Russian Foreign Ministry: What is Happening in Syria Not Revolution, US-Backed Friends of Syria Group Illegitimate
MOSCOW, (SANA) – Russia stressed that what is taking place in Syria is not a revolution and no one can consider the situation there as the beginning of a revolution.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich on Thursday expressed Russia’s concern about recent reports by Israeli media that British and Qatari troops had been sent to Syria.
In a press conference in Moscow, Lukashevich said that the Ministry will check about these news as they arouse concern if it was proved to be true.
He added that the idea proposed by the US to form an international friendship group to support the Syrian opposition is not legitimate in terms of international legal norms.
“Russia is very cautious about various formats which it doesn’t consider legitimate in terms of international legal norms,” stressed Lukashevich, reminding of the negative experience of setting up such formats in Libya.
He added that his country sharply opposed any formats aimed at boosting an outer interference to the country’s domestic affairs, adding that such formats cannot be considered strategic in a settlement process or has international legitimacy.
Lukashevich said that Russia has exerted great efforts over the last few weeks to find a solution to the Syrian crisis, adding that Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announces Russia’s plans and stances in this regard on a daily basis.
He added that Russia welcomes the resumption of the suspended Arab League monitoring mission in Syria.
Lukashevich considered that the reputation of the United Nations (UN) is high, but it is using its regional diplomatic tools including the Arab League.
The Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman said that Russia supports the role of the AL in terms of resuming its mission and increasing the number of its members upon which the Syrian leadership has already agreed.
He said that the AL monitoring mission work in Syria is very useful, adding that spreading monitors throughout Syria might be very important and encouraging for stability.
Lukashevich said the official Syrian authorities expressed readiness to conduct dialogue in Russia, adding that Russia is still waiting to have an answer from the Syrian opposition regarding its proposal to hold negotiations among all Syrian sides in Moscow.
He said that Russia continues its contacts with the Syrian opposition inside and outside Syria.
Lukashevich said that the latest statements made by the UN Secretary General and the AL Secretary General on the necessity of resuming the work of the AL monitoring mission in Syria are clear indication on the importance of the joint action as a way to resolve conflicts .
He added that Russia is fully implementing its obligations regarding arms exporting to Syria which is not subjected to any international sanctions, adding that Russia’s military cooperation with Syria and other countries carried out in accordance with international conventions and it doesn’t violate international rules or norms.
Lukashevich refuted news about sending a protest memo to Russia upon such military shipments to Syria by Canada, holding the mass media responsible for broadcasting such news.
AL Proposals to Expand its Mission in Syria Need Serious Discussion, Russia Ready to Consider them
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said that Russia stressed support to all diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the crisis in Syria, a solution that can be accepted by all the Syrians.
Gatilov added said that Russia is ready to consider all initiatives, particularly those launched by the Arab League.
He said that the AL proposal to increase the number of the AL monitoring mission members and assigning a special representative of the UN Secretary General require serious discussion and Russia is ready to consider these proposals.
Gatilov stressed that the main issue for now is to cease fire, adding that if the submitted proposals help achieve this goal, Russia is ready to participate and consider them.
He said that these proposals suggested immediate stop of violence acts by all sides, changing the AL mission and increasing its members to halt all violence practices in the Syrian territories.
Regarding an expanded AL mission, he said it is very important to understand its tasks and the nature of its work as well as those who will be of its members, adding that “All these things should be accurately defined.”
Russian Defense Ministry: Foreign Interference in Syria Rejected
Russian Deputy Defense Minister, Anatoly Antonov, said foreign military intervention in Syria should not be allowed, pointing out to the firm military cooperation between Syria and Russia and that Russian experts are working in various military projects in Syria.
In an interview with Russia-24 TV channel, Antonov added that the Russian military command follows, with a great interest, the situation regarding Syria,” the situation is continuously deteriorating due to tensioning the situation surrounding this country and of course Russia cannot stand still towards that.”
Antonov clarified that the tense situation in the Middle East obliges command of the Russian military institution to consider every tangible step, adding that we consider the discussions at the Security Council in New York on Syria as we are cooperating, in this regard, with the officials at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Chinese Foreign Ministry: Beijing Ready to Push ahead with Efforts to Reach Peaceful Settlement to Syrian Crisis
BEIJING, (SANA)_China underlined willingness to push ahead with vigorous efforts to reach a peaceful settlement to the crisis in Syria, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin said.
In a press conference on Thursday, Weimin said that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun met on Feb. 6-9 a delegation from the Syrian National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change, which came at the invitation of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs.
Weimin said that Zhijun called upon all sides to immediately halt violence and take practical measures to erase tension and spare civilian lives, adding that he stressed the importance of respecting the Syrian people’s demands and that the Syrian government fulfill its obligations in enacting reforms and launching a comprehensive political process to settle differences.
The spokesman said that China is a friend of the Syrian people and has no vested interest in the Syrian affairs, adding that China has maintained communication with all sides involved in the Syrian crisis, including the opposition, to push ahead with dialogue and exerted tangible efforts to calm the situation in Syria.
Terrorists Shell Homs Refinery, Detonate Explosive Device under Railway Bridge in Idleb Countryside…Weapons Seized in Daraa, Palmyra
PROVINCES, (SANA)–Lieutenant Colonel Ammar al-Jurf and Chief Warrant Officer Tarek Suleiman were martyred on Thursday while serving their duty in combating armed groups in al-Qassir town in Homs countryside.
Also two law-enforcement members were martyred while few others injured by the gunfire of armed terrorist groups in al-Qassir.
Armed terrorist groups booby-trapped few buildings, alleys and streets in the city and detonated a number of explosive devices.
Meanwhile, other armed terrorist groups set up barriers on some roads and streets and burned tires while other groups stormed into some shops and houses and stole their contents, in addition to burglarizing few cars.
Authorities Seize Stolen Archeological Pieces, Explosives, Detonators and Medical Equipments in Palmyra
In the same context, Authorities foiled an attempt to steal a car carrier truck in Daraa.
SANA correspondent said that the thieves attacked the car carrier truck near Um al-Mayadeen Bridge with the aim of stealing the cars it carries when the authorities interfered and arrested some of them.
On the other hand, three civilians were injured by explosive device blast near Mahjeh Bridge in Daraa Countryside, no victims were reported.
In Homs countryside, authorities raided some farms to the south of Palmyra City where they found 16 stolen archeological pieces, in addition to seizing things which were stolen from Dedeman Hotel which the groups attacked a few days ago.
SANA correspondent reported that the authorities recovered a number of stolen state and private vehicles and seized explosives detonators and medical equipment.
The authorities discovered trenches which the terrorists used in their attacks against the civilians and law-enforcement forces.
The armed terrorist groups continued its attack on Homs refinery shelling seven mortars since 1:00 am till 6:00 am and no damages were reported.
The competent authorities interfered in al-Qassir, chased and arrested a number of terrorists.
Competent Authorities Raid House of a Terrorist in Daraa, Seize Weapons
The competent authorities raided on Thursday the house of a terrorist in Taseel town in Daraa. SANA correspondent said that 14 boxes of mines, 6 boxes of TNT charges, 2000 meter-detonating fuse, 32 anti-tank mines, 7 boxes of ammunition, two boxes of MD detonators and a box of electrical detonators were seized from the house.
The competent authorities also seized explosive charges and a hand-made rocket, 20 explosive devices, some weighing 50 kg, cylinders primed for explosion, a stolen car and automatic weapons.
Armed Terrorist Group Blows up Explosive Device under Railway Bridge in Idleb Countryside
An armed terrorist group detonated an explosive device under a railway bridge west of Ma’ardes village in Idleb countryside.
SANA correspondent said that the bombing inflicted damage to the bridge, adding that no human losses were reported.
Explosive Device Planted in al-Shifa’ Mosque Minaret in Hama Dismantled
Competent authorities in Hama dismantled an explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group in the minaret of al-Shifa’ Mosque in al-Hamidiyyeh neighborhood in the city.
The device weighs 15 kg and was primed to be detonated remotely.
The terrorist group planted the device to blow up the minaret and accuse the army and security forces of the incident so as to be exploited by instigative channels, as was the case with Othman Bin Affan Mosque Minaret in Deir Ezzor.
Eight Army and Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The bodies of 7 army and law-enforcement martyrs on Thursday were escorted from Tishreen Military Hospital in Damascus and Martyr Zahi Azraq Military Hospital in Lattakia to their final resting place.
The martyrs were killed by the armed terrorist groups while performing their national duty in Damascus Countryside, Homs and Idleb.
Solemn funeral ceremonies were held for the martyrs, as they were carried on shoulders while the music of the “Martyr” and “Farewell” was playing.
The martyrs are:
Sergeant Major Ihsan Suleiman Jamal Eddin, from Sweida.
Sergeant Conscript Imad Mahmoud Abdel Rahman, from Aleppo.
Corporal Bassam Ali al-Faraj, from Raqqa.
Conscript Issa Mohammad al-Jasem, from Raqqa.
Conscript Dureid Kateiba al-Osman, from Deir Ezzor.
Conscript Ali Ahmad Obeid , from Deir Ezzor.
Policeman Khalil Samir Deib, from Lattakia.
Policeman Soumar Sohil Mansour, from Lattakia.
Families of the martyrs expressed confidence that Syria will overcome the crisis through the Syrian people’s adherence to their national unity, adding that the blood of the martyrs will fortify Syria against all challenges.
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’s stasbility.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Rejects Foreign Military Intervention in Syria
MOSCOW, (SANA)_Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar expressed rejection of foreign military intervention in Syria, stressing that problems can be solved through dialogue as the sole way to make progress.
In an interview with Russia Today TV, Rabbani Khar said ” We don’t support military intervention against any regime, because we consider that independence and territorial integrity are of great importance for any country.”
”Our responsibility as an international community is to stick by certain principles, especially preventing resort to violence by either side, ” Pakistan foreign minister said.
Salehi: Iran Considers Syria ”Red Line”
TEHRAN, (SANA)_Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi underlined the deep strategic relations between Syria and Iran, adding that Iran made it clear that it considers Syria a ”red line”.
During his meeting on Thursday with Grand Mufti of the Republic Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun who is participating in the 25th International Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran, Salehi said that pressure on Syria is due to its support to resistance.
For his part, Mufti Hassoun emphasized the necessity of work to find a way out of the crisis in Syria based on national dialogue and comprehensive reform and rejecting foreign interference.
Iraqi Tribes Support Syria against foreign plots
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Members of Iraqi Clans and Tribes’ delegation, headed by Lawyer Mohammad Ali al-Saadi, underlined their support to Syria, as people and leadership, in the face of conspiracy to which the country is exposed.
“Our participation in the forum of tribes held lately in al-Raqqa comes in response to the national and pan-Arab principles in which the Syrian and Iraqi people believe… the comprehensive reform program led by the Syrian leadership is the only safe way out of the crisis in Syria,” members of the delegation said during a meeting with Interior Minister Mohammad al-Shaar Thursday.
The Minister referred to the attempts of some Arab and foreign sides to instigate sedition among the Syrian people under different names and titles , saying that the sources that target Syria and Iraq are one, mainly Israel and the US that lead campaigns against the Arab people to dominate their resources and wealth.
He briefed the Iraqi delegation on the bulk of reforms Syria is carrying out including lifting the state of emergency, issuing laws of parties, elections and media in addition to the coming referendum on the new constitution.
Information Minister Meets the Iraqi Tribes’ delegation
The Iraqi Tribes’ delegation also stressed their country’s standing by Syria, as leadership and citizens, in light of the foreign and internal coordinated attack to which the country is exposed.
During a meeting with Syrian Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud, members of the delegation echoed support for conducting a national dialogue among all Syrian people and parties and fulfill the reforms as soon as possible in order to restore security and stability to the country.
Minister Mahmoud, for his part, stressed the importance of boosting contacts and cooperation between Syrian and Iraqi tribes in the interest of the two countries to confront terrorism that Iraq has experienced and Syria is encountering now.
He pointed out to the feverish media and political campaign against Syria synchronized with a terror escalation by the armed terrorist groups against civilians, infrastructure, private and public properties.
Huge Crowds in Tartous and Sweida in Appreciation of Russia and China’s Support of Syria
TARTOUS/ SWEIDA, (SANA) – People of Sheikh Badr City in Tartous governorate and the surrounding towns on Thursday gathered at the City’s square in support of the comprehensive reform program led by President Bashar al-Assad.
The participants also expressed appreciation of Russia and China’s support to Syria, holding banners that stress the Syrian people’s rejection of any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs.
The gathering people hailed the sacrifices of the Syrian army for the sake of the homeland and defending Syria’s security and stability, calling for enhancing national unity in the face of all challenges.
The participants raised a 15-meter long Syrian flag with 5000 fingerprints, in addition to the photos and names of al-Sheikh Badr ‘s martyrs.
The citizens stressed that the Syrian people’s rallying around the wise leadership of President al-Assad represents Syria’s strength and steadfastness in the face of all conspiracies.
In Sweida governorate, students of the Banking Institute organized a gathering in appreciation of Russia and China’s stances and to support Syria’s independent national decision.
The participants stressed the Syrian people’s national unity against all schemes that aim to undermine Syria’s security, stability and national stances.
They hailed the stances taken by Russia and China to help the Syrian people come out of the crisis which stress their support to the just issues of all people.
The students condemned the false news broadcast by the instigative channels with the aim of shedding more Syrian blood.
Member of the National Union of Syrian Students, Sweida branch, Omran al-Jabaei expressed surprise at the stances of some Arab countries to refer the conspiracy on Syria to the Security Council despite of Syria’s sacrifices to defend the Arab rights.
Syria’s Agricultural Sector Losses due to Terrorists Attacks Estimated at SYP 450 Million
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The value of damages caused by the armed terrorist groups to the agricultural sector has been estimated at SYP 450 million.
Agricultural Ministry Official Eng. Omar Hajo said that the armed terrorist groups killed 6 people working in the agricultural sector, kidnapped three engineers and stole 103 vehicles, in addition to damaging 25 establishments and 100 vehicles in Damascus.
He added that the number of damaged and stolen buildings reached 25, in addition to, three telecommunication stations.
Regarding the damaged of the General Organization for Consumer Products, Director General of the Organization Mohsen Abdel Kareem said that the Organization’s branch in Homs was the most damaged as the armed terrorist groups stole the strategic storage of the branch at Baba Amr neighborhood which was estimated at SYP 250 million.