April 2012 - Syria Special Weapons News

Ban condemns terrorist bombings in Syria UN News Centre 30 Apr 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban has condemned terrorist bombing in the Syrian city of Idlib.
Multiple Blasts Rock Northern Syrian Town VOA 30 Apr 2012 -- A Syrian activist group says two car bomb blasts in the northern town of Idlib killed at least 20 people.
Reports Say 20 Killed In Syria Suicide Blasts RFE/RL 30 Apr 2012 -- The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says a third blast has rocked the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib.
Over 170 Syrian Rebels Give Up Armed Struggle RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2012 -- Over 170 rebels in Syria have given up armed struggle and surrendered to the Syrian authorities.
Lebanon Halts Ship 'Carrying Arms for Syria Rebels' RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2012 -- The Lebanese navy has intercepted a Sierra Leone-registered ship carrying arms and ammunition reportedly destined for Syrian rebels, al Jazeera television said.
UN-Appointed Norwegian General Arrives in Syria, Urges End to Violence VOA 29 Apr 2012 -- A Norwegian general appointed by the United Nations to lead an observer mission in Syria has taken command of the operation and called on all sides in the country's year-long conflict to stop the violence.
U.S. Not Planning to Send Monitors to Syria RIA Novosti 28 Apr 2012 -- The United States has no plans to send its monitors to Syria as part of a UN-backed peace plan to end the 14-month conflict there, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.
Syrian Violence Continues as Monitoring Chief Heads to Country VOA 28 Apr 2012 -- The head of the United Nations observer team in Syria, Norwegian Gen. Robert Mood is due in the capital Damascus Saturday, to give a fresh impetus to a mission which critics claim is fraying amid persistent violations of an over two-week old ceasefire. There have been reports of more clashes between government and opposition forces in several areas of the country, with reports saying 15 have been killed.
Ban appoints Norwegian general as head of UN mission in Syria UN News Centre 27 Apr 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Major General Robert Mood of Norway as the head of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS).
'Suicide Blast' Reported In Damascus, As Ban Says Syria Violating Peace Plan RFE/RL 27 Apr 2012 -- Syria's state-run media have reported that a suicide bomber killed at least five people in central Damascus.
No Syrian Crisis Settlement without Russia, China - Lavrov RIA Novosti 27 Apr 2012 -- The crisis in Syria is impossible to settle if the international community ignores the positions of Russia and China, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.
At Least 10 Dead After Explosions Rock Syrian Capital VOA 27 Apr 2012 -- Two explosions rocked Damascus on Friday, leaving at least 10 people dead, as international concerns mount over Syria's deteriorating cease-fire.
Ongoing violence and killing in Syria 'unacceptable,' says Ban UN News Centre 26 Apr 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is gravely alarmed by reports of continued violence and killing in Syria, including shelling and explosions in various residential areas as well as armed clashes, and called the situation 'unacceptable.'
UN's Ban: Syria Violating Pledge to Pull Weapons From Civilian Areas VOA 26 Apr 2012 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has accused Syria of violating a pledge to withdraw heavy weapons from population centers and demanded that the government comply with that commitment 'without delay.'
PACE Calls for Security Council Arms Embargo on Syria RIA Novosti 26 Apr 2012 -- The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) called on the UN Security Council on Thursday to impose an arms embargo on Syria.
Syria Blast 'Kills 69' RIA Novosti 26 Apr 2012 -- At least 69 people were killed in an explosion in Syria's central city of Hama on Thursday, al Jazeera television reported, citing activists.
Syria Government, Opponents Trade Blame Over Massive Blast VOA 26 Apr 2012 -- The Syrian government blamed 'terrorists' Thursday for a massive explosion in the central city of Hama that killed at least 16 people as the tenuous cease-fire continues to unravel amid more violence and a rising death toll.
More UN Observers Arrive as Syrian Cease-fire Continues Unraveling VOA 25 Apr 2012 -- Syrian government tanks and artillery pounded the Damascus suburb of Douma Wednesday, as an almost two-week old cease-fire continues to unravel. Four more U.N. observers have also arrived in the Syrian capital, despite comments by international envoy Kofi Annan that prospects for the cease-fire working are 'bleak.'
Seven Killed in Syria as More UN Monitors Arrive VOA 25 Apr 2012 -- Activists say Syrian forces killed at least seven people on Wednesday as a small group of U.N. observers resumed their mission to monitor a shaky truce in the government's year-long conflict with rebels.
Syria: Security Council urges rapid deployment of military observers UN News Centre 24 Apr 2012 -- The Security Council today emphasized the need for a speedier deployment of UN military observers to Syria and the implementation of a proposed peace plan to end the violence in the Middle Eastern country.
Russian Arms Sales to Syria to Comply with UN Rules RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2012 -- Russia will not impose limitations on arms deliveries to Syria in addition to those established by the UN Security Council, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday.
UN food agency scales up assistance to reach 250,000 Syrians UN News Centre 24 Apr 2012 -- The United Nations food agency today announced it is stepping up its assistance to reach, by the ends of the month, a quarter of a million Syrians who have been affected by unrest in the Middle Eastern country, adding that it plans to double this amount in the coming weeks.
Syrian Cease-fire Deteriorates With More Violence VOA 24 Apr 2012 -- A nearly two-week old U.N.-brokered cease-fire in Syria continued to fray Tuesday, amid reports of government shelling in the country's third and fourth largest cities of Homs and Hama, despite visits to those areas by U.N. observers. A bomb blast was also reported in the center of Damascus.
SYRIA: New UN response plan awaits government agreement IRIN 23 Apr 2012 -- The UN has presented a multi-million dollar plan to respond to humanitarian needs in Syria, but still lacks government approval to implement it.
Analysis: Syria's forgotten refugees IRIN 23 Apr 2012 -- It was 21 February 2006. The date is etched in Samia's* mind.
Syria undergoing 'pivotal moment' for its stabilization, says UN-Arab League envoy UN News Centre 23 Apr 2012 -- The Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, welcomed the Security Council's decision to authorize a supervision mission in Syria, stressing that this represents a 'pivotal moment' for the stabilization of the country.
Activists: 9 Killed in Syria as UN Monitors Check Cease-fire VOA 23 Apr 2012 -- Syrian activists say government forces killed at least nine people Monday in a flashpoint city, a day after international observers visited the region.
EU Suspends Burma Sanctions, Slaps New Ones on Syria VOA 23 Apr 2012 -- The European Union suspended for a year most sanctions against Burma on Monday, while also adopting new ones against the Syrian government.
Fighting in Syria Kills 17 as UN Monitors Visit 2 Towns VOA 22 Apr 2012 -- Syrian activists say attacks by government and rebel forces have killed 16 people across the country as a small U.N. team visited more towns to monitor a 10-day old truce that has failed to end the year-long conflict.
UN Approves 300 Observers Dispatch to Syria RIA Novosti 21 Apr 2012 -- The UN Security Council has authorized on Saturday a dispatch of 300 military observers to Syria to supervise on the ceasefire between the government and opposition forces.
Security Council authorizes UN observer mission in Syria, Ban welcomes decision UN News Centre 21 Apr 2012 -- The Security Council today authorized the establishment of a United Nations observer mission to Syria, for an initial period 90 days, to monitor the cessation of violence there, as well as monitor and support the full implementation of a peace plan.
Unrest Continues in Syria VOA 21 Apr 2012 -- The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution sending 300 unarmed observers to Syria, boosting the strength of a previously approved force of 30. The move comes as a ten-day-old cease-fire agreement has failed, so far, to bring an end to violence in many parts of the country.
UN Approves 300 Member Observer Mission to Syria VOA 21 Apr 2012 -- The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution authorizing up to 300 unarmed U.N. observers to be deployed to Syria to monitor a fragile 10-day old truce. The additional monitors will join a small advance team already on the ground in Syria.
Government Shelling, Deadly Blasts in Syria Despite Cease-fire VOA 20 Apr 2012 -- Syrian government troops pounded at least three districts in the flashpoint city of Homs, despite an eight-day-old ceasefire.
Violence Erodes Fragile Syrian Cease-Fire VOA 20 Apr 2012 -- A cease-fire in Syria showed more signs of unraveling as security forces fired shots at protesters and pounded opposition strongholds.
Annan Spokesman Says Syria Situation 'Not Good' RFE/RL 20 Apr 2012 -- Thousands of Syrians have taken part in protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Russia ‘Cooperative’ on Syria – Pentagon Chief RIA Novosti 20 Apr 2012 -- Russia has started interacting with the United States and other countries on the Syria issue, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said.
Syria Ceasefire Efforts in Russia's Interests - Panetta RIA Novosti 20 Apr 2012 -- Russia’s cooperation with the international community to achieve a ceasefire in Syria is in its own interests, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said.
Response plan to help Syrian refugees only 20 per cent funded – UN agency UN News Centre 20 Apr 2012 -- The UN refugee agency said that one month after the United Nations issued an appeal for $84 million to help Syrian refugees, only 20 per cent of the funds had been given.
Secretary Clinton Remarks at the Ad Hoc Ministerial Meeting on Syria US Dept. of State 19 Apr 2012
Panetta, Dempsey Agree International Accord Needed on Syria AFPS 19 Apr 2012 -- Syria is in the midst of a tense, fluid and dangerous time, and the U.S. military stands ready to do whatever mission the president and Congress assign to it.
Clinton Calls for Tough Sanctions If Syria Ignores UN Peace Plan VOA 19 Apr 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called for tough U.N. sanctions to be imposed on Syria if it fails to implement a U.N.-backed peace plan.
US Defense Secretary: Pentagon Ready to Help Protect Syrian People VOA 19 Apr 2012 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told a congressional panel on that the Pentagon is providing "nonlethal aid" to the civilian-led opposition in Syria.
Syria: Ban reports ‘troubling’ situation UN News Centre 19 Apr 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban said the situation on the ground remains highly precarious, despite the Government’s stated commitment to cease all violence.
UN Security Council Considers Larger Syria Monitoring Mission VOA 19 Apr 2012 -- The U.N. Security Council is considering a request from the secretary-general to deploy up to 300 monitors to Syria, as a week-old truce is tested by reports of escalating violence.
Ban Says UN Syria Mission 'Critical' RFE/RL 19 Apr 2012 -- UN Secretary-General has urged the Security Council to quickly approve an expanded cease-fire monitoring mission in Syria.
UN, Syria Agree to New Peace Outline VOA 19 Apr 2012 -- Syria's government and the United Nations have agreed on a plan for implementing the peace agreement brokered by U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan.
Damascus, UN Agree On Rules For Monitors RFE/RL 19 Apr 2012 -- Officials say Syria and the UN have reached a protocol agreement on the deployment of observers for the country's cease-fire.
Syria, UN Agree on Terms of Ceasefire Monitoring RIA Novosti 19 Apr 2012 -- Syria and the United Nations have signed a preliminary deal on the deployment of observers to monitor a ceasefire between government and opposition forces.
UN Chief Says Syria Hasn't Fully Complied With Annan Peace Plan RFE/RL 19 Apr 2012 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says Syria had not fully complied with its obligations to withdraw troops and heavy weapons from flashpoint towns and cities in Syria.
Syria 'Fails to Keep Truce' - UN Chief RIA Novosti 19 Apr 2012 -- Syria has failed to meet its obligations under a UN-backed peace plan to withdraw troops and heavy weapons from residential areas, the UN Secretary General said.
No Arms Supplies to Syria Opposition, France Says RIA Novosti 19 Apr 2012 -- France has no intention to supply arms to the Syrian opposition and is ready to discuss the UN and Arab League’s peace plan, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said.
Russia Stays Away From Paris Meeting on Syria RIA Novosti 19 Apr 2012 -- French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said Russia’s refusal to attend an international ministerial meeting on Syria in Paris isolated the country from the Arab world and the international community.
Iraqi Kurdish Region President, Turkish Officials Meet, Discuss Syria VOA 19 Apr 2012 -- The head of the Iraqi Kurdish region, Masoud Barzani, is visiting Turkey in a deepening of relations built on trade and growing shared regional interests.
Insecurity, result of arming Syria’s rebellions: Mehmanparast IRNA 19 Apr 2012 -- Unrest, killings and insecurity are consequences of arming the rebellions and provoking civil war in Syria, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said.
Despite Truce, Syrian Forces Continue Attack on Homs VOA 18 Apr 2012 -- Syria's nearly week-old cease-fire continued to deteriorate as a bombing killed six Syrian law enforcement officers and government forces renewed shelling in the flashpoint Homs region.
Syrian Foreign Minister Rejects Call For More UN Monitors RFE/RL 18 Apr 2012 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem says that 250 is a "reasonable and logical" number of UN observers to monitor his country's cease-fire.
UN Finds Human Rights Violations by Syria Opposition RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2012 -- A UN commission has found serious human rights violations have been committed by Syria's opposition movement.
EU Threatens Syria with New Sanctions RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2012 -- The European Union is working on a new set of sanctions against Syria, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said.
United States Wants Tough Sanctions against Syria RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2012 -- The United States is pushing for tough sanctions against Syria, U.S. State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.
Russia Concerned Over Attempts to ‘Privatize’ Annan Plan RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2012 -- Moscow is concerned over attempts by self-proclaimed structures to “privatize” interntaionally approved efforts to end the Syrian conflict.
Ship Allegedly Carrying Arms to Syria Stopped for Inspection RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2012 -- The Turkish maritime authorities stopped a German-owned, Bermuda-flagged vessel for inspection following reports that it may be transporting Iranian weapons to Syria in violation of a European Union arms embargo.
French FM: Sanctions Against Syria Biting VOA 17 Apr 2012 -- The French foreign minister said sanctions against Damascus are working and have cut Syria's financial reserves in half.
Syrian Forces Widen Attacks as Cease-Fire Unravels VOA 17 Apr 2012 -- Syrian forces widened their attacks on opposition strongholds as an advance team of international observers worked to broaden its mission in the country.
Syria Opposition Cautiously Encouraged By Talks In Russia RFE/RL 17 Apr 2012 -- Syrian opposition leaders meeting with officials in Moscow say they were encouraged by Russian statements supporting further democratization in Syria.
Lavrov Tells ‘Third Parties’ to Stay Out of Syrian Conflict RIA Novosti 17 Apr 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned against “third parties” becoming involved in the Syrian conflict.
Syrian Internal Opposition Could Back Military Intervention RIA Novosti 17 Apr 2012 -- Syria’s opposition National Coordination Body for Democratic Change signaled a possible rethink of its long-standing aversion to foreign military intervention in the violence-wracked Middle East country.
Syria Cease-fire Poses New International Challenges VOA 16 Apr 2012 -- The Syrian government’s decision to partially implement the peace plan endorsed by the Arab League and the United Nations creates new challenges for world and regional leaders.
Advance team of UN observers arrives in Syria to report on cessation of violence UN News Centre 16 Apr 2012 -- The first group of six United Nations unarmed monitors tasked by the Security Council to report on the implementation of a full cessation of armed violence in Syria has arrived in the capital, Damascus.
Annan Plan 'Last Chance' for Syria – Opposition Figure RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2012 -- Professor Aref Dalila, head of Syria’s internal opposition: UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan’s plan is the last chance to normalize the political situation in Syria and the country’s authorities should not miss it.
Syrian Clashes Continue as UN Monitors Begin Mission VOA 16 Apr 2012 -- The first six members of a U.N. observer team began work in Damascus as activists said Syrian government troops continued to shell Homs.
Cease-Fire Erodes As First UN Monitors Arrive RFE/RL 16 Apr 2012 -- A fragile cease-fire in Syria appears to be quickly eroding, with violence reported even as an advance team of UN monitors arrived in the country.
First UN Monitors Arrive in Syria RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2012 -- The first six United Nations monitors have arrived in Damascus as part of a peace plan designed to end 13 months of bloodshed in Syria.
Syrian Opposition Delegation Heads to Moscow RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2012 -- Representatives of the Syrian National Coordination Committee, an internal opposition bloc, will arrive in Moscow on a three-day visit.
Syrian Government Forces Shell Homs Before UN Visit RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2012 -- Syrian government forces have shelled the besieged city of Homs just hours before a team of UN observers visit Damascus, Sky News reported on Sunday, referring to Syrian activists.
UN Chief Concerned by Fresh Violence in Syria VOA 15 Apr 2012 -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern Sunday over the continuing violence in Syria, urging the government to do everything possible to maintain the fragile cease-fire.
McCain Presses for Arming Syrian Rebels VOA 15 Apr 2012 -- A high-ranking U.S. senator is again calling for arming Syrian rebels as part of a more robust effort to oust President Bashar al-Assad. Republican Senator John McCain spoke on U.S. television as an advance team of unarmed U.N. observers was due to arrive in Syria.
At Least Seven Die in Syria's Protest Crackdown RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2012 -- At least seven people were killed in various Syrian cities during opposition protests on Friday, Arab media reported citing opposition sources.
Syrian Forces 'Shell Homs,' Break Truce - Activists RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2012 -- Syrian troops shelled two central districts of the battered city of Homs throughout the night, al Jazeera television reported on Saturday, citing activists.
UN Security Council Adopts Plan to Send Observers to Syria RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2012 -- The UN Security Council unanimously adopted on Saturday the draft resolution to send a group of unarmed observers to Syria to oversee the ceasefire, CNN reported in a live coverage from the 15-nation meeting.
Syria: Security Council authorizes deployment of advance military observer team UN News Centre 14 Apr 2012 -- The Security Council today authorized the sending of an advance team of up to 30 unarmed military observers to Syria to report on the implementation of a full cessation of armed violence, pending the deployment of a United Nations supervision mission that will be tasked with monitoring the ceasefire.
UN Sending Truce Observers to Syria VOA 14 Apr 2012 -- The United Nations Security Council unanimously gave the go ahead Saturday for a small group of observers to be deployed to Syria to monitor a fragile truce between the government and armed opposition fighters. Some last-minute negotiations were required to win the full 15-nation council's approval.
UN official stresses need for humanitarian aid in Syria amid diplomatic efforts UN News Centre 13 Apr 2012 -- With at least a million people in need of urgent humanitarian help in Syria, the immediate priority for humanitarian organizations is to obtain unhindered access, especially to people in areas which have seen heavy fighting, the United Nations humanitarian chief said today.
UN chief calls on Syrian authorities to prove ceasefire in effect UN News Centre 12 Apr 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that the situation in Syria is calmer today, the day a cessation of hostilities was due to come into effect, but stressed that the onus is on the Government to prove that its words will be matched by deeds.
Clashes, Protests Erupt as Syrian Cease-Fire Frays VOA 13 Apr 2012 -- Syrian security forces shot and killed at least three protesters on Friday and clashes erupted near the Turkish border, as a day-old ceasefire between the government and opposition showed signs of unraveling.
Russian Warships to Patrol Syrian Coast RIA Novosti 13 Apr 2012 -- MOSCOW, April 13 (RIA Novosti) – Russian warships will be continuously deployed for patrol duty off the Syrian coast in the Mediterranean, a high-ranking source in the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.
Annan Tells UN Security Council That Syria Must Withdraw Troops RFE/RL 12 Apr 2012 -- Kofi Annan, the international envoy for Syria, has told the UN Security Council that Syria has not fully complied with the terms of his peace plan, despite observing a cease-fire that went into effect at the start of the day.
Damascus Promising To Observe Cease-Fire RFE/RL 12 Apr 2012 -- Damascus is promising to observe a cease-fire that is scheduled to start early this morning.
Syrian Ceasefire Comes into Force RIA Novosti 12 Apr 2012 -- The UN-backed Syrian ceasefire plan appeared to take hold on Thursday, lifting hopes for an end to the deadly clashes between opposition and pro-government forces that have killed over 9,000 people in the past year, Al Arabiya reported.
Syrian Cease-Fire Holds Despite Scattered Violence VOA 12 Apr 2012 -- U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan says he is 'encouraged' by reports that a shaky cease-fire between government troops and rebels in Syria seems to be holding, despite scattered violence.
JORDAN: Civil society at heart of Syrian refugee response IRIN 11 Apr 2012 -- Community-based organizations have arguably played the largest role in helping thousands of Syrian refugees pouring into neighbouring Jordan. Until recently, the response had been fairly ad-hoc, or as one aid worker put it, 'a mess', with various players on the ground and many Syrians simultaneously registering and getting assistance from various organizations.
Annan stresses non-military solution for Syria crisis IRNA 11 Apr 2012 -- The UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan said here on Wednesday that the military action is not the way to solve the Syrian crisis.
Annan Says Syria To Stop Military Action On April 12 RFE/RL 11 Apr 2012 -- International envoy Kofi Annan says Damascus has informed him it will stop all military action at 6 a.m. local time on April 12.
Syria Focus Of Renewed Diplomatic Activity RFE/RL 11 Apr 2012 -- Diplomatic activity over Syria is expected to be stepped up on April 11, a day after Damascus ignored a deadline to withdraw troops and tanks from cities.
Security Council Urges Syria Ceasefire by Thursday RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2012 -- The United Nations Security Council called on the Syrian government to stick to the Six-Point plan and cease hostilities by Thursday, April 12, the U.S. envoy to the UN told reporters.
Syria Situation to Improve on Thursday – Annan RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2012 -- UN's special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, said that he expects progress on the peace process in the country after the deadline for the ceasefire on Thursday.
Russia Has Convinced Assad, Now the Opposition Has to Be Brought Around RIA Novosti 11 Apr 2012
Syria Government informs envoy that it will 'cease all military fighting' on Thursday UN News Centre 11 Apr 2012 -- The Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, today received a letter from the Syrian Government informing him of its decision 'to cease all military fighting throughout Syrian territory as of 6:00 a.m. (Damascus time) tomorrow, Thursday, 12 April 2012,' Mr. Annan's spokesperson said today.
Despite Violence, Syria Pledges to Meet Cease-fire Deadline VOA 11 Apr 2012 -- Even as it continued widespread shelling of opposition strongholds Wednesday, the Syrian government told peace envoy Kofi Annan that it will stop military action against rebels on Thursday morning.
Syrian government pulls back troops from armed conflict areas: FM IRNA 10 Apr 2012 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said on Tuesday that the Syrian government has pulled back troops from cities in line with a UN-backed peace plan to end armed conflict in the country.
Annan Says 'No Preconditions' As Violence Continues RFE/RL 10 Apr 2012 -- International envoy Kofi Annan has said the bloodshed in Syria must end without any preconditions, as violence continued across the country despite a cease-fire agreement coming into force.
Damascus Faces Deadline To Withdraw Troops RFE/RL 10 Apr 2012 -- Hopes for an end to the bloodletting in Syria suffered a blow as violence continued ahead of a deadline today to withdraw troops from cities as part of a peace plan by the UN-Arab League envoy for Syria, Kofi Annan.
Russia Urges Syria to Act on Annan Peace Plan RIA Novosti 10 Apr 2012 -- Russia criticized the Syrian authorities on Tuesday over their efforts on UN envoy Kofi Annan’s peace plan and said Damascus needed to show more decisiveness to end the violence in the Middle East country.
Annan Hopeful for Syria Cease-Fire Despite Continued Violence VOA 10 Apr 2012 -- U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is holding out hope that Syria's government and opposition will abide by terms of a cease-fire plan that he brokered, as a Tuesday deadline for Damascus to begin pulling its forces out of urban areas came without a cessation of attacks.
As Syrian Government Claims Pullout, Activists Report Attacks VOA 10 Apr 2012 -- Syrian activists reported military attacks on two towns and no large-scale troop pullout Tuesday, even as Syria's government claimed its forces have begun withdrawing from some cities in compliance with a U.N.-brokered truce.
As ceasefire deadline nears, Ban renews demand on Syria to halt violence UN News Centre 09 Apr 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated his demand that the Syrian Government immediately cease all military actions against civilians, amid a growing refugee flow into neighbouring countries and fatal cross-border fire that has resulted in deaths and injuries.
UN: Syria Must Stop Assault by Tuesday VOA 09 Apr 2012 -- The United Nations has reiterated its call for the Syrian government to comply with a Tuesday deadline for ceasing military action against civilian areas. But an escalation of violence fed withering hopes that the government would honor its commitments.
Journalist Reported Killed At Lebanon's Border With Syria RFE/RL 09 Apr 2012 -- A Lebanese TV journalist has been reported killed near Lebanon's border with Syria.
Gunfire From Syria Wounds 5 in Turkey VOA 09 Apr 2012 -- Turkish officials say Syrian forces fired across the border at a refugee camp, wounding at least five people Monday, a day before a U.N.-brokered cease-fire is supposed to take effect.
Surge in violence in Syria unacceptable, says UN-Arab League envoy UN News Centre 08 Apr 2012 -- The Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan today stressed the escalation of violence in Syria is 'unacceptable', and called on the Government to withdraw troops and cease all hostilities.
UN-Backed Peace Deal in Syria Faces New Challenges VOA 08 Apr 2012 -- A U.N.-brokered peace deal for Syria appeared in jeopardy Sunday, as the country's main rebel group refused the government's demand for 'written guarantees' it would stop fighting before any troop pullout.
Syrian Violence Continues As UN Cease-Fire Deadline Nears RFE/RL 07 Apr 2012 -- Syrian activists say at least 43 people have been killed in violence in Syria, just days before a cease-fire is to go into effect.
UN Chief Blasts Syrian Regime for Continuing Violence RIA Novosti 07 Apr 2012 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the Syrian authorities for new military attacks on opposition forces, which reportedly killed dozens of people in the past two days.
Ban condemns latest escalation of violence in Syria UN News Centre 07 Apr 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the latest escalation of violence in Syria despite the Government's commitments to withdraw troops, and called on authorities to immediately cease all military action against the Syrian people.
More than 100 Dead in Syria Ahead of Peace Deadline VOA 07 Apr 2012 -- At least 100 people were reported killed across Syria Saturday, as government forces pounded opposition strongholds three days ahead of a deadline to halt all military action.
Clashes Erupt in Syria Despite UN Warning VOA 06 Apr 2012 -- Syrian government forces continued to conduct military operations across large swathes of the country.
Turkey Raises Alarm Over Syrian Refugees RFE/RL 06 Apr 2012 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has said his country might need United Nations' help if more Syrian refugees arrive in Turkey.
Russia Welcomes UN Security Council Statement on Syria RIA Novosti 06 Apr 2012 -- Russia welcomes the UN Security Council’s statement expressing support for the UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan’s demands.
Press Conference by Permanent Representative of Syria, 5 April 2012 United Nations 05 Apr 2012
Analysts Say Syrian President Unlikely to Stay in Power VOA 05 Apr 2012 -- A U.N.-Arab League peacekeeping team has touched down in Syria.
Syrian parties should cease all violence in one week UN News Centre 05 Apr 2012 -- The Syrian Government and opposition forces should have ceased all violence by Thursday, 12 April, the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations-League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, said.
UN Envoy Firm on April 12 Deadline for Syria Cease-fire VOA 05 Apr 2012 -- U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan told U.N. member states that April 12 remains a firm deadline for an end to violence in Syria.
Fierce Crackdown Ahead Of UN Cease-Fire Deadline In Syria RFE/RL 05 Apr 2012 -- Syrian troops have launched fierce artillery and sniper attacks on opposition-dominated suburbs of Damascus.
Violence Continues in Syria as Peacekeeping Team Arrives VOA 05 Apr 2012 -- An advance peacekeeping team for U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan arrived in Syria to begin laying the groundwork for a potential monitoring mission that could end the government's violent crackdown on dissent.
Syria Conflict Highlights Saudi-Iran Tensions VOA 05 Apr 2012 -- The unrest in Syria highlights a larger struggle for regional influence between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Russian Ship to Hold Drills Off Syria RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2012 -- A Russian warship will dock at the Syrian port of Tartus before planned exercises off the country's Mediterranean coast.
UN Monitors Head to Syria as Violence Continues VOA 04 Apr 2012 -- United Nations monitors are headed to Syria in a mission aimed at decreasing violence in the country.
Fresh Shelling in Syria Ahead of UN Visit VOA 04 Apr 2012 -- Syrian forces launched fresh military operations in several regions, less than a day before an advance U.N. team is expected to arrive on a peace mission.
Russia Deplores 'Egging On' of Syrian Opposition RIA Novosti 04 Apr 2012 -- Russian FM Lavrov said that those "egging on" the Syrian opposition are not facilitating the settlement process in Syria.
Syrian Opposition to Visit Moscow on April 17 RIA Novosti 04 Apr 2012 -- Envoys of Syria's opposition will visit Moscow for talks on April 17-18, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Annan to Visit Tehran Next Week - Iran Foreign Minister RIA Novosti 04 Apr 2012 -- Kofi Annan, the United Nations and Arab League special envoy for Syrian affairs, will visit Tehran next week to discuss the Syrian issue.
No new Iranian citizen has been kidnapped in Syria: Embassy IRNA 04 Apr 2012 -- Iranian embassy in Damascus said news about kidnapping new Iranian citizens in Syria is 'baseless'.
Syria Fighting Continues as UN Moves to Send Peacekeepers VOA 03 Apr 2012 -- Fierce clashes between government troops and rebel forces in Syria continued.
Damascus Claims Withdrawal Started Under Cease-Fire Plan RFE/RL 03 Apr 2012 -- Syria's government has claimed it has begun to withdraw troops from calm areas ahead of an April 10 deadline to implement an international cease-fire plan.
Red Cross Chief in Syria to Mediate Humanitarian Truce VOA 03 Apr 2012 -- International Red Cross chief Jakob Kellenberger said that it was too early to predict results from his meetings with Syrian government officials.
UN Team Heading to Syria to Discuss Peacekeepers VOA 03 Apr 2012 -- An advance United Nations team is due to arrive in Syria within 48 hours to discuss the deployment of peacekeepers.
UN Advance Team Due In Damascus Within Two Days RFE/RL 03 Apr 2012 -- An advance United Nations team is expected in Damascus within 48 hours to discuss the deployment of cease-fire monitors in Syria.
Egypt Invites Syrian Opposition to Unite in Cairo RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2012 -- Egyptian FM Amr has called on all Syrian opposition groups to gather for a conference in Cairo under the auspices of the Arab League.
International Community Mulls Next Options for Syrian Opposition VOA 02 Apr 2012 -- A meeting in Istanbul of delegates supporting the Syrian opposition was overshadowed by Kofi Annan's continuing efforts.
Annan Says Assad Accepts Syria Peace Plan Deadline RFE/RL 02 Apr 2012 -- Kofi Annan has International envoy Kofi Annan told the UN Security Council that Syria has agreed to complete the withdrawal of troops and heavy weapons from populated areas of the country by April 10.
Envoy: Syria to Cease Military Operations by April 10 VOA 02 Apr 2012 -- U.N.-Arab League Syria Envoy Kofi Annan told the U.N. Security Council that the Syrian government has agreed to begin withdrawing its troops from towns and cities and will complete its military pullback by April 10.
Syria informs UN-Arab League envoy of commitment to troop withdrawal deadline UN News Centre 02 Apr 2012 -- The Syrian Government has informed the lead international envoy dealing with the crisis in that country that it will complete the withdrawal of troops and heavy weapons from population centres by 10 April.
Clashes Continue in Syria as Annan Readies UN Briefing VOA 02 Apr 2012 -- Fresh violence erupted in Syria between government and opposition forces as international envoy Kofi Annan prepared to brief the UNSC.
Russia Denounces 'Friends Of Syria' Conference RFE/RL 02 Apr 2012 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has denounced the international "Friends of Syria" meeting in Istanbul, saying it contradicted the objective of reaching a peaceful settlement.
Moscow Criticizes Call to Arm Syrian Opposition RIA Novosti 02 Apr 2012 -- Calls by some of the countries in the Friends of Syria People group to supply arms and render logistical support to the Syrian opposition are at odds with the Syrian peace plan.
Russia Urges Syria to ‘Make First Step,’ Call Off Troops RIA Novosti 02 Apr 2012 -- The Syrian authorities should “make the first step” towards restoring peace in the country by pulling troops and tanks out of rebellious cities and towns.
U.S. To Fund Study Documenting Syrian Rights Abuses RFE/RL 02 Apr 2012 -- The United States has said it will help fund a new initiative to document alleged human rights abuses committed during the Syrian government's bloody crackdown on protesters.
Friends of Syria Recognize Syrian Opposition RIA Novosti 01 Apr 2012 -- The international group Friends of Syria recognized on Sunday the oppositional Syrian National Council as the 'sole representative of the Syrian people.'
Turkish Prime Minister Calls on UN Security Council to Stop Assad's Regime RIA Novosti 01 Apr 2012 -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the international community to take immediate actions to resolve the Syrian crisis.
At Friends of Syria meeting, Ban urges States to back UN efforts to end crisis UN News Centre 01 Apr 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged countries at the second Friends of Syria meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, to support efforts by the United Nations and the League of Arab States to end the crisis in the Middle Eastern country, which has led to the deaths of more than 8,000 civilians since it began in March last year.
Gulf Nations to Pay Syrian Rebel Salaries, US Offers Non-Lethal Support VOA 01 Apr 2012 -- Participants in Sunday's 'Friends of Syria' conference in Istanbul, Turkey, say several Gulf nations will provide millions of dollars to the main opposition Syrian National Council to pay the salaries of rebels trying to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

April 2012 - Syria Special Weapons News