Armed Forces Inflict Heavy Losses Upon Terrorists in Several Provinces
Oct 17, 2012
ROVINCES, (SANA) – The Armed Forces on Wednesday killed scores of terrorists and destroyed a car for one of their leaders in addition to destroying seven armored vehicles, a pickup equipped with Shilka machinegun, four vehicles equipped with DShK machineguns and two cars with mortars in the area linking al-Shaar and al-Sakhour roundabouts.
Another army unit killed many terrorists near al-Sakhour roundabout and destroyed a workshop for making explosive devices, burning six cars with all the terrorists inside them, in addition to destroying 3 armored vehicles equipped with mortars and 6 DShK-equipped vehicles.
Meanwhile, authorities clashed with terrorists driving a truck on Damascus – Aleppo road, killing many of them and seize large amount of Turkish-made explosives, C4, silver nitrates and sulfuric acid and they were hidden under food materials.
The seized materials also included advanced communication devices, two satellite transmission devices, weapons and night vision binoculars.
A unit of the Armed Forces carried out a qualitative operation against terrorists in al-Shaar roundabout in Aleppo city, killing scores of them and destroying 10 vehicles equipped with DShK machineguns and two cars equipped with missiles in addition to other two cars equipped with mortars.
The Armed Forces carried out a qualitative operation near Ba’adin crossroads in Aleppo city.
The operation resulted in destroying 3 cars equipped with machineguns and a stolen car and the killing of all the terrorists inside them.
The Armed Forces also carried out a qualitative operation against terrorists’ hideout in al-Sakhour area in Aleppo.
The operation resulted in destroying a DShK-equipped pick-up and the killing of 4 terrorists among them a non-Syrian terrorist.
Units of the Armed Forces killed scores of terrorists while cleaning al-Jabal and al-Safa areas in Aleppo city of the armed terrorist groups.
A terrorist was killed and eight others were injured during clashes between two armed terrorist groups because of a dispute over dividing the loot in al-Sukkari area.
A unit of the armed forces targeted a gathering for terrorists in Al-Atareb, Aleppo countryside, killing scores of them, among them was sniper, Naser Abdul-Aziz al-Faren of Saudi nationality and rifleman Ismael al-Ridwan of Yemeni nationality.
Meanwhile, another army unit hit a position for terrorists at al-Bab area and Aziza village in Aleppo countryside, inflicting heavy losses among them.
The Army units stormed dens of terrorists to the north of Handarat, Shaala, Tal Rahal in Aleppo countryside, Al-Salehin, Tirkawi square in al-Nayrab destroying 4 cars equipped with machineguns and mortars, killing a number of terrorist and injuring many others.
Another unit of the army targeted gatherings of terrorists on Aleppo-al-Bab highway and at al-Sayyed Ali village in Mare’e, Tadef and Deir Hafer, destroying 10 cars equipped with DSHK machineguns.
Member of Damascus Governorate Executive Office Assassinated
An armed terrorist group assassinated citizen Mohammad Ayman Taja, member of Damascus Governorate Executive Office, in Rukn Eddin area in Damascus city.
A source at the Police Command in the province said that the terrorists opened fire on Taja as he was leaving his house in Rukn Eddin, causing his immediate death.
Leaders of Armed Groups Killed in Damascus Countryside
Units of the Armed Forces inflicted heavy losses upon the armed terrorist groups in al-Shifouniyeh and Jisreen towns in the eastern Ghouta in Damascus countryside.
A source in the province told SANA reporter that the Armed Forces continue their operations to clear al-Shifouniyeh town in the eastern Ghouta, killing leaders of the armed terrorist groups and scores of their members.
The source added that terrorists Ahmad Khaybeh and Khaled al-Deirani were identified among the dead.
It said that an army unit killed a number of terrorists in Jisreen town, adding that terrorist Mohammad Walid al-Nabki was identified among the dead.
Armed Forces Restored Security and Stability to al-Jousiyeh Town in Homs Countryside
The armed Forces restored security and stability to al-Jousiyeh town in Qseir countryside in Homs from the armed terrorist groups, killing scores of terrorists.
A source in the province said that an army unit dismantled 20 explosive devices, weighed between 50 to 500 kg, planted by terrorists on the town roads.
It added that the bodies of terrorists Mohammad Oghlan and Mouayad Amer were identified among the dead.
Another army unit destroyed a base for launching missiles in al-Qseir countryside in Homs and killed a number of terrorists.
Bodies of terrorists Mustafa Shamsini and Abdel-Kafi Ahmad al-Aatr were identified among the dead.
Terrorists Eliminated, DShK-equipped Cars Destroyed in Idleb
Armed forces units carried out operations in Wadi al-Deif area in Ma’aret al-Nu’man, Idleb province, eliminating the members of three terrorist groups that attempted to attack the area.
The armed forces also destroyed a missile-launching platform, a mortar launcher, a number of cars equipped with DShK machineguns, in addition to seizing a variety of weapons carried by the terrorists.
An armed forces unit targeted a gathering of terrorists in the town of Kafernabel in the western countryside of Ma’aret al-Nu’man, eliminating a number of terrorists and injuring others.
A military unit destroyed a number of DShK-equipped cars and killed dozens of terrorists in Bseida town in Ma’aret al-Nu’man in Idleb.
3 Explosive Device Workshops Discovered in Daraa
A military unit discovered three workshops for manufacturing explosive devices in Maraba town in Daraa countryside.
A source in the province said that the army unit seized large amount of gunpowder and explosives inside them.
It added that the Armed Forces also destroyed a SUV equipped with a DShK machinegun, killing scores of terrorists in the village.
The body of terrorist Mahmoud Ali al-Abboud, a leader of an armed terrorist group, was identified.
Terrorists Killed, Weapons Seized, 3 Explosive Devices Dismantled in Hama
The armed forces killed four terrorists and seized machineguns, pistols and grenades in al-Mzeiyraa town in al-Salamiyeh countryside in Hama.
A unit of the armed forces clashed with an armed terrorist group which attempted to attack citizens in Masoud village in the countryside of Hama, killing 4 terrorists and arrested others.
A source in the province told SANA reporter that the army unit destroyed a car with all the terrorists inside and seized several machineguns and sniper rifles, in addition to amounts of ammunition.
Another army unit destroyed a car transferring terrorists and eliminated four terrorists and arrested three others in Hama countryside.
Authorities stormed terrorists’ den in Masaud village in Salamiyeh countryside. Authorities arrested 4 of the terrorists and killed the rest and seized a machinegun-equipped car and an amount of weapons and ammunitions.
Units of military engineering dismantled three explosive devices, weighed around 100 kg, ready for remote detonation planted by the armed terrorist groups on the roads near al-Treimseh town in Mhardeh area in Hama.
A Number of Terrorists Killed in Deir Ezzor
A unit of the Armed Forces killed all members of an armed terrorist group near the National Hospital in al-Rushdiyeh neighborhood.
A source in the province told SANA reporter that that the body of terrorist Abdullah Abu Aaraj was identified among the dead. It added unit of the Armed Forces destroyed gatherings for terrorists and a booby-trapped tanker in Souq al-Jbeileh in the city.
Another army unit destroyed a field hospital in al-Sheikh Yasin neighborhood in Deir Ezzor.
Foreign and Expatriates Ministry: EU New Sanctions Contradict International Law
Oct 17, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)_An official source at the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry on Wednesday said that ”In yet another move that proves the colonial mentality that some European countries insist on following in dealing with the events in Syria, the EU announced a new package of sanctions against Syria which target the livelihood of the Syrian people and various economic sectors that directly affect providing the basic needs for them.”
The source told SANA that the EU insistence on imposing unjustified economic sanctions has no legal or moral basis as they contradict the international law and depend on fabricated information that go against the EU claims of caring for the interests of the Syrian people, as the Syrian citizen is targeted in his livelihood and is turned into one receiving humanitarian aid.
”How can the EU justify its care for the wellbeing of the Syrians as it imposes sanctions targeting the sectors of energy, banks, transport and health, and prevent any the possibility of importing basic needs including the medical equipment and incurable diseases’ drugs?,” the source inquired.
The source added that ”the policy of imposing sanctions on Syria is a new episode of the political, financial and media support provided by European countries to the armed terrorist groups which are targeting the Syrian state and people, and is a direct support to the parties interested in prolonging the crisis that the international community agreed unanimously on settling through national dialogue among the Syrians as to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria away from foreign interference.”
”Syria affirms that such unilateral, unethical sanctions won’t weaken the will of the Syrian people in preserving the dignity, stances and heritage of their country, and the Syrian government will do its duty to overcome these inhumane sanctions, ” the source concluded.
Al-Jaafari: Syria Fully Supports Tendency Toward an International Community Free from Using or Threatening to Use Force
Oct 17, 2012
NEW YORK, (SANA) – Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Bashar al-Jaafari, on Tuesday stressed Syria’s full support to the global tendency aiming at building an international community that is free from using or threatening to use force, whether nuclear or traditional.
In a speech before the UN General Assembly’ First Committee on Disarmament and International Security Affairs, al-Jaafari said that the continued support made by major countries to Israel in the fields of traditional and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is a negative measure that doesn’t help building peace or establishing a region free from nuclear weapons.
Syria’s representative pointed out to the war waged against Syria by armed extremist organizations and mercenaries, urging the member countries to commit themselves to international agreements and stop smuggling weapons and materials, both lethal and non-lethal, through the borders of Syria’s neighboring countries.
“My country’s delegation stresses full support to the global tendency toward establishing an international society that is free of using force, whether nuclear or traditional, a community where the principles of the UN Charter stipulating for justice in dealing, equality in sovereignty and peace among nations and peoples prevail,” al-Jaafari said.
He added that ” Preserving national security is a right guaranteed by the UN Charter to all countries, it’s not a privilege to be used by some countries to circumvent the principle of Nuclear non-proliferation and to conduct double-standard criteria that hinder the process of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.”
Al-Jaafari said that the world is facing huge challenges, on top of which is the danger of WMD proliferation, especially as some countries are threatening to use these weapons to achieve political purposes and gains.
Syria’s representative said that “After more than four decades since the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was signed, it is very important that nuclear countries comply with the 6th article of the treaty, stipulating for working seriously to relieve the world from this danger.”
He underlined that the continued support made by major countries to Israel in the fields of providing various nuclear and cutting-edge traditional weapons and enabling it from manufacturing such weapons with ability to store them locally can’t help build peace or establish a region that is free of nuclear weapons.
Al-Jaafari underscored that some countries have been providing Israel with advanced nuclear technology for decades and violating their commitment to the first and second articles of the Non-Proliferation Treaty through protecting this Israeli nuclear anomaly in the region.
He highlighted that these violations enabled Israel to build nuclear weapons and delivery methods, which pose threats to the safety and security of the whole Middle East region and beyond it.
Al-Jaafari warned of the risks of the continuation of the international suspicious and inexcusable silence over Israel’s policies, as it moved from the policy of nuclear ambiguity, based on US-Israeli understanding since the beginning of the 1960s, to publicly declare its possession of nuclear weapons and threatening to use them amidst a western silence that confirms the connivance of some states in protecting Israel from the repercussions of disavowal of the relevant international obligations,” he added.
Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations said that Syria expresses its deep concern that the NPT Review Conferences have not been able to set a specific and obligatory timetable for possessing nuclear weapons so far.
He stressed that what has been issued in the Review Conference for 2010 regarding the establishment of a the Middle East Nuclear Weapon Free Zone (MENWFZ) based on Review Conference of 1995 that necessitates the international community to work for achieving this goal through the need to pressure Israel to join NPT.
Al-Jaafari added that most world states are aspiring for convening this conference and making it a success, as it is due to be held at the end of the current year in Helsinki in Finland, yet Israel’s declaration in the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last month confirms its intention to shirk the resolution of Review Conference for 2010 and thus foiling Helsinki Conference.
Al-Jaafari called on the international community to put pressures on Israel to take part in the Conference and to join the NPT as a non-nuclear party.
He pointed out to the necessity that the conference adopt a comprehensive balanced work program which includes the formation of subsidiary bodies to negotiate eliminating all nuclear weapons according to a binding , unconditioned specific timetable.
“Syria confirms the inalienable right of the NPT’s member states, according to the provisions of article IV of the Treaty, to access the nuclear technology and employ this technology for peaceful purposes in cooperation with the IAEA,” he said, calling on the Agency to shoulder its responsibilities for facilitating the cooperation among the countries in the field of using the nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
He expressed Syria’s rejection of any attempt to interpret these texts in a way that detracts this right or restricts its use.
On the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, al-Jaafari said that some countries are involved in transporting these weapons to the terrorist groups, illegitimate armed groups and mercenaries with the aim of igniting crisis and undermining certain countries and areas to serve the geopolitical interests of other countries.
Al-Jaafari went on as saying “My country is witnessing grievous events due to the terrorist acts perpetrated by armed extremist groups , mercenaries and Jihadist groups from Arab and regional countries that committed criminal acts based on takfiri and extremist irresponsible Fatwas.”
He added that these suicidal groups are using booby-trapped cars, explosive devices and all forms of small arms and light weapons to hit the Syrian citizens, infrastructure and the state institutions with the aim of spreading panic and pushing sectarian war forwards and bringing foreign military intervention under the pretext of protecting civilians.
Al-Jaafari stressed that the terrorist attacks which hit Syria cannot be carried out without financial and weapon support or political and media coverage of the practices of the armed groups.
Syria’s Representative to the UN said, “Unfortunately, some Arab, regional and international states are providing facilitations to the armed terrorist groups to carry out terrorist attacks in Syria.”
Al-Jaafari called on the member states to shoulder their responsibilities and commit themselves to international conventions and treaties, in addition to stopping smuggling of weapons and all related materials whether they are lethal or ‘non-lethal’ across the borders to Syria.
People’s Assembly Condemns Illegal Infiltration of Two Kuwaiti Parliamentarians to Syria
Oct 17, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The People’s Assembly condemned the illegal infiltration of the two members of the Kuwaiti Parliament, Walid al-Tabtabai and Jamaan al-Harbash into Syria through the Turkish territories on September 7th, 2012 and attempts to spread sedition among the united Syrian people.
Speaker of the People’s Assembly, Mohammad Jihad al-Lahham stressed the Assembly’s keenness to have best relations with the Kuwaiti Parliament to meet the aspirations of the Syrian and Kuwaiti peoples.
He said that the Assembly denounces this irresponsible behavior and looks forwards to an explanation by the Kuwaiti Parliament regarding the infiltration of the two MPs into the Syrian territories in the manner of takfiri terrorists , gunmen and weapons’ smugglers.
Lahham added that it had been better for the Kuwaiti Parliament to have sent an official delegation to inspect the reality of events in Syria, hold talks with members of the Syrian People’s Assembly and other political figures and present proposals that contribute to halting the bloodshed in Syria and bring all sides together to come to dialogue as it is the best way to overcome the current crisis and draw up the democratic future of Syria which has been guaranteed by the Constitution.
The People’s Assembly approved draft law on exempting electricity subscribers from fines if they paid their financial obligations by March 31st, 2013.
Members of the People’s Assembly stressed the necessity of providing facilitation for private companies and facilities to obtain electricity converters, particularly after the damage caused by the armed terrorist groups to high and medium voltage power transmission lines.
The Assembly also approved draft law on establishing the General Establishment for Seed Propagation.
The Assembly referred the report of the Legislative and Constitutional Committee on possibility of ratifying the agreement to establish a center for bilateral geopolitical, trade, economic, scientific, technical and financial cooperation signed between Syria and the International Center for Geopolitical Analysis and Trade Cooperation on August 3rd, 2012 in Moscow to the committees of Arab and international affairs for scrutiny.
The Assembly’s members raised questions regarding the possibility of establishing a university in Hasaka province and a sewage treatment plant in Salqeen city in Idleb to reduce pollution.
Cooperation Agreement Worth USD 300,000 to Assist Families Affected by Terrorist Acts Singed
Oct 17, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Ministry of Local Administration and the UN Higher Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a cooperation agreement to provide aid to the displaced, hosting and affected families due to the armed terrorist groups’ attacks.
The total budget of the agreement is initially estimated at USD 300,000 and it might reach USD 5 to 6 million by the end of 2012.
The agreement stipulates for carrying out maintenance and rehabilitation works for makeshift centers in the provinces, ensure basic materials and provide aid to affected and displaced families.
According to the agreement which came within the framework of the response plan signed by the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry and the UN organization working in Syria, monthly cash assistance will be provided for displaced citizens in the Syrian provinces to meet their needs.
Deputy Prime Minister for Services Affairs, Minister of Local Administration, Omar Ghalawanji on the Syrian side and the Head of the UNHCR Office in Syria, Tareq al-Kurdi signed the agreement.
Minister Ghalawanji said that the UN aid came to support Syria in current crisis which forced a large number of citizens to leave their houses to alternative places.
He hailed the Syrian government’s efforts to reduce the negative impact of the crisis and provide humanitarian aid for citizens, underlining the role of the international organizations working in Syria to help the Syrians overcome part of these negative repercussions, especially the UN Higher Commission for Refugees Affairs.
In turn , al-Kurdi stressed the Commission’s commitment to establish a database on the level of Syria and contribute to distributing aid in cooperation with the Syrian government, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and the UNICEF to improve the economic and social situation of families affected by the current circumstances.
Putin: No-One Has the Right to Tell Russia How and to Whom it Exports Weapons if Exports Don’t Contradict UN Sanctions
Oct 17, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said that no-one has the right to tell Russia how and to whom it may export weapons if the exports don’t contradict UN sanctions.
In a speech on Wednesday, Putin said that Russia only signs agreements to export weapons and military equipment with legitimate authorities to boost the defensive capabilities of independent countries after careful study of the situation in the region in question, noting that not all exporters of weapons are so methodical.
Putin also said that unilateral or group sanctions outside the framework of the UN, particularly politicized sanctions, do not represent a rule for international law.
He also called for increasing the level of technical military cooperation among Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and Vietnam.
125 Citizens Released after Pledging Not to Take up Arms Again
Oct 17, 2012
PROVINCES, (SANA) – The juridical authorities in Aleppo on Wednesday released 109 citizens who got involved in recent events but commit no murders.
The citizens were released after they pledged not to take up weapons again or commit any act that might undermine Syria’s security
In the same context, 16 citizens who got involved in the recent events in the country and did not commit murder were released in Damascus Countryside.
Meeting the released citizens, Governor of Damascus Countryside, Hussein Makhlouf said that it is an opportunity for all those who have been misled to return to the right path and a call for those who are involved to turn themselves in.
He hailed the governorate’s efforts to facilitate procedures of releasing the misled citizens to go back to normal life and contribute to building their country.
The governor stressed that the governorate will take care of those who surrendered themselves and weapons to the authorities, solve their problems and help them find job opportunities to start again.
He indicated that the governorate of Damascus Countryside is working on communicating with all sides that reject violence and seek dialogue as a way to achieve legitimate rights.
He said that those who turn themselves in are contributing to reducing the bloodshed and the burden on authorities and the whole country in combating terrorism.
The released citizens said that the humane treatment while they were under arrest changed their convictions.
They asked for providing job opportunities for them and releasing some others in addition to calling upon the Ministry of National Reconciliation Affairs to reduce of the social consequences of the crisis in some areas in the governorate.
Earlier on Tuesday, 68 persons from Homs and its countryside who were misled into getting involved in recent events without shedding Syrian blood were released after turning themselves and their weapons in and pledging not to bear arms again.
Ahmadinejad Calls on All Countries to Help Find Solution to Crisis in Syria through National Dialogue and Accord
Oct 17, 2012
TEHRAN, (SANA) – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on all countries to help resolve the crisis in Syria through dialogue and talks, saying that his recent talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan focused on achieving peace and stability in Syria and the developments in it.
In a press conference during his visit to Kuwait on Wednesday, Ahmadinejad said that those who love the Syrian people must work to establish groundwork for dialogue, peace and free elections, stressing that the future of Syria must be decided upon by the Syrians and that their choices must be respected.
He affirmed that national reconciliation and unity and ending violence is an urgent need, adding that no-one should work against the opinion of the Syrian people.
Ahmadinejad said that weapons and war cannot achieve a solution in Syria as they perpetuate violence and war and do not lead to a future, stressing that ending violence and holding dialogue to hold free elections is the right way to reach a solution.
The Iranian President also criticized suggestions and allegations that Iran poses a threat to security in the region, affirming that Iran considers the region’s security equal to its own security, and that it has been a protector of security in the Gulf area and regional countries across history.
He noted that lack of security in the region is only caused by the presence of foreign forces, which is proven by history, pointing out that the region’s peoples have coexisted for thousands of years.
Ahmadinejad also warned against plots by foreign sides for sowing disputes in the region to preserve their own presence in it.
Brahimi: Solution to Crisis in Syria Depends on Syrians
Oct 17, 2012
BEIRUT, (SANA) – The UN envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi reiterated that solution in Syria depends mainly on the Syrians, adding that his mission to find a solution to the crisis in Syria is based on Kofi Annan’s plan and Geneva statement.
In a press conference in Beirut, Brahimi said that “We deal with the problem depending on different visions, particularly Annan’s six-point plan and Geneva statement which has been agreed on by the UN Security Council members and the majority of countries of the region.
He said that he is holding talks with all sides to stop bloodshed in Syria and to establish a project for the Syrians and by the Syrians themselves to solve their problems. Brahimi added that the solution to the crisis in Syria lies in the hands of the Syrians since they are mainly concerned, with the possibility of providing international support by the UN.
He indicate that the neighboring countries are interested in solving the crisis, depending on the necessity of putting an end to the suffering of the Syrian people, not to mention their fear of the fact that the crisis will not remain within the Syrian borders forever, it might be solved or it will expand.
Regarding a ceasefire on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Brahimi said “It bodes well as regards the Syrian government, and if the opposition responded positively to the proposal, it might be a small stride towards ceasefire and start talks about withdrawing heavy weapons and halt the flow of arms from outside to reach a political solution to the crisis in Syria.”
Russia’s EU Ambassador: EU Pretexts to Impose Sanctions against Syria and Iran Not Convincing
Oct 17, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia’s European Union Ambassador, Vladimir Chizhov, stressed that the pretexts of the European Union to justify imposing additional sanctions against Syria and Iran are not convincing, adding that the sanctions against Belarus are not fruitful.
Interviewed by the Russian Interfax news agency, Chizhov commented on the EU decisions to expand sanctions imposed against Syria and Iran and prolonging sanctions against Belarus for another year as saying that the EU chose to adopt the tactic of imposing sanctions which Russia considered to be short-sighted and inappropriate.
He stressed that the UN Security Council is the only power to impose international sanctions and “we should not call other things as sanctions, rather they are unilateral restraints.”
Chizhov added that it is a must to take into account the need for a scenario to get out of the current situation and that he had no confidence in that the EU has that scenario if that side on which the sanctions are imposed changed its behavior.
He added using the sanctions as a tool for influence necessitates considering what might happen in case they failed and what is the next step, indicating the EU needs such strategic planning.
Interior Minister: Exerting More Efforts to Prevent Attempts to Destabilize Security of the Homeland
Oct 17, 2012
DAMASCUS COUNTRYSIDE, (SANA) – Interior Minister, General Mohammad al-Shaar called upon police officers for exerting more efforts to protect citizens and shoulder their responsibilities in confronting all attempts to destabilize the security of the homeland.
Meeting police officers in Damascus Countryside, Minister al-Shaar reviewed the recent events taking place in the country and the instigative campaigns launched by Arab and international sides to undermine Syria’s stability due to its national and pan-Arab stances, its support to the resistance and its rejection of domination policies and dictates.
He said the media campaign by some satellite channels aimed at stoking internal situation and affect the international public opinion through the support of foreign countries and the armed terrorist groups which kill and commit sabotage acts serving foreign agendas.
Bogdanov: Russia Calls its Arab Partners to Exert Pressure on Syrian Opposition to Accept UNSC Resolutions No 2042 and 2043
Oct 17, 2012
MOSCOW, (SANA) – The Russian President’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov, stressed that Russia does not support one side at the expense of the other in the Syrian crisis. Russia supports national reconciliation and launching comprehensive national dialogue to end the crisis.
In an interview with Russia Today Channel, Bogdanov pointed out that the international community has not abandoned the Syrian issue, on the contrary, there is a blatant interference in the Syrian internal affairs through sending weapons and fighters and encouraging the extremist opposition to oppose an peaceful settlement to the crisis in Syria within the framework of the comprehensive national dialogue.
He added that Russia is waiting for UN envoy to Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi’ visit to Moscow as he set his vision on the situation in Syria and indentified the means for the solution.
On the Russian proposal on forming a Syrian-Turkish security and military supervision committee to supervise the situation and realize an atmosphere of mutual trust, Bogdanov said that Syria agreed on this proposal as means of political solution to get out of the crisis in Syria, while the Turks said the proposal came too late.
Bogdanov added that sending any peacekeeping force to Syria depends on the agreement of the Syrian leadership.
Syria, Cuba Discuss Medical Cooperation
Oct 17, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)_Health Minister, Dr. Saad al-Nayef discussed with the Cuban ambassador in Damascus, Fernando Pérez Maza the health situation in Syria and the challenges facing it in light of the economic sanctions, and cooperation mechanisms to provide the special and hormone drugs to Syrian patients.
Al-Nayef said that the Ministry is working to provide the medical equipment and special drugs that local factories don’t produce, indicating that there would be an exchange of visits between the two countries to discuss exporting Syrian medicines to Cuba and importing Cuban medicines as to serve the common interests of the two countries.
Al-Nayef said that a Syrian delegation will visit Cuba to get a close look at the medical situation there.
For his part, the Cuban ambassador said that there is political and popular interest in Cuba in catering to the needs of the Syrians and putting their potential at the disposal of the Syrian government, considering it a first step towards developing trade and economic relations between the two countries.
He signaled the interest of the Cuban side to make the visit of the Syrian delegation coincide with the world international exhibition as the biggest advertising event showcasing Cuba’s medicine and medical equipment.
Fingerprint Youth Syria Honors Media and Diplomatic figures.. Mikdad: Those who Call for NATO or Foreign Interference Away from Wisdom
Oct 17, 2012
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Fingerprint Youth Syria group held a celebration Tuesday in honor for the diplomatic and Media fronts which confront the aggression on Syria.
Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad, in a speech at the celebration, affirmed that Syria will come out of the crisis victorious due to the determination of the Syrian Arab army, the popular support to it and the compass defined by President Bashar al-Assad represented by the national dialogue.
“The wise person comes to the dialogue table and stands against the killing of his people, but those who call for NATO or the foreign intervention against their people are away from the wisdom,” Mikdad said.
He added that enemies of Syria want to divide the homeland, stir up discord among the people in the interest of Israel, so they try to “slaughter” it because it is the only remaining center in the region and outside which defends the rights and stands against the western, colonial agendas.
Mikdad disapproved talks which say that the reason behind what is going on in Syria is its need for reform as this was being achieved and being sought by President al-Assad to overcome corruption and promote the situation up in Syria.
“The aggressions against the Syrian embassies in some capitals, among them burning the Syrian embassy in Cairo, were targeting to burn the Syrian will and silence the pure voice as well as the fair and noble stance to carry out US- backed Israeli plots,” Mikdad said.
He added that the Syrian diplomacy, based on morals and the Syrians’ interest in their central issues, particularly the Palestinian issue, will remain forever the real conscience that defends sovereignty, independence and the freedom of peoples.
Chairman of the Boards of the Group Anas Mohamad Younes, for his part, underlined that honoring the voices of right in media and the diplomatic corps comes as an appreciation by the Syrian youth to the sacrifices and the efforts they exerted to overcome the crisis.
Khalaf al-Miftah, General Director of al-Wihda Establishment for Printing and Distribution said that the awareness of the Syrian youth of the nature of the conspiracy against Syria makes ‘all of us” more determined to come out of the crisis.
Syria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mihdi Dakhllalah said in a statement to SANA that away from the negative effects of the crisis in Syria which all talk about, the positive aspects Syria is passing through is that it possesses youth from the civil society which enjoy great role that expresses hidden energies which became an effective factor in the country.