June 2011 - Syria Special Weapons News

Syrian Activists Meet in Damascus, Seek to End Violence VOA 27 Jun 2011 -- More than 150 Syrian intellectuals and activists, including some of the country's most prominent opposition figures, are meeting to discuss how to end months of violent upheaval and initiate a peaceful transition to democratic rule.
Syria vows to 'overcome protests' within two months RIA Novosti 26 Jun 2011 -- The anti-government uprising in Syria will be overcome within two months, parliament speaker Mahmoud al-Abrash said on Sunday.
Hundreds of Syrians Flee into Lebanon VOA 25 Jun 2011 -- Hundreds of Syrians have fled across the border into neighboring Lebanon to escape escalating violence in their homeland.
Protesters, Security Forces Face Off in Syria; 12 Dead VOA 24 Jun 2011 -- At least 12 people were killed Friday when Syrian security forces fired on crowds as protesters took to the streets nationwide.
Protesters, Security Forces Face Off in Syria VOA 24 Jun 2011 -- At least 11 people were killed when Syrian security forces fired on crowds as thousands of protesters took to the streets nationwide.
At least seven dead in Syria clashes RIA Novosti 24 Jun 2011 -- At least seven people are reported to have died on Friday across Syria during protests against President Bashar al-Assad.
EU Imposes New Sanctions on Syria VOA 24 Jun 2011 -- The European Union has expanded its financial and travel sanctions against Syria and moved to condemn its brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters.
Clinton Warns Of Escalation At Syria-Turkey Border RFE/RL 24 Jun 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on Syria to pull back troops from near the border with Turkey.
Turkey Says 1,500 Syrians Fled Across Its Border in One Day VOA 24 Jun 2011 -- Turkey says that more than 1,500 Syrian refugees crossed its border as Syrian forces stormed to the region in their latest show of force.
More Than 1,500 Syrians Flee To Turkey, Clinton Warns Against Escalation RFE/RL 24 Jun 2011 -- More than 1,500 Syrian refugees crossed the border to Turkey over the past 24 hours, as the Syrian army swept up to the frontier.
Protests erupt in Syrian cities again after Friday prayers RIA Novosti 24 Jun 2011 -- Protests and clashes erupted in a number of Syrian towns following Muslim prayers on Friday.
Syrian Military Advance Forces Hundreds More into Turkey VOA 23 Jun 2011 -- Hundreds more refugees are pouring from Syria into Turkey as they try to escape advancing Syrian troops.
Syrian Troops Mass Near Turkish Border RFE/RL 23 Jun 2011 -- Syrian troops massed near the Turkish border overnight as President Bashar al-Assad uses increasing military force to crush protests against his rule.
Syrian Soldiers Enter Village Near Turkish Border VOA 23 Jun 2011 -- Activists say Syrian soldiers and tanks have entered a village near the Turkish border, as EU diplomats prepare to expand sanctions against Syria.
EU wants to spark 'chaos' in Syria - foreign minister RIA Novosti 23 Jun 2011 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has accused the European Union of attempting to "plant strife and chaos" in Syria.
Syrian FM Says No Iranian Intervention, Blasts Europe VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- Syrian FM Moallem: Syria is not receiving any help from Iran in its continuing crackdown on dissidents.
EU Agrees to Expand Syria Sanctions VOA 22 Jun 2011 -- European Union diplomats say the 27-nation bloc has agreed to expand sanctions against Syria, adding seven individuals, including three Iranians.
Syria thanks Russia for stance on resolution RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2011 -- Damascus highly values Moscow's position against UNSC's possible adoption of a resolution on Syria similar to one passed against Libya.
Syrian town 'almost deserted' after recent fighting UN News Centre 21 Jun 2011 -- The United Nations refugee agency has found north-western Syrian town of Jisr al-Shugour and surrounding villages to be virtually empty.
Thousands Rally in Support of Syrian President VOA 21 Jun 2011 -- Tens of thousands of Syrians have gathered for rallies backing President Bashar al-Assad.
Assad Orders New Amnesty Amid Pro-Government Rallies In Syria RFE/RL 21 Jun 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a new presidential pardon for prisoners.
Moscow calls for political pressure on Syria to end violence RIA Novosti 21 Jun 2011 -- International political pressure needs to be put on Syrian authorities, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said.
Russian Foreign Ministry says Assad's reform speech 'constructive' RIA Novosti 21 Jun 2011 -- Cooperation between the Syrian people and authorities would help overcome the crisis in the country.
US: Action, Not Words Needed from Syria's Assad VOA 20 Jun 2011 -- U.S. officials say the international community, and more importantly the Syrian people, are growing weary of the Syrian leader's promises.
Reactions Varied to Syrian Speech and Actions VOA 20 Jun 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad spoke again to his people in what appears to have been his latest effort to quell protests.
EU foreign policy chief Ashton says disappointed by Assad's speech RIA Novosti 20 Jun 2011 -- The European Union's foreign policy chief was disappointed by a speech delivered by President Bashar al-Assad of Syria.
Syrian President Puts Himself At Center Of Road Map For Reforms RFE/RL 20 Jun 2011 -- Embattled President Bashar al-Assad today announced a road map for the future of Syria.
Syrian President Says 'Saboteurs' Exploiting Legitimate Reform VOA 20 Jun 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says "saboteurs" are trying to exploit legitimate calls for change.
Syrian president blames protests on 'saboteurs' RIA Novosti 20 Jun 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on Monday that the unrest in his country was caused by a small group of "saboteurs."
Russia to urge Syria opposition to talk to government RIA Novosti 20 Jun 2011 -- Russian FM Lavrov: Russia will call on the Syrian opposition to negotiate with the ruling authorities.
Medvedev opposes Libya-style resolution on Syria RIA Novosti 20 Jun 2011 -- Russian President Medvedev: Moscow will use its veto rights in the UN Security Council to prevent the adoption of a resolution on Syria similar to the one passed against Libya.
Syrian Troops Ransack Northern Border Village VOA 19 Jun 2011 -- Syrian troops have reportedly ransacked a border village that had provided help to thousands of people fleeing a military crackdown on anti-government dissent.
U.S. seeks to try Syria's Assad in Hague criminal court RIA Novosti 18 Jun 2011 -- The White House is gathering information on alleged human rights abuses by Syrian security forces for possible consideration by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, the Wall Street Journal reported on its website, quoting U.S. officials.
Syria Expands Crackdown on Dissent VOA 18 Jun 2011 -- Syrian tanks stormed the town of Bdama near the border with Turkey Saturday, wreaking destruction, according to witnesses. Residents of the border region also continue to flee to neighboring Turkey, which is housing them in several refugee camps.
Protests Erupt In Syria As Troops Enter Northern Towns, Assad's Tycoon Cousin Quits RFE/RL 17 Jun 2011 -- Syrian troops and armored vehicles have entered two more towns in the northwest of the country as the military continues operations against centers of protests opposing President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
France, Germany to push Syria resolution at UNSC RIA Novosti 17 Jun 2011 -- France and Germany will go ahead with a Syria resolution at the UN Security Council, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday.
Casualties Mount as Syrian Protests, Crackdown Intensify VOA 17 Jun 2011 -- Thousands of Syrians turned out in over a dozen towns and cities Friday to protest the government's ongoing crackdown on the country's three month old protest movement. The protests come as government security forces continue operations on northern towns and in villages near the Turkish border. More than a dozen protesters are reported dead.
Syrian Forces Expand Assault in Northwest Region VOA 16 Jun 2011 -- Syrian rights activists say the country's security forces are expanding their assault in the northwest region that for days has been under a military crackdown.
Syrian army fighting 'militants, 'provocateurs' says Lavrov RIA Novosti 15 Jun 2011 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on Wednesday against attempts to define 'provocateurs' and 'militants' fighting against the government in Syria as peaceful protesters.
Citing reports of abuses, UN human rights office urges probe into Syria UN News Centre 15 Jun 2011 -- The United Nations human rights office has called for a thorough probe into the allegations of widespread abuses committed by Syrian authorities during their violent crackdown against protesters, including the excessive use of force against civilians, arbitrary detentions and torture.
Syria Widens Crackdown, More Civilians Flee to Turkey VOA 15 Jun 2011 -- Syrian military forces are poised to enter another northern town, while an increasing number of civilians are fleeing to Turkey to escape the military crackdown on anti-government protesters.
Iran: Military presence in Syria brings heavy consequences ISNA 14 Jun 2011 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on Tuesday military presence in Syria brings heavy consequences for the region.
UN Deadlocked Over Draft Syria Resolution, As Crackdown Continues RFE/RL 14 Jun 2011 -- International pressure is building against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime for its brutal crackdown on antigovernment demonstrators, with reports from fleeing refugees suggesting there is a sectarian nature to the violence.
France 'three votes short' of putting Syria resolution to UNSC vote RIA Novosti 14 Jun 2011 -- France will put a Syria resolution to a vote at the UN Security Council after it enlists the support of India, South Africa and Brazil, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said on Tuesday.
Arab League states call for suspension of Syria RIA Novosti 14 Jun 2011 -- Several Arab League member countries have proposed suspending Syria's membership in the organization over violent crackdowns on pro-democracy protests by the country's government, the Egyptian Al Ahram newspaper said on Tuesday.
Syria Widens Crackdown on Dissenters VOA 14 Jun 2011 -- Syrian forces are widening a crackdown on dissenters in a region near the Turkish border, while the number of Syrians crossing into Turkey to flee the unrest continues to rise.
Iran Denies Role in Syria Crackdown VOA 14 Jun 2011 -- Iran has rejected allegations from Britain and the United States that it is helping Syria crack down on domestic opposition with advice, equipment, and training. Iran remains a key Syrian ally, with the two governments finding common ground on such issues as Israel, Lebanon and Iraq.
Argentina's lessons learned after 'dirty war' apply to Syria today, Ban says UN News Centre 14 Jun 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged that the lessons learned from Argentina's turn from dictatorship to democracy be applied widely, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East, and he called on Syria to allow humanitarian aid into areas affected by ongoing violence.
Syria: UN relief official voices concern over violence against civilians UN News Centre 13 Jun 2011 -- The top United Nations humanitarian official today voiced deep concern over violence in Syria, which has reportedly claimed the lives of 1,200 people and forced more than 10,000 others to flee the country, and urged the country's Government to refrain from using force against peaceful demonstrators.
Syrian Forces Reoccupy Border Town, U.S Condemns Violence RFE/RL 13 Jun 2011 -- Syrian security forces reportedly detained hundreds of people in a sweep through villages around Jisr al-Shughour today, after President Bashar al-Assad's army reoccupied the rebellious city near the Turkish border.
U.K. foreign secretary pushes for UN resolution on Syria RIA Novosti 12 Jun 2011 -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Sunday urged the UN to send a 'clear message' to the Syrian government by issuing a resolution condemning brutal measures against anti-regime protesters.
Syrian Government Forces Retake Parts of Restive Northern Region VOA 12 Jun 2011 -- Syrian Army units have reportedly broken through the defenses of the restive, but mostly deserted, northern town of Jisr al Shaghour, after intense shelling by tanks and field artillery. Meanwhile in Libya, rebel fighters have reportedly stepped up their pressure on supply lines into the capital Tripoli.
U.S. Condemns Syria Crackdown, Backs UN Draft Resolution RFE/RL 11 Jun 2011 -- The White House has strongly denounced what it calls the Syrian government's 'outrageous use of violence' and voiced support for a European-drafted proposed UN Security Council resolution condemning the crackdown and calling for its end.
Syrian Forces Attack Demonstrators Near Turkish Border VOA 11 Jun 2011 -- Mourners across Syria laid to rest the bodies of dozens of people killed when government forces fired on anti-government demonstrators, and military units are continuing their crackdown against the town of Jisr al-Shughour, near the Turkish border. In Yemen, officials say at least 30 government soldiers and suspected militants have been killed in fighting in southern Abyan Province.
Senior UN official urges Syria to end repression UN News Centre 10 Jun 2011 -- Head of the UN agency that promotes access to information voiced concern at the escalating violence in Syria.
Brother of Syrian President Reportedly Leads Military Crackdown VOA 10 Jun 2011 -- Maher al-Assad is the younger brother of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
More Than 30 Syrians Reported Killed By Troops In Retaliatory Strikes RFE/RL 10 Jun 2011 -- Activists and witnesses say at least 32 people have been killed in Syria.
At Least 28 Killed in Syria Clashes VOA 10 Jun 2011 -- Syrian security forces have shot and killed at least 28 people in crackdowns on anti-government protests and a confrontation in a northwestern province.
Eight dead as Syrian army clamps down on restive north - TV RIA Novosti 10 Jun 2011 -- At least eight people were killed on Friday as Syrian government troops clamped down on protestors in the restive town of Jisr al-Shughour.
Demonstrations Flare, Refugees Flee as Syrian Crackdown Intensifies VOA 10 Jun 2011 -- The Syrian government says it has begun an assault on the western town of Jisr al-Shughour.
Syrian army begins crackdown in restive northern town RIA Novosti 10 Jun 2011 -- The Syrian army began a military operation against anti-government protestors in to the restive town of Jisr al-Shughour.
Russian envoy to Africa to meet Syria opposition in Moscow RIA Novosti 10 Jun 2011 -- Mikhail Margelov, Russia’s special envoy to Africa, said he would soon meet with a delegation from the Syrian opposition in Moscow.
Statement by the Press Secretary on the IAEA Board of Governors Resolution on Syria The White House 09 Jun 2011
Secretary Clinton on IAEA Resolution on Syria US Dept. of State 09 Jun 2011
Reports: IAEA Board To Send Syria Before UN Security Council RFE/RL 09 Jun 2011 -- Reports say the International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors has decided to bring Syria before the UNSC.
Secretary Clinton Press Availability in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates US Dept. of State 09 Jun 2011
Syrian Military Operation Begins In Restive Town RFE/RL 09 Jun 2011 -- Syrian state television says the country's military has launched an operation to "liberate" a restive northwestern town near the Turkish border.
Clinton Says Assad Can't 'Reverse' Changes RFE/RL 09 Jun 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to refrain from violence.
UN rights chief urges Syria to end assault on its people UN News Centre 09 Jun 2011 -- The UN human rights chief condemned the ongoing violent crackdown by Syrian authorities.
UN Official Accuses Syria of Bludgeoning Its People VOA 09 Jun 2011 -- The top U.N. human rights official is accusing Syria of trying to "bludgeon its population into submission" with its crackdown.
UN Rights Chief Urges Syria To End Assault On Population RFE/RL 09 Jun 2011 -- The UN human rights chief has called on the Syrian regime to halt its "assault on its own people."
Syrian army prepares to retaliate for security personnel massacre RIA Novosti 09 Jun 2011 -- Thousands of Syrian troops and columns of tanks are moving toward the northwestern town of Jisr al-Shughour preparing to storm it.
UN vote on Syria resolution to be tense, Russia is against RIA Novosti 09 Jun 2011 -- The vote on the UN Security Council resolution on Syria is expected to be tense, although Russia has made clear it is against any resolution.
Moscow urges global community to give Syria time for reform RIA Novosti 09 Jun 2011 -- Russian FM spokesman Lukashevich: The international community should give the Syrian authorities time for reforms.
Russia opposes any UN resolution on Syria - Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 09 Jun 2011 -- FM spokesman Lukashevich : Russia is against any UN resolution on Syria as the situation in the country is not threatening to global security.
Increasing Number of Syrians Flee to Turkey VOA 09 Jun 2011 -- Hundreds of Syrian refugees have crossed into Turkey to escape the latest upsurge of unrest in Syria.
Fearful Syrians Continue Pressing Into Turkey VOA 09 Jun 2011 -- Turkish government: Number of Syrians who have crossed into Turkey amid fears of government retaliation has risen to at least 1,600.
More than 1,600 Syrian refugees flee to Turkey in days RIA Novosti 09 Jun 2011 -- Some 1,650 refugees arrived in Turkey from Syria over the past two days, including about 1,000 who crossed the border over the past 24 hours.
Reports of Syrian Defections Signal Further Splits VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Reports of defections among Syrian security personnel are raising questions about how well the leadership can control the country.
US Works to Intensify Diplomatic Pressure on Syria VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to discuss the escalating violence in Syria on the sidelines of a Libya Contact Group meeting.
Britain, France To Put Forward UN Resolution On Syria RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- British PM Cameron: Britain and France will put forward a UN Security Council draft resolution condemning the "repression" by Syria.
International Community Turns Up Pressure on Syria VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- British PM Cameron said Paris and London are presenting a resolution to the UN Security Council condemning Syria's crackdown.
EU allies seek resolution on Syria RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- France and Britain are seeking a UN resolution condemning the Syrian government's crackdown on protesters.
Military Backlash Sends More Syrians Fleeing to Turkey VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- A rising number of Syrians in the north are fleeing into neighboring Turkey amid fears of possible military retaliation.
Syrian Refugees Flee Threats, Enter Turkey VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- A group of 122 Syrian refugees has crossed into neighboring Turkey, as civilians flee a restive border town following a government vow to respond "decisively" to recent violence.
Russian foreign minister warns against UN action in Syria RIA Novosti 07 Jun 2011 -- Ongoing conflicts in Syria and other countries in the region should be resolved by political means.
France to Push for UN Vote to Condemn Syrian Violence VOA 07 Jun 2011 -- France says it will push for a vote in the U.N. Security Council on a resolution condemning a government crackdown on protesters in Syria.
Fears Of Syria Crackdown After 'Armed Attack' Report RFE/RL 07 Jun 2011 -- Opposition activists in Syria say they fear a brutal onslaught in the northern town of Jisr al-Shughour.
Syrians Brace For Government Backlash Over Killings VOA 07 Jun 2011 -- Syrians in Jisr al-Shughour are braced for possible retribution for what government says was a massacre of soldiers and police.
Rights Groups Ask Hague Court To Probe Syria Killings RFE/RL 07 Jun 2011 -- Syrian and international human rights groups called on the ICC to investigate the deaths of more than 1,000 civilians during protests.
Syria Says 120 Police Killed In Northern Town RFE/RL 06 Jun 2011 -- Syrian state television says 120 members of its security forces have been killed in fighting in the northwestern town of Jisr Al-Shughour.
Syria State Media: 80 Police Officers Killed in Northwest Violence VOA 06 Jun 2011 -- The Syrian government says 80 police officers were killed from an attack and gunbattle in the northwestern part of the country.
Syria Says 40 Police Killed In Northern Town RFE/RL 06 Jun 2011 -- Syria's state television says 40 policemen have been killed in attacks by "armed groups" in a northern town.
SYRIA-LEBANON: Displaced Syrians head back home IRIN 06 Jun 2011 -- Nearly a half of the several thousand Syrians who recently fled violence in the southwest have returned to their homes in Syria.
Syria 'very likely' had an unreported nuclear plant UN News Centre 06 Jun 2011 -- Head of the UN atomic energy agency: “it is very likely” that a building destroyed in Syria in 2007 was a nuclear reactor.
UN Atomic Watchdog Chief Targets Syria VOA 06 Jun 2011 -- The head of the United Nations atomic agency suggests Syria may be covering up its nuclear activities.
IAEA Board To Discuss Syria, Iran RFE/RL 06 Jun 2011 -- The IAEA board of governors is holding a weeklong meeting in Vienna amid pressure from the US and others to rebuke Syria over alleged illicit nuclear activity.
UN chief voices alarm at escalation of violence in Syria UN News Centre 03 Jun 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his alarm at the escalation of violence in Syria, which has reportedly claimed at least 70 lives over the past week alone, and called for independent and transparent investigations into all the killings.
Syrian troops shoot unarmed civilians - TV RIA Novosti 03 Jun 2011 -- Government troops shot dead at least two unarmed civilians in the city of Ankahal on Friday as President Bashar Assad's regime continued its violent crackdown on pro-democracy protests, the Al Arbiya TV channel said.
At Least 27 Killed in Syria as Protests Rage Nationwide VOA 03 Jun 2011 -- Syrian rights groups say security forces have opened fire on anti-government protesters in the city of Hama, killing at least 27 people.
Clinton Faults International Unity on Syria Crackdown VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday the international community needs to be more united in pressuring the Syrian government to end its lethal crackdown on demonstrators. Clinton says the legitimacy of President Bashar al-Assad's government has 'nearly run out.'
Syrian Opposition Groups Demand President Step Down VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- Syrian opposition groups ended a two-day meeting in Turkey on Thursday with the demand that President Bashar al-Assad step down. Opposition activists are also calling for protests nationwide Friday, despite the ongoing military crackdown.
UN advisers denounce 'apparently deliberate' attacks on Syrian civilians UN News Centre 02 Jun 2011 -- Two high-ranking United Nations officials today said they were 'alarmed at the apparently systematic and deliberate attacks' on civilians in Syria, and called for an investigation into possible violations of international human rights law.
Syrian Shells Destroy Buildings in Protest Stronghold VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- Syrian forces are shelling the western town of Rastan Thursday, continuing a crackdown on pro-democracy movements in core parts of the country.
Syrian Dissidents Reject Government's Amnesty Offer VOA 01 Jun 2011 -- Syrian opposition leaders meeting in Turkey have rejected their government's offer of a general amnesty and say they will continue to push for a regime change.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

June 2011 - Syria Special Weapons News