May 2012 - Syria Special Weapons News

Panetta Calls Syrian Situation 'Intolerable' AFPS 31 May 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called the situation in Syria 'intolerable' and said the United States will continue to work with the international community to get Syrian President Bashar Assad to step down.
Pentagon: In Syria, Iran Helps Asad, al-Qaida Foments Violence AFPS 31 May 2012 -- In Syria, where Bashar al-Asad's government continues to massacre its population, Iran is supporting the regime and members of al-Qaida are in the country for their own purposes, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby told reporters today.
Is Syria's Bashar al-Assad Guilty of War Crimes? VOA 31 May 2012 -- The images from Houla in Syria had a sickening familiarity: bodies wrapped in white shrouds, lined up in a large pit in the center of town while grieving relatives cried and wailed. In all, a reported 108 people, all victims of last week's Houla massacre, were being buried, 49 of them children.
Syria Blames Massacre On Terrorists, Amid Warnings Of Civil War RFE/RL 31 May 2012 -- Syria has blamed a weekend massacre on "armed groups" amid warnings from the international community that the country is on the brink of civil war.
Clinton Tells Russia Its Syria Policy Leading to Civil War RIA Novosti 31 May 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Russia on Thursday that its refusal to sanction UN action against Syria could see the outbreak of a civil war in the Middle Eastern country.
Actions outside UN Security Council Likely in Syria - Rice RIA Novosti 31 May 2012 -- The worst and most likely scenario in Syria might be the option of acting outside of the UN Security Council's authority, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, said on Wednesday.
UN-Arab League envoy discusses situation in Syria with King of Jordan UN News Centre 31 May 2012 -- The Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League for the Syrian Crisis, Kofi Annan, today met with King Adbullah II Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, for talks on developments in neighbouring Syria.
4 Dead as Syrian Troops Shell Massacre Town VOA 31 May 2012 -- Rights activists say Syrian forces have again attacked the central area of Houla where more than 100 people were massacred last week.
US Slams Russia, Warns of Promoting Civil War in Syria VOA 31 May 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton slammed Russia Thursday, blaming 'very strong opposition' from Moscow for blocking efforts to put together an international coalition to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.
Mounting Syrian Death Toll Prompts Intervention Calls in US VOA 31 May 2012 -- A mounting death toll in Syria is prompting calls for stronger international action to oust President Bashar al-Assad. While the Obama administration is backing diplomacy, sanctions, and non-lethal aid to promote change, a U.S. lawmaker is demanding stronger measures.
Pro-Assad Militias Under Scrutiny After Syrian Massacre VOA 31 May 2012 -- Syrian pro-government militiamen known as the 'shabiha' are facing international scrutiny for their alleged role in the May 25 massacre of more than 100 civilians in the central Syrian town of Houla.
Chief UN observer 'deeply disturbed' after more bodies found in Syria UN News Centre 30 May 2012 -- The head of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) said today he was 'deeply disturbed' after the discovery of 13 more bodies last night, just days after UN observers confirmed the killing of over 100 men, women and children in the village of Houla.
Security Council Briefed on Syrian 'Low Point' VOA 30 May 2012 -- The deputy to international envoy Kofi Annan, Jean-Marie Guéhenno, has briefed the U.N.'s 15-nation Security Council on the envoy's visit to Syria, prompting one diplomat to call the current situation a 'low point in the conflict.'
Iran official briefs challenges Annan's plan is facing IRNA 30 May 2012 -- Iran's ambassador to Syria here on Wednesday outlined several challenges the plan proposed by the UN special envoy to Syria Kofi Annan is facing.
Syrian Diplomat Expulsions Counterproductive - Moscow RIA Novosti 30 May 2012 -- Russia believes the expulsion of Syrian ambassadors from a number of Western countries is counterproductive, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.
Joint UN-Arab League envoy thanks Jordan for providing support to Syrian refugees UN News Centre 30 May 2012 -- The Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis, Kofi Annan, today expressed his gratitude to Jordan for its support in receiving Syrian refugees who have fled the fighting in their country.
Annan Leaves Syria Without Breakthrough VOA 30 May 2012 -- A U.N. official says international envoy Kofi Annan left Syria without securing any major steps from the Syrian government to implement his faltering peace plan for the country.
Pentagon Supports Diplomatic, Economic Pressure on Syria AFPS 29 May 2012 -- The Defense Department supports the U.S. policy of working with international partners to put diplomatic and economic pressure on Syria's government to help stem the humanitarian crisis there, the Pentagon's press secretary said here today.
US Expels Syrian Diplomat Over Houla Massacre VOA 29 May 2012 -- The United States is expelling Syria's most senior envoy in Washington over what it says is the Syrian government's responsibility for last week's massacre in the village of Houla. U.N. observers confirm the deaths of more than 90 people in Houla, including several families who appear to have been executed in their homes.
ICRC alarmed by tragic event in Houla IRNA 29 May 2012 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross is shocked by the high number of civilian casualties caused by the tragic events in al-Houla, in Homs governorate.
Assad Receives Annan For Talks In Damascus RFE/RL 29 May 2012 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has held talks with United Nations-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan in Damascus, amid intensifying international concern about the bloodshed in Syria.
Nine Countries Expel Damascus Diplomats In Protest RFE/RL 29 May 2012 -- The United States says it has expelled the Syrian charge d'affairs in response to the massacre of 108 civilians on May 25 in the village of Houla, which the United Nations has concluded was committed by Syrian government forces.
Tehran Sent Troops to Syria - Iranian Officer RIA Novosti 29 May 2012 -- A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander has admitted that Iran has sent its troops to help the regime of embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fight opposition forces.
Syria Conflict May Spark Mideast Hostilities - Russia RIA Novosti 29 May 2012 -- Russia’s top diplomat predicted on Tuesday that the spiraling violence in Syria could ignite tensions across the Middle East.
Joint UN-Arab League envoy urges Syrian President to take 'bold steps' to end violence UN News Centre 29 May 2012 -- In a meeting with the Syrian President, Bashar Al-Assad, the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian Crisis, Kofi Annan, today stressed that a peace plan, put forward in March, cannot succeed without 'bold steps' to stop the violence and release detainees.
Envoy Annan Calls for 'Bold Steps Now' in Syria VOA 29 May 2012 -- With deaths mounting and the West expelling Syrian diplomats, international peace envoy Kofi Annan told Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that the U.N.'s six-point peace plan needs efforts to propel it forward.
Lavrov, Hague Agree To Raise Pressure On Damascus RFE/RL 28 May 2012 -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov say they have agreed to increase pressure on Syria's government for the withdrawal of army tanks and artillery from residential neighborhoods across Syria.
UN Security Council Condemns Syria Massacre RIA Novosti 28 May 2012 -- The United Nations Security Council condemned on Monday a massacre of dozens of Syrian civilians, including children, in the country's western village of Houla.
Russia Says Assad Forces, Rebels to Blame for Syria Massacre RIA Novosti 28 May 2012 -- Both government forces and rebels were responsible for this weekend’s massacre in the Syrian town of Houla, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.
Joint UN-Arab League envoy arrives in Syria at 'critical' moment in crisis UN News Centre 28 May 2012 -- The Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States arrived in the Syrian capital on Monday at what he called a 'critical' moment in the crisis, just days after the massacre of men, women and children that has sparked widespread condemnation.
Envoy Kofi Annan in Syria Amid More Violence VOA 28 May 2012 -- International peace envoy Kofi Annan is in Syria to salvage a peace plan that he admits is not being comprehensively implemented, as rights activists report a government assault on the central city of Hama that killed at least 34 people.
Syria: UN officials deplore 'brutal' killing of civilians near Homs UN News Centre 26 May 2012 -- Top United Nations officials on Saturday strongly condemned the killing of over 90 civilians, including 32 children, and the wounding of hundreds more in a village near Homs, and stressed that those responsible must be held accountable.
Syrian government condemns horrible crimes in Houla, blames al-Qaeda, Takfiris IRNA 27 May 2012 -- The Syrian government on Sunday condemned the horrible crimes that took place in al-Houla. 'We don't trade with the Syrian blood.'
Syria Denies Responsibility For Houla 'Massacre' RFE/RL 27 May 2012 -- Syria's government is denying responsibility for the killing of more than 90 people in the central Syrian town of Houla -- including 32 children -- in violence that has sparked an international outcry.
Syrian Government Denies Blame for Houla Massacre VOA 27 May 2012 -- Syria's government is laying the blame on 'armed terrorists' for the killing of more than 108 civilians Friday near the city of Homs. But many witnesses insist pro-government militiamen carried out the brutal act.
UN Chief's Report, Escalating Violence Show Situation Worsening In Syria RFE/RL 26 May 2012 -- UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has released a report on Syria to the UN Security Council that painted a grim picture at a time when news coming from the Middle Eastern country supported his sobering portrayal.
Free Syrian Army Drops Annan's Peace Plan – Al Jazeera RIA Novosti 26 May 2012 -- An opposition Free Syrian Army (FSA) said on Saturday it would not adhere to the peace plan, brokered by the UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, unless the UN Security Council ensures safety for civilians, Al Jazeera reported.
Opposition: More Than 90 Killed in Syrian Government Shelling VOA 26 May 2012 -- Activists say Syrian government shelling since Friday has killed more than 90 people, including many children, in some of the worst violence since an uprising against Syria's regime began more than a year ago.
50 Syrians Killed in Anti-Assad Clashes VOA 25 May 2012 -- More than 50 people, including 13 children, have been killed in the town of Houla in Homs province, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Strife in Syria Ripples Into Lebanon's Sectarian Divide VOA 25 May 2012 -- TRIPOLI, Lebanon - Some 700 people in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli staged a rally Friday to demand the release of Sunni Islamist leaders who they said were detained for opposing Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. The demonstration comes amid fears that the conflict in Syria could further enflame sectarian tensions in Lebanon.
Syrian Forces Blamed for 9 Deaths as Protests Erupt VOA 25 May 2012 -- Syrian protesters launched anti-government rallies on Friday as activists blamed security forces for at least nine deaths in attacks that continue to erode a shaky cease-fire.
UN human rights probe panel reports continuing 'gross' violations in Syria UN News Centre 24 May 2012 -- Gross human rights violations continue unabated in Syria, amid increasing militarization of the strife there, despite an earlier agreement by parties to the conflict to halt hostilities, the United Nations independent panel probing abuses in the country said in an update released today.
UN observers hold mediation meeting with opposition members in Syrian city of Douma UN News Centre 24 May 2012 -- A team of UN observers today visited Douma, an opposition-controlled city in Syria, to initiate dialogue with opposition activists on the ground.
UN Panel Says Syrian Government, Opposition Abuses Continue RFE/RL 24 May 2012 -- United Nations-appointed investigators have accused Syrian security forces and opposition fighters of continuing to commit human rights violations, despite the announcement of a cease-fire six weeks ago.
Syrian Government, Rebels Blamed for Rights Abuses VOA 24 May 2012 -- A United Nations panel says both the Syrian government and armed rebels have committed serious human rights violations since March of this year, as violence continues despite a shaky ceasefire.
Syria Opposition Must Adhere to Annan Plan - Lavrov RIA Novosti 23 May 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday again urged Syria's opposition disparate groups to comply with a UN-brokered ceasefire and end all violence.
Six Dead in Syria, Government Shelling Intensifies VOA 23 May 2012 -- Activists say Syrian government forces have pounded targets in the opposition stronghold of Rastan, and at least six people have been killed elsewhere, during violence related to the country's anti-government unrest.
Lebanese Shi'ites Kidnapped in Syria; Hezbollah Appeals for Calm VOA 22 May 2012 -- The leader of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah militant group has appealed for calm after protests erupted in Beirut following the kidnapping of at least 11 Lebanese Shi'ites near the Syrian city of Aleppo as they returned home from a pilgrimage.
Ban and President of France discuss Syria and other issues at NATO summit UN News Centre 21 May 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today discussed various issues of global concern with President François Hollande of France, including the situation in Syria and the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next month.
UN peacekeeping chief in Syria to assess progress of military observers UN News Centre 21 May 2012 -- The head of UN peacekeeping, Hervé Ladsous, today met with Syrian government and opposition group representatives in the city of Homs, during a visit to assess progress made on the ground by UN military observers.
Activists: Syrian Troops Kill 34 People in Hama VOA 20 May 2012 -- A Syrian rights group says security forces have attacked a rebellious town in the country's central province of Hama, killing 34 people including children.
Presence of observers in Syria has 'calming effect' in areas deployed – UN official UN News Centre 18 May 2012 -- Amid ongoing violence in parts of Syria, the presence of UN military observers on the ground has had an overall calming effect in their areas of deployment in the Middle Eastern country, the head of the UN observer force said today.
Russia Calls for Solving Syrian Crisis by 'Forceps', Not 'Ax' RIA Novosti 19 May 2012 -- Russia will call its partners at the G8 summit for 'not to try to cut the Syrian crisis knot by ax' but 'use a forceps' to solve the conflict, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Russia's Federation Council Mikhail Margelov said on Saturday.
Car Bomb Hits Syria City RIA Novosti 19 May 2012 -- At least nine people were killed and some 100 others injured after a car bomb exploded in the eastern Syrian city of Deir Ezzor on Saturday, al Jazeera television reported.
Syria Blames Terrorists for Car Bombing VOA 19 May 2012 -- A car-bomb exploded outside a Syrian state security compound in the eastern oasis town of Deir el-Zour Saturday, killing nine people and wounding 100 others. Syrian TV accused terrorists of the blast, which appears to have been the second major attack against a government security building in just under 10 days.
Syrian Protesters Rally in Northern Flashpoint City VOA 18 May 2012 -- Thousands of protesters are taking to the streets in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo in what opposition activists are saying is one of the biggest demonstrations since the anti-government uprising began 15-months-ago.
UN Chief Blames al-Qaida for Syria Attack VOA 18 May 2012 -- Syria braced for opposition protests on Friday as U.N. officials expressed concern that al-Qaida may have played a role in recent attacks that have further strained a fragile cease-fire.
Leader of Syria's Fragmented Opposition to Resign VOA 17 May 2012 -- Syria's fragmented opposition has suffered a further setback, with the newly re-elected head of the main exiled coalition offering to resign due to criticism of his leadership and infighting that has plagued groups trying to oust President Bashar al-Assad.
UN Observers Face Daunting Challenges in Syria VOA 17 May 2012 -- The United Nations has deployed more than 200 unarmed observers to Syria who are monitoring a month-old cease-fire that appears to be in jeopardy of collapse. Increasingly, the U.N. monitors are getting caught up in the violence.
Syrian Activist Group Threatens Opposition Bloc Pullout VOA 17 May 2012 -- A key Syrian activist group has threatened to pull out of the country's already fractured opposition bloc.
Syrian Activists: Government Attacks Kill 9 VOA 16 May 2012 -- Syrian activists say government shelling and gunfire killed at least nine people across the country.
UN observers return to base in Syria UN News Centre 16 May 2012 -- A group of UN military observers who stayed overnight in the Syrian town of Khan Cheikhoun, following a bomb blast, have returned to their team site.
Terror Attacks on the Rise with UN Observers - Assad RIA Novosti 16 May 2012 -- The number of terrorist attacks in Syria has increased since UN observers arrived in the country, President Bashar al-Assad said.
Syria's Assad Warns Against Sowing Chaos RFE/RL 16 May 2012 -- President Bashar al-Assad has said countries that "sow chaos" in Syria could suffer from it themselves.
UN Team Evacuated From Syrian Town, Civilians 'Executed' RFE/RL 16 May 2012 -- A team of international observers has been evacuated from a tense town in northern Syria, as pro-government forces were accused of having executed civilians elsewhere.
Roadside Blast Hits UN Convoy; 20 Killed at Syrian Funeral VOA 15 May 2012 -- The United Nations says a roadside blast hit a convoy carrying a group of its unarmed observers near the Syrian city of Hama.
Three vehicles carrying UN observers damaged in bomb blast in Syria UN News Centre 15 May 2012 -- Three vehicles belonging to a convoy of UN observers in Syria were damaged in a bomb blast near the city of Hama.
Syria Says Voter Turnout 51 percent in Boycotted Election VOA 15 May 2012 -- Syria says more than half of eligible voters turned out for a May 7 parliamentary election boycotted by opposition groups.
Russia Concerned About Reports Syrian Opposition Training In Kosovo RFE/RL 15 May 2012 -- Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, has told the UN Security Council that his country is concerned about reports that Syrian rebels are receiving training in Kosovo.
Two kidnapped Iranian pilgrims in Syria freed IRNA 15 May 2012 -- Two Iranian pilgrims kidnapped in Syria by rebel forces there were freed Monday night and delivered to Turkish border police.
Syrian Activists Say 23 Soldiers Killed in Fighting VOA 14 May 2012 -- Syrian activists say rebels killed 23 soldiers in battles near the flashpoint city of Homs.
Scores Of Casualties Reported In Syria Clashes, Bombardments RFE/RL 14 May 2012 -- Activists say clashes in the central city of Rastan have left at least 23 Syrian soldiers dead and dozens wounded.
Russian Foreign Ministry Says Al-Qaeda Behind Syrian Attacks RFE/RL 14 May 2012 -- Russia has accused Al-Qaeda of staging the string of deadly bombings that have recently struck Syria's largest cities.
Al-Qaeda Behind Blasts in Damascus – Russian Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 14 May 2012 -- Moscow believes that terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda, carried out recent suicide bombings in Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said.
Russia Warns Against Training Syrian Rebels in Kosovo RIA Novosti 14 May 2012 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry urged international bodies operating in Kosovo to prevent the region from turning into a training ground for Syrian rebels.
Direct Talks in Syrian Standoff Unlikely - Russia RIA Novosti 14 May 2012 -- Moscow does not see any prospect of direct talks between the government and opposition in Syria in the near future, Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said.
Syrian Christians Afraid of Possible Islamist Rule RIA Novosti 14 May 2012 -- Christians living in conflict-torn Syria are afraid that their community would fall victim of religious extremism if President Bashar al-Assad regime collapses and Islamists come to power.
7 Killed in Syria as More UN Observers Arrive VOA 12 May 2012 -- At least seven people were killed in anti-government-related unrest across Syria Saturday, as more United Nations observers arrived in the country.
Suicide Bombings in Syria Could Signal al-Qaida's Engagement VOA 12 May 2012 -- As repeated bombing attacks hit Syria, concerns are rising that al-Qaida terrorists may be opening a dangerous new chapter in a conflict that has killed thousands of people.
Mass Protests Across Syria, Bomb Plot Foiled VOA 11 May 2012 -- Mass protests broke out across Syria on Friday, a day after at least 55 people were killed in twin bombings that marked the deadliest attack since the start of the anti-government uprising 14 months ago.
U.S. Provided $40 Mln for Syria Relief Efforts RIA Novosti 11 May 2012 -- The United States has allocated $40 million to assist relief agencies aiding victims of the Syrian crisis, the Department of State has said.
Mass Protests Break Out in Syria After Bombings VOA 11 May 2012 -- Mass protests broke out across Syria on Friday, a day after at least 55 people were killed in twin bombings that marked the deadliest attack since the start of the anti-government uprising 14 months ago.
UN-Arab League envoy condemns 'in strongest possible' terms attacks in Damascus UN News Centre 10 May 2012 -- The Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian Crisis, Kofi Annan, today condemned 'in the strongest possible terms' attacks that took place earlier Thursday in Damascus.
At Least 55 Killed in Damascus Suicide Car Bombings VOA 10 May 2012 -- Syrian authorities say a double suicide bombing in Damascus has killed at least 55 people and wounded another 370, making it the country's deadliest attack since an opposition uprising began 14 months ago.
U.S. to Continue Pressing for Assad's Resignation RIA Novosti 09 May 2012 -- The United States will continue its efforts to make Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down, the country's envoy to the UN, Susan Rice, said.
Bomb explodes near UN observer convoy in Syria UN News Centre 09 May 2012 -- A bomb exploded in the vicinity of a convoy of UN observers in Syria today, injuring several Syrian soldiers accompanying the delegation, the UN mission in the Middle Eastern country said.
Blast Hits Syrian Military Escorting UN Monitors VOA 09 May 2012 -- A roadside blast wounded six Syrian soldiers as they escorted United Nations monitors toward the restive southern town of Dara'a.
Amid civil war concerns in Syria, envoy describes ongoing violence as 'unacceptable' UN News Centre 08 May 2012 -- Amid concerns from the international community over the prospects of a 'full civil war' in Syria, the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian Crisis, Kofi Annan, said today that the ongoing levels of violence and human rights abuses in the Middle Eastern country are unacceptable and the UN observer mission is possibly the only remaining chance to stabilize it.
Envoy: UN Monitors Helping to Calm Syrian Violence VOA 08 May 2012 -- U.N.-Arab League Syria envoy for Syria Kofi Annan said Tuesday that the small number of monitors in Syria have had a calming effect that should grow as the mission fully deploys.
U.S. to Fulfill Afghan Contract with Russia despite Syria RIA Novosti 08 May 2012 -- The United States does not intend to change the terms of its contract or cancel agreements with Russia on the delivery and maintenance of helicopters for Afghanistan's armed forces, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Monday.
ICRC appeals for funds to step up its response in Syria IRNA 08 May 2012 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross is appealing to its donors for 24.5 million Swiss francs (approximately 27 million US dollars, or 20 million euros) to support assistance efforts it will carry out until the end of 2012 for people affected by the fighting in Syria.
Annan: Syrian Troops Intensify Mass Arrests VOA 08 May 2012 -- International envoy Kofi Annan says that Syrian troops appear to be intensifying mass arrests and torture in rebellious communities.
Red Cross: Syria's Rebels Shifting to Guerrilla Tactics VOA 08 May 2012 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross chief Jakob Kellenberger says Syria's rebel movement is increasingly using guerrilla tactics in its effort to oust autocratic President Bashar al-Assad. He said rebels have shifted their types of attacks in recent weeks after engaging in heavy fighting with better-equipped government forces earlier this year.
UN Secretary-General: Syrian Bloodshed Unacceptable and Intolerable VOA 07 May 2012 -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday that the 14-months of violence in Syria that has claimed more than 9,000 lives is an unacceptable and intolerable situation. Mr. Ban made the remarks during an appearance in Washington.
Parliamentary Vote Kicks Off in Syria RIA Novosti 07 May 2012 -- Polling stations opened across Syria on Monday for the country's first multi-party parliamentary elections in half a century amid reports of ongoing violence that has jeopardized the UN-backed peace plan designed to end the 14-month bloody conflict.
Activists: Syrians Boycott 'Sham' Parliamentary Election VOA 07 May 2012 -- Syrian activists say people in rebellious towns and villages across the country are largely boycotting a government-run parliamentary election that major opposition groups have dismissed as a sham.
Syria Prepares for Election VOA 06 May 2012 -- Syria is set to hold parliamentary elections on Monday [May 7, 2012], even as violence between government and opposition forces continues across the country.
Russia to Keep Supporting Syrian Peace Settlement Plan RIA Novosti 05 May 2012 -- Russia will keep backing the peaceful settlement plan in Syria, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday.
UN Mission Chief in Syria Cautiously Optimistic VOA 05 May 2012 -- The U.N. mission in Syria is a small contingent trying to monitor a very large conflict. Violence continues in Homs, Hama, Damascus and elsewhere despite a cease-fire agreed to by the government and the opposition last month.
Explosions in Syria Leave 5 Dead VOA 05 May 2012 -- A series of explosions rocked Syria Saturday, leaving at least five people dead as a U.N. observer mission continued efforts to monitor a frayed cease-fire between the government and the opposition brokered by international envoy Kofi Annan.
UN-Arab League mediation process for Syria crisis 'on track,' says official UN News Centre 04 May 2012 -- The six-point plan drawn up by the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, to resolve the violent crisis in Syria is proceeding ahead, his spokesperson said today, adding that there are 'small signs' of compliance with the plan.
UN Spokesman Says Syria Peace Plan On Track RFE/RL 04 May 2012 -- The spokesman for international envoy Kofi Annan says the peace plan for Syria remains "on track" - despite incomplete compliance.
UN Observers See Syria Battered by Violence VOA 03 May 2012 -- U.N. observers toured the battered flashpoint Syrian cities of Homs and Hama.
Activists Say Syrian Forces Raided College Dorms VOA 03 May 2012 -- Syrian activists say government forces have raided college dorms and killed at least four people after an anti-government protest in Aleppo.
HRW Accuses Damascus Of War Crimes RFE/RL 03 May 2012 -- Human Rights Watch has accused Damascus of war crimes in last month's run-up to a UN-brokered truce.
Obama Stiffens Penalties For Violating Iran, Syria Sanctions RFE/RL 02 May 2012 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is cracking down on foreign entities and individuals who violate U.S. sanctions on Iran and Syria.
Syrian Opposition Needs Unity But Continues to Splinter VOA 02 May 2012 -- The Syrian opposition is splintering into even more factions.
Rights Group Accuses Syria of War Crimes VOA 02 May 2012 -- An international rights group accused Syria of committing war crimes, while activists said rebels killed 15 security force members.
Human Rights Group Says Rebels Kill 15 Syrian Security Troops RFE/RL 02 May 2012 -- The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says a rebel ambush in northern Syria has killed 15 government forces.
Syrian Terrorist Attacks Aimed to Foil Annan’s Plan RIA Novosti 02 May 2012 -- The series of terrorist attacks that hit Syrian cities over the last week are aimed at foiling a peace plan by UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan.
Executive Order - Prohibiting Certain Transactions with and Suspending Entry into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders with Respect to Iran and Syria The White House 01 May 2012
Letter - Prohibiting Certain Transactions with and Suspending Entry into the United States of Foreign Sanctions Evaders with Respect to Iran and Syria The White House 01 May 2012
Press Conference by UN Peacekeeping Chief on Supervision Mission in Syria, 01 May 2012 United Nations 01 May 2012
UN peacekeeping chief calls on parties in Syria to ensure cessation of violence UN News Centre 01 May 2012 -- The head of United Nations peacekeeping operations called on all parties in Syria to ensure the cessation of violence is observed.
UN: Syrian Heavy Weapons Still in Cities VOA 01 May 2012 -- The U.N.’s peacekeeping chief said that the Syrian government still has heavy weapons in cities, and that both the government and opposition have committed violations of a U.N.-brokered truce.
UN to Send 300 Peacekeepers to Syria by End of May RIA Novosti 01 May 2012 -- The UN will send its 300 international unarmed observers to Syria by the end of May, the head of the UN peacekeeping body, Herve Ladsous said.
23 Killed in Syria Attacks as Pressure Mounts on UN Observers VOA 01 May 2012 -- Syrian activists say violence has killed at least 23 people, as more U.N. observers began deploying to back cease-fire plan.
UN envoy urges protection of children from violence in Syria UN News Centre 01 May 2012 -- The United Nations envoy for children and armed conflict said she was alarmed by another wave of extreme violence which had resulted in the deaths and injuries of children across Syria.
UN Says At Least 34 Children Killed In Syria Since Truce RFE/RL 01 May 2012 -- The United Nations says at least 34 children have allegedly been killed in Syria since a fragile cease-fire took hold on April 12.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

May 2012 - Syria Special Weapons News