May 2011 - Syria Special Weapons News

Clinton: Position of Syrian Leader Less Tenable by the Day VOA 31 May 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has not engaged in serious reform efforts and its position becomes 'less tenable' every day.
Activists: Syrian Crackdown Kills 14 Civilians VOA 30 May 2011 -- Syrian rights activists say a military crackdown on opposition protesters in central Syria has killed at least 14 civilians since Sunday.
Syrian Tanks Attack 3 Central Towns That Held Protests VOA 29 May 2011 -- Syrian rights activists say government troops backed by tanks have attacked three towns in central Syria, killing five people as part of a crackdown on a two-month old opposition uprising.
Lavrov reiterates Russian position against UN Security Council resolution on Syria RIA Novosti 28 May 2011 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Russian position against a United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria, the ministry said in a statement.
G8 Summit Ends with Harsh Words, Promises VOA 27 May 2011 -- President Barack Obama and other G8 leaders wrapped up a two-day summit in the French coastal town of Deauville.
G8 leaders vow financial, other support for 'Arab Spring' RIA Novosti 27 May 2011 -- The leaders of the Group of Eight countries praised the so-called Arab Spring and pledged to support democratic reforms in the region on the final day of the G8 summit in France's Deauville.
UN human rights investigators still awaiting access to Syria UN News Centre 27 May 2011 -- UNs still awaiting a response from the Syrian Government to a request for access for a human rights team.
Syrian Forces Fire on Protesters, At Least 8 Dead VOA 27 May 2011 -- Human rights activists say Syrian security forces opened fired on protesters, killing at least eight people.
At Least 5 Killed When Syrian Protests Dispersed RFE/RL 27 May 2011 -- Rights activists and witnesses say Syrian security forces violently dispersed thousands of people protesting in cities and towns across the country.
UN Experts to Consider Proposal Condemning Syria VOA 26 May 2011 -- U.N. Security Council experts are expected to discuss a draft resolution that would condemn Syria for its crackdown on peaceful protesters.
Europeans Seek UN Condemnation Of Syria RFE/RL 26 May 2011 -- European nations have circulated a UN resolution that would condemn Syria for its crackdown on peaceful protesters.
Obama Demands Reforms in Syria During UK Visit VOA 25 May 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama pressed for reforms in Syria after his meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron.
GOV/2011/30: 24 May 2011 - Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic IAEA 24 May 2011
IAEA: Suspect Site In Syria 'Very Likely' A Nuclear Reactor RFE/RL 24 May 2011 -- The IAEA says a remote desert site in Syria that was bombed by Israeli planes in September 2007 was "very likely" a nuclear reactor.
IAEA: Syria Site 'Very Likely' Nuclear Reactor VOA 24 May 2011 -- The United Nations nuclear watchdog agency says a Syrian site bombed by Israel in 2007 was "very likely" a nuclear reactor.
Syrian leader assures Russia's Medvedev reforms are underway RIA Novosti 24 May 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al Assad said he would do everything possible to ensure peace and boost reforms in the divided country.
In Brief: Syria unrest a risk for food security IRIN 23 May 2011 -- Continuing unrest in Syria will not only affect economic growth but could disrupt food distribution channels leading to severe localized shortages in main markets, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
EU 'Widens Sanctions' On Syria, Iran RFE/RL 23 May 2011 -- The European Union has imposed sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and nine individuals close to him in response to Damascus's violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters.
Activists: Syrian Security Forces Kill 3 at Protesters' Funeral VOA 21 May 2011 -- Activists in Syria say at least three people were killed Saturday when security forces fired on mourners holding funeral services for at least 44 people killed in Friday's protest demonstrations. Opposition websites are also claiming that medics were not allowed to treat the victims. Meanwhile, in Yemen, embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh is saying once again that he will sign a Gulf Cooperation Council plan that paves the way for him to resign.
Iran rejects claims on troops dispatch to Syria for crackdown ISNA 21 May 2011 -- The Head of Iran's Bassij paramilitary forces Mohammad Reza Naghdi said on Saturday that allegations on dispatch of Iranian Bassij forces and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to Syria are ridiculous.
Protests break out in Syrian towns after Friday prayers RIA Novosti 20 May 2011 -- Protests broke out in several Syrian regions following Friday prayers, local media reported.
UN working with Lebanon to aid families fleeing unrest in Syria UN News Centre 20 May 2011 -- The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and partners are working with the Lebanese government in the border areas of northern Lebanon to provide food and shelter to families who have fled the violence in Syria in recent weeks, an agency spokesperson said today.
At Least 17 Killed in Syria as Forces Fire on Protesters VOA 20 May 2011 -- At least 17 people were killed in Syria Friday as security forces fired on protesters rallying against President Bashar al-Assad's government.
Obama Tells Syria's Assad to Lead Transition or Leave VOA 19 May 2011 -- In his Middle East policy speech, President Barack Obama said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad faces the choice of either leading a democratic transition in his country or getting out of the way. The comment came a day after the U.S. administration imposed sanctions on the Syrian leader and key aides.
Syrian Troops, Tanks Ease Grip on Defiant Border Town VOA 19 May 2011 -- Witnesses say Syrian troops and tanks have started pulling out of a town near the Lebanese border, one of the latest enclaves to join in a two-month old anti-government uprising.
Syrian Troops, Tanks Fire on Town Near Lebanon Border VOA 19 May 2011 -- Syrian troops and tanks have fired on a town near the Lebanese border where residents have defied the government as part of a two-month old uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's rule.
Remarks of President Barack Obama: 'A Moment of Opportunity' The White House 19 May 2011
Syrian President Concedes 'Mistakes' in Handling Protests VOA 18 May 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said the authorities have made some mistakes in their handling of anti-government protests since mid-March.
US Sanctions Syria for Human Rights Abuses VOA 18 May 2011 -- The United States on Wednesday invoked sanctions against Syrian President Bashar Assad and six senior officials in his government for human rights abuses.
Calls for Strikes in Syria Largely Ignored, Crackdown Continues VOA 18 May 2011 -- Calls for strikes in Syria were largely ignored Wednesday for fear of government retaliation, as Syria's deadly crackdown on the opposition intensified across the country.
US, EU Warn of New Steps Soon Against Syria VOA 17 May 2011 -- The United States and European Union are warning of new action against the Syrian government in the coming days if it does not halt its crackdown against protesters. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and EU chief diplomat Catherine Ashton discussed Syria and efforts to get Iran back to big-power nuclear talks.
Assad Family Grip on Syria Hampers Reform VOA 17 May 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's crackdown on anti-government protesters has been leavened with at least verbal concessions to reform. But given the history of the country, the government and his family, some political analysts believe those promises will never be fulfilled.
Syrian Crackdown in Border Town Enters Second Day VOA 15 May 2011 -- Syrian government militia forces continued their siege of the town of Talkalakh on the Lebanese border for a second day Sunday, firing tank shells and rocket-propelled grenades into the besieged city.
Britain, France seek for sanctions against Syrian president RIA Novosti 14 May 2011 -- Britain and France are seeking to impose a EU travel ban and asset freeze on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and four officials, close to him, Syrian D-press news web site reported on Saturday.
Russia Warns Against Foreign Intervention In Syria RFE/RL 13 May 2011 -- Russia has warned against intervention in Syria, with FM Lavrov calling on the Syrian opposition not to seek a repeat of the "Libya scenario."
Thousands Continue Protest Across Syria VOA 13 May 2011 -- Scattered protests were reported in at least a dozen Syrian towns and cities following midday prayers Friday.
At Least 1 Dead as Syrian Forces Fire on Protesters VOA 13 May 2011 -- Human rights groups say at least one person has been killed after Syrian security forces opened fire on protesters Friday in the central city of Homs.
Syrian Troops Deployed In Cities Ahead Of Protests RFE/RL 13 May 2011 -- Soldiers backed by tanks were deployed across Syrian cities ahead of protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime expected later on May 13.
Over 3,000 protesters rally in Syria RIA Novosti 13 May 2011 -- Over 3,000 protestors took to the streets in Syria on Friday, despite two days of violent crackdowns on demonstrators.
UN officials warn of escalating human rights violations across Middle East UN News Centre 13 May 2011 -- UN human rights officials voiced deep concern about the situation in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen.
'Libya scenario' dangerous for region - Lavrov RIA Novosti 13 May 2011 -- Russian FM Lavrov warned on Friday of the dangers of a repetition of the fighting that has engulfed Libya in other countries in North Africa and the Middle East.
Syrian Activists: Government Forces Arrest Dozens VOA 12 May 2011 -- Syrian activists say the government has arrested dozens of people and deployed tanks around cities in central Syria.
Syria Braces for More Anti-Regime Protests VOA 12 May 2011 -- Syrian government forces expanded their crackdown on public opposition uprising, deploying tanks around the historic city of Hama.
Syria Rounds Up Protest Leaders As Crackdown Continues RFE/RL 12 May 2011 -- Rights activists in Syria say the country's security forces are continuing a town-by-town crackdown on dissent.
Syrian Activists Say Government Tanks Deploying Around Hama VOA 12 May 2011 -- Syrian activists say government forces expanded their crackdown on an opposition uprising.
Syrian opposition prepares for fresh protests RIA Novosti 12 May 2011 -- The Syrian opposition has announced another day of mass protests for this Friday.
US Lawmakers Urge Obama to Call for Resignation of Syria's Leader VOA 11 May 2011 -- Some American lawmakers questioning why President Obama has not yet called for President Bashar al-Assad to step down.
Activists: Syrian Tanks, Troops Kill 19 People in South, West VOA 11 May 2011 -- Syrian rights activists say government forces have fired on residential areas in the south and west of the country.
Syrian Tanks Shell Homs Neighborhood VOA 11 May 2011 -- Syrian government tanks pounded the Bab Amr district of the flashpoint city of Homs, intensifying pressure on opposition groups.
Shelling, Heavy Gunfire Reported In Syria's Homs RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Syrian rights activists say the sound of shelling and heavy gunfire was heard in the central city of Homs today.
Explosions Rock Syrian Central City VOA 11 May 2011 -- There are reports of fresh shelling in Syria's central city of Homs as government forces continue efforts to crush an anti-government uprising.
Syrian army says winds up operation in Homs RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- The Syrian army will soon complete a military operation on the outskirts of the country's third largest city, an official army source told RIA Novosti.
UN chief calls on Syria to allow humanitarian access UN News Centre 11 May 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban: UN would continue to press Syria to allow an independent humanitarian team to be granted access.
Syrian Forces Release 300 People In Banias RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- Human rights observers in Syria say the government has released 300 people in a coastal city.
In Brief: Violence hurting Palestinians in Syria IRIN 11 May 2011 -- Continuing violence in Syria has affected the delivery of aid to Palestinian refugees, raising concerns about the impact on 30,000 people in Dera’a and surrounding areas.
Radical Muslims will seize power if Assad regime falls - adviser RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Assad's cousin Rami Makhlouf: Radical Muslim Salafists will seize power in Syria if the ruling regime of President Bashar al-Assad falls.
Israel's U.S. envoy urges Russia to cut arms supplies to Mideast RIA Novosti 11 May 2011 -- Israeli Ambassador to Washington Michael Oren called on Russia via the Russian Jewish Congress to restrict weapons supplies to Syria and Iran.
Syria Pulls Out Of Race For UN Human Rights Council RFE/RL 11 May 2011 -- UN envoys say Syria has dropped plans to run for a seat on the United Nations' top human rights body this year.
US Says Syrian Repression Only Spurs More Unrest VOA 10 May 2011 -- The US said repression by Syrian authorities against pro-democracy protests only strengthens the resolve of government opponents.
Syria Intensifies Crackdown Amid Calls for New Protest VOA 10 May 2011 -- Witnesses report hearing shots in the Damascus suburb of Maadamiyeh, as the government intensifies crackdown.
Syria: UN official voices concern about lack of humanitarian access UN News Centre 10 May 2011 -- The United Nations relief chief today expressed her concern about the lack of humanitarian access to parts of Syria.
UN Says Syria Hasn't Let It Into Protest City Of Daraa RFE/RL 10 May 2011 -- The United Nations says Syria has blocked assess to the southern city of Daraa, site of bloody antigovernment protests.
Syrian opposition calls new day of mass protest RIA Novosti 10 May 2011 -- Opposition activists in Syria called on Tuesday for mass protests across the country as a government crackdown on dissent continues.
Kuwait to Replace Syria as Candidate for Human Rights Council VOA 10 May 2011 -- Kuwait is set to replace Syria as a candidate for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Syria: Ban reiterates calls for end to deadly violence and mass arrests UN News Centre 09 May 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Kreiterated his calls for an immediate end to the violence in Syria.
Three Killed, Hundreds Arrested In New Syria Raids RFE/RL 09 May 2011 -- Reports quoting witnesses and human rights activists say Syrian security forces arrested hundreds of people today in raids across Syria.
Syria Detains Opposition Activists in Continuing Crackdown VOA 09 May 2011 -- The Syrian government is continuing its crackdown against anti-government protesters.
Hundreds Reported Arrested in Syria Crackdown VOA 09 May 2011 -- Rights activists say Syrian forces arrested hundreds in house-to-house raids in flashpoint cities.
Syrian authorities continue military crackdown on protesters RIA Novosti 08 May 2011 -- Syrian authorities are continuing military crackdown on protesters in several cities as an effort to tightened a grip in the main parts of the country where massive pro-democracy protests are ongoing, an official military source said.
Rights Groups: Syrian Forces Raid More Cities VOA 08 May 2011 -- Syrian rights groups say security forces have stormed at least three more cities, detaining more than 200 people in the coastal city of Banias and killing a young boy in the central city of Homs.
Army Tanks Enter Syrian Flashpoint City Banias - Activists RFE/RL 07 May 2011 -- Syrian army units stormed into the city of Banias with tanks overnight, attacking the districts that had defied the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian Tanks Enter Coastal Town of Banias VOA 07 May 2011 -- Rights activists say Syrian troops have killed three women marching in a demonstration outside the coastal city of Banias, a day after violence during a 'day of defiance' by anti-government protesters left at least 31 people dead.
Clashes in Syria Leave At Least 31 Dead VOA 06 May 2011 -- Human rights workers say clashes between Syrian security forces and protesters have left at least 31 people dead. Tens of thousands of Syrian protesters demanding the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad took to the streets in several Syrian cities Friday, despite a heavy military presence, calling it their 'day of defiance.'
Statement by the Press Secretary on Violence in Syria The White House 06 May 2011
Deaths, High-Profile Arrest Reported On Syrian 'Day Of Defiance' RFE/RL 06 May 2011 -- Syrian authorities have reportedly detained a prominent opposition leader and shot dead protesters, as thousands gathered for a nationwide 'day of defiance' against President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Clinton Urges World Reaction to Syria's 'Brutal' Crackdown VOA 05 May 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says world powers must show the Syrian government that there are consequences for what she called a 'brutal crackdown' on civilians.
SYRIA: Allow humanitarian access to Deraa - ICRC IRIN 05 May 2011 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called for better humanitarian access to the southern Syrian city of Deraa, which has been hit by political violence, and where food, water and medical supplies have also run short.
Syria Says Military Forces Withdrawing from Flashpoint City VOA 05 May 2011 -- Syria says it has begun a gradual military withdrawal from the flashpoint city of Daraa, where a series of deadly clashes have erupted between security forces and anti-government protesters.
Syria: Ban calls for probe into killings and end to violent repression of protests UN News Centre 04 May 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for an independent investigation of all killings that occurred during the demonstrations that have rocked Syria in recent weeks and reiterated his call for an end to the violence and mass arrest of people taking part in peaceful protests.
Syrian President: Military Operation in Daraa Will End 'Soon' VOA 04 May 2011 -- A Middle Eastern daily has reported that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the military operation in the southern flashpoint city of Daraa will end "very soon."
US Calls Syrian Anti-Protest Actions 'Barbaric' VOA 03 May 2011 -- The Syrian government, which initially proposed reforms, has mounted a security sweep that it acknowledges included nearly 500 arrests on Sunday in Daraa alone.
Turkey Worries Syria's Refugee Influx Could Cause Crisis VOA 03 May 2011 -- Hundreds of Syrian refugees have fled across the border into Turkey to escape the ongoing crackdown on anti-government protests. The influx has added to growing Turkish concerns that the deepening crisis in Syria could lead to the country facing a refugee crisis.
France, Germany Call for EU Sanctions on Syrian Leaders VOA 03 May 2011 -- France and Germany are asking the European Union to impose sanctions on Syrian leaders in response to the violent crackdown on anti-government protests.
Syrian Troops Arrest Hundreds in Daraa VOA 01 May 2011 -- Witnesses say authorities in Syria have arrested hundreds of people - many of them in the flashpoint city of Daraa - as troops backed armored vehicles roam the streets trying to crush protests against President Bashar al-Assad.

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May 2011 - Syria Special Weapons News