President al-Assad to Lavrov: Syria Determined to Fulfill National Dialogue with Participation of Government, Opposition and Independent Figures
DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday received Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
President al-Assad reviewed the current events in Syria and the timetables of the ongoing reforms as well as the nature of the terrorism practiced against the Syrian citizen and the state establishments by the armed terrorist groups which are backed by foreign sides.
President al-Assad: Syria is Determined to Carry Out National Dialogue with the Participation of the Government, the Opposition and Independent Figures
On behalf of the Syrian people, President al-Assad thanked Russia for its stances at the UN Security Council and its commitment to supporting dialogue and national solutions instead of escalation and dictations practiced by some countries which do not take into consideration the interests of the Syrian people and their vision for achieving the reforms internally and without foreign interference, stressing that Syria is determined to carry out national dialogue with the participation of representatives of the government, the opposition and independent figures.
President al-Assad said that Syria welcomed from the beginning any efforts exerted to support the Syrian solution to the crisis and was committed to the Arab League work plan which was approved on November 2, 2011, and that Syria cooperated fully with the Arab League observer mission in spite of the obstacles set by some Arab sides, reiterating Syria’s readiness to cooperate with any efforts exerted to support stability in Syria.
Lavrov: Russia’s Stance at Security Council Stems from Its Objective and Balanced Assessment of Events
For his part, Minister Lavrov said that Russia’s stance at the Security Council stems from its objective and balanced assessment of the events witnessed in Syria , its respect of international law and the people’s right to decide their destiny, as well as Russia’s rejection of foreign interference and incitement instead of encouraging dialogue.
The Minister reiterated his country’s commitment to the stability of Syria and its independent decision, in addition to its commitment to the interests of the Syrian people and the ongoing democratic reforms in Syria.
He expressed Russia’s hope in speeding up the implementation of reforms and the participation of all Syrians in a national dialogue that protects the sovereignty, security and stability of their country.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa, Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Moallem, Presidential Political and Media Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban, Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Fayssal Mikdad, and Assistant Foreign Minister Abdul-Fattah Ammoura.
The delegation accompanying Minister Lavrov consists of Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Mikhail Fradkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Vladimir Zimakov, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department of Russia’s Foreign Ministry Sergey Vershinin, and Russia’s Ambassador to Damascus Azamat Kulmukhametov.
Lavrov: Russia is Prepared to Assist in Emerging from the Syrian Crisis as Soon as Possible on the Basis of Arab Work Plan
In a statement to the press after his meeting with President al-Assad, Minister Lavrov said that he conducted very important meetings with the Syrian leadership, primarily with President al-Assad, Vice President Farouk al-Shara, and Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, during which he affirmed Russia’s readiness to assist in emerging from the Syrian crisis as soon as possible on the basis of the Arab League plan dated November 2nd 2011.
“President al-Assad affirmed his commitment as per the Arab plan to the task of putting an end to violence regardless of its source. To this end, Syria affirms its interest in continuing work with the Arab League observer mission and increasing observer numbers to cover all points and verify any breaches or violations to the principle of not allowing violence regardless of source,” he said.
He added that he had told Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Arabia in a phone call on Monday that Russia believes it necessary to preserve and expand the observer mission.
Lavrov stressed the need to activate dialogue with the participation of all Syrians, the government and all groups with the help of the Arab League.
“President al-Assad affirmed today that the committee which was formed to carry out dialogue with all opposition group under the chairmanship of the Vice President still has all the necessary authority to carry out this dialogue… It must be assisted by those who can, including those who reject dialogue up until now,” he said.
The Russian Minister said that he mentioned the content of the letter sent by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev regarding the need to expedite political reforms and undertaking constitutional reform, adding that President al-Assad affirmed that he will meet the committee tasked with preparing a new constitution as soon as possible and that a referendum on it will be held after it’s official presentation, and afterwards general elections will be held with the participation of the parties formed as per the new political parties law.
Lavrov said that the results of his visit are very important and that it came just in time, adding that Russia believes that the message it sent on the need to move forward has been received.
“We believe in the necessity of continuing the efforts aiming at finding a solution and settlement to the Syrian crisis… the Russian side intends to work actively with the Syrian side and with Syria’s neighbors and the Arab League… naturally, we will continue work with opposition groups which, for one reason or another, haven’t agreed until now to participate in general national dialogue… we believe it’s necessary for the countries that have more influence on these groups to work with them,” he said.
Lavrov concluded by saying that Russia has simple and clear goals which can be summed up in not allowing the death of civilians, adding “we also believe that the region needs peace and that Syria needs peace… all external forces must assist in national dialogue and reaching national agreement and reconciliation away from interference in Syrian internal affairs.”
Earlier, Minister Lavrov arrived in Damascus amid a massive popular reception in appreciation of Russia’s support to Syria, people and its reform program.
Huge crowds flocked to south bypass in Mezzah to greet Lavrov and express appreciation of Russia’ stances.
Similar crowds streamed to Saadallah Al-Jabiri Square in Aleppo, highly lauding Russia’s positions, rejecting foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs and supporting combating terrorism.
Thirty Army and Law-Enforcement Forces Martyrs Laid to Rest
Damascus, Lattakia (SANA) – The bodies of 30 army and law-enforcement forces martyrs on Tuesday were escorted from Tishreen and Lattakia military hospitals to their final resting place.
The martyrs were killed by the armed terrorist groups while on duty in Damascus Countryside, Daraa, Idleb, Hama and Homs.
Solemn funeral ceremonies were held for the martyrs, as they were carried on shoulders while the music of the “Martyr” and “Farewell” was playing.
The martyrs are:
-Colonel Ahmad Mohammad Hamdan, from Lattakia.
-Colonel Samir Youssef Ahmad, from Lattakia.
-Major Mohammad Ali Khudr, from Lattakia.
-First Lieutenant Kanaan Saeed Khaskih from Homs.
-First Lieutenant Moin Nadim Ismael, from Tartous.
-First Lieutenant Dibo Jamil Tahan, from Idleb.
-Second Lieutenant Ali Jawdat Ali, from Lattakia.
-Chief Warrant Officer Haitham Ibrahim Issa, from Lattakia.
-Chief Warrant Officer Hassan Munir Saleh, from Lattakia.
-Warrant Officer Muhannad Abdul-Halim Ghanem, from Tartous.
-Sergeant Major Ihsan Jamil Eddin, from Sweida.
-Sergeant Major Issa Nadim al-Atem, from Lattakia.
-Sergeant Hussein Akeel, from Homs.
-Sergeant Talal Ali Hilal, from Lattakia.
-Sergeant Ammar Nawar Taleb, from Lattakia.
-Sergeant Hazem Mohammad Hassan, from Tartous.
-Corporal Abdul-Nasser Abdul-Razzaq Qassem, from Aleppo.
-Private Ahmad Fawaz al-Shaaban, from Der Ezzor.
-Conscript Majed Mohammad Khankarli, from Aleppo. -Conscript Ibrahim Mustafa Qassem, from Idleb.
-Conscript Mahmoud Imad Eddin Nazee, from Aleppo.
-Conscript Fayssal Abdullah al-Othman, from Aleppo.
-Conscript Ahmad Thrar Ali, from Daraa.
-Conscript Hamad Youssef Kahil, from Sweida.
-Conscript Mohammad Rida Ghazi, from Daraa.
-Conscript Zak Amro Ibo, from Aleppo.
-Conscript Ali Omar Qari, from Aleppo.
-Conscript Abdul-Qader Abdul-Qader Habbo, from Aleppo.
-Policeman Rayan Mahmoud Subh, from Lattakia.
-Policeman Irwa Abdul-Rahman Hassan, 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.
The families condemned the crimes committed by the armed terrorist groups, adding that they will not weaken the Syrians’ determination to confront the conspiracy hatched against it.
Armed Terrorist Groups Attack Civilians and Law-Enforcement Forces, Authorities Confront Terrorists and Dismantle Explosives
GOVERNORATES, (SANA) – Armed terrorist groups on Tuesday continued their attacks against civilians in Daraa and Homs.
In Daraa, two brothers and another civilian were martyred while a school teacher was injured by the gunfire of armed terrorist groups.
A source at the governorate told SANA correspondent that an armed terrorist group opened fire on Mohammad Said Abu Nabout (36 years old) and his brother Mousa (22 years old) from Daraa City after which the terrorist group set fire to their car.
Another armed terrorist group shot and killed citizen Ahmad al-Rwaisi from Nasib village in Daraa and threw his body into a sewage manhole in Um al-Meizan village.
In the same context, an armed terrorist group opened fire on teacher Jawdat al-Wazani from al-Sheikh Miskeen city, causing severe injury in the leg.
Armed Terrorist Group Kidnaps an Ambulance Carrying Martyr’s Body
An armed terrorist group kidnapped an ambulance carrying the body of martyr Bilal Hassan who was found dead in Ma’aret al-Numan.
The martyr was killed by gunfire of an armed terrorist group which kidnapped him yesterday.
In Idleb City, an armed terrorist group opened fire near Idleb National Hospital, injuring pharmacist Abdel Raoof Milano.
Armed Terrorist Groups Attack Law-Enforcement Posts, Residential Neighborhoods in Homs
Meanwhile, armed terrorist groups attacked a number of law-enforcement posts in Homs Province.
The armed terrorists also attacked with mortar shells a number of residential neighborhoods in the city of Homs.
Earlier, an armed terrorist group attacked with 3 mortar shells the area of Homs Refinery.
Terrorists Attack Citizens and Law-Enforcement Forces in al-Bayyada, Homs
Armed terrorists groups attacked citizens and law-enforcement forces in al-Bayyada area in Homs, martyring a number of civilians and law-enforcement personnel.
SANA’s correspondent was informed that the authorities pursued these groups, killing a number of them and arresting others.
Meanwhile, in the town of Al-Hosn Citadel (Krak des Chevaliers), armed terrorist groups set up blockades, preventing citizens from moving around.
Armed terrorists groups are also holding up public transport and personal cars and stealing them at gunpoint in Homs and Idleb.
Four members of the authorities martyred during clashes with armed groups in al-Zabadani
Four members of the competent authorities were martyred today during clashes with the armed terrorist groups at al-Zabadani in Damascus Countryside.
An official source told SANA that clashes led to the killing of a number of terrorists.
The Army Engineering units also dismantled big explosives planted by the terrorists to kill innocents in the region.
Authorities Release a Number of Abducted Military Members in al-Rastan
Authorities clashed with armed terrorist groups in al-Rastan city in Homs Countryside and released a number of military members who were abducted in the last few days.
SANA correspondent said that few of these terrorists fled while others were killed or injured.
Military Engineering Units Dismantle Mines and Explosive Devices in Damascus Countryside
Military engineering units dismantled mines and explosive devices planted by armed terrorist groups in Madaya streets, allies and some buildings in Damascus Countryside.
SANA’s correspondent said the authorities seized automatic firearms, large amounts of ammunition and military uniforms in one of the houses.
In the same context, armed terrorist groups ransacked and trashed some buildings and villas in Bloudan area in Damascus Countryside.
Huge Crowds in Damascus and Aleppo Express Appreciation for Russia and China
DAMASCUS/ ALEPPO, (SANA) – In appreciation of Russia’s honorable stance at the UN Security Council to defend the people’s rights, huge crowds of Syrians gathered at the south bypass in Mezzah to greet the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who arrived in Damascus today afternoon.
The crowds wanted to express appreciation for Russia’s rejection of any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs and its support to Syria, the Syrian people and the announced reform program.
The participants raised the Syrian and Russian flags and chanted national slogans, expressing gratitude for Russia whose stances showed its care for protecting international security and peace, especially rejecting interference in the internal affairs of other states.
The crowds surrounded the Russian Minister’s car which passed through the gathering people slowly, chanting songs about their love of the homeland and their readiness to sacrifice their dearest for the sake of Syria.
Student Ali al-Jahni said that he came here with 300 other students from the Communication Faculty at Damascus University to express deep appreciation for Russia’s stances and efforts to achieve peace in the whole world.
The participants affirmed that the conspiracy aims at undermining Syria’s national unity, sovereignty and independence.
The gathering people stressed the Syrian people’s determination, side by side with the Syrian army, to foil all fragmentation schemes and sectarian sedition targeting Syria.
Citizen William Rassouq said the Syrian people came out to greet Russia’s Foreign Minister and to thank his country and send a clear message to the whole world that the Syrians chose national unity in the face of all foreign interference attempts.
He added that the Syrian people are the only ones who can solve their problems and implement the desired reforms to meet their aspirations for freedom and democracy.
The participants said that today the Syrian people proved that they are united, contrary to the news broadcast by misleading satellite channels, stressing the importance of the Syrian army in preserving security and stability and their sacrifices to eliminate armed terrorist groups that destroy the country.
The crowds stressed that the Russian and Chinese vetoes ended the Arab and Western conspiracy against Syria.
In Aleppo, masses of Syrians crowded at Saadallah al-Jaberi Square in appreciation of the Russian and the Chinese stances in support of Syria.
The participants expressed support to the reform program led by president Bashar al-Assad, rejecting foreign interference in their country’s internal affairs.
The crowds condemned the crimes and sabotage acts committed by armed terrorist groups, chanting national slogans that stress the Syrian people’s national unity and their rallying around their leadership in the face of all pressure and challenges.
Teacher Nadia Younes said the stances of Russia and China at the UN Security Council support the independence of people and preserve their sovereignty and right to live in peace, adding that this move enhanced bilateral relations between Syria and these two countries.
Sheikh Ahmad al-Salem from Al-Bou-Massareh tribe in Aleppo countryside said that the Syrian tribes reiterate commitment to the reform process led by President al-Assad, hailing the role of the Syrian army in defending Syria’s security and stability.
Syrian Draft Constitution Completed
DAMASCUS, (SANA – The national committee tasked with preparing the draft Constitution for the Syrian Arab Republic has finished its work.
The Committee, according to a statement received by SANA would submit the draft Constitution to President Bashar al-Assad to complete the reasons for its issuance according to the constitutional measures.
On October 15th, President Bashar al-Assad issued presidential decision No. 33 on forming the national committee for preparing a draft Constitution for the Syrian Arab Republic to be issued later according to the constitutional principles.
According to the decree, the Committee must complete its mission within a period not exceeding four months from the date of issuing the decree and it has the right to consult whoever it finds appropriate to accomplish the mission.
The committee chairman is Mazhar al-Anbari and the members are Abdel Karim Oudi, Dr. Kamal Sharaf, Muhram Tayyareh, Dr. Adel Jamous, Mumtaz Fawakheri, Dr. Aziz Shukri, Dr. Abboud al-Saraj, Dr. Fuad Deib, Dr. Sam Delleh, Dr. Said Nehayli, Dr. Mikhael Nacol, Dr. Farouk Basha, Qadri Jamil, Nizar Skeif, Ahmad Eido, Abdel Rahman al-Zakahi, Dr. Jasem Zakariya, Dr. Mohammad Kheir Akkam, Dr. Kinda al-Shammat, Dr. Abdel Hai al-Sayyed, Dr. Jamileh Sharbaji, Dr. Amal Yazji, Ahmad Saleh Ibrahim, Omran al-Zoubi, Nabih Jalahej, Ismat Anabri, Mahmoud Younes and Ahmad Kazbari.
China Stresses Veto against Draft Resolution on Syria Consistent with UN Charter
BEIJING, (SANA) – China stressed on Tuesday that it used the veto against a draft resolution on Syria at the Security Council in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and as to prevent the repercussions of such a draft resolution.
China’s Middle East Envoy, Wu Sike, said in an exclusive interview with the Chinese News Agency Xinhua that china has vetoed the draft resolution for two reasons: the first reason is because china is committed to the principles of the UN Charter; the second reason is because in case the draft resolution had been adopted, violence would have been escalated.
Xinhua added that China vetoed the Arab-Western-drafted resolution to express absolute rejection of paving the way for military intervention in Syria and change the regime by force which violate the charter of the United Nations and the principles of international relations.
Earlier, China’s Ambassador to the UN, Li Baodong, said after the UNSC vote that china believes that imposing unilateral pressures and prejudging the outcome of dialogue or imposing any settlement by force would further complicate the situation.
China Calls for Adopting Dialogue and Political Solutions in Syria and Ceasing Violence
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin affirmed that his country will continue to support a political resolution to the crisis in Syria and that China is considering sending diplomats to visit specific countries in the near future.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Weimin said that China has always believed that all sides in Syria must cease acts of violence and resolve their issues through dialogue and coordination to reduce tension in the region.
Gatilov: Western Undiplomatic Reactions on Russia’s Stances Affirm Correctness of Russia’s Approach
MOSCOW, (SANA) _ Undiplomatic response of the West to Russia’s stand on Syria proves Moscow’s strategy to be correct, Russia’s Vice Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said Tuesday.
“We’d better look for compromises,” Gatilov said in a statement, adding that Moscow is determined, as before, to look for a compromise regarding a possible Security Council’s resolution on Syria.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, affirmed Russia’s firm stance regarding the situation in Syria.
Russian Figures, Analysts: Russian Public Opinion Supports Moscow’s Stances Towards Syria
A number of Russian analysts and figures expressed their support to the Russian veto taken at the UN Security Council.
Dean of the Russian Diplomatic Academy Nikolay Tikhomirov said he is sure that there is a solution for Syria’s crisis.
He told SANA correspondent that Russia’s stance is very clear and calls for holding a dialogue to stop violence in Syria.
For his part, Chairman of the Association of Russian Diplomats (ARD) Pogos Akopov, said that the Russian stance reflects the attitude of the Russian public opinion.
He added that the Russian people believe that the Syrians are the only side responsible for reaching a solution for their crisis, hailing the efforts exerted by President Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian leadership in this regard.
Nasrallah: There is Arab, US and Israeli decision, represented by so-called Moderate States to overthrow Syria
BEIRUT, (SANA)-Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasserallah on Tuesday said that there is an Arab, Israeli and US decision, represented by the so-called the Arab moderate states to overthrow the regime in Syria, adding that the aim is not democracy or reform, but it is the head of resistance in Lebanon and Palestine.
“The Syrian government has stressed it is ready to carry out the reforms, it formed a committee to study a new constitution that realizes political and party pluralism, run transparent elections and conduct national dialogue, but there are sides who don’t want neither dialogue nor reform,” Sheikh Nasserallah said in a speech celebrating the anniversary of Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, broadcast by al-Manar TV.
He considered that whom he claims commitment to Syria should go to the table of dialogue, but betting on the west, the US, money and weapons to overthrow Syria is a lost bet that will lead to more killing and destruction.
Sheikh Nasserallah added that a lot of what is broadcast on TV channels is not true and baseless, adding “it is an exploitation for mass media, facts, senses, feelings and blood.
He made clear that media depicted Homs as a flaming city before the session of the UN Security Council, they started reporting about 50 killed persons and ended by 350, hundreds of wounded and the demolishing of 39 houses, in a bid to affect the peoples’ stance.
“We contacted our friends in Homs who have no relation with the Syrian government, they stressed that there is nothing in Homs of what has been broadcast.. but there were some clashes and shootings ,” Nasserallah said.
“Without the Iranian material and moral support as well as the great Syrian role, the resistance in Lebanon wouldn’t achieve the biggest and most important Arab victory over Israel in May, 2000,”
He called for “coming out from the details into the biggest scene to see what is right and wrong in order to go in this direction to think in Syria and its people, Palestine and its sanctities.”
Sheikh Nasserallah added “there is still a leadership in Syria with a constitution and Army and the people support this leadership and take to streets to show this support… so the supposition that the regime is isolated is untrue.”
Mansour: Lebanon Will Not Be Weak Flank of Targeting Syria
BEIRUT, (SANA)_ Lebanese Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Adnan Mansour, stressed that Lebanon will not become the weak flank of targeting Syria as it will exert all efforts to stop any infiltration operation or smuggling weapons into Syria through its borders.
In a phone call with the Lebanese New TV on Tuesday, Mansour said ” There are historical, geographic, economic and security ties between Lebanon and Syria which we take into consideration”, asserting that Lebanon’s stance towards Syria emerges from Lebanon’s high interest in and its keenness on the agreements signed between the two countries on fraternity, security and defense.
Mansour pointed out that Lebanon doesn’t interfere in others’ internal affairs and is keen on Syria’s security and stability.
With wide participation of Syrian and Iraqi clans, Tent of Homeland held in Sweida
Sweida, (SANA)-With wide participation of sheikhs and notables of the Syrian and Iraqi clans, the religious, popular and civil activities at Salim village in Sweida held on Tuesday “the Tent of Homeland.”
The participates expressed their rejection of any foreign intervention in Syria’s domestic affairs, stressing support to the comprehensive reform program led by President Bashar al-Assad.
They denounced the acts of killing, sabotage and terrifying citizens, perpetrated by the foreign-supported armed groups, calling for striking with an iron fist anyone who destabilizes the situation in Syria.
The participants underlined the importance of adhering to the national unity among all Syrian society spectrums, showing confidence in Syria’s ability to overcome the conspiracy to which the country is exposed.
Governor of Sweida Ali Malek underlined that the Syrian people are immune to all conspiracies and plots, saying “they will remain as one body and Syria will come out of the crisis stronger.”
Sheikh Saleh al-Naemi, Founder of the Syrian Clans’ Forum Initiative said that the history will record that the Syrian tribes had national and important role in protecting the Syrian blood and deepening the national unity.
Other Iraqi and Syrian participants stressed that Syria would come out of this crisis victorious due to the Syrian people’s awareness and their commitment to the national unity.