Counting of Ballots of People’s Assembly Elections Continues, Counting Finished in Some Areas
PROVINCES, (SANA) – Judicial subcommittees in Syrian governorates continue the process of counting ballots for the People’s Assembly elections at voting centers.
Chairman of the Higher Committee for Elections Khalaf al-Azzawi said that after the counting, each candidate’s votes will be collected and listed in a report to be sent with each ballot to the governorate’s subcommittee.
He said that infringements must be reported to the Higher Committee, and that candidates’ objections are being accepted.
In Lattakia, counting was finished in 300 out of 817 election centers, while 668 out of 720 ballots were counted in Tartous were six candidates presented an objection.
In Hama, 500 out of 1000 ballots were counted, and the rest are due to be finished by 8 PM, while counting in Aleppo is almost finished, but the Aleppo Countryside ballots are being scrutinized due to the late arrival of some ballots.
300 out of the 604 ballots in Homs have been counted, and 280 out of 561 ballots have been counted in Deir Ezzor.
In Hasaka, 100 ballots have been counted so far, and counting is almost done in the 510 centers in Raqqa.
Counting of ballots was finished in Sweida, Quneitra, Idleb and Daraa.
Al-Jafari: Syria Carries Out Annan’s Plan, Countries that Provide Terrorists with Money and Arms Should Stop this Support
NEW YORK, (SANA) – Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN , Bashar al-Jafari, said that the work of the observer mission is on the right path, yet the type of crimes committed by the armed terrorist groups became more worse.
Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York, al-Jafari said that Syria is implementing its pledges under the plan of the UN Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan, but those sides which support terrorists with money and arms from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey are not, adding that these countries should stop their support to the armed terrorist groups.
Al-Jafari added that the armed terrorist groups are committing crimes against civilians and military members, indicating that confessions of 26 Arab people who were arrested in Syria revealed that they came from Libya, Tunisia and other countries through Turkey and Lebanon to launch terrorist attacks in Syria.
He said that the Syrian security forces killed 15 members of those Takfiri and Salafi groups, adding that “Therefore, we are talking about facts that cannot be denied regarding the involvement of foreign fighters in the events in Syria which is a very serious issue.”
Al-Jafari added that the sheikhs who issued fatwas calling for murdering and committing crimes live in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Al-Jafari reiterated the Syrian government’s commitment to guarantee the utmost degrees of success for Annan’s mission, saying “but the Syrian government can’t do this alone.. we are in need for the participation of all to see the Qataris, Saudis and the Turkish government stop their support and instigation of violence, stop their money funding to cover the needs of the armed groups which attack civilian and military members.”
“There are committees at the UNSC meant to implement the resolutions 1272 and 1373 linked to the activities of al-Qaeda and Taliban… these committees should assume responsibilities in dealing with al-Qaeda activities in Syria.. otherwise this will be a double standard policy and language,” al-Jafari said.
In response to questions of journalists, al-Jafari underlined that Syria is interested and participates in the success of the international observers’ mission, adding “we think issues are going in a positive manner on the field, the volume of violence has remarkably retreated, but the quality of crimes perpetrated by the armed terrorist groups became worse.. we are witnessing now suicide acts, assassinations and explosive devices blasts.”
On the difference between Ban Ki-Moon’s statements yesterday from those of Annan’s today regarding Syria, al-Jafari said “I met the UN Chief 10 days ago and urged him to engage positively in supporting Annan’s mission.”
“Turkey sponsors and gives shelter to some army defectors and the armed terrorist groups… those armed groups are infiltrating through the Turkish borders.. they are perpetrating crimes against the Army forces and police, then infiltrating back to Turkey.. so the Turkish government should be responsible for halting the operations of infiltration through the Syrian-Turkish borders,” al-Jafari added.
He underlined that Syria has a bulk of facts, and everything will be announced on time, saying “what was announced today is a simple example of the facts Syria possesses.”
As for Annan’s intention to visit Syria during the next days, al-Jafari said “We always welcome him in Damascus.”
Three Workers Martyred by Terrorists’ Gunfire in Homs, Officer Abducted in Daraa , 4 People Injured in Blast in Idleb, Citizen Killed in Hama
PROVINCES, (SANA) – Three workers were martyred while others were injured by the gunfire of an armed terrorist group which attacked a bus for kayton Shoes Company between Homs and Hama, near al-Sawda crossingroads.
Terrorists Abduct Lieutenant Colonel in Daraa Countryside
An armed terrorist group abducted Lieutenant Colonel Zouhir Mohammad al-Nabulsi from his home in al-Na’iymeh village in Daraa province.
An official source told SANA correspondent that the terrorists attacked the neighborhood and opened intense fire after which they stormed al-Nabulsi’s home and abducted him.
4 People Injured in an Explosive Device Blast, Two Explosive Devices Dismantled in Idleb
Four people who were in a truck were injured as an explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group near meteorological service center in Idleb exploded.
A blast of an explosive device between Ihsem and Abdita towns near the crossingroads to al-Bara town in Idleb countryside caused damage to two electricity pylons and cut off electricity to these towns and the neighboring villages.
SANA correspondent said that the maintenance teams are working to repair the damage and restore electricity to the region.
The military engineering units dismantled two explosive devices planted by armed terrorist groups near meteorological service center on Idelb-Salqin road.
Terrorists Shot a Civilian, Explosive Device Dismantled in a Park in Hama
A source in Hama governorate told SANA correspondent that citizen Iyad Mohammad al-Karam was killed with a gunshot by terrorist while he was at his father’s home in Aleppo road neighborhood.
The source added that four gunmen burglarized a microbus for Hama Electricity Establishment in Hama.
In the same context, military engineering units in Hama dismantled an explosive device planted by an armed terrorist group at al-Andalus Park in al-Ta’awniyeh neighborhood and no injuries were reported.
Armed Terrorist Group Assassinates Sheikh al-Ghannash from al-Akidat Tribe in Deir Ezzor
An armed terrorist group assassinated with gunfire Sheikh Mahmoud Hassan al-Ghannash, from Jadeid Akidat village , near Crossingroads to Jasem village in Deir Ezzor.
An official source told SANA reporter that the daughter of Sheikh al-Ghannash was injured in the attack which targeted his car while his brother was not hurt.
Three Army Martyrs Laid to Rest
DAMASCUS/ LATTAKIA (SANA) – The bodies of 3 martyrs were escorted on Tuesday from Tishreen and Zahi Azraq Military Hospitals in Damascus and Lattakia to their final resting place.
Solemn processions were held for the martyrs who were killed while in the line of duty in Damascus Countryside and Hama.
The Martyrs are:
First Lieutenant Bassam Ali Hammoud, from Lattakia.
Sergeant Dwreid Faddlallah Dergham, from Sweida.
Conscript Firas Faysal Idrees from Homs.
The martyrs’ families and relatives expressed pride in the martyrdom of their sons and readiness to follow in their footsteps for the sake of defending Syria’s stability and pride.
They stressed the Syrian people’s commitment to national unity and resistance against the media calls for instigation and sedition, voicing their condemnation of the criminal acts of the armed terrorist groups and their steadfastness against them.
Al-Attar to Jordanian Delegation: Targeting Syria Bid to Strike Resistance, Dismember Arab Nation, Obliterate the Palestinian Cause
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Vice-President Dr. Najah al-Attar underlined that what is targeting Syria aims at dismembering the Arab Nation in an attempt to obliterate the Palestinian cause, the Arabs ‘ central issue.
Dr. Attar’s remarks came during her meeting with the Jordanian Solidarity Delegation on Tuesday that includes intellectuals, politicians and lawyers.
Al-Attar added that targeting Syria is a bid to strike the resistance axis and what Syria represents for Arab resistance in confronting the western hegemonic attacks against the region, in addition to being an attempt to end Arabism through regional and Arab tools, stressing that Syria is able to overcome the crisis thanks to its national unity and the support of loyal Arab people.
She clarified that the parliamentary elections done yesterday constitute a step forwards in the reform process led by the leadership, but Syria’s enemies and the opposition abroad do not want reform, rather they are eager to fragment the state and damage the social fabric to weaken Syria and distract it from the main Arab issues.
The Vice-President voiced sorrow that the Arab League and some Arab countries have become a platform for targeting Syria and tools in the hand of the west and the USA to shed the Syrian blood and call for colonialism under cheap and frail pretexts.
Al-Attar lauded the popular stances in solidarity with Syria in Jordan and other Arab countries which are based on awareness of the reality of the scheme launched against Syria and the region, pointing out that these stances strengthen and fortify Syria.
For their part, members of the delegation stressed that coming to Syria means only moving from the southern part of Jordan to its north or moving from the south of Syria to its north as they are one people and one land despite of the borders.
They pointed out that supporting Syria is self-support considering that what harms Syria harms Jordan and all Arabs likewise.
They added that being in Syria is a continuation of their support to the reform process taking place in Syria and an emphasis that the scheme against Syria targets the whole nation, noting that the image propagated by some media outlets about Syria is false and deluding.
Mikdad: European Sanctions on Syria Directly Target Syrian Citizens
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad stressed on Tuesday Syria’s appreciation of the international humanitarian organizations which are neutral, credible and do not serve any political agendas.
Meeting Ann Mary Olsen, head of the International Department of the Danish Refugee Council, Dr. Mikdad pointed out that the inhumane European sanctions imposed on Syria are directly targeting the livlihood of the Syrian people, adding that the sanctions are aimed at undermining Syria’s policy and stances which reject the agendas of some western and regional states.
Dr. Mikdad reiterated Syria’s commitment to ensuring the success to the plan of UN envoy to Syria Kofi Annan, including the humanitarian side of it.
For her part, Olsen hoped that stability would be restored in Syria, hailing the standing cooperation between the Danish Council and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent organization.
Annan: Violence Should be Halted, A Political Process must be launched in Syria
GENEVA, (SANA) – The UN Special Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan said that violence should be halted and a credible political process serving the interests of the Syrian people should be launched.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Annan added that messages aren’t addressed only to the Syrian government, but also the armed groups who must discard their weapons.
He said that all sides should commit to the UN plan and guarantee the implementation of the six-point plan and engage into dialogue to get out of the crisis.
Annan stressed the priority is to halt violence, adding that “We are not talking about the Syrian government but also the governments which have influence on the opposition.”
He announced that he will visit Damascus in the few coming days.
“We started slowly, but later, we took guarantees that at the end of May, 300 monitors will be deployed completely on land,” Annan said.
He added “a decrease in the military activities was achieved, but there are violations of the halt of violence and they are not accepted… the governmental forces, armored vehicles are still there, even through with small numbers… but we also witnessed attacks against the public institutions and facilities and a spate of bombings that could frighten the inhabitants .”
The international mediator underlined that it was clear that the existence of observers in some places had an easing effect, saying “we will deploy the monitors who will guarantee that the six points of the plan aims at creating an atmosphere to shift to the political dialogue.”
He added that he doesn’t bear any ultimatums, but he seeks negotiations, appealing to those who bear arms, those who detain some prisoners to think about the people, Syria and the whole region.
Neeraj Singh:UN Observers Reached 70 and to be Notably Increased in the Few Coming Days
DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ Neeraj Singh, spokesman for the UN monitoring team in Syria declared that the number of UN observers in Syria reached to 70 and it would be notably increased during the few coming days.
Singh added in press statements here Tuesday that 9 observers are now in Homs, 4 in each of Daraa, Hama and Idlib Governorates, asserting that the observers pay field visits to scores of towns, quarters, and villages in Syria interacting and communicating with the population as to form a real picture about the ongoing on the ground before sending their daily reports which give actual and real description of the reality on the ground.
Today’s UN Observers’ visits included the villages of Dir al-assafir, al-Miliha, Jaramana, Bizina, and the Southern bypass.
Another observer team visited the neighborhoods of Kazo and al-Taawuniye in Hama city and inspected an explosive device planted by terrorists in al-Taawuniye.
The delegation also visited the Trade Union headquarters which was attacked by terrorists using an RPG on Monday.
Afterwards, two teams from Idleb and Damascus joined the Hama team and held a meeting. A number of observers from the Hama team were replaced then each team returned to its assigned area.
On a relevant note, a plane carrying 14 vehicles, communication devices and office equipment for the UN observer mission arrived at Damascus International Airport.
The plane was provided by the German government to transport the cars and equipment from the UN logistics center in Brindisi, Italy.
Russian Academic and Media Delegation: Media Broadcasting Unreal Image of Events in Syria
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – Members of the Russian academic and media delegation visiting Syria stressed that what media is broadcasting comes within the fabrications to draw an unreal and baseless image that contradicts the reality of events taking place in Syria.
The delegation members’ remarks came during a meeting with Grand Mufti of Syria, Ahmad Badr Eddin Hassoun, on Tuesday.
For his part, Hassoun said that the West, the US and Israel are conspiring with some Arabs to protect Israel and exploiting religion and using plots to fragment the region.
He called upon journalists and academics to take their role in conveying the real image of events in Syria to the international public opinion and divulge the conspiracy.
Hassoun added that there is a conspiracy against Syria as it is the sole country in the region that is clean of US bases and that those who target Syria are targeting the peace and the stability of the whole region and its people.
Earlier, the delegation toured Damascus City and inspected the electoral process in a number of poll centers, saying that the process proceeded transparently without any obstacles.
Committee for Supporting Liberated and Detained Syrian Prisoners in the Israeli Jails Denounces Israel’s Barbaric Practices against Detainees
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Committee for Supporting Liberated and Detained Syrian Prisoners in the Israeli Jails on Tuesday called on the UN and its organizations to shoulder its responsibilities regarding the oppression and torture carried out by the Israeli occupation against Syrian detainees in solitary imprisonment.
In a statement, the Committee beseeched the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to intervene and assume its humanitarian role regarding Syrian detainees in Israeli prison, calling on it to visit these captives – particularly Sedki al-Maqt – and inspect their health and living conditions.
The Committee denounced the barbaric practices of the Israeli occupation authorities against detainees, saying that these practices aim at killing them.
It also lauded the steadfastness of Syrian and Arab detainees in Israeli jails, noting that captives have begun their 23td day of hunger strike and that their lives are now in danger.
Mehmanparast: Parliamentary Election in Syria Another Step for Reform
TEHRAN, (SANA) – Parliamentary election in Syria is another step in the way of reforms launched by the Syrian leadership and Government, Spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Ramin Mehmanparast said on Tuesday.
In a press conference in Tehran, Mehmanparast stressed that the participation of the Syrian people in the elections is the right decision because it contributes to solving the internal issues through dialogue.
Mehmanparast said that arming the armed terrorist groups in Syria would further increase clashes and aggravate the situation, calling on the regional and international states to work to give success to the plan of the UN envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan.
Mehmanparast: Israel Tries to Weaken, Destabilize Syria for its Pivotal Resistant Role
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that Israel is trying to weaken and destabilize Syria because of its pivotal role in the Resistance movement.
In an interview on Russia Today Channel, Mehmanparast added that “All countries of the region should realize that weakening Syria is in the interest of Israel.”
He underscored that all the region’s countries should work to provide the appropriate circumstances to solve the crisis in Syria since repercussions of any deterioration in Syria will have impacts on all the region.
Concerning the Iranian nuclear file, Mehmanparast stressed that Iran is working within the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT).
“All countries should recognize Iran’s right to acquire peaceful nuclear technology,” he concluded.
Libyan Researcher Witnesses Loading Lutfallah II with Weapons in Libya
BEIRUT, (SANA) – The US Counterpunch website cited a Libyan researcher, Hassan Diab, who has been working with a group of American and international lawyers preparing a case against NATO to be filed with the International Criminal Court that he and three of his friends actually saw the ship Lutfallah II being loaded with weapons in Benghazi, Libya.
The website correspondent Franklin Lamb quoted Hassan as saying that ” it is well known at the docks that Qatar and Saudi Arabia control a total of five warehouses in the area of Benghazi & Misrata and supplied the weapons and money to hire the Lutfallah II container vessel.”
Lamb added that Libyans and foreign dock workers at Benghazi Port, who observed the Lutfallah II being loaded, saw three containers filled with 150 tons of weapons put onboard, although the initial plan, according to the owner of the boat, was to ship as many as 15 containers whose shipment is estimated at more than 2000 tons of weapons.
The Lebanese Army seized Lutfallah II in the Lebanese territorial waters. The ship was loaded with weapons to be sent to gunmen in Syria, to stoke the crisis and shed more Syrian blood.
Cabinet Approves New Bill on Higher Constitutional Court
DAMASCUS, (SANA) – A new bill on the Higher Constitutional Court was approved by the Syrian Cabinet during a session held on Tuesday.
In a press statement after the session, Minister of Justice, Tayseer Qalla Awad, stressed that the new bill comes within the framework of the constitutional vision to develop the performance of the judiciary of the Higher Constitutional Court in light of the wide authorities it was given according to the new constitution.
The Minister pointed out that the new bill stipulates that the Higher Constitutional Court is tasked with supervising and verifying the presidential elections.
The Court also is authorized to cancel any legislative decree or law that violates the constitution retroactively.
The Cabinet also approved a bill on establishing the Syrian Technical Center for Textile and another bill on establishing the Tourist Register at the Ministry of Tourism and its directorates.