August 2011 - Syria Special Weapons News

Syrian Activists: Tanks, Troops Raid Hama, Make Arrests VOA 31 Aug 2011 -- Syrian rights activists and residents say government tanks and troops have entered the central city of Hama.
Syrian Troops Raid Districts In Hama RFE/RL 31 Aug 2011 -- The crackdown on opposition supporters in Syria continues.
US Sanctions Syrian Foreign Minister, Others, for Supporting Crackdown VOA 30 Aug 2011 -- The US imposed sanctions Syria’s Foreign Minister and two other senior officials in connection with government crackdown.
At Least 7 Killed in Syria Protests VOA 30 Aug 2011 -- Syrian forces have killed seven people after opening fire on protesters on the first day of the Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
U.S. Imposes More Sanctions As Killing In Syria Continues RFE/RL 30 Aug 2011 -- More protests were reported in Syria on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, the three-day Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
Syrian police kill 17 demonstrators RIA Novosti 30 Aug 2011 -- A total of 17 demonstrators were killed by Syrian security forces across the country on Tuesday, the first day of a three-day Muslim holiday.
Paris says Russian draft on Syria possible basis for rapprochement RIA Novosti 30 Aug 2011 -- A Russian draft UN resolution on Syria may help to bring closer the positions of world powers on the crisis in the Arab state.
Turkey, Syria Approaching Diplomatic Rift VOA 29 Aug 2011 -- Turkey's PM and its president have announced they have lost confidence in the Syrian leadership.
Syrian Troops Continue Crackdown VOA 29 Aug 2011 -- Syria’s security forces continue to crack down on protests in several places, despite international condemnation.
Reports: Syrian Security Forces Surround Central Town RFE/RL 29 Aug 2011 -- Syrian activists said security forces pursuing antigovernment protesters stormed several towns and villages across the country on August 29.
Syrian Forces Kill 6 in Raids VOA 29 Aug 2011 -- Syrian rights activists say government security forces have killed six people while storming areas around the country in a renewed crackdown on political dissent.
Sorbonne professor appointed head of Syrian opposition council RIA Novosti 29 Aug 2011 -- Burhan Ghalioun has been appointed the chairman of the Syrian opposition TNC.
Russian envoy criticizes draft UN Security Council resolution on Syria RIA Novosti 29 Aug 2011 -- The UN Security Council’s draft resolution on Syria is one-sided, Russia’s UN ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, said.
Russian envoy urges halt to Syria violence in Damascus talks RIA Novosti 29 Aug 2011 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov travelled to Damascus for talks with Syrian President al-Assad.
Iran Denies Role in Syria Crackdown VOA 29 Aug 2011 -- Iran's government has denied allegations it is playing a role in Syria's bloody crackdown on political opposition.
Iran denies EU claim on interference in Syria ISNA 29 Aug 2011 -- Iranian FM Spokesman Mehmanparast dismissed EU claim that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces have been involved in Syrian recent developments.
Syria Rejects Arab League Call for End to 'Bloodshed' VOA 28 Aug 2011 -- Syria has rejected an Arab League statement calling for an end to deadly violence that has shaken the country.
Arab League Urges End To Syria Bloodshed RFE/RL 28 Aug 2011 -- The Arab League has called for an end to the bloodshed in Syria, and urged the Syrian regime to respect the Syrian people's aspirations.
Arab League chief to travel to Syria for talks with Assad RIA Novosti 28 Aug 2011 -- Arab League Secretary General Elaraby will travel to Damascus to try to persuade Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to stop violence against protesters.
Turkish President Says He's Lost Confidence In Syria RFE/RL 28 Aug 2011 -- Turkey's Anatolia news agency cites President Abdullah Gul as saying the situation in Syria has "reached a level that everything is too little, too late. We lost our confidence."
Iran: Syria Should Heed Citizens’ Demands VOA 27 Aug 2011 -- Syria's closest ally, Iran, is calling on the government in Damascus to listen to the people's "legitimate demands."
Syrian Forces Crack Down on Protesters VOA 27 Aug 2011 -- Syrian activists say forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have clashed with anti-government protesters in Damascus and several other cities.
3 Killed After Syrian Forces Fire on Protesters VOA 26 Aug 2011 -- At least three people are dead as tens of thousands of anti-government protesters filled the streets of several cities on the last Friday of Ramadan.
Syrian Forces Fire on Protesters VOA 26 Aug 2011 -- Syrian forces have opened fire on protesters who massed Friday to call once again for President Bashar al-Assad's resignation.
Syrians Take To Steets To Protest Regime RFE/RL 26 Aug 2011 -- Activists say Syrians are taking to the streets to continue a monthslong protest against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad.
Libya’s Lesson to Syria - Stay the Course VOA 25 Aug 2011 -- The euphoria of Libyan revolutionaries who overtook Gadhafi’s stronghold of Bab Al-Aziziya, is beginning to have a galvanizing effect on Syrian activists.
Report Claims Cheney Advised Bush to Bomb Syria VOA 25 Aug 2011 -- Former US VP Cheney, in a memoir obtained by the New York Times, says he urged former President George W. Bush to bomb Syria in 2007.
EU Broadens Syria Sanctions to Target Iran's Revolutionary Guard VOA 25 Aug 2011 -- The EU expanded Syria sanctions to target the elite unit of Iran's Revolutionary Guard for its role in helping Syrian security forces.
Over 20 protesters, troops killed in Syria in past 24 hours - media RIA Novosti 25 Aug 2011 -- A total of 24 people, including eight servicemen, were killed in Syria over the past 24 hours.
Libyan Uprising Boosts Morale in Mideast VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- The apparent victory by rebels in Libya is sending shockwaves throughout the Middle East.
Syrian Forces Launch Raids, Make Arrests VOA 24 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces are again raiding towns and villages throughout the country.
Damascus: Individuals supported by al-Qaeda IRNA 24 Aug 2011 -- Deputy Syrian Foreign and Immigrants Affairs Minister: Intervention in Hamah and Hams were in response to groups supported by Al-Qaeda.
UN Syria Sanctions Draft Targets Assad And Others RFE/RL 24 Aug 2011 -- A European and U.S. draft resolution calls for UN sanctions against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Secretary Clinton Statement on The Human Rights Council's Special Session on Syria US Dept. of State 23 Aug 2011
Moscow urges world community to bolster all-Syrian dialogue RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2011 -- The international community should bolster a dialogue between all of the parties of the Syrian conflict, Valery Loshchinin, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations Office in Geneva said on Tuesday.
Six protesters killed in Syria's Homs - report RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2011 -- Six people were killed during demonstrations in the Syrian city of Homs, Al Arabiya TV reported on Tuesday.
Human Rights Council calls for probe into Syrian killings RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2011 -- The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) passed a resolution on Tuesday, that calls for a probe into the Syrian authorities' atrocities against civilians during the country's anti-government protests.
EU Council imposes additional sanctions against Syria RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2011 -- The Council of the European Union introduced on Tuesday additional sanctions against Syria, which has seen a bloody crackdown on opposition protests.
Russian foreign minister rules out military intervention in Syria RIA Novosti 23 Aug 2011 -- A military intervention into an ongoing political conflict in Syria is out of the question, Russian Foreign Minster Sergei Lavrov said.
Top UN human rights body orders inquiry into Syrian violence UN News Centre 23 Aug 2011 -- The top United Nations human rights body today called for an immediate end to all violence in Syria and decided to dispatch an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate alleged abuses committed during the Government's crackdown on protesters.
UN Human Rights Council Condemns Syria VOA 23 Aug 2011 -- The U.N. Human Rights Council has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution condemning Syria for grave and systematic human-rights violations. The resolution also calls for an international investigation into possible crimes against humanity.
Syrian Activists Form Opposition Coalition VOA 23 Aug 2011 -- Opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have formed a 'national council' that they say will coordinate efforts to oust the embattled leader.
UN Human Rights Council mulls new probe into Syria UN News Centre 22 Aug 2011 -- The UN Human Rights Council met in special session today to debate the urgent dispatch of a commission to Syria.
UN to Examine Violence in Syria VOA 22 Aug 2011 -- The U.N. Human Rights Council is holding a special session Monday to examine the violence in Syria following a request from 24 of its members.
UN Rights Council Emergency Session On Syria Opens RFE/RL 22 Aug 2011 -- The UN Human Rights Council has begun an emergency session on Syria.
Syrian army storms eastern city, mass arrests reported RIA Novosti 22 Aug 2011 -- Many residents of eastern Syria's Al Bukamal city were arrested on Monday in a Syrian army assault.
Syrian Leader Defends Crackdown VOA 21 Aug 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview on state television Sunday that the security situation in his country is 'improving' and that economic sanctions are affecting morale in Syria and that the country's economy is improving, despite international sanctions. Mr. Assad also vowed to continue a political dialogue with the opposition, move toward a multi-party political sy
30 Reported Killed As Syrian Bloodshed Continues RFE/RL 20 Aug 2011 -- Opposition activists in Syria say security forces have killed 30 or more people as the regime of President Bashar al-Assad has continued its crackdown against protesters in the face of international condemnation.
UN provides emergency help to Palestinian refugees displaced by fighting in Syria UN News Centre 19 Aug 2011 -- The United Nations is providing emergency assistance to some of the thousands of Palestinian refugees who have had to flee their homes in Syria in recent days amid mounting international concern at the violent crackdown by Government forces against civilian protesters.
Syrian Forces Continue Crackdown Despite Stepped-Up International Pressure RFE/RL 19 Aug 2011 -- At least a dozen people have been killed in clashes between antigovernment demonstrators and Syrian security forces over the past 24 hours, despite stepped-up pressure by the West against Damascus.
Syrian president may announce changes to constitution RIA Novosti 19 Aug 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad will soon announce changes to the country's constitution, a Syrian politician said on Friday.
19 Killed As Syrian Forces Fire on Protesters VOA 19 Aug 2011 -- At least 19 people have been killed in Syria as security forces opened fire on anti-government demonstrators. The deaths occurred on Friday, a day after Western powers called for President Bashar al-Assad's resignation because of his deadly crackdown on dissent.
US, Europe Call for Syria's Assad to 'Step Aside' VOA 18 Aug 2011 -- The United States and its key European allies on Thursday made a coordinated call on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down, after he ignored appeals to end a brutal five-month crackdown on protestors. The U.S. appeal for regime change is coupled with far-reaching sanctions against the Damascus government, including a ban on imports of Syrian oil.
Syria Crackdown Continues Despite International Criticism VOA 18 Aug 2011 -- As U.S. President Barack Obama and European leaders call on Bashar al-Assad to step down as president of Syria, witnesses inside the country say security forces continued to arrest scores of people in the last 24 hours.
Press Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Syria The White House 18 Aug 2011
Syrian crackdown on protesters may amount to crimes against humanity – UN report UN News Centre 18 Aug 2011 -- The Syrian Government's 'widespread and systematic' attacks against its own people may amount to crimes against humanity and warrant an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC), the United Nations human rights office said in a report released today.
Obama Calls for Syria's Assad to 'Step Aside' VOA 18 Aug 2011 -- The United States, acting in concert with major allies, has called for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down after he ignored international appeals to end a brutal five-month crackdown on protesters. The appeal for regime change is coupled with far-reaching U.S sanctions against the Damascus government.
Traumatized Syrians Flee Government Crackdown VOA 18 Aug 2011 -- The Assad government's violent repression of a five-month-old popular uprising is sending thousands of Syrians into Turkey and Lebanon as refugees. Several hundred of them recently sought food and medical assistance at a mosque in northern Lebanon's Wadi Khaled region, a few kilometers from the Syrian border.
Syria: UN envoy voices alarm at 'excessive and lethal force' against civilians UN News Centre 17 Aug 2011 -- The United Nations envoy advocating for the rights of children during armed conflict today called on Syrian authorities to end the bloodshed that has marked this year's violent crackdown by Government security forces against civilian protesters.
SYRIA: Palestinian refugees flee port city camp IRIN 17 Aug 2011 -- Syria should allow humanitarian access to Palestinian refugees living in the Mediterranean port city of Latakia following reports that violence has forced thousands of them to flee a camp in the area.
As concern rises about Syrian violence, UN relocates non-essential staff UN News Centre 17 Aug 2011 -- The United Nations is temporarily withdrawing some staff from Syria amid mounting international concern about the violent crackdown by Government forces against civilian demonstrators.
Syrian Forces Detain Dozens in Latakia VOA 17 Aug 2011 -- Activists say Syrian security forces have detained dozens of people in Latakia - a day after the government announced it was withdrawing its military from the port city.
UN: Palestinians Flee Refugee Camp In Syria RFE/RL 16 Aug 2011 -- The United Nations says thousands of Palestinian refugees have been forced to flee their camp in the Syrian city of Latakia as government troops continue to shell the besieged town.
Syrian Death Toll Continues to Climb VOA 16 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces are using heavy machine gun fire in the port city of Latakia, where President Bashar al-Assad's government has been cracking down on opposition demonstrators the past four days.
Syrian Tanks Roll Through Port City VOA 15 Aug 2011 -- The Syrian military is pressing its crackdown against anti-government dissent in the port city of Latakia while troops are carrying out new raids near the central city of Homs.
Activists: 10 Killed After Syrian Gunboats Fire on Coastal City RFE/RL 14 Aug 2011 -- At least 23 people have been killed after Syrian gunboats on August 14 pounded poor, densely populated neighborhoods in the coastal city of Latakia with heavy machine gun fire, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has said.
Syria: UN agency voices alarm at reports of deadly assault on port city of Latakia UN News Centre 14 Aug 2011 -- The United Nations agency helping Palestinian refugees voiced grave concern today at reports that Syrian security forces have fired at a refugee camp in the country's northern port city of Latakia, killing or injuring a number of camp residents.
At Least 22 Killed in Syria's Siege on Port City VOA 14 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces have stepped up their deadly crackdown on dissent in Latakia, where the military is blasting the port city with gunfire from land and sea.
Syrian Forces Kill 3 in New Crackdowns VOA 13 Aug 2011 -- At least three people have been killed as Syrian security forces launched raids in two regions of the country.
Clinton: Syria's Assad Facing 'Crescendo of Condemnation' VOA 13 Aug 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says there has been a 'crescendo of condemnation' as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government continues its crackdown on protesters. Still, the secretary has not explicitly called on Assad to step down. Clinton said an international voice is important so Assad's government cannot say pressure is only coming from the West.
Syrian Troops Fire On Protestors After Prayers RFE/RL 12 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces reportedly killed least 13 people in another day of violence against protesters.
Syrian Forces Fire On Protesters As Crackdown Continues RFE/RL 12 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces reportedly have fired live ammunition at protesters as they left a mosque after Friday prayers.
Syrian Forces Target Protesters After Friday Prayers VOA 12 Aug 2011 -- Renewed calls for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's resignation have been met with a deadly response from the country's security forces.
Dozens killed in Syria ahead of Friday prayers RIA Novosti 12 Aug 2011 -- At least 24 people have been killed in clashes with government forces in Syria as the nationwide 5-month-old riot heated up.
EU to extend sanctions against Syria RIA Novosti 12 Aug 2011 -- The European Union will extend sanctions against Syria, spokesman for EU Michael Mann said on Friday.
U.S. calls on Russia to freeze arms sales to Syria RIA Novosti 12 Aug 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on Russia to stop selling weapons to Syria.
Readout of the President's Call with Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey The White House 11 Aug 2011
Western Diplomats Threaten Syria With Tougher Action RFE/RL 11 Aug 2011 -- International pressure is building against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Sanctions, Pressure and Syria's Assad VOA 11 Aug 2011 -- The Obama administration says Syria would be "a better place" without leader Bashar al-Assad.
Ten Killed in Syrian Raids VOA 11 Aug 2011 -- Syrian forces killed 10 people as the government widened its crackdown on dissent to at least two more areas of the country.
Syrian Troops Storm Northwestern Town VOA 11 Aug 2011 -- Right activists say Syrian security forces have stormed a northwestern town near the Turkish border.
Syrian forces kill 16 in Homs RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces shot at least 16 civilians dead in Syria's third largest city of Homs.
Syria's Assad admits 'some mistakes' in crackdown RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2011 -- Syrian President Assad has admitted that his security forces have made "some mistakes" in quelling nationwide protests over the last five months.
Syria Clouds Turkey's Sunny Parade With Iran RFE/RL 10 Aug 2011 -- They were once seen as bitter foes, but friendship with Syria and Iran has become a staple of Turkey's foreign policy in recent years.
UN Security Council Hears ‘Chilling’ Briefing on Syrian Crisis VOA 10 Aug 2011 -- European members of the U.N. Security Council are urging Syria to comply with the body’s calls for it to end crackdown.
12 Killed in Syria; International Community Denounces Violence VOA 10 Aug 2011 -- At least 12 people were killed in Syria as the government widened its crackdown, in spite of mounting international pressure.
Syrian Government Launches New Raids Ahead of Security Council Meeting VOA 10 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces have launched new raids, as the U.N. Security Council prepares to discuss the country's unrest.
Syrian Troops Withdraw From Hama, Storm Other Towns RFE/RL 10 Aug 2011 -- Opposition activists say Syrian troops are expanding their military offensive to crush antigovernment protesters.
U.S. adopts sanctions against Syrian companies RIA Novosti 10 Aug 2011 -- The U.S. Treasury adopted sanctions against Syria's leading bank and mobile operator over the alleged development of weapons of mass destruction and human rights violations.
U.S. may call on Syria's Assad to step down RIA Novosti 10 Aug 2011 -- The United States is preparing to issue an explicit call for embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down.
US Calls for Increased Economic Pressure, Sanctions on Syria VOA 09 Aug 2011 -- Official at the U.S. State Department in Washington called for countries to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on Syria.
Syria's Death Toll Rises as World Appeals for Calm VOA 09 Aug 2011 -- Turkey and other foreign powers have made fresh appeals for Syria to stop its violent crackdown on political dissidents.
Turkish Foreign Minister Demands End To Syria Violence RFE/RL 09 Aug 2011 -- Turkey's foreign minister has pressed Syria to end its violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters.
International Community Ramps Up Pressure on Syria VOA 09 Aug 2011 -- Turkey's foreign minister has met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a bid to press Syria to end its violent crackdown on dissent.
Syrian tanks move in on villages near Turkish border RIA Novosti 09 Aug 2011 -- Dozens of Syrian tanks and armored vehicles surrounded villages in the province of Idlib.
Syrian troops leave Hama - military RIA Novosti 09 Aug 2011 -- Syrian state media said on Monday soldiers have begun leaving the city of Hama, where scores of people are reported to have died during a clampdown on opposition protests.
Syria's Assad Replaces Defense Minister VOA 08 Aug 2011 -- Syrian state television says President Bashar al-Assad has replaced his defense minister.
Syrian Military Loyal So Far VOA 08 Aug 2011 -- The Syrian government is defying international criticism of its crackdown on a popular uprising, relying on its armed forces to suppress political dissent.
Three Gulf States Withdraw Ambassadors From Syria VOA 08 Aug 2011 -- International criticism is growing over Syria's crackdown on political dissidents demanding the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad.
Pressure Grows On Syria After Saudi King Criticizes Crackdown RFE/RL 08 Aug 2011 -- Persian Gulf states Kuwait and Bahrain have recalled their ambassadors to Damascus.
Bahrain, Kuwait Join Saudi Arabia in Recalling Envoys from Syria VOA 08 Aug 2011 -- Bahrain and Kuwait have joined Saudi Arabia in recalling their ambassadors from Damascus to protest Syria's deadly crackdown.
Gulf Cooperation Council to hold emergency meeting on Syria RIA Novosti 08 Aug 2011 -- Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers will hold an emergency meeting soon to discuss mounting violence in Syria.
Saudi Arabia recalls its ambassador from Syria RIA Novosti 08 Aug 2011 -- Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador from Syria for consultations amid ongoing violent clashes between the Syrian government and protesters.
UN chief urges Syrian leader to halt use of violence against civilians UN News Centre 06 Aug 2011 -- Speaking to Bashar al-Assad by telephone on Saturday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the Syrian President to immediately halt the use of force against civilians.
Assad Troops Kill Dozens In Raids Against 'Outlaws' RFE/RL 07 Aug 2011 -- A defiant Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to continue a deadly crackdown against opposition demonstrators that he has described as 'outlaws.'
Syrian forces kill at least 52 in fresh assaults - media RIA Novosti 07 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces backed by tanks have launched fresh assaults, killing at least 52 people and wounding dozens of others on Sunday, Arab media reported.
Rights Groups: Syrian Troops Kill 55 People in Raids on Towns VOA 07 Aug 2011 -- Syria's military has launched an offensive against the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, even as international pressure builds on the government to end its crackdown on a popular uprising. There has also been violence in Houleh in Homs province. Activists say at least 55 people have been killed in the unrest across Syria on Sunday. These casualty reports have not been confirmed because independent journalists are not allowed to go into the region.
Syrian FM Promises General Elections Soon VOA 06 Aug 2011 -- Syria's foreign minister has indicated that general elections will be held by the end of the year, as anti-government protesters continue to press for President Bashar al-Assad's ouster.
UN human rights experts urge Syria to end use of violence against civilians UN News Centre 05 Aug 2011 -- As the crackdown by the Syrian Government against its own people continues unabated, a group of United Nations human rights experts today renewed their call for an immediate end to the violence used by the authorities against ongoing protests.
8 Killed in Syrian Anti-Government Protests VOA 05 Aug 2011 -- Syrian security forces are firing on protesters who staged mass rallies on Friday in defiance of a government crackdown.
Clinton: Syria Death Toll Exceeds 2,000 VOA 04 Aug 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday that U.S. officials believe more than 2,000 people have been killed in the Syrian government's months-long crackdown on dissent. Meeting her Canadian counterpart, Clinton appealed for a 'louder, more effective' international response to the violence.
UN 'may go further' after condemning Syrian crackdown - France RIA Novosti 04 Aug 2011 -- The United Nations Security Council may take a tougher stance on Syria if the ruling regime fails to halt its deadly crackdown on protesters, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said on Thursday.
Moscow warns against interference in Syrian conflict RIA Novosti 04 Aug 2011 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned against outside interference in the Syrian conflict, saying the country's citizens should solve their problems themselves.
At least 45 killed in Syrian security forces crackdown in Hama RIA Novosti 04 Aug 2011 -- At least 45 people were killed in an overnight attack by Syrian government forces on protesters in the eastern city of Hama, local media reported, quoting witnesses and rights activists.
Syria's Assad Promises Reforms as Crackdown Continues VOA 04 Aug 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al Assad says he will allow a multi-party political system, one day after the United Nations Security Council condemned his government's crackdown on popular protests. But human rights groups says at least four more people have been killed as troops try to put down the uprising.
Syria: Security Council condemns rights abuses and use of force against civilians UN News Centre 03 Aug 2011 -- The Security Council today condemned the widespread violation of human rights in Syria and the use of force against civilians by the country's security forces, calling for an end to the violence and urging all sides to act with restraint and refrain from reprisals, including attacks against State institutions.
UN Security Council Condemns Syrian Violence VOA 03 Aug 2011 -- As Syrian tanks shelled the flashpoint town of Hama Wednesday, the U.N. Security Council overcame months of division and strongly condemned the on-going violence. The U.N.'s most powerful body expressed 'grave concern' at the deteriorating situation in Syria, where some 1,700 people have died and thousands more have been arrested or disappeared since the government began a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in mid-March. It was not easy for the Council to reach consensus.
U.S. considers tough, unilateral Syria sanctions RIA Novosti 03 Aug 2011 -- The United States is exploring tough new sanctions against Syria in a bid to force it to cease its 'brutality' against protesters, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.
UN Security Council fails to agree on Syria RIA Novosti 03 Aug 2011 -- Members of the United Nations Security Council failed to come to an agreement on how to end violence against protesters in Syria, Russia's envoy to the UN said.
Syrian Tanks Storm Hama VOA 03 Aug 2011 -- Syrian tanks have stormed into the city of Hama, where residents have reported hearing loud explosions.
Iran warns West not to enter into new issues in Syria ISNA 02 Aug 2011 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on Tuesday western countries should not enter into new issues in Syria.
Syria Bloodshed Continues; Int'l Community Mulls Steps Amid Advance On Hama RFE/RL 02 Aug 2011 -- Syrian government troops have reportedly advanced on the central city of Hama to quell antiregime protests, even as the international community took diplomatic steps to prevent the bloodshed from escalating.
Alarmed at Syrian bloodshed, UN rights chief demands authorities end brutality UN News Centre 02 Aug 2011 -- The United Nations human rights chief today voiced alarm at reports that at least 145 people have been killed in demonstrations in Syria during the past four days and called for an end to the bloodshed, warning the country's authorities that the world is bearing witness to the brutality against civilians.
UN Debates Resolution Condemning Syria As Unrest Continues VOA 02 Aug 2011 -- New diplomatic efforts to pressure Syria to end its crackdown on dissent got underway at the United Nations Tuesday as government forces stepped up attacks on the flashpoint city of Hama.
US Considers New Sanctions Amid 'Despicable' Syrian Crackdown VOA 01 Aug 2011 -- The State Department said Monday that the United States is considering new sanctions against Syria amid what it calls the Damascus government's 'despicable and abhorrent' crackdown on dissent in advance of the Ramadan holiday period. The U.S. measures could target Syria's vital energy sector.
Syrian Troops Renew Attacks on Hama Ahead of UN Meeting VOA 01 Aug 2011 -- Syrian forces have attacked civilian areas in the central city of Hama for a second day, as the U.N. Security Council meets to discuss President Bashar al-Assad's increasingly brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters.
Pressure Grows For UN Security Council Meeting On Syria Violence RFE/RL 01 Aug 2011 -- International calls are mounting for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting after Syria's army launched a brutal crackdown in the city of Hama and other opposition strongholds - killing at least 140 people.
Protests in Syria leave scores dead - activists RIA Novosti 01 Aug 2011 -- Scores were killed in Sunday's protests in Syria in what human rights activists describe as one of the bloodiest days since the uprising began, Al Jazeera said.
Syria's use of force against civilians must end - Russian Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 01 Aug 2011 -- The use of force against both peaceful civilians and representatives of state structures in Syria is unacceptable and should be stopped immediately, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

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August 2011 - Syria Special Weapons News