DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Huge masses of people and official figures escorted on Saturday the martyrs who were killed by the terrorist twin blasts which hit Damascus last Thursday from al-Othman Mosque in Damascus.
After prayers, the bodies of the martyrs were draped in Syrian flags and carried on shoulders amid the masses of people who expressed their condemnation of the terrorist acts committed by the armed terrorist groups.
Hassoun: Syria’s Martyrs Are All Our Children and Relatives
Presiding upon the prayers, Grand Mufti of the Republic, Dr. Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, said “the martyrs of Syria, who are in the thousands, both civilians and military personnel, are all our children and relatives… their blood is our blood.”
He called upon those who commit such terrorist acts to fear God and refrain from shedding blood.
Mahmoud: Escalating Terrorism Against Syrians Dangerous Violation of Annan Plan & UNSC Resolutions on Counter-Terrorism
The escalation of terrorism through booby-trapped vehicles filled with tons of explosives to target the Syrian people, their properties and institutions of the state is a continuation of the bloody terrorist coalition approach between armed groups and al-Qaeda with the regional and western states which back them with money and weapons, Minister of Information Dr. Adnan Mahmoud said.
Participating in the funeral, Mahmoud said that this escalation is a dangerous breach of the UN Security Council resolutions on on counter-terrorism and of the UN envoy Kofi Annan’s plan to stop violence which requires concrete steps towards armed groups and the states which support them to thwart Annan’s mission.
Minister Mahmoud added that Western countries and the United States that led alliances to start wars on the pretext of fighting terrorism, have now created an alliance with terrorism experienced by Syria.
“The bloody terror inflicted on the Syrian people will strengthen their national will and make them more determined to go ahead in the comprehensive reform process, focus on national priorities, build a modern state based on the national partnership between the various spectra of society and its national trends and forces and to continue confronting the conspiracy hatched against Syria and its national resistant role.” The Minister concluded.
Al-Sayyed: Takfiri Fatwas and Murder Were Never Part of Islam
In turn, Minister of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) Mohammad Abdelsattar al-Sayed said that takfiri fatwas that justify the murder of innocents were never part of Islam which is a religion of mercy.
In statements to SANA, several relatives of martyrs denounced the terrorist crimes which claim the lives of innocents and destabilize Syria, stressing that terrorism is targeting Syria because it stood up to the conspiracies against the Arab nation.
They said that terrorists don’t belong to any religion nor to humanity, affirming that their crimes will not undermine the determination of the Syrian people.
They also called upon those who support the terrorists to refrain from doing so, in addition to inviting Syrians to maintain constant vigilance and remain united to foil the conspiracies of terrorists.
President al-Assad Decrees on Formation of Supreme Constitutional Court
DAMASCUS, SANA_ President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday issued the legislative decree No. 35 for the year 2012 stipulating for the formation of the Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC). According to the decree , the court consists of seven members, one of them shall be named president in a decree passed by the President of the Republic. The duration of membership of the SCC shall be four years renewable. The decree sets the conditions required of each member and the specializations of the court. |
The Supreme Constitutional Court is an independent judicial body and based in Damascus. It issues its judgments on behalf of the Arab people in Syria.
The president of the Court and its members take an oath before the President in the presence of the People’s Assembly Speaker.
Grand Mufti of Syria Underlines Importance of Media in Enlightening Society
DAMASCUS, (SANA)_Grand Mufti of Syria, Dr. Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, underlined the important role of media in enlightening society and educating people. |
During his meeting on Sunday with the Russian media delegation currently visiting Syria to make documentaries on the events, Hassoun said that Syria is being targeted by a fierce campaign intended to sow sedition and undermine national unity in Syria to serve the interests of colonial countries.
Hassoun hailed the Russian stances which respect the principles of law, justice and human rights. Mufti Hassoun reviewed with the Russian delegation the situation and events in Syria and the media misleading campaigns against it, stressing that Syria won’t bow no matter the terrorism, violence and foreign interference.
He called upon Arab and foreign countries to stop backing the armed terrorist groups and interferences in the Syrian internal affairs.
The delegation members expressed support to the unity of Syria and following through with the reform steps, stressing the importance that media be used in serving the truth.
They also condemned the terrorist bombings in Damascus, pointing out to the role of clergymen in showcasing the true nature of the Syrian people.
Patriarch al-Khouri Underlines Role of Media in Relaying Reality of Events in Syria
During a similar meeting with the Russian media delegation, Greek Orthodox Patriarchal Assistant Bishop Luca al-Khouri underlined the role of honest media in relaying the true image of what is happening in Syria, especially in light of the immoral media war which distorts facts and seeks to sow discord among countrymen.
Patriarch al-Khouri pointed out to the role of youth and their unity in the face of the conspiracy against Syria and the media campaigns targeting its role, affirming that Syria will emerge from the crisis stronger and that its future is full of prosperity and development.
He underscored the state of national unity, love, fraternity and respect among the various spectrums of the Syrian people, which has always been a role model in the region.
He also lauded the unique relations between Syria and Russia.
Zionist Entity Steals Oil from Occupied Syrian Golan
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Zionist entity has decided to resume oil exploration operations in the occupied Syrian Golan. This act is a violation of the international law and conventions as the UN Security Council has repeatedly stressed through dozens of resolutions that all measures taken by Israel in the occupied Syrian Golan are null and void. |
The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth revealed a decision taken by the Israeli Energy Minister, Uzi Landau, and secretly approved by the Zionist Cabinet to resume oil exploration in the occupied Syrian Golan after about 20 years from halting it.
The decision highlights the Zionist entity’s disregard for the international law and the international consensus that it must abide by the international legitimacy, particularly the Security Council No. 497 which considers Israel’s decision to impose its laws and jurisdiction on the Syrian Golan as null and void.
The Newspaper said that Landau’s extremist right-wing ideas have contributed to taking such decision which aims at increasing oil production, while several Arab regimes are providing Israel with large amounts of oil and gas.
Twelve Army and Law-Enforcement Martyrs Laid to Rest
PROVINCES, (SANA)- The bodies of twelve army and law-enforcement martyrs were escorted on Sunday from Tishreen and Aleppo Military Hospitals in Damascus and Aleppo and the National Hospital in Sweida to their final resting place.
Solemn processions were held for the martyrs who were killed while in the line of duty in Damascus and its Countryside, Sweida and Idleb. |
The martyrs are:
Colonel Mahdi Mohammad Ibrahim, from Homs.
First Lieutenant Mohammad Abdul-Salam Abu Assaf, from Damascus.
Chief Warrant Officer Saed Turki al-Sha’arani, from Sweida.
Chief Warrant Officer Liwa Issa Hasan, from Hama.
Chief Warrant Officer Mahmoud Mohammad al-Zeeb, from Daraa.
Sergeant Major Omar Mohammad Abdul-Hasan, from Deir Ezzor.
Sergeant Sultan Khalaf al-Mohammad, from Raqaa.
Corporal Mohammad Suhail Hamidi, from Lattakia.
Corporal Walid Hassan Ahmad from Lattakia.
Conscript Alaa-Eddin Khalid Talaa, from Damascus.
Conscript Hassan Khalil al-Awad, from Hama.
Conscript Mahmoud Ahmad Mohammad, from Aleppo.
The martyrs’ families expressed pride in the martyrdom of their sons who sacrificed their souls for the sake of defending Syria’s stability and pride.
They expressed confidence in Syria’s ability to overcome the crisis thanks to the sacrifices of the Syrian army.
They called for dealing firmly with the armed terrorist groups and confront all those who try to tamper with the homeland’s security and stability.
Rector of Damascus Briefs Russian Media Delegation on the University’s Role
DAMASCUS,(SANA) – The meeting of Damascus University professors and a Russian media delegation visiting Syria on Sunday centered on the academic, developmental, scientific and cultural role of the University through its colleges, institutions and branches in Damascus, Daraa, Quneitra and Sweida.
Rector of Damascus University, Mohammad Amer al-Mardini, presented a review about the history of the University which was established more than a hundred years ago, its scientific and literary branches and higher institutes.
He underlined that the University provides scientific cadres for the development process in both the job market and the scientific research. |
Mardini pointed out to the University’s readiness to receive students and staffs from the Russian side with the aim of exchanging expertise and qualifying students in the fields of media and science.
Head of the Russian delegation pointed out that he witnessed essential changes in the country since his visit to Syria last year including the new Constitution and several important laws in addition to holding the parliamentary elections.
Law-enforcement Member Martyred by Terrorists’ Gunfire in Deir Ezzor
DEIR EZZOR, (SANA) – The law-enforcement member Khaled al-Sakran was martyred by the gunfire of an armed terrorist group in Hawaij Ziban village in Deir Ezzor countryside.
A source in the governorate told SANA reporter that the armed terrorist group targeted the law-enforcement forces in the village and killed a law-enforcement member.
The source added that the authorities clashed with the terrorists and killed two of them.
In the same context, the military engineering units dismantled a 10-kg explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group near the vocational school in Hawaij bu Nas’a town.
Another armed terrorist group assassinated member of the executive bureau in Deir Ezzor governorate Jarad Suleiman al-Khleif and citizen Ahmad al-Mesh’ali, brother of Mohammad al-Mesh’ali, a member of Deir Ezzor executive bureau.
Terrorist Group Assassinates Engineer, Industrialist in Aleppo
An armed terrorist group assassinated on Sunday an engineer working at Aleppo Power Transfer Station. SANA correspondent quoted a source as saying that the terrorist group targeted the engineer AbdulRazzaq Boulad in front of his home in Aleppo.
The source added that an armed terrorist group assassinated Omar Shihabi, an industrialist, on Aleppo-AlBab road as he was on his way to his factory, indicating that four terrorists intercepted him and shot him dead.
Explosive Devices Dismantled in Idleb, Terrorists Seize Ambulance
An explosive device weighing 50 kg, planted by an armed terrorist group near al-Siddiq Mosque in Idleb, was dismantled, in addition to 3 explosives weighing between 20-50 kg planted by terrorists in Tlateen and al-Kournish neighborhoods.
A source in the governorate indicated that the engineering units also dismantled an explosive device planted near the railway in al-Younessieh town.
The source added that an armed terrorist group seized an ambulance while it was on its way back from Aleppo to Hama in Khan al-Sabil town, north of Maaret al-Nouman.
Two Terrorists Caught in Aleppo
Competent authorities arrested two terrorist members of armed groups and seized their weapons in Hanano neighborhood in Aleppo.
The seized weapons included automatic rifles, magazines, explosive devices and a quantity of ammunition.
Participants in ‘Syrian Family’ Meeting in Quneitra Stress Support to Reforms, Rejection of Foreign Interference
QUNEITRA, (SANA) – Participants in the Syrian Family meeting held on Sunday stressed the need to put an end to the terrorist acts committed by the armed terrorist groups, which are supported and funded by some international, regional and Arab countries.
The Meeting was held in Quneitra under the title ‘Religion is for God, Homeland is for All’. |
The participants also stressed the need to enhance national unity and reject all forms of foreign interference attempts in the internal affairs.
They expressed rejection of the acts of sabotage and vandalism carried out by the armed terrorist groups, hailing the role of the Syrian army in defending the homeland and preserving law.
The participants highlighted that the plot against Syria aims at weakening its pan-Arab role, adding that the awareness of the Syrians and their adherence to national unity will foil the conspiracy.
They said that the Syrians, as one family, made the whole world hear its rejection of foreign interference attempts in the Syrian internal affairs and adherence to national sovereignty.
Mood: Situation in Syria Calm, We are Working to Help Syrian People
DAMASCUS, (SANA)_Head of the UN observer mission in Syria, Maj. Gen. Robert Mood, said that the situation in Syria is calm, adding that the mission has 157 civilian and military monitors distributed in the governorates of Daraa, Idleb, Hama and Homs. In statements to journalists on Saturday, Mood said “There are more than 50 countries involved in the mission, and we are working to help the Syrian people who fully understand that we are working to help them, ” adding that the Syrians have shown remarkable hospitality, even the bereaved who lost loved ones. |
Cargo Plane Loaded with 6 Armored Vehicles Arrives in Damascus Airport
A cargo plan, loaded with 6 armored Jeep cars sent to the UN observer mission in Syria, arrived in Damascus international airport on Saturday.
Administrative Director of the UN observer mission in Syria, Milan Troyanovic, told SANA “Two cargo planes are due to arrive later in the day, the first loaded with 6 jeep armored vehicles and the second with 13, bringing to 25 the number of vehicles to arrive on Saturday, offered by the EU to the observer mission.”
Premier Inspects Damage of Terrorist Blasts in al-Qazzaz, Instructs to Compensate Victims
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Prime Minister Adel Safar on Saturday inspected the acts of sabotage and the damage resulted by the two terrorist blasts that hit al-Qazzaz neighborhood last Thursday which claimed the lives of scores of martyrs and hundreds others wounded.
Safar was briefed on the acts of maintenance, removing debris and restoring the infrastructure. He instructed Ministry of Local Administration, Damascus governorate to record the damage of this coward act in order to compensate the affected people and victims as soon as possible.
Later, the Premier visited the National Hospital in al-Mujtahid, assuring the health of the wounded persons, wishing them quick recovery. Safar agreed to allocate150 million SYP to complete and equip the new emergency Unit at the Hospital.
“This coward heinous act has no relation to any human values.. It aims at striking Syria’s will and its people in life, security and stability,” Safar said in a statement.
He called on the Syrian people to boost the national unity in order to overcome this conspiracy backed by states that sponsor terrorism to obstruct the internal reform process and spread chaos in the country. Salehi: Iran Rejects Any Foreign Interference in Syria’s Affairs |
TEHRAN, (SANA)- Iranian Foreign Minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, reiterated his country’s rejection of any foreign interference in Syria’s internal affairs, asserting that solving the crisis in Syria does not come from abroad but through finding a compromising formula among all sides
Meeting with Foreign Minister of the Palestinian resigned Government, Mohammad Awad on Sunday, Salehi renewed his country’s stand towards the resistance in Palestine and in Lebanon. |
He called on all Palestinian factions to be cautious of the Israeli conspiracies and the necessity of maintaining the Palestinian people’s unity.
Syria’s Statement to the Ministerial Meeting of Non-Aligned Movement
Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, (SANA) – Syria stressed, in the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, its resolve to protect the Syrian people, disarm the terrorists and seek a political solution to the crisis. |
Ambassador Tammam Sulaiman, Director of the International Organizations and Conferences Directorate at the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry and head of the Syrian delegation delivered Syria’s statement to the meeting.
The statement pointed out the need to define terrorism, adding that “terrorism is governed by mysterious standards, sometimes we hesitate in supporting the just right of resisting foreign occupation as we could be accused of supporting terrorism and, at the same time, the terrorist groups are benefitting from this state of chaos.”
Sulaiman added that some countries are interfering in the region’s events and trying to ignite sedition and chaos under the pretext of ‘humanitarian intervention’ while Israel continue ignoring the resolutions of the international community by occupying Arab lands in Palestine, Syria and South Lebanon.
He pointed out that political reforms are needed in all countries, but there are some sides that try to exploit the calls of political reforms to topple regimes by exploiting innocent people.
Sulaiman underscored that some countries liked the principle of foreign interference and want to make it a new international tactic under the pretext of humanitarian intervention, adding that when they fail in this, they wage political and media escalation and fund terrorism through arming terrorist groups.
“Syria has been suffering a terrorist campaign since March 2011. It started with innocent mottos demanding peaceful demonstration, and the government undertook a set of reforms launched by President Bashar al-Assad. These reforms led to the start of a new stage in the history of the Syrian people,” he said.
Sulaiman stressed that what is happening in Syria isn’t a ‘revolution’ as some sides desperately try to call it, adding that what Syria is facing is the worst terrorist campaign backed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, France and the USA.
He added that these sides are publically calling for supporting, arming and funding the armed terrorist groups in Syria, stressing that the unity and cohesion of the Syrian people after more than a year of the terrorist attacks and crimes clearly indicate that the Syrians reject the external plot.
“The armed terrorist groups continue their acts to undermine the country’s economy and institutions with the presence of a misleading and provocative media campaign and billions of dollars allocated by the aforementioned countries to spread terrorism,” the statement said.
Sulaiman said that Syria provided the UN institutions with accurate statistics on the number of victims of the terrorism in the current crisis, adding that the armed terrorist groups are mutilating the corpses of the victims before handing them over or discarding them.
He asked “Is this the freedom these terrorists are calling for while bragging and boasting over the support they have from KSA, Qatar, Turkey and Israel?”
He pointed out that the KSA, whose people don’t have the basic human rights and which doesn’t allow the media outlets to enter the country to see the massacres it is committing against its people, can’t talk about democracy and reforms.
He added that Qatar, whose officials visit Israel and which arrests figures of the Qatari opposition, can’t talk about supporting the rights of the peoples.
“Syria received the UN Special Envoy, Kofi Annan, and agreed to host a team of UN observers because it is keen on reaching a political solution to the crisis and stopping the crimes of the terrorist groups,” he highlighted.
He stressed that Syria will continue protecting the Syrian people and will fight terrorists and continue exerting efforts with the aim of reaching a political solution to the crisis via a political dialogue among all spectrums of the Syrian people.
He said that the reason for this media, terrorist and political war is Syria’s support to the causes of the Arab people and its firm stance in supporting the honest resistance movements against the Israeli occupation, stressing that Syria will not shift its policy.
Sulaiman concluded by thanking the members of the movement for supporting Syria’s right in resorting the occupied Syrian Golan.