Tens of Machinegun-Equipped Cars Destroyed, Many Terrorists, Some Not Syrians, Killed
Oct 10, 2012
PROVINCES, (SANA)- The Armed Forces on Wednesday destroyed 3 stolen ambulance vehicles loaded with weapons and ammunition and 2 DShK-Equipped cars near Agyour roundabout in Aleppo city.
SANA reporter quoted a source at the province as saying that terrorist Ahmad Abu al-Lail, leader of an armed terrorist group, along with 3 PKC gunmen and 2 RPG users were killed.
The army continued the operation of clearing the area of Karm al-Jabal in Aleppo from the terrorists, eliminating large numbers of them.
A unit of the Armed Forces targeted a terrorists’ gathering in Bab al-Hadid roundabout and destroyed a truck equipped with a mortar and a twin-mounted anti-aircraft machinegun and two Jeeps.
The army members also killed and wounded a large number of the terrorists in the area. Terrorist Ahmad Lolek, leader of one of the armed terrorist groups, was identified among the dead.
Another unit of the Armed Forces confronted an armed terrorist group attempting to enter the Great Umayyad Mosque, killing and injuring a large number of its members while the rest fled away.
An official source in the province dismissed as “baseless and false” the news reported by some instigative channels about the terrorists taking over the Mosque, SANA reporter said.
A unit of the armed forces destroyed 9 cars equipped with DShK machineguns and a twin-mounted anti-aircraft machinegun in a qualitative operation against terrorists near Qadi Askar roundabout and Kefah al-Ghaderi School in Aleppo city.
The operation resulted in killing scores of terrorists, in addition to destroying 5 stolen ambulances loaded with weapons and ammunition.
A leader of an armed terrorist group, nicknamed Abu Issam, and a number of terrorists were killed in a qualitative operation near al-Wahda bakery in Kadi Askar area in Aleppo.
The armed forces carried out a qualitative operation that destroyed a Volvo refrigerated truck and several ambulances loaded with weapons and ammunition and terrorists on al-Bab road in Aleppo.
Armed forces units targeted terrorist headquarters in Bustan al-Qasser and Souq al-Fustuq areas, eliminating a number of terrorist and injuring others. One of the injured is Ahmad Afesh, the leader of a terrorist group, and his assistance who is nicknamed al-Zabbah (throat-slitter).
In al-Marjeh area , terrorist Sleiman Mahmoud al-Hantoush was injured all the members of his terrorist group were killed in an operation by the armed forces.
An armed forces unit destroyed two trucks loaded with weapons and eliminated a number of terrorists near Khayyata Mosque in al-Fardous area.
Father Imad al-Daher was wounded when two mortar rounds were fired by terrorists at the Greek Catholic Archdiocese in Farhat Square.
DShK-equipped Cars Destroyed in Aleppo Countryside
On Tuesday, the Armed Forces carried out a qualitative operation against a terrorists’ gathering in Andan area in Aleppo countryside.
The operation resulted in destroying 9 cars equipped with DShK machineguns and killing a large number of terrorists.
Terrorists Abdul-Aziz Oneizi Bin Hamed, of a non-Syrian nationality, Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Dahho and Mahmoud al-Mahmoud al-Dahho were identified among the dead.
12 year-old child Ali Mohammad al-Hammoud was injured when a terrorist group led by Mohammad Ismael al-Beff opened fire on a protest demanding that terrorists leave the village of Assan in Aleppo.
An armed forces unit destroyed eleven cars equipped with DShK machineguns along with the terrorists inside them on the road between Tal Refaat and Akhtyarin in Aleppo countryside.
The armed forces targeted gathering and bases of terrorists in al-Kamari, al-Khafsa and Deir Haffer, leaving tens of them dead or injured.
Armed forces units carried out an operation targeting terrorist bases in al-Atareb area, resulting in the death of tens of terrorist including Khalaf al-Sawat from Saudi Arabia and Mahmoud Talal al-Fahed from Iraq, in addition to Mohammad Barakat from Jabal al-Zawiye, Tamam Mushir al-Masri from Jisr al-Shughour, and Abdullah Mohammad Eid from Daret Azza.
Another armed forces unit targeted a terrorist base in Oram al-Sughra, killing a number of terrorists and injuring others.
Terrorists Killed, DShK-Equipped Cars Destroyed in Homs
A unit of the Armed Forces on Wednesday destroyed 4 DShK-equipped cars and killed scores of terrorists in the town of Burj Qa’ai in al-Houla area, Homs countryside.
SANA reporter quoted a source in the province as saying that a number of terrorists were killed and others injured in Burj Qa’ai town and in al-Rastan city.
The source added that another unit of the Armed Forces targeted a terrorists’ gathering near Bab Hud in Homs city, killing scores of them.
The armed forces also carried out an operation in Bab Hud neighborhood in which a 23.5 mm cannon was destroyed and a number of terrorists were killed or injured.
An armed forces unit targeted gatherings of terrorists in the towns of Kammam and al-Saloumiye in al-Qseir northern countryside in Homs province, killing and injuring a number of terrorists.
Another unit pursued terrorist groups in the areas of al-Zira’a, al-Nizariye and Jusiye in al-Qseir southern countryside, eliminating a large number of terrorists.
Terrorist Mohammad Bakkar, leader of a terrorist group, was killed along with his entire group in an operation carried out by the armed forces in al-Qseir countryside.
In the town of al-Rastan, an armed forces unit targeted terrorist gatherings, killing and injuring them, while another unit clashed with a terrorist group in al-Khalidye neighborhood, eliminating a number of them and injuring others.
Armed Forces Seize Explosive Device Factory, Locally-Made Missilles in Damascus Countryside
In Damascus countryside, armed forces discovered a factory for making explosive devices, locally-made rockets hidden underground and various weapons, including U.S.-made sniper rifles in Jisreen Farms in Eastern Ghouta.
A military source told SANA reporter that the army killed dozens of terrorists during the operation.
The authorities arrested terrorist Omar Kamel al-Shamandi while he was planting an explosive device in al-Suyouf square in Jaramana. Engineering units are working to dismantled the device.
Army Kills Scores of Terrorists in Daraa
A unit of the Armed Forces on Tuesday evening clashed with an armed terrorist group that tried to attack a law-enforcement post in al-Yadouda town in Daraa countryside, killing and wounding scores of the terrorists.
SANA reporter was informed by a source in the province that terrorists Thaer al-Haj Ali, Mohammad Shtara and Mohammad al-Hasheesh were identified among the dead.
The source added that another army unit clashed with terrorists in the town of Kafr Shams in the countryside, killing scores of them.
The source said that terrorists Mohammad Ibrahim al-Shaabani and Mohammad Mousa al-Dammad were among the dead.
In the same context, the authorities confiscated a large amount of weapons, ammo and stolen medical supplies while pursuing terrorists in the towns of al-Karak al-Sharqi and al-Ghariyeh al-Sharqiyeh in Daraa countryside.
A source at the province said that the authorities pursued terrorists in the area of Waar al-Masmiyeh in al-Lajat area, eliminating a large number of them and confiscating automatic rifles and handguns they had in the possession.
The source added that engineering units dismantled a large number of explosive devices and antitank landmines planted by terrorists at the entrances of al-Karak al-Sharqi and al-Ghariyeh al-Sharqiyeh.
Armed Forces Destroy Terrorists’ Den near the Farmers Union in Deir Ezzor
A unit of the Armed Forces in Deir Ezzor Province on Wednesday destroyed a terrorist’s den near the Farmers Union building.
Authorities Confiscate Weapons and Explosives in al-Sejen Neighborhood in Lattakia
During a raid of a terrorist hideout in al-Sejen neighborhood in Lattakia city, the authorities confiscated weapons and firearms, including 175 kilograms of C4.
Confiscated items also include detonators, RPG rounds, remote-controlled circuits for detonating explosives, diving equipment, and gas masks.
Authorities Clash with Terrorist Group in Raqqa Countryside
The authorities clashed with a terrorist group near the turnpike of the village of Ali Bajlia in Tal Abyad area, Raqqa countryside.
The clash resulted in the destruction of 3 pickup trucks equipped with machineguns and the elimination of the terrorists inside them, in addition to confiscating two RPG rounds, ammo and three pump-action shotguns.
Premier al-Halqi: National Media Confronted Terrorism… Al-Moallem: Solving Crisis through Political Dialogue, National Reconciliation
Oct 10, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Prime Minister Dr. Wael al-Halqi highly appreciated the high performance of public and private national media in the face of terrorism and the misleading methods of some foreign media outlets in dealing with events in Syria.
Chairing the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Premier al-Halqi stressed the importance of constructive communication and cooperation between public institutions and media outlets, calling upon ministries and related bodies to provide journalists with information and facilitation needed to carry out their role in conveying the truth within a transparent and clear framework to serve the public interest.
Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem briefed the cabinet on the outcome of his meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, especially things that are relevant to the situation in Syria and the different international stances in this regard.
He reviewed the Syrian delegation’s efforts to explain the reality of what is taking place in Syria as an international terrorism that is backed by foreign powers and countries to destabilize Syria’s security serving the U.S. and Israeli interests.
Al-Moallem said that the delegation stressed the firm Syrian stance in solving the crisis through political dialogue, national reconciliation and rejection of foreign intervention in the Syrian internal affairs.
Later on, Deputy Prime Minister for Services Affairs, Minister of Local Administration Omar Ghalawanji and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection, Qadri Jamil presented a review on the services and economic situation, hailing the government’s efforts to provide food, oil derivatives and basic materials for citizens, in addition to following up on the situation of the displaced families in the makeshift centers and the rehabilitation of damaged services facilities.
In turn, Minister of State for National Reconciliation Affairs Ali Haidar reviewed the ministry’s communications and meetings with national figures and powers within the framework of its task in pushing the national dialogue ahead and encouraging national reconciliation in some areas to restore stability and normal life.
The cabinet discussed a number of draft laws, approving the new draft law on scientific missions.
Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, Subhi al-Abdullah briefed the Cabinet on the ministry’s procedures to provide farmers and livestock breeders with their production needs for the winter season in all provinces.
In turn, Minister of Transport, Mahmoud Ibrahim Said, reviewed the results of his visit to Russia and the talks with Russian companies with the aim of enhancing the railway, air and maritime transport systems in Syria.
He added that the two sides have completed procedures to purchase two planes while other procedures are underway to provide the air transport sector with 14 planes in the next five years.
In a statement to the journalists following the meeting, Minister of Electricty, Imad Khamis said that the cabinet approved the ministry’s proposal on supporting solar water heaters as part of the government’s policy to encourage the use of renewable energy as a substitute for fossil fuels.
He added that the government has allocated SYP 2 billion to support the first stage of the project.
Photographer of al-Ikhbariya TV Martyred by Terrorists’ Gunfire in Deir Ezzor
Oct 10, 2012
DEIR EZZOR, (SANA) – Photographer of al-Ikhbariya TV Mohammad al-Ashram was martyred by terrorists’ gunfire in Deir Ezzor city on Wednesday.
Journalists’ Union Condemns the Heinous Act
Journalists’ union condemned the terrorist act which targeted al-Ikhbariya TV photographer Mohammad al-Ashram while he was conveying the reality of what is going on in Deir Ezzor.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Union called on Arab and international organizations and bodies to condemn that criminal act and prosecute its perpetrators.
“Once again the terrorism targets the media body without any deterrent of conscience or moral.. today al-Ikhbariya TV cameraman was martyred in line of duty in Deir Ezzor at the hands of terrorists,” the statement said.
National Media Council: Martyrdom of al-Ashram Shows National Media is Doing Its Duty of Uncovering Terrorists’ Crimes
The National Media Council denounced the continuing attacks against national media and journalists, with the martyrdom of al-Ikhbariya TV correspondent Mohammad al-Ashram in Deir Ezzor showing that national media is doing its duty of uncovering the crimes and terrorism of the armed groups.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Council said that the assassination of al-Ashram is a reprehensible crime that violates all laws and conventions on freedom of press and the right of journalists to do their job during times of wars and preserving their lives.
The statement said that attempts to target the Syrian national media will fail to achieve their goals as the national media and those who work in it will continue to carry out their noble duty to serve the truth and uncover the enemies of Syria.
The Council offered sincerest condolences to the family of the martyr and all Syrian journalists.
Director of al-Ikhbariya TV: Martyrdom of Colleague al-Ashram Only Makes Journalists at the Channel More Determined to Say the Truth
Director of al-Ikhbariya TV, Imad Sara, said that the martyrdom of al-Ashram while carrying out his national duty of relaying the truth of what is happening in Syria will only make journalists working at the channel more determined to say the truth.
In a statement to SANA, Sara said that terrorists had abducted al-Ashram before and tortured him, and even burned down his house and his mother’s house, all because he insisted to do his job for Syria’s sake.
He affirmed that workers at al-Ikhbariya TV will remain faithful to their country and will continue to relay the whole truth due to their commitment to the homeland.
Makdissi: UN Secretary General’s Statement on Unilateral Ceasefire by the Syrian Side Incomplete
Oct 10, 2012
Damascus, (SANA)_Foreign and Expatriates Ministry Spokesman, Jihad al-Makdissi said that the UN Secretary General’s statement in Paris yesterday on the implementation of unilateral ceasefire by the Syrian side during his talks in New York, and that the Syrian side has asked him about what is next is incomplete and contained half of the truth regarding what has really happened during the talks and here is the whole story:
The UN Secretary General proposed implementing unilateral ceasefire and, in the same session, the Syrian side informed him that the Syrian Arab Republic has already implemented this proposal twice. The first time was during the work of the Arab Observers Mission headed by al-Dabi and the second one was on April 12th in the presence of the UN Observers Mission to Syria and in line with Mr. Kofi Annan’s six-point plan.
In both times, the armed groups exploited the commitment of the Syrian government to expand their armed deployment in some areas and since then human losses among military and civilians doubled due to the terrorist operations carried out by these groups in violation of the truce.
In light of what has been said, we agreed with the UN Secretary General on that the truce aims at creating appropriate atmosphere for the desired political dialogue and not to undermine Syria’s stability and exploit the commitment of the Syrian state. Therefore we asked the Secretary General to send his envoys to the countries concerned, especially Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey which fund, harbor, train and arm the armed groups to ensure these countries’ commitment to refrain from such acts, since they have influence on the armed groups, and to use their power to halt violence by the other side.
He added that the Syrian side asked to be informed on the outcome of the UN Secretary General’s efforts to discuss them with its leadership and make necessary arrangements.
Speaker of People’s Assembly Discusses with Lamani Efforts to Solve Crisis in Syria
Oct 10, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)_Speaker of the People’s Assembly, Mohammad Jihad al-Laham discussed on Wednesday with Mokhtar Lamani, the head of UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi’s office in Syria, the efforts to come out of the crisis in Syria.
The two sides stressed the importance of finding a peaceful settlement to the crisis and ending violence, and work to launch a national dialogue that brings together the different spectrums of Syrian people with the aim to protect Syria.
Al-Laham reviewed the terrorist acts of the armed terrorist groups, in addition to the fierce media campaign led by misleading media and the impact of the unjust economic sanctions on the lives of the Syrian people.
Al-Laham highlighted the reforms enacted in Syria in response to the citizens’ demands and the People’s Assembly’s efforts to achieve national reconciliation, especially after setting up a permanent committee for this end so as to play an effective role on the ground to emphasize dialogue until achieving reconciliation.
Lamani said he will resume his meetings with different parties in Syria to listen to their viewpoints and urge them to engage dialogue to reach a solution to the crisis.
In a statement to SANA after the meeting, Lamani said ”the meeting comes as part of a series of meetings with different parties to listen to their views about the crisis,” indicating that he discussed with al-Laham the crisis in Syria and listened to the People’s Assembly position on it.”
Chavez Reiterates Support to Syria, Stresses That the US Most Responsible for Crisis
Oct 10, 2012
CARACAS, (SANA) – The Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Tuesday reiterated his country’s support to Syria in the face of the pre-planned scheme targeting it, stressing that the U.S. administration is one of the powers most responsible for the crisis in Syria.
In his first press conference after being re-elected as Venezuela’s President, Chavez said that he will continue supporting the Syrian government under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad.
“How can we not suppor the government of President Bashar al-Assad as long as it is Syria’s legitimate government? If we didn’t support it, then who should we support? Should we support the terrorists who want a transitional council and kill people wherever they are?!”, President Chavez wondered.
He considered it odd that some western governments are holding meetings with terrorists and no longer recognize a legitimate government.
The Venezuelan President hailed the stance of Russia and China regarding the crisis in Syria.
Chavez stressed in a statement last September that the Syrian people is currently the victim of a violent imperialist policy.
Lavrov: We Will Defend UN Charter while Solving Crisis in Syria
Oct 10, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, stressed on Wednesday that Russia will defend the principles of the UN Charter regarding solving the crisis in Syria and settling the Iranian nuclear file.
Russia Today website reported Lavrov as saying before the Russian Federation Council that arbitrary interpretations of the general principles of the UN Charter such as preventing the use and threat of force, resorting to peaceful solutions to pending issues, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and non-interference in the internal affairs constitute a threat to the global system.
Lavrov added that Russia will continue its persistence on the sovereignty of law in the international issues, pointing out that his country is exerting efforts to search for means to solve crisis in Syria and the Iranian nuclear file.
The Russian Foreign Minister expressed Moscow’s readiness for holding the second meeting of the action group on Syria at any time.
“We are ready to hold this meeting at any time but we realize that it should be prepared to,” said Lavrov, noting that when Russia last August proposed holding a meeting for the group to stress the necessity to implement Geneva statement and most importantly for the members to take upon themselves to influence the two parties to the conflict in Syria, its partners were not ready for that.
In the same context, Lavrov said that Syria and Turkey should engage into a direct dialogue to settle the situation after the incident which took place on the border early October.
He added that the Syrian side “is interested in regaining contact with Turkey”, expressing hope that Ankara too is ready to communicate with Damascus.
Lavrov noted that the UN envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, will formulate, after having visited Damascus, ideas for “settling the conflict” in the country based on Geneva statement.
“Brahimi visited the region and Damascus, and now is heading to the region again. Afterwards, he’ll formulate ideas that will be based, as he told me in New York, on the main points of Geneva meeting, which is absolutely correct,” said Lavrov.
On the Iranian issue, the Russian Foreign Minister warned of the dangerous repercussions that would result from launching military strikes against Iran, hoping that there would be no such strikes.
He considered that such developments, if happened, “would be the nearest way towards undermining the efforts seeking to settle all the issues regarding the Iranian nuclear file.”
Al-Maliki: Iraq Rejects NATO Intervention in Syria under Pretext of Defending Turkey
Oct 10, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said that his country rejects the NATO intervention in Syria under the pretext of defending Turkey which adopts a wrong policy that affects the security of the region, stressing that Turkey is not under threat.
In a statement to journalists in Moscow, al-Maliki said that a war should not be ignited, nor a whole organization such as the NATO alliance dragged to such a war to defend Turkey which is not really under threat.
He considered what has been circulated by some media about Syrian aircrafts bombing the Turkish territories an exaggerated allegation and does not deserve to wage a war for its.
Al-Maliki warned against the risks of NATO intervention in Syria since it might lead to a big war in the whole region.
Regarding the Turkish policy towards Syria, the Iraqi Premier described it as wrong, adding that Turkey is taking risks through its policies, particularly those related to the security in the region, and its behavior is rude as it takes the responsibility of solving the issues in Syria instead of the Syrian people, indicating that Turkey wants to impose its decision and that is why the international community has to take action to stop Turkey.
He said that Ankara is trying to drag the NATO to interfere in Syria’s affairs which is a serious matter as it means a repetition of the Libyan scenario, stressing that the solution to the crisis in Syria should be peaceful so that in the future, the Syrian people will be able to decide what they want, adding that”Only then, there will be no danger threatening Syria or other countries in the region.”
Al-Maliki refuted the US allegations of Iran sending aircrafts loaded with weapons to the Syrian government through the Iraqi territories as baseless, adding that “We will not allow using the Iraqi territories to transport weapons and fighters to the neighboring countries. We searched the aircrafts without earlier warning and no weapons were found on their boards.”
He added that transporting weapons through transit violates the international law and the Iraqi Constitution and it might cause problems to the country, describing the U.S. allegation to be a political game or trick since Syria does not need weapons to be transported through the Iraqi territories.
Premier al-Maliki said that Iraq has asked for evidence on such allegations but it received none, adding that “We did not get assurances that Iranian aircrafts are transporting weapons to Syria. We informed both Syria and Iran that we allow transporting cargos but not weapons and we will continue conducting international inspections in this regard.”
Minister of Education: Syria Submitted Written Reports on Transgressions against Syrian Heritage to UNESCO
Oct 10, 2012
PARIS, (SANA) –The Syrian Minister of Education, Hazwan al-Wazz stressed Syria’s cooperation with all friends and its openness to all sincere initiatives to end the crisis.
Speaking on his behalf at the opening session of the 190th session of the Executive Council of the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UNESCO, Ambassador Lamia Shakkour reiterated Syria’s sincere call for starting unconditional national dialogue to get out of the crisis and overcome its repercussions through appropriate solutions.
He added that Syria believes that the solution to the crisis should be Syrian and by the Syrians themselves without excluding anyone.
On September 16th, Syria’s children started their new school year and the Syrian universities and institutes opened despite the huge damage caused by the armed terrorist groups to the education sector, Shakkour said.
He indicated that 2,073 schools have been damaged, some of which need to be reconstructed completely, while 796 other schools were transferred into makeshift centers for those who were displaced and forced to leave their houses and cities in light of the criminal acts committed by the armed terrorist groups.
Al-Wazz said that the ministry documented the assassination of 88 workers at the education sector and the value of damage caused to this sector alone was estimated at SYP 5,444 billion, not to mention the damage caused to universities, media institutions, services facilities, museums, in addition to hindering the tourism movement and industry as well as other aspects of life in the country.
The statement added that Syria’s calls upon the UNESCO and other international organizations stressed these organizations’ right and freedom to send whoever they want to closely inspect the reality and the huge damage on the ground.
The Minister added that Syria, under the current crisis, is facing real threats to its rich cultural heritage, indicating that the Syrian government has adopted firm measures to protect the national cultural heritage, including those sites which are listed on the World Heritage List.
The Minister of Education said that coordination with the UNESCO and its bodies continues, adding that UNESCO and international concerned bodies have been provided with written reports on the transgressions against the Syrian heritage to unite international and national efforts to protect and preserve the Syrian heritage, calling upon international sides to adhere to their obligations according to the Heritage Protection Agreements / 1954 – 1972 and 2003/ and the relevant protocols.
The statement added that ” contrary to the US Permanent Representative’s false allegations and the non-objective information, Syria has always welcomed the General Director’s support and the nomination of a team of international experts to head to Syria as soon as possible to organize a workshop, adding that ”We look forward that the UNESCO and the specialized bodies would have a role in reaching an international census on “the position of Morals in Preserving World Heritage”.
He said that Syria, which is committed to the UN Charter and the principles of the international law and the legitimacy of human rights on respecting the independence and sovereignty of states and the inadmissibility of foreign intervention in their domestic affairs, in addition to these countries’ complete responsibility of protecting the civilians, is punished today in such a precedent that has never been witnessed throughout the history of the international relations.
He regretted that ”the appreciation and the confidence in some brothers and friends made them betray us and our people and became tools in the hands of sponsors of strange western project that serves a serious Zionist scheme as they practiced misleading media and provided money and arms to armed terrorist takfiri groups that are killing, kidnapping and terrifying the Syrians, not to mention destroying economic, scientific, cultural and social infrastructure in Syria.
He added that “In Syria, we still have hope that these countries and powers which support the armed terrorist groups will reconsider their stances to play objective and moral roles that maintain their reputation in history within the international community’s efforts to form a just and transparent order to face climate, environment and security challenges… an order that is based on the UN Charter and the international law that guarantee the inadmissibility of intervention in the sovereign affairs of countries.”
The minister said that the Syrian national sides presented to the Security Council and the international organizations concerned official documents and references on the crimes committed against the Syrians serving major powers and their regional projects.
The minister added that the 18-month crisis in Syria never hindered the enactment of reforms to fulfill popular demands as a new constitution was issued including political plurality, parliamentary elections and local administration laws, freedom of press and media, decentralization and the formation of new government that comprised representatives of national opposition parties.
”Through this, Syria achieved a wide popular participation in the Syrian government’s reform project and its commitment to enhance democratic atmosphere for a political and economic future that stressed the rule of the law, preserved security and stability and consolidated the national unity.”
”Despite that, the armed terrorist groups continued their violations of the moral principles and the international conventions, resorted to what might hinder the process of reform and national reconciliation and targeted the lives of innocents, their security and their daily living backed and covered by major foreign powers,” said the minister.
It is no more a secret what Syria is facing, the killing of journalists, the misleading media campaigns, the fabrications, the halt of the Syrian TVs broadcast and the instigation on violence and hatred by some media outlets.
He said “On August 29th, President Bashar al-Assad stressed the Syrian people’s ability to overcome the current situation and its repercussions ,” adding that today in Syria we are determined to make reforms that meet the aspirations of our citizens and their struggle to restore rights and achieve comprehensive and just peace that is based on international legitimacy resolutions despite all obstacles.
The minister called upon the UNESCO to inform the member states about the progress made regarding the implementation of the resolutions on the occupied Arab territories in Palestine and the occupied Syrian Golan, especially forming expert committees to inspect the daily aggressive practices of the Israeli occupation authorities against cultural and educational institutions, their transgressions against al-Aqsa Mosque and their attempts to juadize Jerusalem City and threatening its cultural heritage.
He expressed Syria’s appreciation to the UNESCO resolution on accepting the full membership of Palestine, reiterating Syria’s stance in support of the just causes of G77, China, the Non-Aligned Movement and other friendly countries represented in the UNESCO, hailing their humanitarian and political stances in support of Syria against this ferocious attack which threaten its security, sovereignty and territorial unity.
He added that Syria, which is a unique model of fraternity and coexistence, strongly condemns desecrating religions, messengers and holy sites, and urges world countries to be alarmed to the threats posed by terrorism that undermines the values of societies, urging UNESCO to take a firm stance against these violations.
The minister expressed Syria’s welcome to the ”Education First” initiative that was put forward by the UN Secretary-General that UNESCO was honored to lead, indicating that Syria has paid its annual financial donation despite the unjust sanctions.
National Media Council: Protecting Syrian Human Heritage a Defense of the Homeland
Oct 10, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)_The National Media Council stressed that protecting the Syrian human heritage is a defense of the homeland threatened by groups of extremist gunmen allied with the mafias of ancient monuments, and a defense of the world human civilization.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Council called upon the journalists, reporters, intellectuals, students and clergymen to defend the Syrian cultural identity through defending the national ancient monuments that are a symbol of this culture, indicating that the international organizations should shoulder responsibilities in protecting this human heritage as this lies at the core of the tasks of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Council saw that there must be an immediate scientific action that would put an end to the violations and thefts threatening these human and cultural milestones, calling upon the Syrians who value their heritage to be a staunch shield in defense of their heritage.
The Council alarmed to the grave danger threatening the archeological sites, historical buildings and the Syrian museums amid the current war waged on Syria, adding that in parallel with targeting the economic, educational, service and health structure, the terrorist groups are targeting the Syrian cultural identity and world mafias are threatening the Syrian ancient treasures.
The statement indicated that the barbaric targeting of Syrian antiquities is evidenced by reports on the excavations in al-Madiqe, the Krak des Chevaliers and Ebla citadels and attempts to steal the mosaic floors in Apamea and the Aramaic golden statue from Hama museum, and armed attacks on Maaret al-Nu’man museum, burning down Aleppo ancient souks, demolishing ancient churches, monasteries and mosques in Homs as the armed terrorist groups are using citadels, historical buildings and souks as barricades, making the invaluable cultural achievements a battlefield.
”The Syrian civilizations have endowed the Syrian society with diversity and made the Syrian spiritual structure take pride in the cohesive social fabric…this historical cultural memory is derived from the material landmarks exhibited in museums,” the statement concluded, warning of the goals of the terrorist colonial war on Syria which aims at uprooting this unequalled example of diversity.
Ghalawanji Chairs Meeting on Establishing Funds for New Organizational Regions
Oct 10, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Deputy Prime Minister for Services Affairs, Minister of Local Administration Omar Ghalawanji on Wednesday chaired a meeting on establishing funds for the two new organizational regions established as pet Legislative Decree No. 66 for 2012 and financing them.
The meeting discussed the steps needed to provide funding for the two regions and carrying them out according to schedule, which will cost around SYP 90 billion; 24 billion for the infrastructure, 6 billion for paying rents of former occupants of the two areas, and 60 billion to build houses.
The meeting also tackled establishing funds for financing and managing the costs of the two regions, with Ghalawanji noting that there are various options for providing the necessary funding such as bank loans, partnering up with companies, and so on.
Ghalawanji ordered the formation of a committee to study all possible scenarios for securing funding for the project from start to finish, in addition to studying the establishment of the funds.
For his part, Governor of Damascus Bishr al-Sabban gave a presentation on the organizational regions in question, noting that Damascus Governorate Executive Office allocated SYP 500 million for funding this project from the Governorate’s budget.
In turn, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria Adib Mayyaleh stressed the need to adopt a balanced and calculated solution to fund the project to avoid hurdles, suggesting te possibility of finding additional sources for funding the projects other than banks and loans to guarantee its continuation and take inflation into account.
Britain Admits British Extremists Intend to Join Fighting in Syria
Oct 10, 2012
LONDON, (SANA) – Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague on Wednesday admitted that British extremists intend to join the fighting in Syria.
In a statement to BBC, Hague said that the government is aware of some British people joining the battles in Syria, warning them against traveling there or taking part in the fight.
“We strongly advise them not to travel to Syria, and we do not want British people taking part in violent situations anywhere in the world,” he said.
Hague’s implicit confessions came in line with the divulging of the conspiracy hatched against Syria, not to mention the flow of international media reports which revealed the involvement of the US and some western countries in sending terrorists to Syria and providing them with military and financial support by some Gulf countries with the aim of toppling the Syrian state and spreading chaos.
Today, the British Police arrested a man and a woman, both aged 26, on suspicion of preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism in Syria as part of the investigation into travelling there and supporting terrorist acts.
The police statement indicated that the two were arrested upon their arrival at Heathrow Airport after which they were taken to a police station in central, adding that are still in custody.
The statement added that the police searched several properties in eastern London as part of the investigations.
In the same context, BBC News on Monday uncovered that shipments of weapons intended for the Saudi army have been diverted to the gunmen in Aleppo.
“Three crates from an arms manufacturer – addressed to Saudi Arabia – have been seen in a base being used by gunmen in the city of Aleppo.” BBC correspondent in Syria Ian Pannell reported.
Rizospastis, the newspaper of the Communist Party of Greece, stressed that the imperialist powers are targeting Syria and the entire Middle East region through using mercenary armed terrorist groups to hit Syria’s stability under the cover of opposition, with the aim of overcoming Iran and controlling the oil and natural gas transfer lines.
The newspaper called upon the Greek people and the other peoples in the region to be cautious and aware of these schemes.
General Union of Arab Students Reiterates Rejection of Foreign Intervention in Syria
Oct 10, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The General Union of Arab Students reiterated rejection of all forms of foreign intervention in Syria, calling for immediate halt of violence and launching the comprehensive dialogue among all sides to draw up Syria’s future.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Union called for cancelling all the unjust Arab, western and U.S. sanctions imposed on the Syrian people.
It also called upon monarchies of the Gulf and the Turkish government not to interfere in Syria’s internal affairs, to stop supplying criminal mercenaries with funds and arms and to leave the Syrian people alone to decide their future.
Second Syrian Youth Sculpture and Drawing Forum Kicks Off
Oct 10, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The second Syrian Youth Sculpture and Drawing Forum kicked off on Wednesday at the courtyard of Damascus Citadel, organized by the Fine Arts Directorate and the Institute of Applied Arts.
Director of Fine Arts at the Ministry of Culture, sculptor Aktham Abdelhamid, said that this event provides young artists with a chance to meet and build bridges with art establishments, noting that it also helps artist train in working within a set time period to prepare them for participating in international events.
Abdelhamid noted that the forum also aims to nurture young talents, and that holding it during these difficult times shows the world that the Syrian people will continue living life to the fullest regardless of the difficulties.
Sculptor Nisreen al-Saleh said that her participation in the forum consists of an abstract presentation of the woman as a mother, sister and wife, using poplar wood as a medium.
In turn, sculptor Waddah Salameh said his sculpture represents a composition of social layers that suffered cultural disorders that caused them to become destabilized, using both wood and iron to produce his piece.
For her part, sculptor Wala’a Kateb said her piece is an abstract representation connecting different pieces through a mutual emotion, with an underlying theme of the role of music in clarifying the human spirit, using olive wood as her medium of choice.
Similarly, sculptor Julia Wahbe said that she’s working on an abstract expressionist piece representing aesthetic values through the human being’s higher qualities, naming the sculpture “wing and pride.”
Artist Juliana Salloum said her painting consists of three windows depicting similar conditions that combine the elements of earth, air, water and fire.
In turn, forum supervisor and artist Lina Affash said that the event contains a wide variety of artistic styles and techniques, revealing the Syrian youths’ creativity.
Old Coins Exhibition in Shahbaa Festival for Heritage and Arts Activities
Oct 10, 2012
SWEIDA, (SANA) – The second day of Shahbaa Festival for Heritage and Arts observed the opening of an exhibition for historical currencies and antique instruments.
The exhibition, held in cooperation with the locals in Qanawat town, showcased more than 200 old paper money and 500 antique coins, most of which are Syrian, as well as to a collection of Arab and foreign coins that date back to early last century.
Member of the executive office for the Provincial Council for Tourism and Antiquities told SANA reporter that the festival is an opportunity to introduce Syria’s history and enhance the role of governmental sector and the civil organizations in protecting national archeological findings.
In turn, head of Qanawat committee in the Antiquities institution, Hussein Zariyfeh stressed the importance of preserving the national identity and the cultural and intellectual heritage against globalization.
He reviewed the institution’s efforts to take care of ancient ruins and make use of the archeological sites in the province to contribute to tourism industry.
Head of Sweida Antiquities Department, Hussein Zein Eddin said that a number of archeological houses have been acquisitioned in Qanawat town with the aim of showing their historical value.
Syrian Firefighters Have Become a Target of Terrorists’ Hatred-charged Gunfire
Oct 10, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)- Number 113 is very known by all the Syrians, as it is considered their first resort when exposed to any harm or accident which necessitate calling the firefighters.
Despite their noble mission and the humanitarian services they offer to those in need, firefighters in Syria have also been a target of the terrorists’ hatred and perfidy as the bullets of the terrorists claimed the lives of many firefighters.
“The firefighters are now being targeted like all the Syrians who care for protecting their homeland,” a firefighter said in a statement to SANA, expressing grief over the loss of number his comrades who were the victim of the terrorist groups’ gunfire.
Known for their extraordinary self-motivation and enthusiasm to respond to any a call of fire or help, the Syrian firefighters are now not only being blocked from doing their job, but also shot dead by the mercenary and armed terrorist groups.
“This is our homeland and we should maintain it…build it stone by stone,” the firefighter said.
“It takes minutes to destroy the walls of this great edifice of Syria, while years are needed to rebuild it,” he went on as saying, stressing that “this is the message I address to the terrorists.”
He called upon all those who participate in the destruction of the homeland to return to their senses and to contribute to preserving Syria and its dignity and honor.
Early Warning System for Communicable Diseases during Crisis Established
Oct 10, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)- The Ministry of Health has recently established an early warning system to collect information on communicable diseases during the current crisis the country is going through.
A workshop held recently by the Ministry in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), which helped in setting up the early warning system, discussed means of taking the appropriate measures to prevent the outbreak of epidemics and diseases.
The participants in the workshop focused on gathering information on the temporary residential places where displaced families are staying, who fled the practices of the armed terrorist groups, with the aim of ensuring their needs of vaccine, medicines and reproductive health services.
Health Minister, Saeed al-Nayef pointed out 104 health centers across the provinces were chosen for weekly notification on a specific list of diseases including 12 contagious diseases.
“This aims for early confrontation and treatment of such diseases upon emerging,” said the Minister.
He highlighted that the health sector in Syria has been subjected to great losses during the current crisis, estimating these losses at SYP 6 billion, which included hospitals, clinics, health centers, ambulances and medical equipment.
Minister al-Nayef stressed that the Ministry is cooperating with the friendly countries of Iran, Korea, Cuba, India and China, in addition to international organizations and civil charity associations, to bridge the gaps suffered by the health sector.
Acting WHO Representative in Damascus, Elizabeth Hoff, said the Organization has established the early warning system to enhance the National System for Epidemic-prone Disease Surveillance during Emergencies, which is aimed at detecting diseases that constitute danger on public health and informing about them in the right time.
She stressed that the WHO will provide the necessary technical support to this system through securing communication means and helping in specifying the data and issuing reports.
For his part, Director of Health Care Department at the Ministry, Ahmad al-Abboud, said the objective behind launching the early warning system was the spread of local internal immigration inside the cities and provinces, which he said created a kind of overpopulation and caused reduction in the level of vaccine coverage.
The Health Ministry is launching a national vaccination campaign by the beginning of November that targets children aged between 1 and 5 for measles and paralysis.
Director of Contagious and Chronic Disease Department at the Ministr, Kinaz Sheikh, affirmed that no unusual disease cases were recorded in the National Surveillance System despite the unprecedented circumstances faced by the System staff while performing their duty.
Kilicdaroglu Slams Turky’s Foreign Policy as Strategic Blidness
Oct 10, 2012
ANKARA, (SANA) – Leader of the Turkish Republican People’s Party (CHP) Kemal Kilicdaroglu on Tuesday slammed Turkey’s foreign policy decisions, calling Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu “an idiot”.
The Turkish newspaper of Hurriyet quoted Kilicdaroglu as wondering “who is on Turkey’s side?”, citing Hamas, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while Syria has Brazil, Iran, Russia and China on its side.
“Is this a strategic depth or a strategic blindness?”, he asked.
Kilicdaroglu said that the process that resulted in Turkey’s becoming part of such a meaningless balance comes from a foreign minister whose incompetence is known by the entire world.
“You don’t need deep knowledge to know that. You have to be a real idiot to do that,” he added.
Late September, Kilicdaroglu stressed, in a large popular demonstration in Istanbul, that the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyib Erdogan followed the course of the West against Syria, adding that Erdogna’s policy towards Syria is dangerous and contrary to conscience and morals as it is helping in training, arming and sending fighters to Syria.
Syria’s Youth Football Team Wins 5-0 over Kuwaiti Counterpart in Friendly Match
Oct 09, 2012
KUWAIT, (SANA)- Syria’s national youth football team beat the Kuwaiti counterpart 5-0 in a friendly match held on Tuesday at the stadium of al-Qaddissiya Club in the capital Kuwait.
Three of the goals were scored in the first match, while the other two were scored in the second.
Both teams will meet again in a second friendly match on October 14 before the Syrian team comes back to Damascus.
Tuesday’s match was part of the preparations of the Syrian team to participate in the Asian Cup finals set to be held in November in the UAE.
Syria’s team is in group D, along with Australia, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.