syrian people’s demands, which were given the attention of the Syrian leadership, the best way out of the crisis.

Amir- Abdollahian held the countries which threaten Syria’s security and stability responsible for escalating the crisis, calling upon some regional and international parties which have undertaken rash procedures and provided the opposition with weapons to stop.

Mikdad Briefs Delegation of Unionist Democratic Union Party of Tunisia on Developments in Syria

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, briefed on Monday  the delegation of the Unionist Democratic Union Party of Tunisia on the developments in Syria in various fields, particularly concerning Syria’s resolve to continuing the reform process represented in the new constitution and the efforts exerted to launch  national dialogue with the participation of all Syrian national factions.

Mikdad stressed that Syria will not abandon its belief in the Arab issues and the importance of deepening relations between the sons of the nation regardless of some Arab states’ stances which have become a part of the conspiracy against the present and the future of the nation.

He hoped that the Arab Nation will overcome all schemes and plots drawn by western Zionist circles to liquidate the Arab causes in favor of Israel.

The Tunisian delegation, which is currently visiting Syria headed by its Secretary-General, Ahmad al-Ainobli,expressed solidarity with Syria which is the last line of defense for the Arab Nation in face of media and political campaigns aimed at ending Syria’s resistant role.

Syrian Arab Red Crescent Receives 80 Tons of Relief and Food Supplies from Russia

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) on Monday received 80 tons of relief and food supplies sent by Russia to support the organization’s humanitarian efforts.

Director of SARC Marwan Abdullah thanked the Russian people for this humanitarian contribution, saying that the organization will distribute these supplies to the needy via their branches across Syria.

The supplies were transported to Damascus Airports by two planes which were received by Russia’s Ambassador in Damascus Azmatullah Kulmohammadov and a representative of the Syrian Foreign Ministry.

Syria Youth Table Tennis Team Wins West Asian Championship

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian female table tennis team for youths on Monday won the gold medal of the West Asian Table Tennis Championship held in Beirut with the participation of 5 countries.

Syria’s team qualified for the Asian qualifiers set to be held in Beijing in August.

Secretary-General of the Game Union, Hadi Issa, told SANA that the team won the title of the Arab Leagues Championship in UAE, adding that the team also won the last Arab Cup in Jordan.

The Syrian female table tennis team for youths is ranked 17th in Asia.

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

Sixteen Army, Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

PROVINCES,(SANA)- Sixteen army and law-enforcement martyrs on Sunday were escorted from Tishreen Military Hospital in Damascus, Zahi Azraq Military Hospital in Lattakia and the National Hospital in Sweida to their final resting place.

The martyrs were targeted by the armed terrorist groups while they were in the line of duty in Quneitra, Idleb, Homs and Daraa.

Solemn funeral ceremony was held for the martyrs as they were covered with flower and laurel wreaths to the Military Band playing the music of the “Martyr” and the “Farewell.”

The martyrs are :

•           First Lieutenant, Mukhles Issa Shahla from Lattakia.

•           First Lieutenant, Hazem Moneer Salloum from Hama.

•           Sergeant Major, Rami Sa’adou al-Halabi from Sweida.

•           Sergeant, Mohanad Rashid al-Mala from Deir Ezzour.

•           Sergeant, Mohammad Tamer Najla from Homs.

•           Corporal, Issa Abdul-Haji from Raqqa.

•           Corporal, Mustafa Fayyad Hilal from Aleppo.

•           Corporal, Salim Mohammad Khaddour from Hama.

•           Corporal, Mohammad Abdul-Ghafour al-Hassan al-Khudeir from Aleppo.

•           Conscript, Elias Jres Shamma from Damascus Countryside.

•           Conscript, Bilal Fares Da’aboul from Aleppo.

•           Conscript, Ali Mohammad Radwan from Raqqa.

•           Conscript, Ghassan Matar al-Hassouneh from Hasaka.

•           Conscript, Naji Awad al-Mutlak from Sweida.

•           Policeman, Naji Hamesheh from Lattakia.

•           Policeman, Mohammad Ali Fayyad from Lattakia.

The martyrs’ relatives affirmed that their sons’ blood will make Syria stronger and more capable of facing challenges, and that Syria proved its ability to confront difficult conditions concocted by malicious hands.

They denounced the crimes of the armed terrorist groups, warning people not to believe the lies of the misleading satellite channels which are accomplices in the shedding of Syrian blood.

Authorities Start Removing Debris Left by Terrorists in Homs

HOMS, (SANA) – The authorities on Sunday started removing the destruction and debris left by the armed terrorist groups in al-Insha’at and Baba Amro neighborhoods in Homs city.

The repair and maintenance teams started rehabilitating roads and service institutions and removed the roadblocks set by the terrorists in the area.

In Baba Amro neighborhood, the authorities discovered other caches and dens which the armed terrorist groups resorted to in their operations against the civilian residents.

A field hospital was also discovered in the neighborhood in addition to explosive-manufacturing facility.

For its part, the Syrian Petroleum Company started repairing the petroleum pipeline in al-Sultaniyah area, the pipeline was sabotaged by armed terrorist groups.

Information Minister: Syria Adapted Political Solution and Reforms Since the Beginning of the Crisis

DAMASCUS, (SANA) –Minister of Information Adnan Mahmoud on Sunday stressed that since the beginning of the crisis, Syria has adapted the political solution and started implementing the reform program within a set timetable.

In a meeting with an Ukrainian delegation comprising parliamentary and media figures, Dr. Mahmoud stressed the importance of the visit to inspect the reality of Syria’s events.

The Information Minister pointed out to Syria’s keenness on bolstering cooperation with Ukraine in all domains and expanding media cooperation in order to convey the reality of events.

Dr. Mahmoud underlined that the unjust economic sanctions imposed by the USA and some western countries in addition to some Arab states harmed the interests of the Syrian people.

He lauded the stances of Ukraine regarding its rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s affairs and the crimes committed by armed terrorist groups against its public and private properties.

For her part, Head of the Parliamentary Committee of Friendship Relation with Syria and head of the delegation, MP Alla Aleksandrovska, called for enhancing cooperation with Syria, particularly in the media sector.

“Ukraine stresses its support to Syria and rejection of foreign interference in its affairs. Ukraine also stresses support to dialogue among all the Syrian sides,” she added.

Later, the Ukrainian delegation met Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East Ignatius IV Hazim, who affirmed to them that the crisis affected all Syrians yet it failed to undermine their unity, warning against calls for foreign interference in Syria’s affairs.

During the meeting, members of the delegation stressed the strength of the relations between Ukraine and Syria, voicing readiness to relay the reality of the events taking place in Syria.

One of the journalists, Lydia Denisenko, said that she spoke to people in the streets after the meeting with Patriarch Hazim, and that these people were clear in their adherence to the reform program.

She said that as a journalist, she must be objective, affirming that what is being broadcast by some media outlets contradicts reality completely.

Child Martyred, Five Injured in Explosive Device Blast in Aleppo

ALEPPO/IDLEB, (SANA) – A child was martyred and five persons from the same family got injured Sunday in a blast of an explosive device planted by a terrorist group in the northern province of Aleppo.

An official source in the province told SANA correspondent that the explosive device was planted in park in Bustan al-Basha area in Aleppo, martyring an eleven-year-old boy, Mahmoud Batayhi and injuring other four teenagers from the same family, in addition to an elderly man.

The injured are Mustafa Batayhi (11 years old), Hasan Mohammad Batayhi (14 years old), Ahmad Batayhi (9 years old), Hasan Mustafa Batayhi (17 years old) and Khalaf al-Juma’a (55 years old).

A doctor at al-Razi Hospital said that one of the patents sustained a severe injury to the left thigh, shattering the femur, in addition to injuries to the tissue and bones of the left hand which may necessitate amputation at the wrist.

Hasan Mustafa Batayhi said that explosion happened when he went out to call his cousins – who were playing in the park – to come home.

One of the injured children said he saw a man wrapping the bomb – which he believed to be trash – in papers and placing it by the wall. He called the attention of his cousin Hasan to the man, which is when the bomb exploded.

Three Explosive Devices Dismantled in Idleb

Meanwhile in the northern province of Idleb, the military engineering units dismantled three explosive devices planted by an armed terrorist group on Ariha-Saraqeb road at Tarnabeh crossroad.

A source in the province told SANA correspondent that the explosive devices weigh 80 kg each and were ready to explode by remote control to target citizens and law enforcement personnel.

Flat with Various Sorts of Torture Tools Used by Armed Terrorist Groups uncovered in Homs

Competent authorities seized on Sunday a flat with various torture tools inside used by armed terrorist groups to mutilate citizens in Jawbar farms in Homs province.

SANA reporter said that the armed terrorist groups named this flat as “Investigation Division”.

Ammoura: Reform Steps Did Not Please the Countries Calling for Arming the Opposition to Kill the Syrians

DAMASCUS, (SNA)- Assistant Foreign and Expatriates Minister Abdel Fattah Ammoura on Sunday stressed the Arab and regional-backed conspiracy against Syria is aimed at undermining it national stances, stability and geostrategic position in the region.

Meeting a Ukrainian parliamentary and media delegation, Ammoura said that Syria will come out of the crisis stronger thanks to the awareness of it people and the support of the friendly countries.

Ammoura briefed the Ukrainian delegation on the process of comprehensive reforms in Syria and the laws and legislative decrees issued such as the laws of parties, elections, media, local administration and the latest of which is the new constitution.

He indicated that these reform steps did not please the Western and Arab countries which stand behind the conspiracy against Syria, especially Qatar and Saudi Arabia that started to publically call for arming the opposition to kill the Syrian people.

Heading the Ukrainian delegation, MP Alla Aleksandrovska of the Communist Party said that what is taking place in Syria is not a crisis, rather it comes within the framework of the US so-called ‘creative chaos’ policy which might affect the neighboring countries and the whole region including Ukraine.

Aleksandrovska, who is the head of the parliamentary committee of friendship relations with Syria, highlighted the strong human, social and economic relations binding Ukraine and Syria, referring to the thousands of Syrians who have studied in Ukraine.

Patriarch al-Rahi: Syria is Closest to Democracy in Arab World, Needs the Reforms Announced by President al-Assad

BEIRUT, (SANA) – Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi affirmed that Syria is the closest to democracy in the Arab world, and that much like all countries, it needs reforms which President Bashar al-Assad announced since March 2011.

In an interview with Reuters, Patriarch al-Rahi stressed that reforms cannot be achieved through force of arms, noting that the religion of the state in Syria is Islam, but Syria is unique among Arab countries in that it doesn’t proclaim itself to be an Islamic country, rather it simply states that the President’s religion is Islam, therefore it’s the closest country to democracy in the region.

He regretted the violence and destruction taking place in Syria, saying that there are destructive plans in world politics and that the people don’t want the extremists who are receiving financial, military and political support from certain countries.

“How can the Arab Spring be a spring when people are killed every day? They talk about Iraq and democracy while a million Christians out of one and a half million were forced to leave Iraq… where is democracy in Iraq?” he asked, saying that this so-called spring is closer to a winter of war, destruction and killing.

“What good is democracy if it wants to kill people and throw away stability?” Patriarch al-Rahi wondered.

Iranian Media Delegation: Daraa is Normal and Stable despite Terrorists’ Attempts to Stoke Crisis

DARAA, (SANA) – The Iranian media delegation visiting Daraa City condemned the conspiracy against Syria which aims to undermine its role in the region, wondering at the extent of media exaggeration and the instigative campaign launched against the Syrian people by some Arab channels.

Heading the delegation, Director of Foreign Press at the Iranian Information Ministry, Mohsen Emami, said that the enemies of Syria tried to exploit the situation and exaggerate the events, indicating to the atrocity of terrorism and destruction they witnessed in Daraa.

He added that despite the loss of souls, properties and infrastructures, it is an important experience for the Syrian people to be sure that there are hostile parties that exert continuous efforts to fragment their country due to Syria’s resistant role and its support to the Resistance.

Head of the delegation stressed that life in Daraa is normal and the situation is stable in spite of the terrorists’ attempts to stoke the crisis in Syria and give the iamge that there is division between the people and the government, adding that touring Daraa governorate gave an image contradictory to that promoted by some media which is that the government and the people desire to overcome the current situation.

Editor-in-Chief of the semi-official Mehr news agency Hassan Hani Zadeh said that he expected the situation in Daraa to be unstable as the instigative Arab media continued to broadcast false news about terrorism prevailed in this governorate, but the reality was different as he walked down in its streets.

He added that life is normal and people were everywhere at streets and shops, indicating to the government’s serious attempts to rehabilitate the building and institutions damaged by the armed terrorist groups, hailing the popular support to the government to overcome the situation.

The Iranian delegation also met the Governor of Daraa Mohammad Khaled al-Hannous, in addition to touring some of sabotaged and burnt state institutions such as the Justice Palace and the TV and Radio Center in the governorate.

The delegation included a number of correspondents from several Iranian newspapers, websites, TV channels and Mehr News Agency.

Mauritanian Political Parties Announce Establishing Popular Movement to Support Syria, Iran and the Resistance

NAWAKSHOT, (SANA) – A number of Mauritanian political parties have announced the establishment of popular movement to support Syria, Iran and the Resistance in the face of plots which target the Arab and Islamic Resistance.

In its founding statement, the movement stressed determination to organize protests in front of the embassies of countries involved in the conspiracy to convey a message to their people and regimes that the Mauritanian people voice full support to Syria, its resistant leadership and President Bashar al-Assad, in addition to their rejection of all forms of political or economic siege and foreign interference in Iran.

The statement warned that what Syria is facing comes in the framework of the conspiracy targeting the Arab and Islamic nations with the help of reactionary Arab forces which financed the arming of armed groups in the Syrian cities in line with the wide western mobilization to isolate Syria’s leadership and weaken its role as a supporter for the Resistance.

The movement condemned hosting the meeting of those conspiring parties in Tunisia to voice hostility to Syria while at the same time the holy and sacred places in Palestine were being desecrated and copies of Quran were being burnt in Afghanistan.

The statement said that the movement will organize a number of political, cultural and intellectual activities to expose the conspiracy against Syria and the dangers of exploiting the so-called “Arab Spring” to practice systematic killing by Takfiri terrorist groups recruited by the Zionism and some regimes in the Gulf to fragment the Arab nation starting of Somalia, the Sudan, Iraq and then Libya.

The statement mocked at the claims of democracy by some leaders in the Gulf, whereas the Peninsula Shield Force are deployed in Bahrain and the tanks of Al Saud in al-Qatif and al-Awamiyah.

The founding members of the popular movement to support Syria, Iran and the Resistance include the Popular Front, Movement for Direct Democracy, the Welfare Party (Hizb al-Rafah), the Social-Democratic Unionist Party and the Arab-Islamic Gathering to Support the Option of Resistance in Mauritania, the Party for Labor and Equality, the Reform Party, the Gathering of Youth Technocrats, the Sustainable Development Organization and Majd Party.

President al-Assad Congratulates President Putin on Winning Presidential Elections

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- President Bashar al-Assad on Monday sent a cable to Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulating him on winning the presidential elections. 

In his cable, President al-Assad expressed, on behalf of the Syrian people and on his own behalf, heartfelt congratulations to the Russian President on his distinguished winning, wishing him success in his responsibilities.

The President also wished more prosperity and progress to the friendly people of Russia under the leadership of President Putin.

Putin, who was the President of Russia from 2000 to 2008 and is currently the Prime Minister until the date of assuming office on May 7th, won the presidential elections with 64% of votes.

Families of Baba Amro Return Home, Authorities Discover weapons’ factory

HOMS, (SANA)-Many families of Baba Amro on Monday returned home which they fled because of the crimes of the armed terrorist groups after authorities restored stability and security to the neighborhood.

Public workshops also continued maintenance and cleaning works, opening roads, streets and removing the debris left by the terrorists who sabotaged the general and private properties.

Works are underway in Homs to repair the oil pipeline which supplies the refineries and crosses Baba Amro after it was sabotaged by the attacks of the armed terrorist groups.

At Baba Amro, the competent authorities uncovered a factory for weapons used by terrorists to prepare explosives and hand-made rockets to be launched against houses without specifying the target.

The authorities also discovered an Israeli-like reconnaissance plane, cameras, anti-tank grenades, and tunnels and used by the terrorists to smuggle weapons.

Media Source: Syria Welcomes Kofi Annan’s Visit

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – A media source on Monday said that Syria welcomes the visit of Kofi Annan, envoy of the UN Secretary-General, to Syria.

On the other hand, the source said that Syria accepted to receive UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos, who is going to arrive in Damascus on Tuesday after midnight.

Amos will hold talks with Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs, Walid al-Moallem, his deputy and head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, the source added.

Amos will pay visits to some areas in Syria, according to the media source.

Lavrov: Gunmen, Foreign Fighters Among Syria’s Opposition

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday said that Russia sees the news coming from many sources on arming the Syrian opposition and the presence of foreign fighters among the opposition as not encouraging.

In a press conference with his Jordanian counterpart Naseer Jouda in Moscow, Lavrov said that it’s important to call upon all sides in Syria to an immediate cessation of fighting.

Lavrov expressed worry over Burhan Galion’s statements on arming the Syrian opposition and the establishment of a military bureau in Turkey, adding that these news prove that Galion is working towards escalating the situation rather than putting an end to it.

Lavrov stressed that the basic objective now is to stop violence in Syria regardless of its source, adding that Russia allocated 1 million Swiss Francs to the International Committee of the Red Cross in order to deliver humanitarian aid to Syria.

“The West shouldn’t call upon Moscow to exert pressure on the Syrian government. The situation is far from being dependent on Russia.” He added.

Lavrov stressed that Moscow supports the mission of the former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, pointing out that Annan’s mission will provide the appropriate circumstances to start dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition groups.

He said that there is no need to submit new initiatives over Syria’s crisis.

Gatilov: US Draft UNSC Resolution on Syria “Unbalanced”

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Gennady Gatilov, described on Monday the new US-drafted UN Security Council resolution on Syria as “unbalanced”.

Reuters quoted Gatilov as saying on his Twitter account, “the new US draft UN Security Council resolution on Syria is a slightly renewed version of the previous vetoed document. It needs to be significantly balanced.

Earlier, Russia vetoed two UN Security Council draft resolutions on Syria because they were one-sided and unbalanced.

Dolgov: Russia rejects ignorance of armed groups’ acts against civilians

Konstantin Dolgov, Russian Foreign Ministry Commissioner for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law renewed his country’s rejection of the unilateral attempts to attribute the crisis and hold the Syrian government responsible for the acts perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups.

In a statement today, Dolgov said that those unilateral attempts ignore the acts of terrorists which violate laws, adding “those facts are documented in the latest report of the independent international Committee formed by the UN Human Rights Council.”

He underlined that Moscow calls for continuing finding a Syrian internal reconciliation, without any foreign intervention, through a cease-fire and resolving the human issues.

China Reiterates Stance on Adopting Political Solution to Solve Crisis  in Syria

Beijing, (SANA) – China said on Monday that it will send Li Huaxin, China’s former Ambassador to Syria, as an envoy to the country next week for two days in a bid by Beijing to settle the current crisis.

Reuters quoted China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Liu Weimin, as saying in a press conference held in Beijing “Although conditions are extremely complicated, and the situation remains tense, China still maintains that a political solution offers the fundamental escape from the Syrian crisis.”

“China believes that based on recent developments and changes in Syria, it is necessary for us to further explain our policies and proposals,” the spokesman Liu said of Li’s trip.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Saturday, underlining its rejection of any interference in Syria’s domestic affairs under humanitarian pretexts and stressed its commitment to supporting the independence, sovereignty, unity and integrity of Syria’s territories.

The Ministry called on relevant parties in the international community to seriously respect the right of the Syrians to choose their political system independently and to create a convenient environment and constructive support for political parties in Syria to start a dialogue and respect its outcome.

The Ministry underlined that it does not agree on military interference or pushing towards changing the regime, as it thinks that threatening sanctions does not help solve the crisis in Syria properly.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry is following up closely on the situation in Syria and believes firmly that the crisis in Syria should be solved through political dialogue and with a appropriate and peaceful means, as it is exerting ongoing efforts to achieve that.

Twelve Army Martyrs Laid to Final Rest

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Twelve army martyrs on Monday were escorted from Tishreen Military Hospital in Damascus to their final resting place after they were targeted by the armed terrorist groups while they were in the line of duty in Homs, Daraa and Damascus Countryside.

Solemn funeral ceremony was held for the martyrs as they were covered with flower and laurel wreaths while the Military Band was playing the music of the “Martyr” and the “Farewell.”

The Martyrs are :

•           Retired Brigadier General, Faisal Ismail Ahmad from Lattakia.

•           Lieutenant Colonel, Ghassan Hassan Fawzi from Lattakia.

•           Sergeant Major, Ali Asaad Suleiman from Homs.

•           Sergeant Major, Nasaat Kamal al-Akil from Sweida.

•           Sergeant, Mohammad Bassel al-Aoutani from Damascus Countryside.

•           Corporal, Bilal Ali Abboud from Hama.

•           Conscript, Hassan Mohammad al-Sayyeid al-Hussein from Idelb.

•           Conscript, Saad Salman al-Ahmad from Tartous.

•           Conscript, Moutasem-Billah Mohammad Mahdi Hatahet from Damascus.

•           Conscript, Fares Khamis Mustafa from Deir Ezzour.

•           Conscript, Sheikh Nafi’a Omari Mousa from Aleppo.

•           Conscript, Alaa Dib Said from Idleb.

The martyrs’ families expressed pride in the martyrdom of their sons, asserting that the blood of the martyrs will protect Syria and make it stronger in the face of challenges.

The martyrs’ relatives hailed the role of the Syrian army in maintaining the security and stability of the homeland, expressing confidence of the ability of the Syrian people to overcome the crisis through their unity and rallying around their leadership, asserting that Syria will foil all the conspiracies hatched against it.

President of Venezuela Reiterates Solidarity with Syria

HAVANA, (SANA) – President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela reiterated solidarity with Syria’s people and leadership in the face of the conspiracy, condemning the US pressure against Syria.

Speaking from his residence in the Cuban capital of Havana during his recovery after undergoing a surgery, President Chavez stressed that he closely following up on the international developments, especially in Syria, adding that “From here, We express our solidarity with Syria and President Bashar al-Assad.”

The Venezuelan President demanded halting armed aggression, not only the diplomatic, against Syria, calling upon all sides to participate in solving the crisis through dialogue without preconditions.

In 2011, Chavez underwent surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy in Cuba after the discovery of a cancerous tumor in his pelvis.

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

Huge Crowds of Syrians Gather in Damascus and Hasaka in Support of Reforms

DAMASCUS/ HASAKA, (SANA) – Huge crowds of Syrians gathered at Saba Bahrat Square in Damascus and the President Square in Hasaka to stress support to the reform process in Syria.

The masses rejected all attempts of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, expressing determination to foil the conspiracy.

The participants in Damascus expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices of the Syrian army in confronting armed terrorist groups.

Political and media figures from Tunisia and Lebanon joined the Syrians in these gathering where Secretary General of the Tunisian Unionist Democratic Union Party, Ahmed Al-Inoubli, said that what is taking place in Syria is a hopeless attempt by the West to undermine an important defender of the Arab rights.

He expressed confidence that Syria will remain the main support for the Resistance, adding that its steadfastness signals the emergence of new international order that eliminates the US-Zionist domination.

Political analyst Akram Mkanna said that Syria will come out stronger of the crisis and the Syrian people are determined to continue reform process and combat terrorism, underlining that restoring security and stability are important to achieve reforms.

In al-Hasaka, a youth group organized a national event at the President Square in the province to express appreciation to the role of the Syrian army in defending the homeland.

The participants chanted national songs, raising flags and banners that stress their rejection of foreign interference in their internal affairs and all schemes which aim at undermining Syria’s stability and dignity.

Sheikh Fayez al-Names called for adhering to the national unity against the conspirators whose plots failed to undermine the Syrians.

The participants condemned stances of some countries which called for arming the terrorist groups which kill and mutilate the Syrian people serving the Zionist dream in preserving the Israeli entity.

Terrorists Caught in Hama, Weapons Seized in Raqqa, child martyred in Homs

GOVERNORATES, (SANA)_The competent authorities clashed with armed terrorist groups on the farms surrounding Taibet al-Imam in Hama, killing few terrorists and confiscated their arms, some of which Israeli-made.

The competent authorities also seized leaflets and documents stolen from state institutions.

Weapons Seized in Raqqa

The competent authorities on Thursday seized weapons smuggled from Turkey in Tal Abyad area on the Syrian-Turkish borders in Raqqa countryside.

SANA correspondent quoted an official source as saying that the seized weapons included 105 pump-action shotguns and 26 Magnum rifles, indicating that the smugglers were caught.

Explosive Devices Dismantled in Idleb Countryside Members of military engineering units dismantled 4 explosive devices planted by the armed terrorist groups at the crossroad of Trembeh village in Sarakeb in Idleb countryside.

A source in the province told SANA correspondent that the authorities arrested 4 of the terrorists while they were planting the explosive devices.

Armed Terrorist Group Rob Public properties in Idleb Countryside

A terrorist armed group robbed a feed center in Sinjar, near to Maaret al-Numan in Idleb countryside and stole big amounts of barely.

SANA correspondent was informed that a terrorist armed group broke into the center, destroyed its contents and stole barely.

The correspondent pointed out that the terrorist armed groups sabotaged plant nursery affiliated to the afforestation project in Sinjar area.

An armed group also blew up a private bakery in the eastern neighborhood in Idleb. No human losses were reported.

Child Mailk al-Aktaa, 11, was martyred today by the bullets of armed terrorist group while accompanying his father on their car in Homs going to their farm at Tadmor road.

“While driving my car out of our neighborhood, we came under fire of a sniper at the Mreije alley, my child was hit in his chest and hand… I immediately took him to the Hospital of al-Nahda, but he died,” Father of the child Basam al-Aktaa told the Syrian TV in an interview.

Gatilov: Russia will not Allow Passing any draft resolution on Syria which might hint to Using Force

MOSCOW, (SANA)-Russia underlined rejection of passing any draft resolution at the UN Security Council which includes any gaps that allow using force against Syria.

“Russia will not agree any draft resolution which includes points that refer to using force against Syria… it is not permissible for the resolution to bear different readings… difficult consultations are underway in New York regarding this issue,” Russia Today TV quoted Gennady Gatilov, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister as saying on his website.

He added that the target is to remain as it is, represented in preparing a context that include equal demands for the two sides.

Earlier, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations in the Russian Duma, Leonid Kalashnikov underlined that the Russian stance, which rejects any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, is firm.

Kalashnikov told SANA correspondent in Moscow on Thursday ,” the Duma Council adopted an official statement on the events in Syria, and we stressed that Russia has vetoed in a completely right way , a UN Security Council resolution on Syria to foil a decision aiming to repeat the Libyan scenario, a decision which is completely rejected by Russian and China.”

The Russian official underlined that there is no basis for what some Arab and Western countries are trying to promote with regard to a change in the Russian and Chinese stance, pointing out that the situation is heading towards calmness and there should be efforts for a political and diplomatic solution to the crisis.

Kalashnikov said that the Arab League sent its observers to Syria, as they set their report but the Western states and some of AL countries concealed it and prevented distributing it to Security Council’s members because it included objective facts on the reality of events in Syria.

Moscow Reminds International Community of its Responsibility over exporting terror into Syria

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Russian Envoy to the UN Vitaly Churkin put the international community once again in front of its alleged responsibility in combating terrorism through presenting a new evidence on the infiltration of terrorist trained members into Syria.

Churkin, confirming a lot of western media reports, reminded the UN Security council members of the existence of al-Qaeda in Syria before unveiling information that say the Libyan government has set up a special center for training terrorists to be later sent to launch attacks on official and governmental institutions and carry out criminal acts.

The Russian Envoy sought to remind the international community of its duty regarding the export of armed men and weapons into Syria that will undermine stability in the Middle East.

To Prove that, AFP quoted a journalist who spent a week in Homs as saying that he saw terrorists and Arab extremists that fight the Syrian government as Iraqi Premier Nouri al-Maliki has underlined that al-Qaeda members infiltrate from Iraq into Syria.

Terrorists Ayman and Fahd Erbinieh Confess to attacking a Church, School in Erbin, kidnapping and killing citizens

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Terrorists Ayman and Fahd Abdul-Kareem Erbinieh confessed to perpetrating crimes in Erbin, Damascus Countryside including attacks on Erbin Church, Religious Kweider School, setting up barricades, kidnapping citizens and killing them.

“While driving my car in Erbin, I saw some persons setting up barricades, one of them called Basel intercepted me and called on me to participate with them in this act, first I rejected.. but on the second day he saw me and insisted to join them, then he handed me a rifle,” Ayman told the Syrian TV in confessions broadcast Thursday.

He added “Later, we began stopping the cars at the barricades where I met a person named Zaher Qweider who took me with him to the barricades.. I asked the group about this man, they told me that he was in Iraq and had relation with al-Qaeda and participated in an attack on the Syrian TV and Radio in Damascus.”

He went on to say that, one day, I saw Zaher who was also known as Houshan near the mosque, he was carrying an RPG… he ordered me to shell the church, first I told him not, but later I fired the church, but it hit the veranda of a building next to the church because I wasn’t skill in the shooting.

For his part, other terrorist Fahd confessed that he got acquainted with Zaher when he was setting up a roadblock in Erbin along with five persons where he joined them.

“Houshan gave us the rifles, ordered us to set up barricades.. once, we were standing at a barricade near Madeara when a military vehicle came, its driver was a warrant officer.. we asked him to get down, we put him aside, later a taxi crossed.. we order its driver to get down to take his identity card… then we took the two men to a farm in Hamourea,” Fahd told the Syrian TV.

He added that after two days terrorist Houshan asked them to set up a barricade at Erbin cemetery where we intercepted a Kia-Rio white car, kidnapped two persons, killed them and threw them near a sewage.

Brazilian Foreign Ministry Stresses Rejection of Foreign Interference in Syria’s Affairs

BRAZILIA, (SANA) – Secretary-General of the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil Ruy Nunes Pinto Nogueira on Thursday stressed his country’s rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

He underlined the necessity of enhancing dialogue among the Syrians to come out of the current crisis.

Meeting the Syrian Ambassador to Brazil Mohammad Khaddour, Nogueira said that Brazil recognizes the scope of the ferocious campaign Syria is facing and clearly understands the ambitions of some parties which seek to exploit the curent scenario taking place on the ground.

“Brazil stressed that halting acts of violence is urgent and necessary, ” said Nogueira, adding that the package of reforms achieved in Syria gives the Syrian people the opportunity for political dialogue to restore stability and security to the country and enhance political pluralism and the freedom of expression.

For his part, Khaddour said that the Syrian government is exerting great efforts in chasing armed terrorist groups which are destabilizing the country and targeting the unity of the Syrian people and their commitment to the independent national decision and their rallying around their leadership.

The two sides reviewed the Syrian-Brazilian relations and the political developments in the Middle East.

The Syrian Ambassador stressed that Syria will come out of the crisis thanks to the sacrifices and awareness of its people and the support of its friends, expressing the pride of the leadership and people of Syria in their friendship relations with Brazil.

In turn, Head of Commission on Foreign Relations and National Defense at the Brazilian Parliament, Manuela D’ Avila , stressed that Brazil is closely following up the developments in the Syrian arena.

D’Avila added that the terrorism , killing and intimidation which have been recently witnessed in Syria are perpetrated from the outside with the aim of undermining its stability to serve villainous schemes.

D’Avila pointed out that she will study with the Brazilian Foreign Ministry all means possible to help Syria overcome its crisis, pointing out to the need for activating the parliamentary relations between the two countries.

Health Minister, Amos Review Challenges to Health Sector in Syria in Light of Economic Sanctions, Terrorist Sabotage Acts

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Minister of Health Wael al-Halqi reviewed with the UN Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos, the situation of health sector in Syria and the challenges facing it in light of the unjust economic sanctions imposed on Syria.

Minister al-Halqi pointed out to the losses of the health sector during the crisis where 18 workers were martyred and 30 were injured while few others were abducted, in addition to damaging 19 hospitals, 51 health centers and 145 ambulances, 60 of which are out of service.

The Minister added that the health sector was also another victim of the misleading campaign led by instigative satellite channels.

“The Health Ministry on Wednesday started works of rehabilitating the comprehensive health services center in Baba Amro neighborhood in Homs to resume providing health services to citizens after being damaged by the armed terrorist groups,” Dr. al-Halqi said.

The minister stressed that the public and private hospitals in Syria have continued to perform their duties in treating patients regardless of their political thoughts, refuting claims of some misleading channels which aim at damaging the reputation of this humanitarian sector.

He called upon the UN Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs to visit any hospital or place to inspect its situation and listen to workers about medical services provided and the pressure they experienced while performing their duty under the most difficult circumstances.

On Wednesday, Amos and the accompanying delegation visited Homs City, toured a number of its neighborhoods, met few citizens and inspected sabotaged public and private properties which were damaged by the armed terrorist groups.

Earlier, Minister of Education Saleh al-Rashed discussed with Amos, and the accompanying delegation the situation of the education process and the efforts exerted to ensure the the safe return of students to schools damaged by the terrorist armed groups.

The Minister underlined Syria’s keenness to apply education democracy for all and children’s right to learn, pointing out to the efforts exerted by the Ministry to rehabilitate damaged schools and make it possible for children to go back to their schools, in addition to compensating the missing lessons for them.

Al-Rashed clarified that the Ministry is working to achieve international standards for schools with regard to providing a secure environment and suitable curricula to guarantee a healthy upbringing.

The Minister handed Amos a booklet containing documented photos of sabotaging education institutions in addition to the harm done to workers in the sector including threats of killing.

He underlined the Ministry’s keenness to cooperate with UN organs to handle the psychological harm of students due to the sabotage operations, and to rehabilitate schools.

Amos, for her part, thanked the Ministry of Education for its high cooperation with the UN and the UNICEF, expressing hope of continuous cooperation between the two sides to serve educational issues.

She stressed the UN’s readiness to provide aid for rehabilitating schools and ensuring the the safe return of students to schools.

Amos visits al-Zahera Center of the Red Crescent

UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos on Thursday visited al-Zahera Center of the Syrian Red Crescent Organization, meeting its chairman Abdul-Rahman al-Attar.

Amos appreciated the work of the Organization’s volunteers, underlining the importance of cooperation between a UN team and the Syrian government to evaluate the humanitarian situation.

“The Syrian Foreign Ministry has underlined that I can visit any place in Syria… yesterday I visited Home and entered Baba Amro, inspecting the situation there as well as the humanitarian state of the citizens whom we seek to help,” Amos said, adding “I had no previous expectations on the situation in Syria.

Amos added that she didn’t see a lot of inhabitants in Baba Amro, saying “what is important now is how we could reach them in order to provide them with  the humanitarian aid.”

Velayati: Syria Front Line of Resistance, Attempts to Isolate Syria Serve Zionist Entity

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Chief Advisor of Iran’s Supreme Leader for foreign policy, Ali Akbar Velayati, said Syria is the front line of resistance in the region.

In a statement on Thursday, Velayati said that attempts of some Arab regimes to isolate the Syrian leadership from the political equation in the region serve the interest of the Zionist entity.

Abdullahian: We are Seeing Stability Return to Syria

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab-African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdullahian said that the situation in Syria is headed towards stability, adding ”We are seeing security and stability return to all Syrian cities.”

In an interview with Russia Today TV Channel on Thursday, Abdullahian stressed that the Syrian government and people have confronted foreign interference and terrorist acts over the past few months, noting that national dialogue will proceed with sure steps in the future.

He reiterated his country’s rejection of foreign interference in the Syrian affairs, indicating that foreign interference was invoked by some at the outset of the crisis who later abandoned it having seen the situation on the ground.

Abdullahian said that Western countries, the US and Israel relied on Arab countries for information on the political and field circumstances in Syria, but Syria managed to get over it.

”Iran’s relations with Syria are strategic,” said Abdullahian , adding ”We view Syria as an important country in the axis of resistance, and the Syrian people have a heightened sense of national unity.”

Solidarity Event in Yemen in Support of Reforms

SANAA, (SANA)_Political movements and public organizations organized a solidarity event in the southern Yemeni city of Taizz on Thursday in support of the reform process in Syria against the foreign conspiracy targeting it.

The participants stressed in a statement their solidarity with Syria and rejection of foreign interference in its internal affairs, voicing appreciation of the stances of Russia and China and all the countries which stood by Syria.

The statement denounced the Arab League stance on the crisis in Syria, indicating that it serves the Zionist entity and neocolonialism in the region.

The statement indicated that what is happening in Syria is a conspiracy and a flagrant interference in its internal affairs and violation of the Syrian sovereignty, which seek to create conflicts that serve as alternatives to the Arab-Israel conflict.

Int’l Women’s Day, Continuing Work to Achieve Gender Equality, Release Women’s Potentials

DAMASCUS, SANA_ The world celebrates today the International Women’s Day in light of the significant achievements that have been achieved thanks to the tireless advocacy, practical steps and enlightened policies pursued by the states.

Women’s Day is an opportunity to reconsider women’s situation in the world and review their economic, political and social achievements over the past year and their future goals to be fulfilled.

It is a symbol of women as integral partner-makers of history. It is a denial of all forms of religious gender discrimination considering women less worthy than men.

This Day symbolizes a long struggle of all women on all continents, with different ethnics, religions, cultures and social classes, who have been deprived from the equal right with men.

Women in the Arab countries as well as the Syrian women participate in celebrating this event. Syrian women were able to achieve significant status in society. They worked side by side with men in all walks of life and contributed to the process of sustainable development in their country.

In Syria, all constitutional provisions in their essence are based on a main fact that the Syrian woman enjoys the same rights as man, specially the political ones. The Syrian woman has the right to exercise full political rights and to be a voter and an elected.

These rights yielded the appointment of woman in Syria in the highest positions and sharing her in the People’s Assembly as she has the right of candidature and gaining parliamentary seats.

Woman forms half of the society. She is the mother, sister, daughter, wife and the beloved as she represents the beauty and tenderness by all forms.

International Women’s Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and Europe.

The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States in 1909 to honour the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York, where women protested against poor working conditions.

International Women’s Day was marked for the first time in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, where more than one million women and men attended rallies. In addition to the right to vote and to hold public office, they demanded women’s right to work, to vocational training and to an end to discrimination on the job.

Since those early years, International Women’s Day has grown into a global commemoration of women’s participation in political and economic life, as well as a time to take stock of past progress and future challenges.

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

President al-Assad Meeting Annan: Syria Ready to Make Successful any Sincere Effort to Find Solution to Events

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday said Syria is ready to make successful any sincere effort to find a solution to the events taking place in the country, adding that the success of any effort requires first studying what is happening on the ground instead of relying on the virtual space that is promoted by some regional and international countries to distort the facts and give a picture contrary to what Syria is undergoing.

President al-Assad’s remarks came during his meeting with UN Secretary General’s envoy Kofi Annan and the accompanying delegation.

The President was briefed by Annan on his preliminary vision on the situation in Syria, with the UN Secretary General’s envoy stressing his commitment to work fairly, neutrally and independently, as well as his rejection to foreign interference in the Syrian affairs and his belief in a peaceful solution.

Annan expressed hope to work with the Syrian government to launch diplomatic dialogue in the framework of a political process to restore stability to Syria and realize the aspirations of the Syrian people.

President al-Assad said that any political dialogue or political process can not succeed as long as there are armed terrorist groups that are working to spread chaos and destabilize the country through targeting citizens, both civilian and military, and vandalizing private and public properties.

A bilateral meeting between President al-Assad and the UN Secretary General’s envoy followed the plenary meeting, which was attended by Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Walid al-Moallem, Presidential Political and Media Advisor, Dr. Bouthaina Shaaban, Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Fayssal Mikdad, and Director of International Organizations Department at the Foreign Ministry Tamam Sulaiman.

Twelve Army and Law Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS/ LATTAKIA, (SANA)- The bodies of 12 army and law enforcement members on Sunday were escorted from the Tishreen Military Hospital in Damascus and Zahi Azraq Military Hospital in 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 Daraa, Idleb and Damascus Countryside.

The martyrs are:

• Colonel Nidal Kamel Sakr, from Lattakia.
• Captain Ammar Hussein Mohammad, from Lattakia.
• Chief Warrant Officer Qais Ibrahim Khalil, from Tartous.
• Warrant Officer Ayham Mohammad Abdullah, from Homs.
• Sergeant Major Mohammad Ali Hassan, from Hama.
• Sergeant Major Yehia Zakariya al-Arrouq, from Aleppo.
• Sergeant Major Mohannad Mohammad Shahin, from Tartous.
• Sergeant Rabie Munir Mariam, from Lattakia.
• Sergeant Mohammad Khalid Shahin, from Damascus Countryside.
• Corporal Mohammad Ayoub al-Khani, from Idleb.
• Soldier Qusai Adnan Mohammad, from Homs.
• Conscript Merie Salman Talab , from Damascus Countryside.

The martyrs’ families and relatives stressed the Syrians’ determination to stand shoulder to shoulder to foil the conspiracy hatched against their homeland.

They said that the systematic terrorism practiced by the armed terrorist groups and funded by the West and some Arab regimes will not make the Syrians abandon their national and pan-Arab stances, calling for confronting the terrorists with an iron fist.

Terrorists Assassinate Boxing Champion in Aleppo, 2 Law-enforcement Members Martyred in Hama

PROVINCES, (SANA) – In the framework of targeting the experts and the national cadres, an armed terrorist group on Sunday assassinated boxing champion, Ghiath Tayfour in Aleppo city.

An informed source told SANA Correspondent that the armed group targeted Boxer Tayfour while he was passing near the courtyard of Aleppo University in his car as they opened fire on him and he was immediately martyred as five bullets entered his head.

Boxer Tayfour was born in Aleppo in 1969 and he came first in the Boxing Championship in Syria from 1984 to 1998 and he also won several gold medals in a number of the local, Arab and international championships.

Terrorist Group Kidnap Member of BASP Branch in Homs and His Driver

In Homs, an armed terrorist group kidnapped a member of the Baath Arab Socialist Party (BASP) branch in Homs Mesbah Ahmad al-Sha’ar and his driver at al-Ghouta area while they were heading for work.

Terrorist Group Target Bridge in al-Ghab Region in Hama

An armed terrorist group targeted with an explosive device the bottom of a bridge connecting al-Rasif and Shateha in al-Ghab region in Hama province, damaging a part of the bridge.

A source in the province told SANA correspondent that the terrorist group planted two explosive devices to the bottom of the bridge, noting however that only one explosive device was detonated.

The source said that parts of the bridge collapsed blocking the road, adding that the bridge is an important traffic point between the villages of al-Ghab region.

Two Law-enforcement Members Martyred in Hama, Terrorists Killed and Injured

Two authorities’ members were martyred during a clash with armed terrorist groups which have been committing criminal acts against citizens and vandalizing private and public properties in the neighborhoods of al-Jarajemeh and al-Sheikh Anbar in Hama.

A source in the province told SANA correspondent that the clash resulted in killing and wounding a number of terrorists, in addition to seizing amounts of machineguns and RPGs launchers.

Authorities Kill Terrorists and Arrests Others in Daraa Countryside

The authorities raided the hideouts of armed terrorist groups in the towns of al-Jiza and Tisia in Daraa countryside, resulting the arrest of a number of terrorist and the death of others.

The authorities confiscated the terrorists’ weapons which include assault rifles, machineguns, handguns, RPG rounds and large amounts of ammo, in addition to advanced communication devices, military uniforms, satchels and medical equipment.

Six stolen private and government-owned cars were also recovered from the terrorists. A PKC machinegun was found in one of the stolen cars.

Also in Daraa, a terrorist group attacked the Foreign Trade General Establishment branch, which supplies medicine to local hospitals and health centers, firing RPG rounds at it and causing considerable damage to the building the destroying a large number of the documents and files kept in it.

Annan Meets Syria’s Mufti and Representatives of Religious Sects in Syria

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The UN Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan said his mission is aimed at discussing steps that might help in ending the violence, ensuring the access of humanitarian aid and starting political dialogue in Syria.

Meeting Grand Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic Ahmad Badr EddinHassoun and representatives of the religious sects in Syria, Annan hoped he would help achieve what could contribute to making democratic reforms and enhancing respect of human rights in Syria.

Annan wished for Syria to be secure and to invest the plurality in it to enhance reconciliation and tolerance and circulate them at the mosques and churches and across all the sects.

He said that he spoke with the Security Council’s members, the EU ambassadors and a number of officials and opinion leaders in the world and called on them to cooperate to ensure peace in Syria.

The UN envoy said that he met President Bashar al-Assad and some opposition figures, traders, businessmen and people from all spectrums of the Syrian society yesterday and found that everybody want a solution and a compromise.

Annan stressed that the Syrians alone are able to solve their problems and that his mission is to help them do so.

For his part, Mufti Hassoun called upon those who carry weapons and claim “peacefulness” to resort to dialogue, adding that those who have taken up weapons to sabotage their homeland in service of foreign agendas are not Syrian, because Syria has always been the country of co-existence where there is no difference between a Christian and a Muslim.

In turn, His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim) of Antioch and all the East said that the lies and fabrications propagated by the instigative channels about the situation of Christians in Syria are untrue and mere illusions in the minds of some Europeans.

“In Syria, we, Muslims and Christians, live as brothers and share everything,” His Beatitude added, wishing Annan success in his mission and stressing to work with him to help him achieve this.

Hasaka Clans and Figures Organize Gathering in Support of National Unity and Independent National Decision

HASAKA, (SANA) – The clans of Waldet al-Ghamr in Hasaka organized on Sunday a gathering to show support for national unity and independent national decision, with the participation of clan dignitaries and religious, social and popular figures from the governorate.

Participants said that this gathering symbolizes unity of the governorate’s people and all Syria, affirming that Syria’s clans will stand as one to protect it against conspiracies.

They stressed that Syria will emerge from the crisis stronger than before thanks to the awareness of the Syrians and their rallying around their leadership.

German Government Consultant: Targeting Syria by West Contradicts International Laws and Norms

BERLIN, (SANA) – German Government Consultant for Middle East Affairs, Christoph Horstel, said that targeting Syria by the West contradicts all the international laws and norms and the UN Charter.

” If they talk about a possible military intervention in Syria, they do it under the table and secretly, backed by some corrupt Arab regimes as well as Turkey,” Horstel said in an interview with Russian Today TV Channel.

Horstel warned against any blatant aggression against Syria through supporting the armed terrorist groups and arming them in addition to preparing for a direct military intervention, saying that French, British, Turkish and Saudi spies and scores of soldiers have been arrested in Syria, which is quite bad.

Horstel criticized the conference held by Syria’s enemies in Tunisia, saying,” with ‘such friends’ Syria doesn’t need enemies.”

He also criticized the Western mass media which ignores the number of the victims which have been killed by the terrorist groups.

Regarding the Russian-Chinese stance at the Security Council towards Syria, Horstel expressed support to this stance, affirming that those who support the project of targeting Syria will take decisions that can be only consumed, but at the same time they will guarantee the continuation of violence.

The German consultant described Istanbul Council as a premeditated agenda that has been previously used with regard to Iran in addition to some Arab countries including Libya.

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

Lavrov: The Syrians Alone Decide Their Country’s Future

MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday stressed the Syrians alone decide their country’s future away from any foreign interference, calling for starting the comprehensive national dialogue without preconditions to find a solution to the crisis in Syria and for an immediate ceasefire by from all the parties under unbiased international supervision, along with the humanitarian aid.

Addressing a Russian Duma session, broadcast by Russia Today TV channel, Lavrov said that Russia is defending the principles of justice and the Syrians’ sovereign right to their democratic option.

By doing so, Lavrov added, Moscow aims at achieving peace in Syria and maintaining its citizens’ lives, preventing conflict and violence in the region and preserving stability and security in the area near Russia’s southern borders.

The Russian Foreign Minister pointed out that Russia will continue work with all the parties, whether the Syrian leadership, the opposition groups, the Arab League, the regional and international players and the Security Council member countries, in order to reach a solution to the crisis.

He called in this context for supporting the mission of the UN Secretary General’s envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan.

“Any international issue demands joint work, and this is what settling the crisis in Syria requires…Everybody should be honest and neutral in that,” said Lavrov.

He underscored that Moscow is in daily contact with the Syrian leadership to ease the situation in the country and draw a unified line to engage all the Syrian parties concerned in settling the crisis, adding that Russia, however, has no power over the armed groups and factions that are fighting the state.

“Unifying our efforts is essential to settle the issues and challenges faced by the international community,” said Lavrov, adding this is why Russia is determined to passing positive international solutions for the preservation of indivisible common security.

He stressed that this principle should be comprehensive in order to build a new security structure in the region.

Lavrov voiced his country’s concern over the developments taking place in the world in terms of the attempts at using force in violation of the international law and the great violations of the Security Council resolutions like what happened in Libya, or through means of force in the cases of Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said that all these experiences indicate that crises in those countries can not be settles by means of force but through adherence to the international law.

He stressed that Russia, based on the UN Charter, will oppose any attempts to blast the main principles of this Charter, that are of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign countries and the adoption of constructive means to settle international differences and conflicts.

Russia, China Stress Unified Stance towards Syria

Russia and China stressed their unified stance towards the situation in Syria, a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

It added that the Russian President’s Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, and China’s Ambassador to Russia, Li Hui, stressed that their countries have identical stances with regard to the essential indications of the Syrian internal settlement through internal national dialogue and supporting the efforts of the UN envoy to Syria Kofi Annan.

The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Bogadanov and Hui also discussed the developments in the Middle East and North Africa, with focus placed on the stance towards Syria.

Bogdanov: Resolving Crisis in Syria through political internal dialogue

The Russian President Special representative for the Middle East Affairs, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov today underlined the importance of solving crisis in Syria through internal political dialogue in light of respect for Syria sovereignty.

The Russian foreign Ministry said that Bogdanov, during a meeting with Syria’s Ambassador in Moscow Riad Haddad, referred to Russia’s commitment to the need for halting violence in Syria as soon as possible whatsoever source it was, and for guaranteeing the humanitarian aid for the citizens depending on the UN mechanism.

Syrians to Gather in Squares Across the Country to Show Their Love for Their Homeland

In an initiative by Syrian youths, squares in cities across Syria will witness a universal march on Thursday, uniting all Syrians in affirmation of their loyalty and affiliation to their homeland no matter how much pressure is leveled against them.

Authorities Clash with Terrorists in Homs and Idleb Countryside, Security Restored to Idleb City

GOVERNORATES, (SANA)-Competent authorities on Wednesday clashed with armed terrorist groups near Jisr al-Daf farms to the west of al-Qseir in Homs countryside, killing a number of terrorists, injuring several others and seizing their weapons.

A source in Homs told SANA reporter that the weapons confiscated were RPGs, machine guns, Russian rifles, snipers, Israeli-made bombs and explosives. The source added that an officer and 5 army members were injured in the clashes.

Authorities Clash with Terrorist in Idleb Countryside, Security Restored to Idleb City

The authorities clashed with remnants of armed terrorist groups in the fields and caves of al-Bara in al-Zawiya mountain, killing a number of terrorists, injuring others and confiscating their weapons.

The authorities also engaged an armed terrorist group in the town of Nsaibin in Ariha area, killing three terrorists and confiscating their weapons and communication devices.

A source in Idleb governorate said that the conflict in Nsaibin resulted in the arrest of a terrorist and the confiscation of two cars loaded with explosive devices of various yields which the terrorists intended to plant on the road between the towns of Ariha and Saraqeb.

In Idleb city, the authorities cleared the city of armed terrorist group, and in the process confiscated weapons including assault rifles, RPG launchers and rounds, an Israeli-made machinegun, ammo clips, military uniforms, computers, advanced communication devices including satellite phones, stolen and fake car license plates, and medical equipment.

In addition, the authorities confiscated dozens of explosive devices of various shapes and sizes and materials used for manufacturing them.

The locals were happy to return to their homes from which they fled in fear of armed terrorist groups, saying that the terrorist spread fear and chaos across the city and prevented citizens from going to work.

Maqdisi: Syria Committed to Make Annan’s Mission a Success, Providing that it Suits Syria’s Specificity

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Foreign and Expatriates Ministry spokesman, Dr. Jihad Maqdisi, on Wednesday said the UN envoy Kofi Annan presented during his recent visit to Syria ‘no-paper’ suggestions to exchange views on them, and the Syrian ‘no-paper’ respond to those suggestions was very objective and of an illustrative character of the way the preliminary suggestions are to be implemented.

“We are committed to make a success of Annan’s mission providing that it goes in line with the Syrian specificity, and that requires the international and regional efforts be brought together, particularly those which are hindering the political solution and instigating and calling for arming the Syrian inside to pour oil on the fire,” said Dr. Maqdisi addressing reporters of a number of news agencies at the Ministry’s headquarters.

He stressed that the proposed solutions to the Syrian crisis cannot be imported, adding that “we encourage Mr. Annan to complete his consultations and we wish him success.”

“We wish that all efforts are mobilized to establish appeasement, which everybody should believe is to be reached through getting engaged in the reform and dialogue,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman added.

He said that those who call for arming are hindering Annan’s mission and the success of his mission requires unifying efforts, adding that what is important is the authorization granted to Annan and the extent to which others cooperate with him.

Maqdisi added “we welcome any initiative that helps political solution.”

He indicated that what is taking place in some areas is a security treatment, not political solution as the army is in a state of self-defense, indicating that the presence of armed groups on the ground was documented in international reports and has become undeniable truth.

Regarding the form of the proposed political solution, Maqdesi said that the political solution means to participate in the homeland and the ballot box will be the decisive criterion for all.

He said that we welcome those who believe in dialogue and reject foreign interference, hoping that those who reject dialogue would be convinced that sitting around the dialogue table and rejecting sabotage are the way out of the crisis, adding that President Bashar al-Assad is the guarantor for dialogue and the dialogists.

On humanitarian aid, Maqdisi said that there is a Syrian humanitarian and political commitment to convey humanitarian aid, indicating that Syria has agreed with the UN, during the visit of the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Valerie Amos, to Syria (Homs and Baba Amr), on a certain mechanism to evaluate and provide help in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross in coordination with the Syrian government in a way that preserves Syria’s sovereignty.

On a question about Syria’s stance towards the meeting between the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with the Arab Foreign Ministers at the Arab League, he said that there were points of consonance, not an agreement.

He added that we welcome any constructive initiative that contributes to political solution but details are important to ensure well implementation and good intentions.

Regarding the Chinese initiative, he said that Syria received the Chinese envoy and officially welcomed the initiative, adding that “we will welcome and positively cooperate with all constructive efforts or initiatives… What is important for us is to put negative forces aside and focus on positives that help achieve the desired détente.”

A Number of Terrorists Who Committed Karm al-Zaitoun Massacre Arrested

The competent authorities in Homs arrested a number of terrorists who perpetrated the terrifying massacre against the citizens of Karm al-Zaitoun Neighborhood in Homs.

Two Terrorists Confess to Planting Explosive Devices Which Claimed the Lives of Two Children, a Woman and a Policeman

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Terrorists Abdelrahman and Ibrahim al-Sharif confessed to being part of plating explosive devices in Aleppo along with an armed terrorist group, which claimed the lives of several citizens, in addition to committing murder and hijacking a car.

In confessions televised by the Syrian TV, terrorist Abdelrahman, who was born in Aleppo in 1992 and works as a stonecutter, said that his uncle Ibrahim (not the other terrorist) was in prison and upon being released introduced him to a man known as Abu Zakkour and asked him to work with him.

During the first meeting, Aby Zakkour gave him a flash disc containing fatwas, recording of al-Qaeda bombings and instructions to make explosives, along with SYP 10,000 to by a bike.

In their second meeting, Abu Zakkour gave Abdelrahman a 7mm pistol equipped with a silenced and 15 rounds, in addition to two explosive devices which he asked Abdelrahman to keep, and later he instructed him to plant the explosives in al-Fardous neighborhood and detonate them after Friday prayers on the next day.

Abdelrahman, along with his cousin Ibrahim (the other terrorist whose confessions were televised), his brother (also called Ibrahim) and Ahmad Dakhil planted the explosives on Friday morning, and later once people began to gather Dakhil detonated the devices, killing a policeman, a woman and two children and wrecking a police car.

On the next day, Abu Zakkour handed Abdelrahman a pump-action shotgun with seven rounds, an AK-47 rifle with two magazines, and a 9mm pistol and SYP 10,000, telling him that he was to distribute the weapons and the money among his colleagues, which he did.

Later, Abu Zakkour instructed him to abduct the owner of a sawmill, and he went on a Monday along with his aforementioned accomplices, breaking into the sawmill and tying up the watchmen.

The sawmill owner arrived earlier, and the terrorists panicked upon seeing him and tried to flee, but he followed him and so they fired at him, with Abdelrahman’s brother shooting the man dead before they fled.

During this incident, Dakhil’s cell phone fell. They tried to hijack a car a failed, then they succeeded in hijacking another car and later hid it before hiding the weapons with his uncle Hussein Dakhil, except for the two pistols.

In the ensuing meeting with Abu Zakkour, he gave Abdelrahman explosive devices, one of them large and the rest of them small, telling him that he should keep them for a few days and that he would tell him where to plant them later.

However, the police raided Abdelrahman’s home two days later, confiscating the pistols, silencer and explosives.

Abdelrahman also said that his cousin Imad al-Sharif gave SYP 500,000 in counterfeit bills which were smuggled from Lebanon. The counterfeit money came from Abdelrahman’s uncle, Hussein al-Sharif, who is currently in Rumieh Prison in Lebanon.

In turn, Ibrahim al-Sharif, Abdelrahman’s cousin and a student, said that his cousin asked him to help them in the abduction of the sawmill owner, and that he went with him along with his brother and Ahmad Dakhil, recounting the events detailed by Abdelrahman.

Ibrahim said that he and Ahmad were hiding in a room where they had tied up the sawmill’s watchman, and they jumped out the window when they heard shooting and ran away, then they tried to hijack a car but the driver managed to run away, then they stopped another car and forced the driver to exit it at gunpoint.

He noted that he was wearing a mask which he lost when Ahmad Dakhil lost his cell phone.

On a relevant note, Hammoud Hajj Mohammad, the father of the child Fayssal who died in the explosion caused by the two terrorists and their accomplices, said that on that fateful Friday he gave his 13 year-old son money to buy drinks for his brother, and ten minutes later they heard an explosion.

Hammoud rushed to the site of the explosion and he was told that his son was injured and taken to the hospital where he passed away later.

In turn, the father of martyred child Ibrahim Hussein Hammoud said that his son was with his friend Fayssal when they were buying drinks, and that the two were injured in the blast and succumbed to their wounds in the hospital.

For his part, Ghaith al-Mustafa, owner of the car hijacked by the terrorists who teaches at Aleppo University, said that he had dropped off his children and nephews to school and was heading home when he was ambushed by the four terrorists, with one of them drawing an AK-47 on him, then they stole his car.

The stolen car was found in a village in Aleppo governorate by the authorities who were pursuing the terrorist group.

People of al-Nazhin, Karm al-Zaytoun, Ashira and Karm al-Loz Neighborhoods Relate Details of Their Suffering at the Hands of Terrorists

HOMS, (SANA) – The people of al-Nazhin, Karm al-Zaytoun, Ashira and Karm al-Loz neighborhoods of Homs related the horrors of the crimes and massacres committed by armed terrorist groups which wreaked havoc in the city.

A local from al-Nazhin said that the armed groups would open fire from every direction at people, and made holes in walls to move from one house to another, attacking the houses’ actual owners, adding that the terrorists belonged to several nationalities.

He said that these groups ran amok in the neighborhood and vandalized everything, and that they didn’t spare even schools and mosques.

Another man from the same neighborhood said that snipers were stations in the street he lvied in, preventing people from leaving their homes for two months, targeting passersby and cars and anything that moved in the streets, adding that the terrorists also robbed houses, committed massacres, murders and kidnapping.

In turn, a woman said that the terrorists killed her son on the doorstep of their home as he was returning from school.

One of the locals from Karm al-Zaytoun said that the innocent victims of the massacre that took place in the neighborhood were among those who refused to be involved in the crimes of the armed terrorist groups, which killed anyone who objected to what they do.

He said that these groups mostly consist of Libyans, Iraqis and Lebanese, and that they had no inhibitions.

Another local said that gunmen from Iraq, Libya and other countries came to Karm al-Zaytoun and laid siege on it, murdering many people and forcing others to flee, then they dug trenches and holes in houses’ walls and made makeshift barricades from sewage pipes.

In Ashira neighborhood, the locals said that gunmen had been assaulting them and that they didn’t feel safe until the army entered the area.

A woman from the neighborhood said that terrorists of unknown identities showed up and started terrorizing women and children who were too afraid to leave their homes.

In Karm al-Loz where terrorists massacred 15 people, the locals said that the terrorists were shooting at people in the streets and killing them, with some of the locals saying that they were practically besieged by the terrorists until the army freed them and provided them with food, drink and medicine.

13 Army Martyrs Escorted to Final Resting Place

PROVINCES, (SANA) – The bodies of 13 army members on Wednesday were escorted from the Military Hospitals of Tishreen in Damascus, Aleppo and Zahi Azraq in 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 Aleppo and Idleb.

The martyrs are:

• Colonel Qais Suleiman, from Lattakia.
• Lieutenant Colonel Ali Habib, from Lattakia.
• Sergeant Major Sheneiwi Wajeeh al-Mohammad, from Hama.
• Conscript Mohammad Ali Yousef, from Hasaka.
• Conscript Qutaibeh Hamdo al-Sultan, from Deir Ezzor.
• Conscript Hassan Saeed, from Aleppo.
• Conscript Kenan Abu el-Fakher, from Damascus.
• Conscript Farouq Faeq Hijazi, from Aleppo.
• Conscript Hussein al-Aa’raj, from Aleppo.
• Conscript Ahmad al-Maghrebi, from Damascus Countryside.
• Conscript Osama Ibrahim, from Aleppo.
• Conscript Abdullah al-Ali, from Raqqa.
• Conscript Mohammad Nidal Said Zhourati, from Damascus.

The martyrs’ families, stressed adherence to the national unity and determination to foil the conspiracy hatched against Syria, condemning the criminal acts perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups.

They hailed the role of the Syrian army in maintaining the security and stability of the homeland, expressing confidence in the ability of the Syrian people to overcome the crisis through their unity and rallying around their leadership.

Parties Affairs’ Committee Licenses Two New Parties

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Parties Affairs’ Committee on Wednesday licensed two new parties; the Syrian National Youth Party and the National Youth Party for Justice and development.

Minister of Interior Mohammad al-Shaar, Head of the Committee, said in a press statement that the Committee gave license to the two parties after they completed their papers and legal measures accordion to the new Parties’ Law.

The step raises the number of the parties given licenses to eight in addition to the parties of National Progressive.

The new parties are: the Solidarity, National Development, Syrian Democratic, al-Ansar, Democratic al-Taleaa, Arab Democratic Solidarity, the Syrian National Youth Party and the National Youth Party.

Syrian National Committee for Following up Comprehensive Periodical Review Mechanism at the HRC: Some Countries Use Human Rights for Imposing Hegemony

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_The Syrian National Committee for Following up the Comprehensive Periodical Review Mechanism at the Human Rights Council issued a paper on the development of the human rights situation in Syria, with focus placed on Syria’s new approach in this regard in light of the new constitution.

The Syrian National Committee accepted the constructive proposals put forward by Syria which are based on its interest in benefitting from world countries’ experiences in this regard.

The deliberations focused on proposals for launching national dialogue in Syria, stressing that the Syrian leadership has adopted national dialogue as a way out of the crisis, which gunmen have so far rejected.

The paper criticized the countries that are using human rights to impose hegemony on other countries as they blatantly interfere in the internal affairs of independent states while covering Israel’s violations of human rights in Palestine and the occupied Syrian Golan.

The paper also gave a review of the terrorist acts committed by the armed groups and documented detention centers set up by terrorists for incarcerating and torturing people and citizens whom they kidnapped for ransom, not saving the children and elderly.

The National Committee saw that Syria expected the international community to offer help in combating terrorism, not support the armed terrorist groups and provide them with political and media backing.

Venezuelan Parliament Votes by Majority for Decision on Supporting Syria against Conspiracy

CARACAS, (SANA) – Legislative National Assembly of Venezuela (the Parliament) agreed during a session held on Tuesday by a majority of votes on a decision presented by parliamentarians of Syrian origins for solidarity with the country in face of the conspiracy led by the USA to undermine Syria’s stances in support to the resistance and the Arab and libration international movements.

Speaker of the Venezuelan Parliament, Diosdado Cabello, underlined his country’s support to the Syrian people and leadership, pointing out that Syria is encountering an imperialistic conspiracy.

For his part, MP Jull Jabbour, Head of the Syrian-Venezuelan Parliamentary Friendship Committee, who submitted the draft project for supporting the Syrian people and leadership at the Venezuelan parliament, said that the statement presented is not only meant to support Syria but also to unmask the imperialistic schemes which seek to make Syria pay for its national and pan-Arab stances in support of resistance.

Vice Chairman of the Committee of Popular Authority and Media, Julio Chavez, said that what is going on in Syria is similar to what Venezuela suffered from in 2002, when the conspirators used to spread lies about virtual crimes, pointing out that the Syrians’ strong stance will foil the conspiracy.

“Interestingly, some countries which support the conspiracy against Syria do not have parliaments such as Qatar!” The MP said.

The decision, which was unanimously approved by all MPs of the Venezuelan Socialist Party, includes five introductory paragraphs and six acting articles. It stresses support to the Syrian people and leadership in the face of the U.S. imperialistic conspiracy with the aim of destabilizing the situation in the country through arming the terrorist radical groups in an attempt to drag the country into a civil war.

It also hails the reforms launched by the Syrian government including the referendum for a new constitution and urges the international community to reject interference in Syria’s domestic affairs.

China: Beijing is Neutral, Has No Private Interests in the Syrian Issue

BEIJING, (SANA) – China has no private interests in the Syrian issue, and Beijing will stick to neutrality towards all the sides, including the Syrian government, in order for it to issue its own verdict correctly according to the right and wrong principle, Head of the Chinese State Council, Wen Jiabao, said on Wednesday.

Chinese News Agency Xinhua quoted Premier Jiabao as saying in a press conference at the end of the annual parliamentary session that the Arab peoples’ demands for democracy will be respected and honestly met, calling on all the parties in Syria to halt the violence and the killing of citizens.

Premier Jiabao added that China feels great sympathy with the humanitarian suffering of the Syrian people, highlighting that Beijing has contributed in the relevant international humanitarian aid to Syria and will continue to do so.

He stressed that China respects the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for change and supports the mediation efforts of the joint UN-Arab League special envoy on the Syrian issue.

The Chinese official highlighted that his country has intensively worked with the sides concerned to launch political dialogue in Syria as soon as possible.

Al-Akhbar Newspaper: 33 Armed Groups Spread in Syria

BEIRUT, (SANA) – The Lebanese al-Akhbar newspaper said that thirty three armed groups spread throughout the Syrian governorates of Aleppo, Idleb, Hama, Homs and Daraa, according to the 3rd Security Report issued by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in the US.

The military analyst Joseph Holliday, who served as an Intelligence officer in the U.S. Army from June 2006 to September 2011, said that these armed groups have a clear structure, yet they lack organization.

In the report, Holliday added that three of Syria’s most effective militias maintain direct ties to the “Free Syrian Army” which center in Homs; the northern of Jebel al-Zawiya mountain in Idleb and the southern Hawran plain in Daraa while other groups have no relations to the so-called “Free Syrian Army”.

He stressed that the majority of armed men are civilians carrying weapons who have to rely on external lines of supply to replenish their arms and ammunition.

“The emergence of al-Qaeda-linked terrorist cells working against the regime poses risks to the United States and a challenge to those calling for material support of the armed opposition,” the report said.

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