Archives: Articles

Thousands voted him the greatest Briton – but did they know about his views on Gandhi, gassing and Jews… 

I will not pretend that, if I had to choose between communism and nazism, I would choose communism.

Speaking in the House of Commons, autumn 1937

I do not understand the squeamishness about the use of gas. I am strongly in favour of using poisonous gas against uncivilised tribes.

Writing as president of the Air Council, 1919

It is alarming and nauseating to see Mr Gandhi, a seditious Middle Temple lawyer, now posing as a fakir of a type well known in the east, striding half naked up the steps of the viceregal palace, while he is still organising and conducting a campaign of civil disobedience, to parlay on equal terms with the representative of the Emperor-King.

Commenting on Gandhi’s meeting with the Viceroy of India, 1931

(India is) a godless land of snobs and bores.

In a letter to his mother, 1896

I do not admit… that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America, or the black people of Australia… by the fact that a stronger race, a higher grade race… has come in and taken its place.

Churchill to Palestine Royal Commission, 1937

(We must rally against) a poisoned Russia, an infected Russia of armed hordes not only smiting with bayonet and cannon, but accompanied and preceded by swarms of typhus-bearing vermin.

Quoted in the Boston Review, April/May 2001 

“The choice was clearly open: crush them with vain and unstinted force, or try to give them what they want. These were the only alternatives and most people were unprepared for either. Here indeed was the Irish spectre – horrid and inexorcisable.

Writing in The World Crisis and the Aftermath, 1923-31

The unnatural and increasingly rapid growth of the feeble-minded and insane classes, coupled as it is with a steady restriction among all the thrifty, energetic and superior stocks, constitutes a national and race danger which it is impossible to exaggerate… I feel that the source from which the stream of madness is fed should be cut off and sealed up before another year has passed.

Churchill to Asquith, 1910

One may dislike Hitler’s system and yet admire his patriotic achievement. If our country were defeated, I hope we should find a champion as admirable to restore our courage and lead us back to our place among the nations.”

From his Great Contemporaries, 1937

You are callous people who want to wreck Europe – you do not care about the future of Europe, you have only your own miserable interests in mind.

Addressing the London Polish government at a British Embassy meeting, October 1944

So far as Britain and Russia were concerned, how would it do for you to have 90% of Romania, for us to have 90% of the say in Greece, and go 50/50 about Yugoslavia?

Addressing Stalin in Moscow, October 1944

This movement among the Jews is not new. From the days of Spartacus-Weishaupt to those of Karl Marx, and down to Trotsky (Russia), Bela Kun (Hungary), Rosa Luxembourg (Germany), and Emma Goldman (United States)… this worldwide conspiracy for the overthrow of civilisation and for the reconstitution of society on the basis of arrested development, of envious malevolence, and impossible equality, has been steadily growing. It has been the mainspring of every subversive movement during the 19th century; and now at last this band of extraordinary personalities from the underworld of the great cities of Europe and America have gripped the Russian people by the hair of their heads and have become practically the undisputed masters of that enormous empire.”

28 November 2002

@ The Guardian

Writing on ‘Zionism versus Bolshevism’ in the Illustrated Sunday Herald, February 1920

Research by Amy Iggulden

Official Source: Syria Is Surprised and Regrets al-Arabi’s Decision to Suspend Arab Monitoring Mission

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- An official source on Saturday stated that the Syrian Arab Republic is surprised and regrets the decision of the Arab League (AL) Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi to suspend the Arab monitoring mission after having agreed to extend it for another month upon the AL General Secretariat’s request in light of the report submitted by the mission’s head General Mohammed Mustafa al-Dabi to the AL Ministerial Council.

“It was clear that the Arab monitors’ report didn’t please some countries at the League because of what it included regarding acknowledging and documenting the presence of armed groups that have been targeting the civilians, the military and law enforcement forces and the public and private institutions as well as the gas and oil pipelines,” the source said.

“Nabil al-Arabi’s decision,” the source added, “came in preparation for the Security Council meeting scheduled next Tuesday upon the request of Qatar and the AL General Secretariat with the aim of exerting negative impact and pressures in the discussions with a view to calling for foreign interference in the Syrian internal affairs and encouraging more violence against the citizens by the armed groups.”

The source continued that the AL Secretary General’s decision goes in line with that of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council to withdraw their monitors, “which came as a reaction to the Arab monitoring mission’s report and not because of what the Secretary General claimed on the continued use of violence and exchange of shelling and fire.”

The source stressed that the Syrian Arab Republic is still committed to making the Arab monitoring mission a success and providing protection to the monitors according to the items of the protocol signed with the Arab League and to the Arab Work Plan which provides that the Syrian government is committed to end violence whatever its source.

Arab League Secretary General Suspends AL Monitoring Mission in Syria

CAIRO, (SANA)_Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi decided to immediately ssuspend the AL observer mission to Syria, pending presentation of the issue to the Arab League’s Council, in an escalation against Syria that reflects the persistence of some member countries in supporting armed terrorist groups.

Al-Arabi has asked the head of the mission to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the mission’s members.

The Secretary-general said in a statement that he held talks with a number of Arab foreign ministers and decided to halt the work of the mission, due to the ”critical deterioration of the situation in Syria and the continued use of violence.”

Al-Arabi considered that the Syrian government has resorted to ”escalation in the security option”, disregarding the crimes perpetrated by the armed groups which the observers’ report has documented.

Six Martyred, Six Others Injured by Explosive Device Targeting Bus Carrying Military Personnel near Sahnaya, Agricultural Engineer Assassinated in Homs

GOVERNORATES, (SANA)_ An armed terrorist group on Sunday targeted a bus carrying army personnel near Sahnaya, one of Damascus’ suburbs, killing six persons, including two officers, and injuring six others.

A military source informed SANA correspondent that the bus was targeted by an explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group and remotely detonated.

The martyrs are:

First Lieutenant Mahdi Mohammad al-Ahmad.

First Lieutenant Ahmad Abdullah Ali al-Mohammad.

Sergeants: Yousef Ibrahim, Jihad Ibrahim, Shadi Idris and Najeeb Hassan.

Sergeant Major Fares al-Omar, one of the officers injured in the explosion, told the Syrian TV that he and his colleagues got on the bus at 7 AM to go to their regiment, and on the way the bus suddenly flew into the air and landed on the ground, causing it to catch fire and shattering all windows.

“Afterwards, we came under heavy gunfire, martyring a number of our colleagues and wounding others,” he said.

In turn, Sergeant Major Samir Mohammad said they were in the bus and heading to work when an explosive device went off around 100 meters before reaching the regiment, with the explosion hurling him out of the bus.

Brigadier General, Law-enforcement Member Injured by Explosive Devices in Idleb Countryside

A Brigadier General and a law-enforcement member were injured when two explosive devices planted by terrorist groups went off on Balyon-Kamsafra road in Idleb countryside.

An informed source told SANA that Brigadier General Sharif Kheirbek and Conscript Monzer Jom’a Abdul-Rahman were injured in the terrorist bombing which targeted their car. They were rushed to Lattakia Military Hospital.

The source added that an armed terrorist group broke into the Telecommunications’ Establishment in Idleb and stole 17 state cars from the garage.

Agricultural Engineer Assassinated in Homs

An armed terrorist group assassinated on Sunday Amal Issa, an agricultural engineer who works at Homs Agriculture Directorate.

An official source told SANA correspondent in Homs that the armed group targeted the engineer when she was in her car with three of her colleagues near Khaled Bin al-Walid Mosque. Issa was martyred by a shot in the head while her three colleagues escaped unscathed.

Lavrov: Some Security Council Members Exploit Syrian Situation for Geopolitical Interests

MOSCOW, (SANA) _ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that some Security Council members are trying to dissuade the Syrian opposition from engaging in a dialogue with the Syrian authorities.

Lavrov considered this conduct by some UN Security Council as an instigation intended for using the situation in Syria to serve geopolitical interests.

In an interview with the Japanese NHK TV, Lavrov said that this position reflects an archaic psychology that should be ”done away with”.

Lavrov said that Russia proposed a draft resolution on Syria to the UN Security Council consisting of three points; stopping violence by all sides, rejecting foreign interference in the ongoing operations in Syria and launching an internal national dialogue without preconditions.

He added that Russia will try to convince representatives of the Syrian opposition of the importance of dialogue with the Syrian authorities.

Lavrov: statements issued by Western countries on the futility of AL observer mission in Syria “fruitless”

Lavrov considered the statements issued by Western countries on the futility of the Arab League (AL) observer mission in Syria and the impossibility of holding dialogue with the Syrian regime as “fruitless”.

In a statement to the press in Brunei on Sunday, Lavrov described these statements as “irresponsible”, saying the western countries are trying to waste the opportunity to ease the situation in Syria, “which should not be allowed at all.”

The Russian Minister wondered at the decision of some Arab countries on not participating in the observer mission in Syria, referring to the Gulf states that first agreed on the decision to extend the mission, but they abstained from participating and withdrew their representatives in it.

“This raises certain questions,” said Lavrov, considering that the mission should on the contrary be enhanced and the number of observers be increased.

He expressed his country’s desire to see the report of the AL observer mission about Syria before discussing the plan submitted by the AL to the UN Security Council.

Lavrov recalled Russia’s stance on the necessity of calling on all Syrian sides to end violence, start dialogue and prevent foreign interference, stressing that the opposition is using force against the Syria police and forces.

He pointed out that the armed groups in Syria have increased in number and are being increasingly armed, affirming that weapons smuggling into Syria is continuing.

For his part, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said the Arab League’s decision to suspend the monitoring mission in Syria raises additional concern in Russia.

Lukashevich is accompanying Lavrov on his tour of a number of countries in Asia and the Pacific region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Warns that Foreign Pressures on Syria might have Bad Repercussions on the Whole Region

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi stressed the necessity of peaceful settlement to the situation in Syria within the framework of an internal plan and away from foreign interference.

In a statement upon his arrival in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to participate in the African Summit, Salehi warned of the consequences of foreign pressures exerted on Syria which might have bad repercussions on the whole region.

He underlined that Syria is able to solve its problems on its own, adding that the Syrian leadership started to implement the announced reforms and that means that it met the demands of its people, which shows no compelling justifications for exerting such western and Arab media pressures against Syria.

23 Army, Law-Enforcement Forces Martyrs Escorted to Final Resting Place

PROVINCES, (SANA) – The bodies of 23 army and law-enforcement forces martyrs on Sunday were escorted from Tishreen and Homs military hospitals and Sweida National Hospital to their final resting place.

The martyrs were killed at the hands of the armed terrorist groups while on duty in Homs, Daraa and Damascus Countryside.

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:

– First Lieutenant Moemin Fayez Talaie, from Sweida.

– First Lieutenant Hamzeh Hassan Ghassa, from Lattakia.

– Second Lieutenant Yasser Mohammad Kaso, from Lattakia.

– Chief Warrant Officer Hamzeh Suleiman Deeb, from Lattakia.

– Chief Warrant Officer Bashir Abdo al-Saadi, from Daraa.

– Chief Warrant Officer Akram Subhi al-Said, from Deir Ezzor.

– Chief Warrant Officer Ziad Dawood Kreen, from Deir Ezzor.

– Sergeant Major Samir Saleh Khaddour, from Hama.

– Sergeant Major Raed Sami Najmeh, from Tartous.

– Sergeant Major Mohammad Sakher Baha Eddin Dawood al-Takreiti from Damascus.

– Sergeant Major Ali Mahmoud Ibrahim, from Hama.

– Sergeant William Ali Olbeh, from Sweida.

– Sergeant Ayham Fahim Hamad, from Quneitra.

– Sergeant Rami Salim Joehra, from Lattakia.

– Sergeant Hassan Mahmoud Ali from Lattakia.

– Corporal Ali Hatm al-Qadi, from Hama.

– Corporal Imad Yousef al-Hamdan, from Daraa.

– Soldier Ghadir Jamal Eddin Khdeira , from Idleb.

– Conscript Ahmad Hamad Mustafa, from Aleppo.

– Conscript Jasem Mohammad al-Khattab, from Deir Ezzor.

– Conscript Basel Mahmoud Khalaf, from Aleppo.

– Conscript Mustafa Mohammad al-Assaf, from Aleppo.

– Conscript Alaa Mohammad Nasser Mustafa, from Aleppo.

Families of the martyrs expressed confidence that the blood of the martyrs will help Syria overcome the crisis and head to a better future, stressing that the crimes of armed terrorist groups will not weaken the Syrians’ determination to confront the conspiracy targeting their country.

They stressed that the Syrian people’s unity and their rallying around their leadership will foil the conspiracy and other schemes aiming at undermining their homeland.

Gulf States and Turkey Hold Meeting in Istanbul to Continue Conspiring against Syria

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Days after intelligence reports revealed that intelligence crews from some Gulf states, Turkey, the US, France and Israel have been supervising camps for gathering, recruiting and training mercenaries and terrorists inside the Turkish territories, Turkey and Gulf states on Saturday held a meeting in Istanbul to discuss activities of their terrorist groups operating in Syria.

The first results of this Gulf-Turkish meeting came with announcing a new escalatory step against Syria represented in the decision of the Arab League (AL) Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi to suspend the monitoring mission in Syria, ignoring the AL Council’s decision last week to extend the mission for another month.

The decision to suspend the monitoring mission came to confirm that Arab countries, on top being the Gulf states, are continuing their support to the acts of the armed terrorist groups in Syria.

Today’s Istanbul meeting came as a new episode in the series of conspiring between the Gulf states and the Turkish government against Syria, which was proved through the simultaneous imposition of sanctions allegedly aimed against the Syrian government, while experts and analysts as well as a number of Arabs and Turks consider that the bad impacts of these sanctions affect the Syrian people and also reach the people of Arab countries and Turkey.

Observers see that the Gulf-Turkish conspiring against Syria appeared evident through the attendance of senior Turkish diplomat at the Arab Foreign Ministers Council meetings at which all decisions against Syria were made.

These decisions started with freezing Syria’s membership at the Arab League and continued through working to internationalize the Syrian crisis in implementation of foreign agendas exposed by the statements of the U.S. diplomat Jennifer Rasamimanana who described the League’s decisions as having positive impact on the U.S. efforts to take the Syrian crisis file to the UN Security Council and pressure Russia to change its stance.

Information and data indicate that Istanbul meeting held today came to discuss the ways to continue the exposed Gulf-Turkish conspiring against Syria after Russia stressed its objection at the Security Council to the Arab Ministerial Council’s plan led by Qatar and Saudi Arabia and ordered by the US and Israel.

Two days ago, the Israeli War Minister Ehud Barak stated that the Arab League’s latest decisions against Syria are consistent with the Israeli vision and that the League and the Arab leaders are working in line with the Israeli approach against Syria.

Analysts and observers place Istanbul meeting in the framework of a new campaign to pressure Syria led by Gulf and foreign countries and Turkey that are now distributing roles among themselves after the doors were closed before them from inside by the Syrian people and were beleaguered by the Russian stance at the Security Council.

Parties’ Affairs Committee Verifies documents of new parties

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Parties’ Affairs Committee on Sunday decided to refer documents of the new parties “Syria Free” and “Syria Homeland” to be published on two daily newspapers for one week.

The committee, headed by Interior Minister Mohammad al-Shaar, held a meeting to discuss and verify the documents of newly-formed parties, showing some notes on the papers of other parties.

During the meeting, the Minister said that the parties that were given licenses till now according the new Parties’ Law reached at four; they are “the Solidarity”, “Syrian Democracy”, “al-Ansar” and “The Democratic Front”.

He added that other two parties will be given licenses in the current week if their founders submit the final document of forming the party.

The Parties’ Affairs Committee publishes the documents of any new party in the gazette, showing to the public its principles and goals. The Committee accepts objections according to the law during 10 days.

Syrian Human Rights Network: Arab Monitoring Mission Was Suspended because It Was Objective and Neutral

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian Human Rights Network on Saturday said the Arab monitoring mission was suspended and was labeled as lacking experience only because it showed objectivity and neutrality, although it was agreed upon in the first place.

In a statement of which SANA got a copy, the Network called for taking the human rights considerations and the Arab monitoring mission’s report into account at any negotiating table regarding Syria, saying that the main guarantee to find a solution for the Syrian crisis is the guarantee that is stemmed from the Syrian inside.

The Network condemned the attacks carried out against the Syrian delegations in Cairo and recently against the Syrian embassy in the Egyptian capital by the tools of ‘Istanbul opposition’, noting that this confirms this opposition’s cooperation with terrorists and the US and Israel to achieve its ambitions in seizing power.

The statement called upon the opposition abroad to stop talking in the name of the Syrian people as it isn’t authorized to do so by any Syrian.

The Network demanded that the United Nations Commission shoulder its legal and moral responsibilities towards what is happening in the Arab countries, particularly Syria, after having made certain of the distorted reporting of facts practiced by some hired human rights organizations, and to make sure that the Security Council won’t take any measure that might be based on false information.

Support Rallies to Comprehensive Reforms Led and Masterminded by President Bashar al-Assad

PROVINCES, (SANA) Hundreds of thousands of Syrians of all governorates headed since the early morning Thursday to central and main squares in rallies of support to the ongoing process of comprehensive reform led and masterminded by President Bashar al-Assad.

Expressing their awareness of their responsibilities to face the conspiracy targeting their beloved homeland, masses of citizens streamed into Saba Bahrat Square in Damascus, Saadallah al-Jaberi Square in Aleppo, the Governorate’s Square in Lattakia, the President Square in Hasaka, as well as in the squares of Deir Ezzor and along the corniche in Tartous to stress adherence to Syria’s sovereignty and independent national decision.

The jubilant Syrians, chanting pro-Assad songs, embracing President al-Assad’s pictures, waving national banners and Syrian Flags, took to the streets in rejection of the recent decisions by Arab League Council which are but flagrant violation of the Syrian independence and sovereignty.

Thousands of angry Syrians have been frequenting Syria’s main squares and streets in condemnation of the ongoing aggressive campaigns led by some Arab sides within the frame of the conspiratorial scheme hatched against Syria.

Today’s huge rallies, an embodiment of the Syrians’ national unity and cohesion, are considered a sharp cry and strong condemnation of the armed terrorist groups’ attacks against their security, stability and unity.

In Damascus, the participants stressed that the tougher the circumstances, the stronger the resolve of the Syrian people, vowing to remain united under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad.

They also expressed utter rejection of the killings and vandalism perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups, hailing the great role of the Syrian army in protecting the homeland.

Muhammad Sweidan, a participant, expressed rejection of all forms of foreign interference in the Syrian internal affairs, indicating that the mass rally underlines that the Syrian people are firm in the face of the conspiracy.

Hayyan al-Dali, also one of the participants, said that the AL decisions seek to undermine Syria’s stances and steadfastness against the Zionist enemy and prove the involvement of many sides in plotting against the Syrian people.

In Aleppo, Saadallah al-Jabiri Square bustled with thousands of people who came to express support to the comprehensive reform program and readiness to offer sacrifices for preserving Syria’s stability and national role.

Ahmad Yassouf, a participant, said that the reform decisions and laws are able to transform Syria into an advanced country.

Amin Osman, an engineer, urged the Syrian people not to be deluded by attempts for inciting sedition and fear, stressing that no one can subjugate the Syrians.

In spite of heavy rains in the governorate, huge crowds of Syrian citizens gathered al al-Muhafaza Square in the coastal city of Lattakia holding national flags and banners that stress the Syrian people’s commitment to the national unity and strong will to defend Syria’s resistant position in the face of Zionist-US schemes.

The gathering people considered the AL decisions against Syria a flagrant infringement on its national sovereignty and serious precedent in terms of joint Arab action.

They criticized the AL role as it turned into a tool to implement the West’s plots to fragment the Arab region, stressing that internationalizing the Syrian issue and calling for foreign interference will be foiled.

The participants condemned terrorist acts committed by armed groups throughout the Syrian cities, calling for eliminating these groups which kill civilians, army and law-enforcement members and sabotage public and private properties.

Addressing the Turkish Prime Minister, some citizens who came from Qamishli and participated in the gathering, called him to not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, particularly in Syria. The gathering people stressed that Syria will come out victorious under the leadership of President al-Assad thanks to the sacrifices of the martyrs who offered their souls for the sake of the homeland.

In Deir Ezzor, people of the governorate crowded at Saba Bahrat Square in support of the reform program and Syria’s independent national decision.

The crowds stressed adherence to the national sovereignty and the wise leadership of President al-Assad , expressing gratitude for the friendly countries which supported Syria.

Citizens of Tartous governorate held a rally on the Coastal Corniche of the City in appreciation of the Syrian army’s sacrifices, stressing that Syria will not bow down to the AL decisions and pressures which aim at undermining its pan-Arab and national stances.

The participants called upon the Arab and international public opinion to respect the Syrian people’s will in support of the national reform program.

The gathering citizens condemned misleading media campaigns launched against Syria to spread chaos and destabilize the safety and security of the Syrian people.

In Raqqa, the Syrians gathered at the late president Hafez al-Assad Square in rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s affairs, condemning the AL decisions and the instigative media campaigns. The participants stressed support to the comprehensive reform program led by President al-Assad and the national sovereignty. They affirmed that the Syrian people are united in the face of all plots and conspiracies aimed at undermining Syria’s stability.

In Homs, people from Sheen town and the neighboring towns and villages gathered at the town’s main square to stress support to the reform program and national unity, calling for combating terrorism and extremism.

The citizens condemned the killing and sabotage acts committed by the armed terrorist groups against innocent citizens and military members who defend the country.

They also denounced the AL decisions which implement foreign agendas, adding that the current crisis won’t weaken the Syrians’ determination to remain united under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad.

Two Officers and Law-Enforcement Member Martyred in Homs and Daraa, Four persons killed in Homs by armed groups

HOMS/ DARAA / ALEPPO, (SANA) – Colonel Loai Mohammed al-Nuqari was martyred on Thursday after he was targeted by an armed terrorist group near his house at al-Awa’ar Neighborhood in Homs.

SANA Correspondent was informed that an armed terrorist group opened fire from its machineguns on Col. al-Nuqari near his house as he was immediately martyred.

A law-enforcement member was also martyred by the gunfire of an armed terrorist group near Homs City.

A well-informed source told SANA correspondent that the armed terrorist group opened fire on the car of the law-enforcement forces while crossing Shinshar bridge near Homs City which caused the martyrdom of member Zakariya Mohammad Kurdieh.

A terrorist group in Homs kills four persons, among them 2 women with RPGs

An armed terrorist group in Homs today killed four persons, among them 2 women, injuring 20 others among them children.

SANA reporter in Homs learned that the armed group shelled al-Naziheen, Wadi al-Dhab and al-Zahra neighborhoods with RPGs, leading to the martyrdom of four citizens and wounding twenty others.

Another armed group shelled the Palestinian Camp neighborhood the city with mortars.

In the morning, another terrorist group kidnapped Shawkat al-Ali, a teacher at the Training  Secondary School, while on his way to the school at Tadmour Street in the City.

On the other hand, First Lieutenant Engineer, Suleiman Ali Jura’a from the Engineering Units was martyred while he was dismantling a bomb which was planted by an armed terrorist group near Khirbet Ghazaleh Bridge in Daraa Countryside.

A source told SANA Correspondent that Engineer Jura’a was martyred while he was dismantling the bomb , pointing out that the armed terrorist group denoted the bomb through a remote control, while the engineer was dismantling it.

The source added that two members of the armed group, which denoted the bomb, were arrested along with their weapons.

Armed Terrorist Group Assassinates an Industrialist in Aleppo

An armed terrorist group on Thursday assassinated the industrialist Haitham Khankan as it opened fire on him while entering his factory “The Golden Penguin” at Sheikh Najjar Industrial City in Aleppo.

SANA correspondent in the governorate said that four armed terrorists in a Double Cab Jeep Car fired on the car of Khankan which caused his immediate death.

He added that the security cameras installed at the entrance of the factory filmed the terrorists who assassinated Khankan, indicating that the authorities are studying and analyzing information to hunt the killers to arrest them.

Competent Authorities Seize Weapons, Ammunition in Harasta, Douma and Hama

Competent authorities seized amounts of arms and ammunition, some Israeli-made, in Douma and Harasta in Damascus countryside and Hama city.

The seized weapons in Damascus countryside included a machine gun and Israeli-made bombs, automatic rifles, explosive devices, night vision binoculars, military saddlebags and outfit, detonators, fake plates and medical equipment, in addition to outfit similar to that used by the Arab observers.

The authorities also discovered a deserted house that the armed groups used to torture kidnapped citizens.

A team from the AL observers documented the seized weapons and the torture room in Douma.

In Hama, the competent authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group in al-Qusour neighborhood and arrested a number of them and killed many others. They also seized a big quantity of weapons including explosive devices, detonatorss, RPG launchers and Energa launchers, in addition to automatic rifles and two sniper rifles.

Wireless communication and remote detonation devices, and huge quantities of ammunitions and medical stuff were also seized.

Military Engineering units dismantle 18 explosives in Idleb

Military Engineering units today dismantled 18 explosive devices planted by armed terrorist groups on the roads leading to Idleb governorate.

An official source told SANA that the units defused 10 explosives of 20-30 KG on Idleb-Ariha highway, 8 others of 30-40 KG on Iblen-Bilion road in Jabal al-Zawyea.

Twenty One Army, Law-Enforcement and Civilian Martyrs Laid to Rest

PROVINCES,(SANA)- Twenty one army, law-enforcement and civilian martyrs on Thursday were escorted from Tishreen and Homs Military Hospitals, Sweida National Hospital and Police Hospital in Damascus to their final resting place.

The martyrs were killed at the hands of the armed terrorist groups while they were in the line of duty in Homs, Hama, Damascus Countryside and Idleb.

Solemn funeral ceremony was held for the martyrs as they were covered with flowers and laurel carried upon on their colleagues shoulders while the Military Band was playing the music of the “Martyr” and the “Farewell.”

The martyrs are:

-Chief Warrant Officer, Nawras Majed Nassir from Hama.

-Chief Warrant Officer, Hassan Salman Ahmad from Lattakia.

-Chief Warrant Officer, Rajeh Suleiman Issa from Tartous.

-Chief Warrant Officer, Munjed Nassir al-Hussein from Hama.

-Warrant Officer, Ahmad Taha Nusseirat from Daraa.

-Warrant Officer, Jihad Mohammad Juma’a from Hama.

-Sergeant, Naji Hussein Assaf from Hama.

-Sergeant, Malek Samir al-Ahmad from Hama.

-Sergeant, Hassan Hosni Alloush from Hama.

-Sergeant, Hussein Abdul-Karim Assani from Aleppo.

-Corporal, Abdul-Aziz Mansi al-Lafi from Hasaka.

-Corporal, Ahmad Mohammad Jaroud from Idleb.

-Corporal, Hussein Yusef al-Do’aboul from Sweida.

-Conscript, Omaran Mansour al-Balbalisi from Daraa.

-Conscript, Omar Sanad al-Halh from Sweida.

-Conscript, Hamza Imad Mahal from Damascus Countryside.

– Conscript, Ahmad Eid Imad al-Homsi from Damascus.

-Conscript, Ahmad Hassan al-Hussein from Deir Ezzour.

– Conscript, Manfi Mohammad al-Ahmad from Damascus Countryside.

-Civil Servant Abdul-Rahman Kayyali from Idleb.

-Civil Servant, Monzer Ibrahim Mustafa from Tartous.

Relatives of the martyrs affirmed that the systematic terrorism perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups can’t dissuade the Syrians from their adherence to their national and pan-Arab stances.

They called for confronting the criminal terrorists who don’t know the meaning of humanity, freedom and democracy.

Arab Monitors Continue tours in Syrian provinces

DAMASCUS Countryside, DARAA, (SANA)-A team of the Arab League Monitors visited Thursday Damascus Countryside and Daraa, inspecting the situation in the two Syrian provinces.

In Damascus Countryside, Arab observers visited the Governorate HQs, meeting Governor Hussein Makhlouf.

In Daraa, the Arab observers visited the National Hospital, examining the body of martyr Suleiman Ali Joraa who passed away while dismantling an explosive planted by an armed terrorist group.

They also went to the place where the explosive was put at Jisr Kherbat Ghzaleh in Daraa.

The tem met Governor Mohammad Khaled al-Hanous and Police chief Mohammad Adib al-Asaad.

Russian Foreign Ministry :Necessity of Solving Crisis in Syria Politically, Imposing Sanctions on It Rejected

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed support to continuing the efforts of the Arab League (AL) which aim at finding means to overcome the crisis in Syria.

During a phone call with AL Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi on Wednesday, Lavrov underlined the importance of the AL decision on extending the mandate of the Arab observers who play a helpful role in achieving stability.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that during the phone call, the two sides underlined the importance of quickly launching an internal dialogue between the Syrian authorities and the opposition on all the issues listed on the national agenda to guarantee performing effective political reforms and to ensure a peaceful democratic development in the country.

The statement added that al-Arabi stressed that the AL leadership shares Russia’s viewpoint on the necessity of finding a peaceful settlement in Syria based on stopping all forms of violence, speeding up holding a dialogue among all the Syrians and rejecting the foreign military interference in it.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: Russia Won’t Support New Western Draft Resolution Calling for Imposing Sanctions against Syria

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said that Russia won’t support any new Western draft resolution at the UN Security Council that calls for imposing sanctions against Syria.

“We know that the French prepared a draft resolution in New York to the Security Council on the Syrian issue, and we still have red lines which we can’t ignore when discussing any draft resolution regarding Syria which are represented in rejecting all forms related to imposing sanctions and to the calls upon all the countries to take unilateral measures against Syria,” Gatilov added.

” We cannot support any proposal or draft resolution which aims at documenting unilateral sanctions that have been already taken against Syria without consultations with Russia or other Security Council member states,” said Gatilov.

He stressed that the Russian draft resolution is still on table and that Russia is ready to consult with the Security Council member states with regard to all the sides of the situation in Syria.

Gatilov reiterated his country’s insistence on that the draft resolution should include an important provision about rejecting the military intervention in Syria’s affairs and a call upon the foreign players to contribute to achieving a peaceful political settlement to the situation in Syria.

He added that the French proposals included some positive sides particularly those which are related to the support and the continuity of the AL observer mission and the call upon all the sides to halt violence and to launch a national dialogue, in addition to the call upon the other countries to work with the Syrian opposition to convince it to start the reconciliation process.

“We are ready to continue the consultations and to forge a united stance, and we hope that our colleagues will take our stances into consideration to be able through the joint efforts to set a draft resolution that could form a realistic basis to achieve a political solution in Syria,” Gatilov said.

Ukashević: Western Media Wrongly Interpreted Margelov’ Statements about Syria

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Ukashević said the Western mass media have wrongly interpreted the statements of the Russian President’s Special Representative for Africa Mikhail Margelov on Syria.

In a statement on Thursday, Ukashević said that the Russian attitude towards Syria had not changed and that the task of diplomacy is to work to resolve crises and not to aggravate them.

” Peaceful political means to resolve the Syrian crisis had not been exhausted yet.” Ukashević said.

President Ahmadinejad: Israel would not be away from danger if Syria came under Aggression

TEHRAN, (SANA)-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran on Thursday underlined that Israel would not be away from danger if Syria came under any foreign aggression.

“The US seeks to strike Syria as it is an obstructer to the Zionist, US project in the region, but the peoples of the region are aware, and Israel would not be apart from danger if Syria was subjected to any aggression,” President Ahmadinejad said in a speech in Kerman Province.

He added that the US administration is spreading false and fabricated propaganda in order to archive its goals in the region.

President of French National Front: Western Media broadcast false allegations against Syria

PARIS, (SANA)-Near the Elysee Palace in the heart of Paris, the Honorary President of the French National Front Jean-Marie Le Pen stood, and in a loud voice, he announced rejection of the allegations broadcast by the western media against Syria, saying “the Syrian Leadership is doing its best to avoid the country the dangers of going into any form of civil war.”

“The image relayed by the western media on the events in Syria is not present except in this media… it is the only media which talks about massacres, but the truth is not like this,” Le Pen told Public-Senat TV Channel in an interview.

Although the statements of Le Pen are not the first of their kind among the western journalists, but they are the most important because they come from the capital of freedom revolution to respond to the French official voice.

On his viewpoint about what is happening in the region, Le Pen warned the French Revolution sons against the West, who has called for democracy and freedom, to bring the Islamists to the authority in the region.

Since the outbreak of events in Syria, Le Pen had an objective view regarding what is taking place in the country. He repeatedly condemned the performance of the French media of their fabricated propaganda and ignorance of the huge mass marches in Support of President Bashar al-Assad.

Matuzov: President al-Assad’s Reform Solution for Crisis

MOSCOW, (SANA)_ The solution for crisis in Syria is through the political reform and free elections as announced and outlined by President Bashar al-Assad, underscored Viacheslav Matuzov, the Russian well-known writer and political analyst. Matuzov, in a talk with the Syrian TV Wednesday evening, reiterated Russia’s firm stance in rejection to any foreign interference in Syria and to any resolution to impose sanctions against Syria.

Matuzov, a veteran Middle East affairs Expert, pointed out that the countries of League of Arab States have become ‘bankrupt’ because of the ‘concessions offered to the US pressures in the region, in particular Qatar, which has been changed into ‘one of the US policy tools’ in the region as member of the anti-Arab interests camp.

The Russian Expert added that the extremist groups use of arms against the Syrian citizens and the government should cancel their participation in any dialogue.

Russia, under heavy pressures by the US and Western countries to change its stand on Syria, would never accept EU proposals as to amend the presented Russian initiative in the UN Security Council, underlined Matuzov, blasting the US New Conservatives’ sought ‘new middle east’ with its bloody maps as drawn by Ralph Peters – a US warmonger-.

Arabic Committee for Human Right Disavows the Conduct of Anwar Malek

PARIS, (SANA) – The Arabic Committee for Human Right (ACHR) on Wednesday voiced regret over the statements of Anwar Malek whom the Committee nominated to be a part of the Arab League observer mission to Syria, expressing surprise over Qatar receiving him and promoting his statements.

In a statement, Chairperson of the ACHR Dr. Violette Daguerre said that Malek’s conduct deviates from the observers’ mission and decency towards those who gave him his task and assumed moral responsibility for his presence in the mission.

Daguerre pointed out that Malek isn’t a member of the ACHR nor is he a member of any juristic organization, and that he had no prior experience as a member of a juristic mission, affirming that the ACHR disavows the conduct and behavior he pursued and regrets the media fanfare surrounding his statements which coincided with his withdrawal from the mission before the end of the timeframe which was agreed upon with the Arab League.

She also voiced surprise that the country which received Malek and promoted his statements is currently the head of the Arab ministerial council.

Daguerre said that there are external elements and personal factors that led to Malek’s deviation from professionalism and objectivity, transforming the observer mission to a matter of media slander by going to Doha rather than Cairo where the Arab League headquarters is based or Paris where he lives.

She pointed out that Malek appointed himself judge over the other members of the mission who possess experience and credibility, transforming into a mouthpiece for the enemies of the Arab work plans and the proponents of internationalization.

Daguerre concluded by pointing out that after only two days of arriving in Syria, Dagher sent a letter to the ACHR promoting his observations and evaluation of the mission’s role, with his writing contradicting his statements, and asked the ACHR’s opinion regarding the possibility of discontinuing his work as an observer in the mission.

Fourteen Army, Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS/HOMS (SANA) – Fourteen army and law-enforcement martyrs on Wednesday were escorted from Tishreen, Lattakia and Homs Military Hospitals to their final resting places.

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

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

The martyrs are :

-Major, Zafer Karam Issa from Damascus Countryside.

-First Lieutenant, Ayham Hussein Omran from Tartous.

-Lieutenant, Nawwar Sadek Kan’an from Tartous.

-Chief Warrant Officer, Salman Ibrahim Abbas from Tartous.

-Chief Warrant Officer, Ali Yusef Junaid from Homs.

-Chief Warrant Officer, Samir Ibrahim Barakat from Homs.

-Chief Warrant Officer Wisam Mahmoud Ammoun from Lattakia.

-Sergeant, Ibrahim Khudir Shallab from Homs.

-Corporal, Hussein Yusef al-Doubul from Sweida.

-Corporal, Khaild al-Jad’an from Deir Ezzour.

-Conscript, Khalid Mahmoud Hasan from Aleppo.

– Conscript, Hussein Ahmed Qbeuieh from Aleppo.

– Conscript, Thaer Sabri al-Omar from Homs.

-Conscript, Mohammad Khudier Qa’ajeih from Homs.

Relatives of the martyrs affirmed that the systematic terrorism perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups can’t dissuade the Syrians from their adherence to their national and pan-Arab stances. They called for confronting the criminal terrorists who don’t know the meaning of humanity, freedom and democracy.

President Ahmadinejad Delegates Authorities to Put Law on Free Trade between Syria and Iran in Place

TEHRAN, (SANA)_President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran delegated on Wednesday the authorities concerned to put the law on free trade between Syria and Iran in place, whereby a free trade zone between the two countries is set up for five extendable years.

The Iranian News Agency (IRNA) said that the law on free trade between Iran and Syria was ratified by the Iranian Shura Council and the Guardian Council.

Five Law Enforcement Personnel Martyred, Terrorists Assassinate Head of Red Crescent Idleb Branch, Murder Aged Man and Wife

IDLEB/ HAMA / HOMS, (SANA) – Head of Red Crescent Branch in Idleb Dr. Abdel Razaq Jbeiro on Wednesday was assassinated at the hand of an armed terrorist group in northern Khan Sheikhoun City.

An informed official source told SANA correspondent that an armed terrorist group opened fire on Dr. Jbeiro and killed him with a shot to the head after which he was transported to Maaret al-Numan Hospital where he passed away.

Five Law Enforcement Personnel Martyred by Gunfire of Armed Terrorist Group in Apamea Town

Five law enforcement personnel were martyred and six were wounded, some of them in critical condition, in the town of Apamea in Hama during a confrontation with an armed terrorist group that attempted to break into a police station in the town.

An official source said that armed groups attacked the department in waves, using machineguns, grenades and explosives, but the personnel in the department were able to withstand the attack and preventing them from entering, killing a number of gunmen in the process while the others fled.

The source said that the injured personnel and the martyrs’ bodies were transported to al-Sukailibiyeh National Hospital and then to Masyaf National Hospital.

The martyred policeman are Ahmad al-Hussein, Ahmad Nseirat, Ahmad Juma’a, Rajeh Issa and Mansi al-Ahmad.

Three Law-Enforcement Members Injured, Priest Basilious Nassar Assassinated by Armed Terrorist Groups in Hama

Meanwhile, three law-enforcement members were injured by the gunfire of an armed terrorist group near Dawwar al-Sejen in Hama.

An official source told SANA correspondent in the governorate that the armed terrorist group fired on the car of the law-enforcement members while it was passing by Dawwar al-Sejen in the City.

The injured members were admitted to Hama National Hospital to receive medial treatment, the source added.

Another Armed terrorist group assassinated Father Basilious Nassar, Priest of Hama Church for Rome Orhtodox, Kfar Bahm, while giving first aid to a wounded man at al-Jarajmeh neighborhood in Hama.

An official source in Hama told SANA reporter that the armed group perpetrated its heinous crime against Father Nassar while he was recuing an injured man at al-Jarajma neighborhood.

Armed group kills Man Aged  96 and his wife in Homs

An armed terrorist group killed today aged man, Mustafa Ahmad Kousa, 96, and his wife in Homs.

The armed group abducted Kousa and his wife yesterday from their house at Jib al-Jandaly neighborhood in Homs.

Terrorist group burglarizes a warehouse for Retail Establishment in Hama

An armed terrorist group today burglarized a warehouse for the General Retail Establishment at al-Hamiydea in Hama.

An official source told SANA that the armed group assaulted the Establishment’s guard, breaking off the doors and looting sections filled with nutritional and appliance materials.

Terrorist Members Caught, Weapons Seized in Hama The competent authorities caught big numbers of terrorists after raiding their hideouts in Bab Qibli and al-Jarajmeh neighborhoods in Hama on Wednesday.

SANA correspondent said that quantities of weapons were also seized, including a BKC machinegun, 2 RPG launchers, 15 RPGs, 15 firearms, grenades, explosive devices, oxygen cylinders and ammunition.

The concerned authorities also seized a number of stolen state and private cars in al-Jarajmeh, Bab Qibli and Nazlet al-Jizdan neighborhoods that that the armed terrorist groups used in their terrorist attacks, in addition to heavy machinery that the terrorist groups used in setting up earthen ramparts to block entryways to neighborhoods.

The authorities also dismantled a number of explosive devices varying in size from 10-50 kg.

A number of explosive devices planted by the armed groups in some neighborhoods were detonated, and earthen ramparts were removed.

Lavrov: Russia Will Not Pass any UNSC Resolution against Syria, Will Not Allow any Military Intervention in It

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday stressed that Russia will not pass any UNSC resolution to impose unilateral sanctions against Syria.

He reiterated that his country will not allow any military intervention in Syria, expressing readiness to consider all positive proposals about its UNSC draft resolution regarding Syria.

Lavrov said “We can’t approve proposals on the UN Security Council imposing unilateral sanctions against Syria without holding deliberations with Russia, China and the BRICS countries, stressing that such a move would be “unfair and counterproductive.”

He stressed that any UN resolution on Syria should be clear and couldn’t be interpreted to justify foreign interference in it , indicating to Russia’s readiness to dialogue with the UNSC members on the resolution content.

The Russian Foreign Minister said that the draft Russian resolution remains on table, adding that Russia is open for constructive proposals that match with the submitted paper which called for ceasing violence and to fulfill its aim in having impact on all those who carry arms in Syria.

Lavrov said that Russia is ready to host negotiations among all Syrian political sides without preconditions, adding that Moscow welcomes any option that suits all parties to conduct a political dialogue.

He urged all Syrians to sit at negotiations table and stay away from armed groups, underlining the Arab League’s calls upon these groups to stop violence.

Regarding the AL recent demand towards Syria, Lavrov stressed the need for launching an internal dialogue among all Syrian sides without preconditions, adding that “We start from the point that all the participants in this dialogue will undertake the task to reach accord and shoulder their responsibility towards their country and people.”

Russia and Turkey Call for Halting Violence in Syria regardless of its Source

The Russian Foreign Minister said that Russia and Turkey call on all the Syrian sides to halt violence and they consider that any foreign interference in Syria must not be allowed.

In a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Lavrov said “It seems to me that Russia and Turkey have principled stances and it seemed that they are identical as we call for stopping violence in Syria regardless of its source and for a peaceful settlement to the Syrian crisis.”

Lavrov added “We also call upon foreign powers to participate in this and we stand against any foreign military intervention in Syria”, asserting that the situation in Syria is not simple and there are no easy solutions, and that We will continue the dialogue and the work with all the Syrian sides.

Russia and Algeria Ready to help Settle Crisis in Syria

Russia and Algeria on Wednesday announced readiness to contribute to resolving the crisis in Syria, based on the internal dialogue among the Syrians themselves.

Russian foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Special Representative of the Russian President, Deputy Foreign Minister Michael Bogdanov discussed with the Algerian Ambassador in Moscow the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly the latest developments in Syria.

The statement underlined that both sides showed willingness to effectively help settle the crisis in Syria through a Syrian national dialogue.

Russia is still a Guaranteed Partner and It fully Implements all of its Commitments with Syria

On the other hand, Director General of the Russian Technologies State Corporation, Sergei Chemezov considered that Russia must completely implement its commitments in the domain of military and technical cooperation with Syria in order not to lose the armament market in the Middle East and North Africa.

In a press statement on Wednesday, Chemezov said “Russia is still a guaranteed partner and it fully implements all of its commitments according to the signed contracts and it is ready to hold deliberations about signing new contracts.”

He indicated that the Russian- Syrian military and technical cooperation is done according to the international principles and rules as there are no sanctions against Syria at the UN Security Council, wondering why Russia should stop its cooperation with Syria, asserting that this issue is related to trade at the end of the day.

Russian Writers’ Union gives its annual award for this year to President al-Assad in support and solidarity with Syria

In the same context, Vice Chairman of the Russian Writers’ Union, Sergey Kotkalo reaffirmed that the Union decided to give its annual award for this year to President Bashar al-Assad in support and solidarity with Syria, blasting the acts of violence in Syria backed by the West and some Arab countries.

In a statement to SANA Reporter, Kotkalo said that the Russian writers and intellectuals wanted to express support to the Syrian people, therefore, they unanimously decided to give their annual high-level award to President al-Assad.

He expressed regret and astonishment regarding the attitudes of the officials of some Arab countries against Syria, particularly the leaders of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, asserting that these wrong acts contradict with the goals of Arab unity.

He stressed that Syria decides how to build its life by itself, indicating that the Syrian leadership adopts a balanced policy to maintain Syria’s independence and sovereignty and to confront all forms of attacks launched against the country. He said that the leaders of Qatar and Saudi Arabia should stop shedding the blood of the Libyans and should stop their attempts to repeat these crimes in Syria.

He hoped that the Syrian people will preserve their national unity and their deep-rooted civilization, and they will overcome the current crisis.

Al-Maollem Meets al-Dabi, Stresses Syria’s Complete Commitment to Cooperation with Observer Mission

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Walid al-Moallem, on Wednesday stressed Syria’s commitment to complete cooperation with the observer mission and offering all facilitations to carry out its work as it was commissioned in spite of the obstacles being put in the way by sides which do not want to show the reality of the situation in Syria in implementation of foreign agendas.

Minister al-Moallem met Head of the Arab League Observer Mission,  Let-Gen. Muhammad Ahmad Mustafa al-Dabi, as they discussed the completion of the observer mission in light of the Syrian Arab Republic’s approval of extending the work of the mission for another month.

Let. Gen. al-Dabi briefed al-Moallem on the report he submitted to the Arab foreign ministers earlier this week and the vision of the AL observer mission on the situation in Syria, stressing the mission’s resolve to be committed to neutrality and objectivity to implement the protocol signed between Syria and the Arab League.

For his part, Minister al-Moallem highlighted the responsibility of the Syrian Government to protect its citizens and put an end to the armed terrorist groups and the sabotage acts against civilians, security members and private and public establishments.

Red Cross and Red Crescent Denounce Assassination of Head of Red Crescent Branch in Idleb

DAMASCUS/GENEVA, (SANA) – The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) denounced the assassination of head of Red Crescent Branch in Idleb Dr. Abdel Razaq Jbeiro, who was gunned down by armed terrorist group on Wednesday in Khan Shekhoun.

A statement issued by the three organizations said that the news of Dr. Jbeiro’s death was a great shock, pointing out that Jbeiro was on his way back to work after the conclusion of meetings held in Damascus, and that he was in a car clearly carrying the distinct logo and symbol of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

The three organizations called parties involved in violence to facilitate the passage of Red Crescent volunteers, staff and vehicles and not attacking them while carrying out their humanitarian work of providing assistance to people without prejudice and with neutrality.

Chairman of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) Dr. Abdel Rahman al-Attar said that the organization presented an official request to the Syrian authorities to open an official investigation regarding the death of Dr. Jbeiro.

Participants in the 14th Conference of Muftis and Endowment Directors Condemn Calls for Western or Arab Military Intervention in Syria

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Participants in the 14th Conference of Muftis and Endowment Directors held at the Ministry of Endowments in Damascus stressed rejection of calls for Western or Arab military intervention in Syria.

The participants considered these calls as interference in the Syrian affair and a great treason which will drag the country into endless chaos. In their concluding statement, the participants condemned the AL decisions against Syria as they constitute a flagrant interference in its internal affairs and infringe on the national sovereignty which the Syrian people completely reject.

The statement stressed commitment to the comprehensive reform program announced by President Bashar al-Assad with the conferees highly evaluating the constructive reform steps taken and the systematic plan drawn up for the next stage to enhance reforms.

The statement denounced extremism, fanaticism and terrorism, adding that it is the duty of clergymen to raise the awareness of people regarding the conspiracy against Syria.

The participants called upon the clergymen in the Arab Nation to strengthen amity and communication among the people of Islamic countries to face the attack targeting Islam and Muslims.

The statement refuted allegations and lies broadcast by instigative satellite channels which falsify facts and mislead the public opinion, calling for being professional, credible and realistic, in addition to avoiding what divides the people of the Islamic Nation.

The statement added that Syria will never give up its dignity and that it needs all of its people regardless of their political affiliations, indicating to the general amnesty issued by President al-Assad which announced a new start and aimed to enhance confidence among all spectrums of the Syrian society.

Minister of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Mohammad Abdul-Sattar al-Sayyed, attending the opening ceremony, said that Syria will remain steadfast and the martyrs sacrificed their souls to restore stability and security to the homeland.

He added that the fatwas permitting the killing of the Syrian people which issued by those who claimed to be clergymen are void and they all aimed at undermining Syria and satisfying Israel and the US Administration.

Al-Sayyed added that there is only one way for reform which is not that of killing and corruption, adding that Syria achieved remarkable progress in the reform process.

For his part, Grand Mufti of the Republic Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun said that it is a radical stage for Syria and the Arab and Islamic nations, calling upon clergymen to perform their role in the face of the conspiracy and injustice.

He called upon the Syrians to hold dialogue, stressing that their stance should be based on their love for their homeland rather than implementation of foreign dictations.

avrov: Russia Will Reject Deploying any Troops in Syria, Won’t Pass any UNSC Resolution for Using Force against

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia stressed on Wednesday rejection of deploying any troops in Syria or imposing any sanctions on it, reiterating its insistence along with china on non-interference by the UN in the internal affairs of Syria and on not using force against it.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a press conference reviewing the outcomes of Russia’s foreign policy in 2011 that his country will not pass any resolution at the UN Security Council that paves the way for interference in Syria, affirming that any country seeking military intervention in Syria will not receive any authorization through the UNSC.

He reiterated his country’s call for reaching a political solution through launching an internal national dialogue after violence, regardless of its source, is to be immediately halted.

He also stressed his country’s support to the Arab League efforts, adding that Russia rejects any one-sided sanctions as they undermine the reputation and influence of the Security Council.

“For us the red line is clear. We won’t back any sanctions or deployment of troops in Syria,” Lavrov told the press conference, adding that his country will not allow the Security Council to take any illegal decisions that are in the interests of peoples.

He said that the Russian draft resolution currently proposed for discussion at the Security Council and has the support of China and the BRICS Group countries is aimed at reaching a political solution through internal national dialogue and preventing the United Nations from interfering in the internal affairs of Syria.

He continued that Russia and China continue to insist that the draft resolution include terms on non-interference by the UN in the Syrian affairs as well as on not allowing this document to be interpreted as a pretext to use force against Syria.

The Russian Foreign Minister commented on the stances of some foreign countries towards the Russian draft resolution and their description of it as “not strict”, saying not strict”, saying their comments are an attempt to evade the main question related to the reasons behind silence on what the armed extremist opposition is perpetrating in Syria against the government headquarters, hospitals and schools and on the terrorist acts committed inside Syria. He added that the West has adopted a one-sided stance towards this issue.

Lavrov reiterated his country’s criticism and rejection of the operations of arms smuggling into Syria to support the armed gangs and the attempts to create the impression of a humanitarian crisis in it, describing these attempts as “rejected and unfruitful”.

“There is an undeniable fact that arms are being smuggled to the gunmen and extremists in Syria who have been trying to exploit the protest movement in order to achieve their goals to usurp power,” he said, lashing out at the so-called “aid convoys to Syria” with the aim of creating the impression of humanitarian catastrophe.

Lavrov considered the so-called aid convoys proposals to Syria which as completely rejected and fruitless because they lead but to intensifying the cycle of violence.

On the statements made by the officials of some foreign countries on denying desire for military intervention against Syria, Lavrov expressed hope that honest intentions were behind these statements and that they reflect the actual stance of these countries.

He noted that Russia has information indicating that there are countries in the West that do not consider seriously the issue of imposing a no-fly zone similar to what happened Libya, stressing that the Libyan scenario cannot be applied in Syria.

“I heard calls for sending Arab troops to Syria. If some intend to use force at any price, they should do this on their own initiative…This will be in their conscience, but they will never get any authorization for this from the Security Council,” said Lavrov.

He called upon the countries that have an influence on the opposition in Syria to use their effect to stop violence and work on warding off its use against civilians, adding at the same time that the countries that have dialogue with the Syrian government should insist on it not to use force.

The Russian Minister expressed his country’s readiness to host representatives of all Syrian sides to hold a meeting as soon as possible to agree on launching national dialogue.

On the other hand, Lavrov said that Russia is exporting weapons to Syria in a legitimate way, adding that Russia does not need to justify this issue as it does not violate any international agreements or the UNSC resolutions, in response to what the U.S. Representative at the Security Council Susan E. Rice stated on what she considered a concern about sending Russian arms to Syria.

Chinese Premier Calls for Political Solution in Syria

DOHA, (SANA)_Premier Wen Jiabao of China called for a political solution to the crisis in Syria, indicating that China is constantly monitoring the Syrian crisis.

In a press conference in Doha on Wednesday, Jiabao underlined the necessity of respecting the demands of the Syrian people who aspire for reform and change, as well as activating the role of the Arab League as to reach a political solution through dialogue.

He added that China aims to see a solution to the crisis as soon as possible and seeks an improvement in the living conditions of the Syrians, meeting the people’s needs and helping Syria realize stability and development.

China: Security Council Debates on Syria Should Help Ease Tension and Boost Dialogue

China on Wednesday underlined that the UN Security Council’s discussions on the situation in Syria have to help ease tension and boost the political dialogue in order to solve differences and preserve pace and stability in the Middle East.

“China appreciates Russia’s commitment and the efforts exerted to solve the crisis… we are ready to continue consultations regarding the Russian draft resolution,” Liu Weimin, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said at a press conference.

He added that China calls on all sides concerned in Syria to cooperate with the efforts exerted by the Arab League to apply an immediate halt to the violence, undertake a comprehensive political process as soon as possible and accelerate reforms in order to defuse the crisis’ primer.

He indicated that China supports resolving the crisis in the framework of the Arab League and backs the constructive efforts exerted it exerted.

Weimin hoped the Arab monitors continue performing their duty in Syria and create the suitable conditions to reach a resolution to the crisis.

Chavez and Putin Affirm Need to Defend Syria from Interference by Colonialist Countries

CARACAS, (SANA) – President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez and Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Wednesday affirmed the need to defend the indepdence and sovreigty of Syria and Iran from the siege and interference in their internal affairs carried out by colonialist countries.

This came in a statement issued by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, which said that Chavez and Putin discussed this matter during a phone call in which the two discussed issues related to the strategic cooperation between Russia and Venezuela which covers various fields of commercial, financial, economic, industrial and military cooperation.

Press Delegation Inspects Damage Wrought by Terrorist Groups

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_A press delegation representing world, Arab and local media institutions inspected on Wednesday the damage wrought by armed terrorist groups, especially that which hit the electricity sector amid the current events unfolding in Syria.

In a press conference, Minister of Electricity Imad Khamis gave a thorough review of the electricity sector in Syria and the material damage inflicted upon it due to the attacks of armed terrorist groups on the distribution networks , maintenance workshops and emergency.

The minister said that the direct material damage inflicted upon the networks is valued at nearly SYP 713 million whereas the value of indirect economic damage which hit the national economy reached around SYP 23 billion.

The minister noted the efforts exerted by the ministry in coordination with the authorities concerned to control energy demand in light of the current circumstances.

The minister added that the conspiracy against Syria is backed by foreign powers which were daunted by the steadfastness of the Syrian people and their commitment to national unity, which prompted them to target the national economy, especially the electricity sector being a pillar in the economic and social development process.

Press Team from Russia Today TV Inspects Sites Hit by Terrorist Groups

A press team from Russia Today Channel inspected on Wednesday the sites hit by armed groups in Daraa province, especially the Justice Palace, the TV and Radio Center and the Revolution Youth Union Center.

The team met Mohammad Khaled al-Hanous, Daraa governor, who gave a thorough review of the governorate and the sabotage acts committed by the armed terrorist groups, affirming that the misleading channels have played a considerable role in compounding the situation in Syria and supporting gunmen.

He added that the conspiracy targeting Syria is aimed primarily at breaking the unity of its people and diverting it from national and pan-Arab stances.

Judge Tayseer Smadi said that the saboteurs torched the basic center of the Justice Palace in Daraa and the criminal courts in an attempt to obliterate evidence and papers incriminating felons, which proves that the perpetrators are previously convicted criminals.

Civilian Engineer Martyred in Hama, a Law Enforcement Member Killed in Daraa, Officer Martyred in Idleb

GOVERNORATES, (SANA)- Engineer Fatima Khalifeh, worker at the Electricity Generation Plant in Mehardeh in Hama Province, on Wednesday succumbed to her wounds after being shot in her head by an armed terrorist group on Tuesday.

In the framework of targeting the technical cadres and the national expertise, an armed terrorist group opened fire at a microbus carrying 25 employees who work at the Electricity Energy Generation Company in Mehardeh area near Khirbet Damis Crossroads.

Engineer Khalifeh was taken to Massyaf National Hospital after being shot in the head.

Body of Veterinarian Nabil Makroj Found at al-Bayyada Neighborhood in Homs

The body of Veterinarian Nabil Makroj , who was kidnapped by an armed terrorist group few days ago, was found at al-Bayyada Neighborhood in Homs.

An informed source told SANA Correspondent that  Makroj was kidnapped on January 14th while he was performing his duty in guaranteeing the required vaccines for the livestock in Deir Ba’alba Neighborhood.

Forensic examiners  said that after examining the body, traces of torture and mutilation were found on it, adding that Makroj was strangled at the hands of the terrorists who kidnapped him.

Law-enforcement Member Martyred, Another Wounded in Daraa

A Law-enforcement member was martyred on Wednesday and another was wounded as well as a woman after an armed terrorist gang fired at them in the city of Tafas in Daraa province.

A police source said the armed terrorist group fired at the two law-enforcement members while they were in the line of duty leading to the martyrdom of Bassam Mustafa and wounding Amer Saleh in addition to a woman who happened to be passing by the area.

Military Engineering Units in Daraa dismantle two explosives

Military Engineering Units today in Daraa dismantled two explosive devices, prepared to be bombed in places crowded with civilians.

An official source in Daraa stated that the first explosive weighs 40 KG put in a plastic vessel to the west of al-Sabel garden, adding that the second explosive weighs 8 kg put near al-Hussein Mosque.

Officer Martyred and Five Law-Enforcement Members Wounded in Idleb

First Lieutenant Hussein Ali Abbas was martyred and five members of law-enforcement forces were injured in an attack by armed terrorists in the town of Hantoutin in al-Maara area in Idleb governorate.

On a relevant note, an explosive device planted by terrorists on the railway tracks between the towns of Abu al-Zuhour and Sinjar in Maaret al-Nu’uman area exploded, causing damage to the tracks’ supports.

Fifteen Army, Law-enforcement Members and Civilian Martyrs Laid to Rest

PROVINCES, (SANA)- Fifteen army, law-enforcement members and civilian martyrs on Wednesday were escorted from Tishreen and Homs Military Hospitals and the Police Hospital in Damascus and Mysiaf National Hospital to their final resting place, after they were targeted by armed terrorist groups in Damascus Countryside, Idleb, Hama and Daraa.

Solemn processions were held for the martyrs as they were carried on shoulders covered with the national flag, while the Military Band was playing the music of the “Martyr” and the “Farewell”.

The martyrs are:

-Colonel Assem Eid al-Rifaie from Quneitra

-First Lieutenant Amer Imad Taiba from Homs

-Sergeant Major Issa Hamoud al-Hanaya from Aleppo countryside

– Sergeant Major Obaida Ibrahim al-Taroudi from Sweida

-Sergeant Tawfiq Ali al-Dweiri from Hasaka

-Corporal Abdul-Rahman Mohammad Deeb from Hama

-Conscript Bahri Issa al-Ghajar from Aleppo

-Conscript Abdul-Aziz Mohammad al-Mahmoud from Homs

-Conscript Naji Fajr al-Ibrahim from Homs

-Conscript Maher Khaled al-Omar from Damascus Countryside

-Conscript Taher Diab Diab from Damascus Countryside

-Conscript Mazen Khaled al-Rheil from Quneitera

-Policeman Moussa Mohammad al-Bashir from Daraa

-Policeman Amer Abdul-Latif Faris from Lattakia

-Civilian engineer Fatima Khalifeh from Hama

Families of the martyrs expressed confidence that the blood of the martyrs will help Syria overcome the crisis and head to a better future, stressing that the crimes of armed terrorist groups will not weaken the Syrians’ determination to confront the conspiracy targeting their country.

They stressed that the Syrian people’s unity and their solidarity with their leadership will foil the conspiracy and other schemes aiming at undermining their homeland.

Arab League Monitors continue tours in Syrian cities

GOVERNORATES, (SANA) Arab League observer mission teams continued Wednesday their tours in a number of Syrian cities.

In Damascus, the Arab monitors visited the Governorate building, listening to testimonies of several citizens, artists, volunteers, economic and youth activities.

The Arab team in Tartous went to al-Basel Hospital, meeting citizens and families of the martyrs who passed away at the hands of armed terrorist groups.

Another team visited the National Hospital of Sweida in the south, the Industrial city, Ara town, Faculty of Literature in Areka where they met the Dean and a number of students who briefed the team on the stability and calm in al-Sweida city.

In Rakka, another team toured the city’s neighborhoods, meeting several citizens and clan notables.

In the Syrian southern city of Daraa, a new batch of prisoners were released in the presence of Arab monitors who visited Daraa National Hospital.

The observers also visited Lattakia central prison, the court, meeting a number of lawyers.

Al-Khdeir:  the only topic on the agenda of the Arab Ministerial meeting is the comprehensive report of al-Dabi

Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League and Head of the Monitors  Operations’ Room Adnan Issa al-Khdeir underlined that that the only main topic put on the agenda of the Arab Ministerial meeting due next Saturday is the comprehensive report that will be submitted by Chairman of the Mission Mohammad Ahmad al-Dabi.

“Sending Arab forces into Syria is not proposed on the Agenda of the Ministerial meetings,” Ambassador Khdeir said in a statement, adding that the Arab monitors are still working in Syria where 17 teams are still there and the reports reach to the operations’ room from all points where the monitors act.

On the release of prisoners involved in the events, al-Khdeir said “There is a presidential decree in Syria to set them free… this was really done.. I received a phone call from one of the released persons, he is now in Cairo.”

As for the entry of foreign journalists  into Syria, He underlined that they are present in Syria as the monitors report, adding that the Syrian authorities protect them.

“For special conditions, a number of monitors returned to their countries after presenting official apologies… I contacted those who returned to Cairo asking them if they witnessed any annoyance or inspection at Damascus International Airport… they stressed that no one has inspected or annoyed them.”

Women Groups Organize Gathering in Lattakia in Rejection of Foreign Interference and in Support of Independent National Decision

LATTAKIA, (SANA) – The Autism Society in Lattakia and “Syria’s Braids” group on Wednesday organized a women’s gathering in front of the Lattakia Governorate Building to reject foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, denounce the crimes of armed terrorist groups, and show support for independent national decision and the reform program led by President Bashar al-Assad.

Participants expressed rejection of all forms of foreign interference and condemned the fabrications and lies regarding Syria broadcast by misleading channels, saluting the sacrifices of the army in defense of Syria.

Head of the Autism Society Shahida Salloum said that this gathering is a display of fealty to Syria, calling for instilling the values of amity and tolerance to keep Syria strong in the face of conspiracies and plots.

In turn, representative of Syria’s Braids group Sawsan Ali said that the group is organizing activities in all Syrian governorates to spread awareness and unify masses in to confront the conspiracy targeting Syria. Participants in the gathering stressed the countries are built with amity and tolerance, not with murder and vandalism, saluting the mothers of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Syria.

They affirmed that they gathered to make their voices heard and to show everyone that the determination of Syrian women will never falter even if disasters, murders and pressure increase.

Weapons Smuggler Confesses to Smugling Firearms, Ammo and Rockets from Lebanon to Armed Terrorist Groups in Homs

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Assem Mohammad Nadim al-Masadi confessed to smuggling weapons from Arsal area in Lebanon to armed terrorist groups located in several neighborhoods in Homs.

In confessions broadcast by the Syrian TV on Wednesday, al-Masadi said he smuggled RPG rifles, anti-armor rockets, automatic rifles, machineguns, handguns and ammunition.

Al-Masadi, an agricultural engineer born in Homs in 1975, said that at the outset of the events he participated in protests which started off peaceful then turned into riots which escalated from throwing stones to using pump-action shotguns, handguns and AK-47 rifles, with gunmen firing at protestors and security forces alike in order to cause more chaos and escalate the situation.

Nidal Haddad, n acquaintance he met during work in supervising farms approached al-Masadi and suggested he join him in smuggling weapons since Haddad has knowledge of firearms and means to procure to distribute them.

The two agreed that Haddad would introduce al-Masadi to sources and buyers while the latter would finance their operations, with the profits split between them.

Haddad introduced al-Masadi to a man from Arsal area in Lebanon called Abu Oueid who sold them 3 AK-47 rifles which they transported in al-Masadi’s car to Baba Amro area in Homs and sold them to a man called Ammar al-Bikaei who commanded a group of 300-400 gunmen.

Al-Bikaei told them that he was ready to buy all the weapons they could bring and that he was receiving money from abroad, al-Masadi said, adding that that their source in Arslan later delivered 18 RPG rounds to them in two shipments, with 8 rounds being sold to al-Bikaei while the remaining ten were sold to a man known as Abu Asaad who headed a terrorist group in al-Beda area and also expressed readiness to buy any weapons they procure.

He went on to say that he bought and smuggled 3 RPG launchers in his car and sold one to each of the aforementioned terrorist and the third to another terrorist group leader called Abdelsalam al-Shabrum.

Al-Masadi also confessed to smuggling two DShK machineguns, three Glock pistols, two cases containing a total of 24 ENERGA grenades  which are fired from launchers attached to rifles,  a FAL rifle with a night-vision scope and 3 Korean LAW anti-tank rocket launchers, adding that these weapons were to al-Bikaei and Abu Asaad.

He noted that they also tested he ENERGA grenades themselves and recorded the test using his mobile phone, explaining that this specific type of grenades is anti-armor and is used against tanks, vehicles and fortifications.

“I know that I hurt my country and harmed it… a man learns from his mistakes and his experiences,” Al-Masadi concluded.

Senior Former Guardian Correspondent: Western Media Coverage of Events in Syria Is Unfair and Biased, Has Turned into a Propaganda Weapon

LONDON, (SANA)- Political commentator Jonathan Steele criticized in an article in the British Guardian newspaper the foreign media coverage of the events taking place in Syria, accusing it of bias and suppressing the facts that “go against the dominant narrative about the Syrian crisis”.

Steele, the Guardian’s former international affairs correspondent, said the western media coverage has turned into “a propaganda weapon” against Syria as all the key issues related to the popularity of President Bashar al-Assad, the Arab League observer mission and the US military involvement have been “distorted in the west’s propaganda war”.

In his article titled ”Most Syrians back President Assad, but you’d never know from western media”, Steele lashed out at this media’s ignoring of information and polls that show the Syrian people’s support to President al-Assad.

He asked “Suppose a respectable opinion poll found that most Syrians are in favour of Bashar al-Assad remaining as president, would that not be major news? Especially as the finding would go against the dominant narrative about the Syrian crisis, and the media considers the unexpected more newsworthy than the obvious.”

Steele answered his own questions saying ” When coverage of an unfolding drama ceases to be fair and turns into a propaganda weapon, inconvenient facts get suppressed.”

He referred to the results of a recent YouGov Siraj poll on Syria commissioned by The Doha Debates, funded by the Qatar Foundation, which revealed that some 55% of Syrians want Assad to stay, saying it is a pity this poll was ignored by almost all media outlets in every western country whose government has called for Assad to go.

Steele said that the biased media coverage has distorted the Arab League’s observer mission in Syria, highlighting the high praise in the west for the League’s endorsement of a no-fly zone in Libya last spring, unlike its decision to mediate in Syria, which was less welcome to western governments, and to high-profile Syrian opposition groups, who increasingly support a military rather than a political solution.

“So,” Steele added “the league’s move was promptly called into doubt by western leaders, and most western media echoed the line.”

The article underscored the attacks that were launched on the credentials of the mission’s Sudanese chairman and how the criticisms of the mission’s performance by one of its 165 members were headlined, preparing for demands that the mission pull out in favour of UN intervention.

“The critics presumably feared that the Arab observers would report that armed violence is no longer confined to the regime’s forces, and the image of peaceful protests brutally suppressed by army and police is false,” said Steele.

He also lashed out at the western media outlets’ ignoring of significant information stated in an article by Philip Giraldi, a former CIA officer who now writes for the American Conservative – a magazine that criticizes the American military-industrial complex.

Steele said that Giraldi stated that Turkey, a Nato member, has become Washington’s proxy and that unmarked Nato warplanes have been arriving at Iskenderum, near the Syrian border, delivering Libyan volunteers and weapons seized from the late Muammar Gaddafi’s arsenal.

He quoted Giraldi as saying “French and British special forces trainers are on the ground, assisting the Syrian rebels, while the CIA and US Spec Ops are providing communications equipment and intelligence to assist the rebel cause, enabling the fighters to avoid concentrations of Syrian soldiers.”

Steele expected that the Arab League will face pressures to withdraw its observers from Syria during a forthcoming meeting of the Arab League foreign ministers, stressing that the League should stand its ground against provocations and to keep its observer mission in Syria “that has not yet had enough time or a large enough team to talk to a comprehensive range of Syrian actors and then come up with a clear set of recommendations… to help produce a dialogue between the regime and its critics.”

French Journalist: France’ Accusation of Syria of Killing Journalist Jacquier Is Ridiculous

PARIS, (SANA)- French journalist Allain Jules, of a Cameroonian descent, denounced France’s accusation of Damascus of a certain manipulation concerning the death of the French journalist Gilles Jacquier.

He described this accusation as “ridiculous as much as pathetic” in that it includes an insult and offense by Paris to the seven Syrians who were killed along with Jacquier. pointing out that it is ridiculous.

Jules wrote on his blog that Paris is spreading its allegations with the help of the fake columnists who betrayed the morals of journalism, saying “this is not surprising as it comes from a French government specialized in falsifying the truth.”

He added that whitewashing terrorists through circulating false information is a reprehensible act, pointing out that the French constitution considers any rebellion or any provocation to take up arms in illegal ways as weakening and harmign the basic interests of the state.

He finds it strange how this is allowed to happen in Syria while in France the perpetrator shall be punished in prison, stressing what happened in Syria exceeded that to an aggression on the national security and the security of the armed forces. “All this is condemned and reprehensible in France, but Paris allows it in Syria.”

Jules said France’s deportation of Jacquier’s body is considered in the criminal law an embezzlement of the body, asking “How do we ask the Syrian authorities to uncover the circumstances of the death of journalist Jacquier at the hands of terrorists who call themselves opponents after the withdrawal of the body?”

“This is simply an attempt to distort evidence, as if we are pushing the coroners to say what the French Foreign Ministry and the Elysee want them to say,” he added. He denounced the double standards of the international community as it urges Syria to protect journalists while it doesn’t react when terrorists kill the military in the country.

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

Syrians Continue Activities in Rejection of Foreign Interference and in Support of Independent National Decision

SWEIDA/DEIR EZZOR, (SANA) – In Sweida governorate, masses gathered in the southern entrance of Shahba city to denounce the crimes committed by armed terrorist groups, affirming that Syria will emerge stronger thanks to the awareness of its people and their rallying around the leadership.

Participants carried Syrian flags and banners and chanted slogans saluting the army and calling for striking against those who tamper with Syria’s security and shed Syrian blood.

The participants affirmed that all honest Syrians stand as one in  the face of the conspiracy targeting Syria, stressing that they gathered to voice their rejection of all conspiracies and send a clear message of challenge to those who seek to undermine Syria’s steadfastness.

They also expressed support for the reform program and their commitment to national unity, saluting the Syrian military and civilian martyrs and saying that Syria is worth sacrificing everything for.

The participants called on the Arab League observer mission to relate facts objectively and professionally and relay the true pulse of the Syrian street.

In Deir Ezzor, the “Syria’s Braids” group held a campaign for collecting signatures of mothers and women from the governorate in cooperation with the Women Union branch.

The campaign, titled “The Will of Syria’s Mothers,” aims at collecting signatures to show support for independent national decision and the reform program led by President al-Assad, in addition to expressing rejection of foreign interference.

The campaign’s organizers said that the “will” invites Syrians to preserve amity, security and safety in Syria, and that the activity aims at spreading awareness of the need for mothers to raise their children to love their country and instill in them the culture of dialogue.

Officer, Five Army members martyred by Rocket missiles in Sahnaya, Damascus Countryside

GOVERNORATES, (SANA)-An officer, five soldiers were martyred by rocket missiles fired by an armed terrorist group on a checkpoint near Sahnaya in Damascus countryside.

SANA reporter on Monday learned that seven other army  members were wounded as a result of the terrorist attack.

Armed terrorist group assassinates Brigadier General Mohammed Abdul-Hamid al-Awwad

An armed terrorist group on Monday assassinated Brigadier General Mohammed Abdul-Hamid al-Awwad by shooting him in Ghotta area while he was heading for work.

A source told SANA’s correspondent that a terrorist group opened fire on the car of Brigadier General al-Awwad while he was heading for his work at one of the military units in the Eastern Ghotta which led to his immediate death, while his driver was injured.

The assassinated brigadier general’s driver told the Syrian TV “As we were heading to the Brigadier General’s military unit, we saw a taxi on the right of the road…it overtook us and then blocked our way. Four gunmen started shooting at us. Brigadier al-Awwad was shot in the head and I was also injured.”

The martyr’s brother said that those who claim to be promoting freedom for Syria are behind the martyrdom of his brother, adding that they are not Muslims, but rather terrorists.

Railway Engineer Assassinated in Homs

In Homs city, an armed terrorist group assassinated railway engineer Haidar Abbas Ismail in front of his home in al-Shammas neighborhood.

SANA’s correspondent was informed that the body of Ismail, who worked for the Railways General Establishment, was transported to Homs National Hospital.

Arms-Loaded Car Seized in Deir Ezzor

The competent authorities in Deir Ezzor seized a Toyota Pickup car loaded with weapons after chasing it on al-Shoula road.

SANA correspondent reported that PKC gun, 33 automatic rifles, ammunition, fake passports and 335 drugs were seized inside the car, which carried a fake plate.

Armed Terrorist Groups Attack Paint Factory and a Municipality in Hama Countryside

Armed terrorist groups on Monday opened fire on a Paint Factory, attacked the Municipality of al-Naeimiyeh village in Hama Countryside and stole a car belonging to Health Directorate in the governorate.

An official source at the governorate told SANA correspondent that 10 terrorists in two cars opened fire on the Municipality of al-Naeimiyeh village in al-Salamiyeh area and no injuries were reported.

The source added that another armed terrorist group fired on Dhimesh Paint Factory on Hama a al-Salamiyeh highway, near the crossroads to al-Moubarakat village and also no injuries were reported.

The source said that an armed terrorist group stole a white double cabin pickup Toyota car which belongs to the Health Directorate in the governorate from in front of a Vaccination Center in al-Ba’ath neighborhood in Hama City.

Armed group abducts citizen in Hama

An armed terrorist group today abducted citizen Ahid Khalil, 44, while going to his work in Hama Tires’ Factory.

An official source in Hama told SANA reporter the armed men intercepted Mr. Khlil near his village Kfar al-Ton while going to his work. The terrorists took him to unknown place and stole his Sham-car.

The source added that the competent authorities in Homs found a body for  an unknown citizen, killed by a bullet and beside him the citizen Maher Abdul-Ghani Othman, unconscious with bruises on his body.

Law-Enforcement Member martyred in Homs

A member of the Law-enforcement personnel was martyred today after an armed terrorist group shot fires at him near a checkpoint for the security forces at Dir Balaba neighborhood in Homs.

SANA reporter in Homs learned from an official source in the city that the terrorist group shot fires on the law-enforcement members in Dir Balba, leading to the martyrdom of Saad Younes Afifi.

Citizen Murad Salim, who was abducted by a terrorist group yesterday was martyred today of his wounds at the Labor Hospital in Homs.

AL Observer Teams Continue Tours of Syrian Provinces

GOVERNORATES, (SANA)_The teams of the AL observer mission in Syria continued Monday their tours of Syrian provinces and met the released prisoners according to Decree  No. 10.

In Homs, a team of AL observers visited Homs governorate and another team visited Tadmur city in Homs countryside and met chairmen of water, electricity and irrigation units and chairman of Tadmur Municipality, and inspected the damage wrought by the armed terrorist groups.

In Raqqa, the AL observer mission visited the National Hospital and the Cultural Center in the city and some police departments, whereas another team visited Daraa governorate.

An observer team visited the Old Airport neighborhood and Deir Ezzor market , while another group visited Hasaka province and met clan leaders. One team also visited Tishreen and al-Mujtahed hospitals in Damascus and Damascus countryside governorate building.

Another team met a number of authors, intellectuals and religious figures in Tartus, whereas a third team toured parts of Hama.

A team also visited Shahba city in Sweida province and met the family of a martyr who was killed by an armed terrorist group, while another team visited the Central Prison and Aleppo governorate building.

In Lattakia, an observer team visited the Central Prison in the city while another team met a number of citizens who were affected by the acts of the armed terrorist groups at Rotana Hotel. They also visited al-Slaibeh neighborhood in the city.

Authorities Set Free a new Batch of Prisoners in the presence of Arab Observers

DAMASCUS, (SANA)- A new batch of prisoners, involved in the events since March 15, 2011 who were included in the general amnesty decree No. 10/2012 issued by President Bashar al-Assad were released on Monday in the presence of members of the Arab League monitors.

A number of released persons at Damascus central prison underlined that the pardon decree forms a new start for them to practice their normal life and contribute to building the society.

“The pardon spreads the spirit of amity and tolerance…this is our country and we have to unite hand in hand to build it and promote the position of Syria, Atef said to SANA.

Mohammad Ashaar added “I am very happy to go back to my home and practice my work… I discovered that I was wrong… the amnesty was an opportunity to correct my fault.”

For their part, several families and relatives of the released citizens were satisfied over the pardon which let them back to their houses and sons, adding that the pardon consolidated the values of tolerance and amity in Syria.

Health Minister: Syria Allocated financial resources to boost Health Sector

GENEVA, (SANA)-Health Minister Wael al-Halaki said that Syria has allocated a lot of its financial resources to spend them on the health sector, seeking social and medical stability for all citizens in spite of the pressures to which Syria is exposed.

“Syria wants to boost the health sector in spite of the acts of sabotage perpetrated by armed terrorist groups, particularly the attacks on hospitals, health centers, emergency system and the medical cadres,” Minister Halaki, Head of the Syrian delegation to the 130th session of World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The Minister pointed out to the pioneering role of WHO in the health sector on the international level and the progress achieved by it in a number of health domains to guarantee the future of nations.

Syria is a member in the Executive Council of WHO’s General Assembly that includes 34 members states.

Five Army, Law-Enforcement Martyrs Escorted to Final Resting Place

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The bodies of 5 army and law-enforcement forces martyrs on Monday were escorted from Police and Tishreen Military hospitals to their final resting place.

The martyrs were killed by the armed terrorist groups while performing their national duty in Damascus Countryside and Deir Ezzor.

Solemn funeral ceremonies were held for the martyrs as they were carried on shoulders and covered with the national flag while the Military Band was playing the music of the “Martyr” and the “Farewell”.

The martyrs are:

– Captain Maher Abdel Haqq Saleh, from Lattakia.

– Sergeant Major Moayad Asaad Jaddoue, from Aleppo.

– Corporal Aws Mohammad Nazha, from Lattakia.

– Conscript Sattam Khalil al-Aabo, from Aleppo.

– Policeman Mohammad Mouh al-Ali, from Deir Ezzor.

Families of the martyrs expressed confidence that the blood of the martyrs will help Syria overcome the crisis and head to a better future, stressing that the crimes of armed terrorist groups will not dull the Syrians’ determination to confront the conspiracy targeting their country.

They stressed that the Syrian people’s unity and their rallying around their leadership will foil the conspiracy and other schemes aimed at undermining their country.

President of Belarus Reiterates Support to Syria

MINSK, (SANA) – President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus on Monday reiterated his country’s firm and complete support to Syria in the face of what it is currently confronting.

The President stressed his conviction that Syria will come out from the crisis and that stability and security will be restored again soon.

The remarks came during the President’s reception of Syria’s Ambassador to Belarus Farouk Taha on the occasion of ending his mission, with President Lukashenko expressing his country’s desire to more enhance friendship relations with Syria.

Russia: General Amnesty Decree by President al-Assad Contributes to Settling Situation without Foreign Interference

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia welcomed the decree on general amnesty issued by President Bashar al-Assad, adding that it contributes to settling the situation in Syria without any foreign interference.

In a statement published by the Russian Foreign Ministry on its website, the Ministry indicated that it is not the first such procedure taken by the Syrian leadership.

The statement added that Moscow found in this amnesty a positive and very important progress regarding the Arab work plan and the protocol signed between Syria and the Arab League General Secretariat.

The Ministry expressed confidence that Syria will fulfill its commitments in accordance with the Arab Work Plan and the Protocol signed.

Russia : Necessity of Respecting Syria’s Sovereignty, settling crisis through Dialogue

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed Monday with the US First Deputy of Secretary of State William Burns the situation in Syria, Iran and the Russian-American relations.

Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Burns also met the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Michael Bugdanov, adding the two sides discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and North Africa including Syria.

“During the two meetings, Russia has stressed the necessity of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and settling the crisis by the Syrians themselves through the halt of violence, and conducing dialogue between the government and opposition without preconditions,” the statement said.

President al-Assad Issues General Amnesty Decree for Crimes Related to Current Events

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_President Bashar al-Assad issued Legislative Decree No. 10 for the year 2012, whereby a general amnesty is granted for crimes committed in the context of the events taking place since March 15, 2011 till the date of issuing the decree.

The decree includes the crimes related to the laws on peaceful demonstration, carrying or possessing unlicensed weapons and ammunition and draft evasion.

The fugitives cannot benefit from the decree unless they turn themselves in prior to January 31st 2012.

In a statement to SANA, Minister of Justice, Judge Tayseer Qala Awwad said that the decree aims at granting an opportunity for those who committed crimes related to the events which took place since 15/03/2011, adding that the attorney generals and the Public Prosecution were asked to implement the decree immediately.

Judge Awwad indicated that the new decree is qualitative with regard to the crimes covered by its provisions.

Pardoned Individuals: Amnesty Decree a Chance to Not Repeat Mistakes against Country and Citizens

A number of the people released according to the amnesty decreed said that the decree is chance for returning to society and not repeat what they did before, hoping for security and safety to be restored to Syria.

Several of the released people adviced against participating in protests and vandalism and carrying arms, stressing that what is happening in Syria is the result of a foreign conspiracy targeting its stability and the unity of its people.

They also voiced regret for making mistakes against Syria and citizens, saying that their acts were the results of being deceived.

Aleppo Students Take to Streets in Support of national Independent decision

Aleppo, (SANA)-Syrian National Students’ Union in Aleppo on Sunday organized a mass march in support of the national independent decision and the comprehensive reform program led by President Bashar al-Assad.

The Students set off from the Union’s HQ in al-Suleimanya, crossing Baghdad Station into the main square of Saad Allah al-Jabri, raising the Syrian flags and chanting the Syrian National Anthem.

They saluted the sacrifices of the Syrian army in confronting the acts of the armed terrorist groups, rejecting any form of foreign intervention in the country’s domestic affairs.

The participants underlined that they came here to express rejection of the conspiracy to which Syria is exposed, adding “We will never abandon our national unity.”

Arab League Observer Mission Teams Continue Tours of Syrian Governorates, Observer Team in Homs Denies Reports of Coming Under Fire

GOVERNORATES/CAIRO, (SANA) – The Arab League monitor mission teams continued their tours of Syrian governorates and areas.

A team of observers visited Bab Hood neighborhood and al-Mazraa village in Homs and the town of Tadmur in Homs countryside.

In Hama, a team visited the National Hospital and Masyaf countryside, while another team visited Salkhad area and al-Karia village in Sweida and met with families of maryurs.

An observer team also toured the city of Banyas in Tartous and al-Bukamal town in Deir Ezzor, with one other team visiting the Railways General Establishment in Aleppo where they were briefed by its Director George Mukabari on the damages caused to the Establishment’s facilities, vehicles and railways by terrorist attacks.

In Raqqa city, a team of observers witnessed a mass rally in one of the city’s squares in which citizens expressed their unity and devotion to Syria.

Arab Observers Team in Homs Denies Reports of Coming Under Fire

The Arab League observer mission team in Homs on Sunday denied media reports that they came under fire.

A statement by the Arab League said that the team in Homs couldn’t reach a place where a car exploded at Bab Hood, leading to the burning of a number of shops and cars without casualties among civilians, and that the monitors couldn’t reach the place because of the crowds there.

The statement added that the observers tried to reach the scene of explosion later, but they heard random and sporadic shootings, so they didn’t go to the location.

6 Workers Martyred, 16 Injured by Explosive Device in Idleb

GOVERNORATES, (SANA) – 6 workers at Idleb Textile Spinning Factory were martyred and 16 others injured when an explosive device went off in Idleb.

The device was planted by terrorists along the road between Ariha city and al-Mastouma town in the province.

A police source told SANA correspondent that the device exploded as a bus carrying workers at Idleb Spinning Factory was passing, which caused it to overturn, leaving 6 dead and 16 others injured.

Armed Terrorist Group Kidnaps an Official in Idleb

An armed terrorist group kidnapped Major Mohammad Shams Eddin Hassan, Director of Armanaz area in Idleb.

An official source at the governorate told SANA correspondent that the terrorist group blocked the way of Major Hassan’s car as he was heading from his village Nebl in Aleppo Countryside to his work and kidnapped him.

20-kg Explosive Device inside an Ambulance Dismantled in Homs

Members of Military Engineering on Sunday dismantled a 20-kg explosive device inside an ambulance belonging to Homs National Hospital.

A medical source told SANA correspondent that a number of terrorists opened fire on the ambulance while transporting a citizen’s body from al-Qossour neighborhood.

The source added that the driver was injured while the other members of the medical cadre survived, and the terrorists took the ambulance to unknown place and returned it after two hours and they fled away.

The source said the emergency system was informed about the place of the ambulance and it sent a driver to bring it back to the hospital, adding that a 20-kg explosive device was found inside a black bag in the ambulance and the engineering members dismantled and no injuries were reported.

In the same context, 4 citizens injured by the shrapnels of two mortar projectiles fired by an armed terrorist group in Ekrima neighborhood in Homs City.

SANA correspondent said that most of the wounds were in the chest and in the face, adding that a number of cars were also damaged

Two Explosive Devices Dismantled in al-Zawiya Mountain in Idleb

Members of the Engineering Units on Sunday dismantled two explosive devices, weighing 25 kg each, planted by an armed terrorist group near Balyon-Kansafra Road in al-Zawiya Mountain in Idleb.

SANA Correspondent said that the two explosives were planted near each other and connected with a wireless and primed to explode remotely.

Armed Terrorist Group Burglarizes Agricultural Research Center in Homs

An armed terrorist group burglarized on Sunday an agricultural research center in al-Qariyatein area in Homs countryside and held up its contents.

SANA correspondent said that the terrorists broke into the center, tied its guards and stole 4 guns, 260 olive oil bottles, tires. car spare parts and tractors before destroying the center’s furniture.

Customs Police Seizes Car Loaded with 35 Russian Rifles, 26 Magazines

Deir Ezzor Customs Police on Sunday seized a Hyundai car loaded with 35 AK-47 rifles and 26 magazines.

SANA’s correspondent said that members of the customs police confiscated the car and arrested its driver, Jassem Obeid.

Obeid, a Hasaka native, confessed to receiving SYP 50,000 in exchange for transporting the weapons and ammo from a house to al-Azawi area on the behest of a man who claimed that he will assume full responsibility for the operation.

Six Army Martyrs Laid to Rest

HOMS,(SANA) – Six army martyrs were escorted on Sunday from Homs Military Hospital to their final resting place after they were targeted by armed terrorist groups while they were in the line of duty in Homs.

Solemn processions were held for the martyrs as they were carried on their comrades’ shoulders covered with the Syrian flag and flower wreaths, while the Military Band played the “Martyr” and “Farewell” music.

The martyrs are:

-Sergeant Mahmoud Mihrez al-Abbas, from Homs.

-Sergeant Muhyei-eddin al-Sheiha, from Homs.

-Conscript Mohammed Mahmoud al-Eitouni, from Damascus.

-Conscript Mohammed Sameer Yahya, from Qamishli.

-Conscript Tamer Loae al-Karki, from Damascus.

-Civilian, Adnan Shhadeh Mhanna, from Homs.

Families of the martyrs expressed confidence that the blood of the martyrs will help Syria overcome the crisis, stressing that the crimes of armed terrorist groups will not weaken the Syrians’ determination to confront the conspiracy targeting their country.

Information Minister: 147 Arab and Foreign Media institutions Approved as of Last December

ahDAMASCUS, (SANA) – Information Minister, Dr. Adnan Mahmoud, stressed on Sunday that the Information Ministry has granted approvals to various media institutions to enter Syria to cover the current events.

In a statement, Dr. Mahmoud added that 147 Arab and foreign media including TV channels and news agencies  were approved into Syria as of last December, pointing out that until now 116 media outlets entered Syria in addition to 90 media outlets already working in Syria through their correspondents.

The Minister clarified that the Ministry is giving licenses to media for a period of 10 days that can be extended, pointing out that the Ministry is organizing field visits and tours in all Syrian provinces for journalists.

He said that several media outlets in Syria have visited the Syrian provinces including Homs, Daraa, Hama, Idleb, Damascus countryside and Aleppo, adding that Arab and foreign media outlets are accompanying the Arab League observers in all provinces.

Minister Mahmoud noted that as the Arab observer mission started and more media entered Syria, the level of incitement and distortion of facts increased in an attempt to misrepresent the situation on the ground and affect the international public opinion.

The Minister said that the terrorist attacks by the armed groups against the Syrian civilians and establishments have also increased, adding that some media in Syria are relaying the events from one point of view to serve political stances against Syria.

He called on all media outlets working in Syria to be objective and authentic.

Turkish Figures: Erdogan’s Government Carrying Out Hostile Policy against Syria to Serve Western Interests

ANKARA, (SNAA) – Deputy Secretary General of Turkey’s Workers’ Party Dursun Karadag on Sunday said that Erdogan’s has become an embarrassment and showed the whole world that Turkey doesn’t have a suitable Prime Minister and that its policy regarding neighboring countries – particularly Syria –  is wrong.

In an interview with the Syrian TV, Karadag said that Erdogan’s government is being used like a took by the west and is making historic mistakes for which it will pay, stressing that Turkey must not remain at the mercy of this government’s mistakes.

In turn, Editor in Chief of the newspaper Aydınlik, Ismet Ozcelik, said that the Justice and Development Party’s policies regarding Syria are wrong and that they were met with considerable anger from the Turkish street since they target a friendly country, adding that this attitude is seen even within the Justice and Development Party where opposition to this policy is being voiced.

Ozcelik said that Erdogan’s government created an environment around Turkey that is hostile towards it, and that their policy towards Syria caused Iran, China, Russia and Iraq t lost trust in Turkey, noting that the Turkish people believe in the need of doubling economic relations with the aforementioned countries, particularly considering the crises taking place across the world.

For his part, historic scholar Bulent Esenoglu said that the Justice and Development Party government’s efforts to carry out US agendas will undermine Turkey’s relations with all its neighbors, not just Syria.

Esenoglu questioned why Turkey is working to achieve US-Israeli interests and causing chaos and instability and Syria, affirming that such acts serve Israel only.

Prime Ministry Agrees on Starting Program for Building 50,000 Housing Units

DAMASCUS,(SANA)- Prime Minister, Dr, Adel Safar on Sunday chaired a meeting to discuss the required mechanisms for implementing the governmental housing program which includes building 50 thousand housing units for all the spectrums of the society in all the provinces.

After reviewing the administrative and technical measures and preparations and in light of the readiness of the lands prepared for housing and after discussing the funding mechanisms and the general conditions for subscription, the Prime Ministry agreed on starting the implementation of the project and on asking the General Housing Establishment to announce the subscription on the housing units according to an accredited mechanism.

Parties’ Affairs Committee Authorizes Establishing Syrian Democratic Party

DAMASCUS,(SANA)- The Parties’ Affairs Committee headed by Minister of Interior Mohammad al-Sha’ar studied on Sunday the applications submitted to it by citizens willing to establish parties according to the Legislative Decree No. 100 for 2011.

Minister al-Sha’ar indicated that the documents submitted by two parties, whose documents were published by the local newspapers, were also studied , adding that other documents related to these parties will be submitted later and they will be studied by the Committee during its next meeting in a step towards giving them a complete authorization.

He said that the documents of the Syrian Youths National Party and its rules of procedures were studied and all of its documents were accepted, and they will be published by the local newspapers for a week, and then the next stage will be the objection and it will be followed by granting it a complete authorization.

Minister al-Sha’ar pointed out that four other parties have submitted their documents and they were referred to the members of the Committee by its chairman to study them.

He added that during its meeting which was held few days ago, the Committee agreed on authorizing the Syrian Democratic Party to become the second licensed party according to the new Parties’ Law after the Solidarity Party which has been recently authorized.

He affirmed that the Committee which holds its meeting every Sunday, is ready to held a meeting in case it receives the applications of citizens willing to establish new parties.

He added that over the past few days, the Committee has intensively studied the applications submitted to it and verified them to refer their documents to the publication and then to agree on establishing them if they meet the conditions set by the Parties’ Law.

Activities of Writing Longest Letter in the World Started

DAMASCUS,(SANA)- Activities of writing the longest letter in the world started on Sunday under the title “Message of Loyalty to the Homeland and its Leader” at ten centers distributed among Damascus and its countryside.

The 10-Kms long letter will tour all the Syrian provinces, and it will be written and signed by all the spectrums of the Syrian people.

The letter is made of Felix paper ,and it is divided into ten parts with a length of 1,000 meters for each part, the ten parts will be tied together to form one letter which carries the Syrian flag at the middle of which.

On the sides of the letter, there will be square-shaped tables including about one million and a half letters.

The campaign of writing the longest letter in the world started simultaneously at Jaramana City in Damascus Countryside, and the squares of Arnous, Bab Touma, al-Hijaz, al-Mouhafaza, al-Qusour, al-Mowasa, and Sabaa Bahrat in Damascus, and at the President Bridge.

Chairman of National Unity Youths Group, Shadi Zouhair al-Malek said that the campaign reflects the unity of the Syrians and their belief in the national unity, indicating that there is no place for extremism among the Syrians as they are civilized  and they are proud of  their dignity and freedom.

Coordinator of  the campaign, Anwar Ibrahim said that the preparations for writing the letter have started from about a month as a special design was chosen for the letter.

She indicated that the campaign has witnessed an unexpected and huge turn out by the citizens who stressed their rejection of the conspiracy hatched against their homeland.

Participant, Hadil Ghunaim said that the plot against Syria, the misleading media and the economic pressures and sanctions have failed thanks to the awareness and steadfastness of the Syrian people.

Teacher, Fadi Jadid said that the armed terrorist groups in Syria and the conspirators who back them thought that they can intimidate the Syrians through their criminal acts, considering that this campaign proves that the Syrians will not be frightened by the terrorism.

Mother of Martyr Sari Saaoud said that Syria will remain steadfast in face of the conspirators and the traitors, adding that when her child was martyred, she became the mother of all the Syrian children.

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

Huge Crowds Stream into Syria’s Main Squares and Streets after President al-Assad’s Speech

PROVINCES, (SANA) – Huge crowds of Syrian citizens went out to the main squares and streets across the Syrian provinces in support of the vision of Syria outlined in the speech given by President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday, stressing national unity and determination to move forward in the reform process taking place in Syria.

The gartering people held banners and chanted slogans that stress national unity and their rallying around their leadership, expressing appreciation for the Syrian army’s sacrifices to defend the homeland.

In Aleppo, the Syrians streamed into Saadallah al-Jaberi Square to voice support to the reform program under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad.

The participants condemned sabotage acts and crimes committed by armed terrorist groups, reiterating rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

Citizens Ahmad Awad and Samir Qarbouyz said that President al-Assad speech touched upon important issues regarding the situation in Syria and the reform steps to come out of the crisis and build strong Syria.

For his part, Bakkour Aroob said that President al-Assad’s speech restored confidence in that Syria will be safe and secure again.

Head of Aleppo Chamber of Commerce Hassan Zaido said the President’s speed shed light on the past, current and future stages of what is happening in Syria, in addition to reviewing the reform procedures taken and activating the role of institutions in combating corruption.

In Raqqa, huge masses went out to the streets to express loyalty to the homeland and support to the reform program, rejecting all attempts of foreign interference in Syria’s affairs.

“The citizens gathered in front of TV screens to watch their leader who guaranteed achieving victory on the enemies,” one citizen said.

He added that “We are stronger than their conspiracies and we will build modern Syria with our blood and hard working. Nothing will prevent us despite all pressures.”

Citizen Oubeideh al-Hamad said the speech reflected the Syrian people’s aspirations and their standing against the campaign targeting their country.

The Syrian citizens in Daraa crowded in front of the headquarters of al-Baath Arab Socialist Party in the city to stress that Syria will remain strong thanks to the awareness of its people and their rallying around their leadership in the face of the foreign conspiracy aimed at undermining Syria’s stability and security.

Citizens stressed that President al-Assad’s speech was transparent and clear, reflected the will of the Syrian people and shaping the next phase of the future vision on Syria.

In Sweida, people gathered at Sultan Basha al-Atrash Square after the historic speech given by President AL-Assad which showed his real desire to go on in the reform process.

Sheikh Mohammad al-Nemr stressed that the Syrian people awareness which based on facts rather than exaggerations and lies played decisive role in exposing and foiling foreign schemes.

Engineer Bashar al-Ashqar said that the President was speaking on the behalf of every Syrian as he determined important tools to overcome the conspiracy hatched against Syria and appreciated the stance taken by the Syrian people and the sacrifices of the Syrian army to preserve stability and security.

Citizens stressed that the speech convey the message that Syria is steadfast and that it won’t bow under any pressures.

12 Army and Security Forces Martyrs Laid to Rest

DAMASCUS, HOMS,(SANA) – Twelve army and security forces martyrs killed in the line of duty by armed terrorist groups in Damascus Countryside, Homs and Idleb were escorted on Tuesday from Tishreen and Homs Military Hospitals to their final resting places.

Solemn funeral ceremonies were held for the martyrs as they were carried on their colleague’s shoulders covered with the Syrian flag and flower wreaths while the Military Band played the “Martyr” and the “Farewell” music.

The martyrs are:

– Chief Warrant Officer Samir Yousef al-Hassan, from Tartous.

– Chief Warrant Officer Jihad Ali Shehada, from Lattakia.

– Chief Warrant Officer Nabil Marsal al-Saleh, from Damascus Countryside.

– Sergeant Major Ali Ibrahim Suleiman, from Hama.

– Sergeant Major Wisam Kaser Shadoud, from Homs.

– Sergeant Quteiba Yousef Alloush, from Daraa.

– Sergeant Bashar Faraj al-Rueis, from Deir-Ezzour.

– Sergeant Somar Haitham Mansour, from Lattakia.

– Conscript Aziz Theab al-Askar, from Raqqa.

– Conscript Mohammad Hassan al-Nasaan, from Aleppo.

– Conscript Abdul Moen Dadoush, from Damascus.

– Conscript Mohammad al-Obeid, from Aleppo.

Relatives of the martyrs expressed confidence in the blood of the martyrs will help Syria overcome the crisis, stressing that the crimes of armed terrorist groups will not dull the Syrians’ determination to confront the conspiracy targeting their country.

They also voiced pride in their sons’ martyrdom and sacrifices for the sake of Syria, saying that the treacherous and criminal hands which killed their sons are working to destroy Syria, calling for dealing sternly with those who try to tamper with Syria’s security and stability.

An Officer, 2 Military Members Were Martyred in Damascus Countryside, A Citizen Martyred in Hama

PROVINCES, (SANA) – Col. Jihad Qaddour and soldiers Burhan Hammoush and Mheilan al-Saeed martyred on Tuesday by the gunfire of an armed terrorist gang while they were on their way to a military unit in Damascus Countryside.

An official source told SANA correspondent that the three other army members got injured in the attack and were transferred to the Military Hospital in Mazzeh.

Citizen Martyred, Another Injured by Gunfire of Armed Terrorist Groups in Hama

Citizen Ahmad Mahmoud Hindawi was martyred on Tuesday when an armed terrorist group shot him in front of his home in Aleppo Road neighborhood in Hama city.

An official source told SANA’s correspondent that Hindawi who owns a bakery was attacked by terrorists who opened fire from military firearms in front of his home, killing him immediately.

The source added that citizen Abbad Janoudi was shot by another armed terrorist group while he was in his shop in al-Andalus neighborhood in Hama, injuring him. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

On a relevant note, the authorities managed to liberate the abducted teacher Alissar Hassoun in cooperation with the dignitaries of al-Salamiya area after a few hours from her abduction at the hands of an armed terrorist group near al-Hanouta turnpike east of al-Ukairiyat village.

The source that that the teacher was heading to work at al-Hanouta School when she was abducted by terrorists using two cars, a white Chevrolet and a pickup truck.

Citizen in Homs injured by terrorists’ bullets

A citizen was injured by bullets of an armed terrorist group who tried to abduct him at al-Joura neighborhood in Homs.

SANA reporter in Homs said that a number of terrorists tried to abduct Alaa Mahmoud Mustafa who works in Tishreen Consumer Compound while going to his work, but when he escaped, they shot fire at him.

He was later admitted to the National Hospital and received the needed treatment.

Al-Moallem Affirms to al-Dabi Syria’s Readiness to Continue Cooperation with Arab Observer Mission

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem met on Tuesday afternoon with head of the Arab League observer mission Mohammad Ahmad Mustafa al-Dabi.

The official spokesman of the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry stated that al-Dabi briefed Minister al-Moallem on the work carried out by the observers in Syria and the results they reached which were presented to the Arab Ministerial Committee meeting in Cairo on Sunday.

For his part, al-Moallem expressed Syria’s commitment to carrying out the protocol signed between it and the Arab League on December 19 2011 and its readiness to continue full cooperation with the Arba observer mission to guarantee that it will carry out its tasks in an optimal manner.

He stressed the need for the observers to carry out their work with objectivity and neutrality, affirming that Syria will continue to shoulder its responsibilities fo protecting the observers and preventing anyone from obstructing their work.

Al-Moallem denounced and rejected any act against the observer mission which might hinder their work based on Syria’s conviction that the success of the observer mission is in the best interests of Syria and the Arab League.

He also pointed out to the attempts by some regional and international sides to question the performance of the observer mission in an attempt to undermine the Arab League’s role and transfer the issue to the Security Council under Arab cover.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Foreign end Expatriates Minister and head of the National Committee for Cooperation and coordination Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, Assistant Foreign end Expatriates Minister Ahmad Arnous, the director of the Information Directorate and the delegation accompanying al-Dabi.

Al-Moallem: Syria committed to Joint Arab Action, Resists foreign plots

Minister al-Moallem on Tuesday briefed members of the Jordanian Popular Committee for Supporting  Syria on the reality of the situation in Syria, clarifying that the foreign plot targeting Syria is also aimed at eradicating the Resistance and fragmenting the region to serve the interests of Israel.

Al-Moallem pointed out that Syria is committed to the joint Arab action, and it resists foreign plots, thanks to the awareness of the Syrian people who believe in their leadership and national unity.

He explained the practices of the armed terrorist groups such as weapon smuggling into Syria through the borders and the terrorist acts against the civilians, law-enforcement forces and state establishments.

Al-Moallem added that Syria is targeted by a fierce provocative media campaign, stressing Syria’s rejection of foreign interference attempts in its internal affairs.

For their part, members of the committee expressed solidarity with Syria against the suspicious schemes aiming to undermine Syria’s security and stability because of its national and patriotic stances.

Lavrov Calls on Arab Monitors to Turn Their Attention to Destructive Acts of Armed Groups

MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on the Arab monitors in Syria to turn their attention to the destructive acts of the armed terrorist groups, not only focusing on how the Syrian authorities carry out their commitments.

“The opposition should abandon those groups in favor of conducting a national broad dialogue in accordance with the Arab League initiative,” Lavrov said during a phone call with Nabil al-Arabi, the Arab League Secretary General.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that Lavrov and al-Arabi discussed the situation in Syria in order to guarantee stability in the country.

It added that the Russian side underlined its support to the efforts of the Arab monitors, adding that Lavrov stressed the necessity of an immediate halt to any violence in Syria whatsoever its source was.

The statement mentioned that the talks also dealt with the latest developments in the Middle East.

Spanish, Japanese and Italian Media Delegation Stress Normal Life in Daraa

DARAA, (SANA) – Journalists, correspondents from the Spanish TV (tva), Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore and the Japanese TV (NHK) inspected sabotage and arson acts committed by armed terrorist groups in Daraa governorate.

The media delegation was briefed on the latest developments in the city and reasons behind sabotaging public and private buildings after which the delegation members toured the TV and Radio Station, the Justice Palace and other facilities damaged by armed terrorist groups and interviewed citizens about their views on the situation in the city.

Regional Director of Japanese TV in Cairo stressed normal life in Daraa and that citizens navigated their daily lives.

He added that what news broadcast by some media regarding the events in Syria contradict the reality on the ground, stressing that he will convey his own observations from his experience in the city honestly and transparently.

The delegation also met the Governor of Daraa Mohammad Khaled al-Hanous who explained to its members about armed terrorist groups vandalizing properties, creating chaos, setting up barriers on roads, opening fire on protestors and security forces in the city, in addition to killing and mutilating bodies of law-enforcement members.

The Governor indicated to the negative role of some satellite channels in complicating the situation in Syria as a part of the conspiracy aimed at fragmenting the Syrian people and undermining Syria’s national stances.

Rowhani: Syria is in the front line of resistance

TEHRAN, (SANA) – Director of Iran’s Expediency Council’s Center for Strategic Research Hassan Rohani that Syria is in the front line of resistance against the Zionist entity, and no one should weaken it or interfere in its domestic affairs.

Iranian News Agency quoted Rohani as saying during a meeting with the Turkish Ambassador in Tehran today that Syria occupies a special position in the region, adding “Syria has formed the line of resistance against the Zionist entity for 60 years.”

He underlined that Iran and Turkey have to cooperate to realize stability and security in the region.

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

With Participation of Jordanian Delegation…Masses Gather in Damascus to Denounce Recent Terrorist Bombings

GOVERNORATES, (SANA) –In a splendid show of national unity, masses of Syrians, along with a delegation from the Jordanian Popular Committee for Supporting Syria and the Resistance, gathered on Monday in Sabaa Bahrat Square in Damascus to denounce the recent terrorist bombings in Damascus

The participants in the gathering decried the crimes committed by armed terrorist groups and voiced rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, as well as support to the independent national decision and the comprehensive reform program under the leadership of president Bashar al-Assad.

The slogans reflected the elevated national sense of the Syrian people, their awareness of the volume of national responsibility and resolve to stand up to all schemes hatched against Syria.

The participants raised national flags and banners saluting national unity and calling for discarding sedition, also blasting the instigation campaigns led by media channels who fabricate false news and lies to undermine Syria’s security and stability.

Head of the Jordanian delegation Mansour Murad said that the delegation’s visit to Syria is a gesture of solidarity intended to voice support to the Syrian people and army against conspiracies, indicating that it is the whole nation being targeted, not only Syria.

Murad said that the Syrian people are fighting in defense of the Arab nation, adding ”We as part of the nation are fully aware of the dimensions of the US conspiracy against Syria.”

Samih Khreis, Assistant Secretary General of the Arab Bar Association, said that Syria is the guarantee for preserving the Arab identity and principles, adding that the best way to overcome the crisis is national unity binding Syrians.

Mohammad al-Shomali, Head of the Arab Legal Commission for Defending Syria, said ”It is futile to bet on Syria’s surrender, because the Syrian people are alive to the volume of conspiracy,” adding that the Jordanian people won’t stand arms-folded in case Syria comes under attack.

Leader of AlbuSarayia clan Ahmad Shlash hailed the role of the Syrian army in combating the conspiracy and its tools being the armed terrorist groups, pointing out to the mass rallies in support of reforms.

Sheikh Ahmad Sheikho, an Islamic preacher, said that martyrs are a symbol of national unity, adding that the Syrian people succeeded in foiling the vicious conspiracy.

In statements to SANA, member of the Jordanian delegation Atta al-Sharari voiced support to the Syrian people, affirming ”Syria is far bigger than the conspiracy, and we will be with the Syrian people to the very end.”

The Jordanian delegation members indicated that Syria is targeted for its support to resistance, expressing trust that Syria will emerge stronger and more determined to uphold Arab nationalism.

The participants in the gathering expressed denunciation of the terrorist attacks in Syria, pledging to remain undeterred by terrorism and expressing readiness to offer whatever sacrifices necessary to defend Syria.

They also saluted the sacrifices of the Syrian Arab army, affirming that the crisis will sharpen their resolve to be even more united against all conspiracies.

Syrians Continue National Rallies in Condemnation of Damascus Terrorist Bombing

The national rallies and activities continued in Syrian provinces in condemnation of the terrorist attack which hit al-Midan neighborhood in Damascus and in rejection of foreign interference in the Syrian internal affairs.

The participants chanted anthems and slogans which reflect their awareness of the conspiracies and schemes hatched against their country, vowing to protect Syria against conspirators and traitors.

In Hama, mass crowds of citizens flocked to the Memorial Monument Square to express condemnation of the terrorist attack in al-Midan neighborhood and the heinous crimes committed by the armed terrorist groups.

They also voiced support to the comprehensive reform program and the independent national decision. Participants vowed to spare no sacrifice for the sake of their country, lashing out at the massacres committed by armed terrorist groups against innocent civilians and urging the Syrian people to be alerted to vicious schemes.

In Deir Ezzor, citizens gathered at the Municipality Square in al-Mayadin City to denounce the terrorist bombing in Damascus, expressing rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

Participants hailed the role of the Syrian army in maintaining security and defending the homeland. They condemned the armed terrorist groups who seek to spread chaos and terrorize people, expressing trust that the Syrian people will come out stronger from the crisis.

Participants underlined the unity of the Syrian people, stressing that they will remain undeterred by pressure and terrorist acts.

Armed Terrorist Groups Kill Woman in Hama, Assasinates Engineer in Homs

HAMA, (SANa) – Citizen Bushra al-Nabilsi was martyred on Monday at the hands of an armed terrorist group in Hama city.

SANA’s correspondent in Hama said that the terrorists opened fire at al-Nabilsi while she was on her way to work at Janoub al-Mal’ab dispensary.

Last month, another armed terrorist group killed Bushra’s brother, Ali al-Nabilisi, in Hama city.

Armed Group Assassinates Engineer Assaf in Homs

An armed terrorist group assassinated Engineer Samir Assaf and wounded his fellow Majed Nahas after shooting fires on their car while driving to their work at the Directorate of Agriculture in Homs.

In the same context, teacher Hassan Salim Issa was abducted at al-Kouatli street in Homs. He was taken to unknown place.

Information Minister: Licenses of Entry and Work given to 136 media institutions since December

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud announced that the Ministry gave licenses of work and entry for more than 136 Arab and foreign mass media since the beginning of December 2011 till today to cover events in Syria.

“The Ministry is keen on facilitating the work of media institutions in order to present the real image on what is happening in Syria to the Arab and world public opinion, away from the unilateral coverings which are linked to political anticipated agendas practiced by some mass media in their dealing with the events in Syria,” Minister Mahmoud said Monday.

He pointed out to the hysteric phenomenon of the instigation process and distorting facts by some Arab and foreign TV stations against Syria and its people.

“Those media institutions will discover that the Syrian people with all spectrums confront a terror perpetrated by armed terrorist groups, financed by some regional and western states… those institutions are in front of moral and professional challenge in relaying the Syrian scene in a credible and objective way to the public opinion.” the Minister said.

Seven Army and Security Forces Martyrs Laid to Rest

HOMS/LATTAKIA (SANA) – Seven army and security forces martyrs killed in the line of duty by armed terrorist groups in Hama and Idleb were escorted on Monday from Homs and Lattakia Military Hospitals to their final resting places.

Solemn funeral ceremony was held for the martyrs as they were carried on their colleague’s shoulders covered with the Syrian flag and flower wreaths while the Military Band played the “Martyr” and the “Farewell” music.

The martyrs are:

-Chief Warrant Officer Sleiman Mohammad Makna, from Lattakia.

-Sergeant Saleh Hasan al-Hussein, from Homs.

-Conscript Mohammad Amin Alaa Dala Hasan, from Damascus Countryside.

-Conscript Mohammad Ali Jneid, from Aleppo.

-Conscript Ahmad Mohammad Qattash, from Aleppo.

-Conscript Ali Omar al-Masri, from Damascus Countryside.

-Policeman Ashraf Anwar Dannoun, from Sweida.

Relatives of the martyrs expressed confidence in the blood of the martyrs will help Syria overcome the crisis, stressing that the crimes of armed terrorist groups will not dull the Syrians’ determination to confront the conspiracy targeting their country.

They also voiced pride in their sons’ martyrdom and sacrifices for the sake of Syria, saying that the treacherous and criminal hands which killed their sons are working to destroy Syria, calling for dealing sternly with those who try to tamper with Syria’s security and stability.

Cuban Labor Delegation: Syrians have right to Solve problems without foreign Intervention

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Cuban Labor delegation on Monday expressed solidarity with Syria, as people and leadership, in the face of the conspiracy and the misleading media campaign to which Syria is exposed, rejecting any foreign intervention in Syria’s domestic affairs.

The Cuban Labor delegation is currently visiting Syria, headed by Edmond Fernandez who met with members of Syrian Trade Unions’ Federation.

“We came here to show solidarity with the Syrian people and workers who confront Zionist and imperialism powers… the Syrians have right to solve their internal problems by themselves without foreign interventions,” Fernandez said during the meeting.

He added that there is a big gap between what some try to broadcast about Syria and what they see in reality, referring to foreign attempts to internationalize the local problems to justify interventions.

Shaaban Azouz, Head of the Syrian Trade Unions’ Federation underlined that Syria is determined to carry out important reforms. He briefed the visiting delegation on the sanctions imposed on the Syrian people and their negative impacts.

Venezuelan President Condemns Terrorist Explosion at al-Midan Neighborhood in Damascus

CARACAS, (SANA)- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez strongly condemned the terrorist explosion which took place at al-Midan Neighborhood in Damascus last Friday.

In a statement issued Monday by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, President Chavez expressed condemnation of all forms of terrorism and full rejection of this heinous crime which violates all the morals and values of the Syrian people.

The Venezuelan President reiterated complete support to the Syrian people and leadership, expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs, wishing the injured quick recovery.

He strongly criticized the foreign policy of the US and its allies which help inflaming violence and terrorism in the region.

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

Syrian Officials: What Brings Syrian and Turkish Peoples Together Is Stronger than Passing Crises

DAMASCUS, SANA_ Vice President Dr. Najah al-Attar stressed that what links the Syrian and Turkish peoples is stronger than the passing crises and that the policy adopted by the government of Justice and Development Party towards Syria do harm to the two peoples’ interests and serve the Western countries targets in dividing the region and destabilizing it.

During a meeting with a delegation of Turkish Felicity Party,(Saadet Partisi), headed by Mustafa Kamalak on Thursday, al-Attar hailed positions of this party which refuse the policy of the government of Justice and Development Party towards Syria.

“Who wants the interest of the Syrian and Turkish people doesn’t embrace groups that perpetrate killing and terrorism against the Syrians and cannot be a tool in the hand of the West for the aggression against Syria and its people,” the Vice President said.

Al-Attar warned against attempts of the United States to impose American concepts that devote the policy of separation, hatred, killing and terrorism.

She said “We, in Syria, believe that the right will triumph and the relations between Syria and Turkey will return to normal at the political, economic and commercial levels.

For his part, Kamalak said that what is happening in Syria is temporary and transitory, adding that the policy of the Turkish government does not express the will of the Turkish people.

He said that the ultimate goal of the West is to dominate the resources of the Islamic peoples through dividing the region and creating small states and entities.

Kamalak called on Islamic countries to unify their ranks for defending their rights and resources.

Al-Moallem Briefs Kamalak on the Reality of the Situation in Syria

In the same context, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem briefed Head of the Turkish Felicity Party Mustafa Kamalak on the reality of the situation in Syria, referring to the negative role of the Turkish government in destabilizing Syria’s security.

Al-Moallem stressed the strong relations between the Syrian and Turkish peoples.

In turn, Kamalak expressed relief over the reform process launched by the Syrian leadership in all fields, hoping that things will return back to a normal state between the two countries.

He reiterated rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

Information Minister: Establishing Media Networks to Reveal Reality of Events Taking Place in Syria

Minister of Information Dr.Adnan Mahmoud stressed the need for establishing media networks between Syria and Turkey to reveal the reality of events taking place in Syria to the Turkish public opinion.

Dr. Mahmoud, meeting the Turkish Felicity Party delegation, underlined the role of media and visits organized between the two countries in exposing the damage caused by the Turkish government’s policies to the interests of the Syrian and Turkish peoples, stressing keenness on friendship relations between the two peoples.

For his part, Kamalak said that the Turkish Felicity Party raised some questions regarding news broadcast by media about Syria, expressing annoyance of the policies adopted by the Development and Justice Party’s government and the establishment of the missile shield system on the Turkish territories as it serves Western interests rather than the interests of Islamic countries and peoples.

Hassoun : Syrian People Will Foil Conspiracy

Grand Mufti of the Republic Dr. Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun stressed that the Syrian people will foil the conspiracy hatched against them due to their awareness.

He added that the foreign pressures on Syria can be attributed to Syria’s commitment to its pan-Arab and national stances in the face of western schemes aimed at fragmenting the region and dominate its resources.

Meeting Head of the Turkish Felicity Party, Mufti Hassoun stressed the deep Syrian-Turkish fraternity relations.

Kamalak said that what is taking place in Syria targets the whole region and the Arab and Islamic nations.

He added that the visit aims at conveying the real image and revealing facts on the ground to expose the western and US plots to undermine Syria.

Sweida Clergymen: Outside Calls Don’t Represent Us

SWEIDA, (SANA)_Clergymen in Sweida province said that the outside calls which seek to sow divisions in Syria represent those who make them only and are in no way representative of them.

In an interview with the Syrian TV on Thursday, Sheikh Ayman Zahreddin said that the sons of Jabal al-Arab are committed to the national unity in Syria, stressing that the outside calls echo US-Zionist calls.

”Walid Jumblatt represent himself only…The sons of Jabal al-Arab cannot be swayed by such calls which they categorically reject.”

He added that the Syrian Arab army is the pride of the homeland, voicing utter rejection of foreign interference in the Syrian internal affairs.

Sheikh Ali al-Ali said that the people of Sweida are determined to remain committed to their army and leadership, adding that the conspiracy against Syria seeks to weaken national sense and resolve.

Sheikh Nabhan al-Barbour said that the sons of Jabal al-Arab reject to be dictated to by people who are after personal gains and interests.

International Media Delegation Visits Homs City

HOMS, (SANA) – A media delegation including Arab and foreign journalists visited on Thursday Homs province to inspect the volume of destruction and sabotage in some public and private properties by armed terrorist groups.

The delegation visited Homs National Hospital and Homs Military Hospital, pointing out that the destruction in the hospitals is indicative of the existence of armed terrorist groups.

They said that they will relay the reality of the situation in Syria to the public opinion in their countries.

For his part, Governor of Homs, Ghassan abdul-Al, pointed out to the importance of such delegations to inspect firsthand the reality of events taking place in the province, calling on journalists to be accurate and objective in relaying the facts.

The delegation is composed of more than 30 journalists from Japan, Turkey, Germany, Austria and Algeria.

Two Martyred, Six Others Injured in Terrorist Attack on Police Station in Daraa Countryside

DARAA COUNTRYSIDE, (SANA) – Chief of Sur Police Station in Daraa Countryside and a member were martyred while six others were injured in an attack by an armed terrorist group.

An official source in the governorate told SANA correspondent that terrorist members attacked the police station and opened heavy fire on it which caused the martyrdom of Chief Warrant Officer Ziad Tarrad, the Police Chief in the region, and the member Mohammad al-Durzi.

The injured members, Maher al-Halabi, Mohammad Diab, Sami al-Akel, Rami Salim and Maher Haidar, said that the gunmen who attacked the police station were wearing full military uniform.

A number of villagers said that a black car took flight after the armed attack on the police station.

Armed Terrorist Group Kill Two Officers in Homs

A Retired Colonel and his son were martyred by an armed terrorist group that opened fire on their car in al-Madabe neighborhood in Homs.

SANA correspondent said the two martyrs are Colonel Amir Rojieh and his son First Lieutenant Hani Rojieh. The terrorists fired on them, mutilated the face of the martyred Colonel and shot the body of his son after killing them.

The bodies of the two martyrs were transported to al-Ahli Hospital in Homs.

Armed Terrorist Group Assassinates Mayor in Hama

An armed terrorist group assassinated Fawaz Abdel Haseeb Mustafa, Head of al-Amqieh Municipality in al-Ghab area in Hama province.

SANA correspondent said that the martyr Mustafa was transported to Jisr al-Shughour National Hospital but he was dead because of his wounds.

In Idleb, the law-enforcement member Ahmad Wahid al-Namr was martyred by the fire of an armed group while performing his national duty in the city.

SANA correspondent said that the martyr is from Ghanieh village in Jisr al-Shughour.

In the same context, body of the citizen Mohammad Zalilo was found after two days of being kidnapped at the hands of armed terrorist group on the road between Ein al-Hamra and Bzeit villages in Jisr al-Shughour.

Five Army, Security and Police Martyrs Killed in Homs Laid to Rest

HOMS, (SANA)-The bodies of five army, security and police martyrs on Thursday were escorted from Homs Military Hospital to their final resting place.

Official funeral ceremonies were held for the martyrs, who were killed at the hands of armed terrorist groups while on duty in Homs, as they were carried on shoulders while the music of “the Martyr” and “the Farewell” was playing.

The martyrs are:

– Warrant Officer Shadi Haidar Mohammad, from Homs.

– Warrant Officer Bassam Khalil Bitar, from Homs.

– Policeman Dakhlallah Jawad al-Masri, from Homs.

– Policeman Abdulbaset Ibrahim Shammouti, from Homs.

– Policeman Ahmad Eid Nisan, from Damascus Countryside.

The families and relatives of the martyrs reiterated the Syrians’ commitment to their national and pan-Arab stances despite the organized terrorist acts being perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups.

AL Observer Delegations Continue Mission, Pay Field Visits to Syrian Cities and Neighborhoods

PROVINCES, (SANA) – Arab League observer delegations on Thursday paid field visits to Damascus Countryside, Daraa, Homs, Hama and Aleppo.

The monitors visited Erbeen town in Damascus countryside.

In Hama, the monitors visited the National Hospital and al-Rabi’a village in the province and meet citizens there.

Another delegation visited Al-Sanamain, al-Sahua, al-Musaifrahin towns and the National Hospital in Daraa countryside and met people.

Later, the Arab monitors visited al-Marjeh neighbourhood in Aleppo province and the hospital in al-Zahra’a neighborhood in Homs..

552 Persons Involved in Ongoing Events Released

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ 552 persons involved in the ongoing events in Syria were released from custody Thursday.

The released persons are not involved in terrorist bloody acts of killings and explosions against the Syrians.

In December 28th 755 people who were involved in recent events in Syria and didn’t get involved in the shedding of Syrian blood were also released from custody.

Previously, 912 arrested people were released in November 30, alongside 1180 people in November 15 and 553 in November 5, all of whom were involved in the events but were not involved in the shedding of Syrian blood.

Chairman of Turkish Felicity Party: Rejection of Foreign Interference in Syria’s Internal Affairs

DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Chairman of Turkish Felicity Party Mustafa Kamalak stressed that there are no disagreement between the Syrian and the Turkish peoples, expressing rejection of foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

In a press statement upon arrival at Damascus International Airport on Thursday along with a party, media and political delegation, Kamalak told SANA reporter that the West should not meddle in Syria’s domestic affairs because the West does not bring peace, but rather it brings devastation and havoc, and its objective in the region is to exploit and colonize.

He added that the visit comes in the context of expressing the genuine relations between the two countries’ peoples, pointing out that the visit aims at inspecting the reality of the events taking place in Syria and divulging media fabrications and lies.

A journalist from the delegation said that 20 journalists came from different Turkish newspapers and TV channels to inspect the situation in Syria in order to inform the Turkish public opinion of the reality of the events in the country.

He pointed out that the visit takes an official character as it will include various meetings with Syrian officials to get acquainted with the official view in a direct way.

Medvedev, Ahmadinejad: Dialogue and Political Means, Only Guarantee to Solve Problems in the Region and Syria

MOSCOW, (SANA) – President Dimitri Medvedev of Russia and the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Thursday said that the solution of problems in the region, including the situation in Syria is only possible through political means and dialogue among all sides.

In a phone call, the two Presidents expressed support to the efforts exerted in the framework of the United Nations and other international and regional organizations to achieve this goal.

The Russian and the Iranian presidents discussed over the phone the nuclear program issue and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Ahmadinejad and Medvedev also spoke for intensifying efforts to develop a convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea and stressed the importance of implementing agreements reached at the Third Caspian Summit in Baku.

People of Jabal al-Arab Stress Commitment to National Unity, Rejection of Sectarian Sedition

SWEIDA, (SANA) – Popular and official figures from Jabal al-Arab stressed commitment to the national unity, rejecting any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.

The figures expressed pride in Syria’s resistant line and its national army that defends the country.

Sheikh Akel of el-Mowahideen el-Druze Sect , Sheikh Hussein Jarbou’ said that people of Jabal al-Arab gave no ear to foreign statements and reiterated their support to the comprehensive reform program and national dialogue in order to solve internal problems and enhance the homeland’s security and stability.

He added the inhabitants of Jabal al-Arab reject sectarian fighting and call for tolerance, reconciliation, wisdom and amity.

For his part, Member of People’s Assembly Abdullah al-Atrash said that those who made instigative statements should know that the Syrian people are united and ready to defend their country.

Head of Teachers’ Union Branch in Sweida condemned suspicious campaigns led by some of those who turned into American tools, stressing Syria’s strength in the face of those who aimed at undermining its steadfastness and national stances.

Sweida Clergymen: Outside Calls Don’t Represent Us

Clergymen in Sweida province said that the outside calls which seek to sow divisions in Syria represent those who make them only and are in no way representative of them.

In an interview with the Syrian TV on Thursday, Sheikh Ayman Zahreddin said that the sons of Jabal al-Arab are committed to the national unity in Syria, stressing that the outside calls echo US-Zionist calls.

”Walid Jumblatt represent himself only…The sons of Jabal al-Arab cannot be swayed by such calls which they categorically reject.”

He added that the Syrian Arab army is the pride of the homeland, voicing utter rejection of foreign interference in the Syrian internal affairs.

Sheikh Ali al-Ali said that the people of Sweida are determined to remain committed to their army and leadership, adding that the conspiracy against Syria seeks to weaken national sense and resolve.

Sheikh Nabhan al-Barbour said that the sons of Jabal al-Arab reject to be dictated to by people who are after personal gains and interests.

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