November 2012 - Syria Special Weapons News

UN envoy commends Lebanon's stability and assistance to refugees amid crisis in Syria UN News Centre 30 Nov 2012 -- A United Nations envoy has lauded Lebanon for its commitment to stability and security, as well as for its assistance to Syrian refugees, adding that increased support for them would be needed for the onset of winter.
UN Chief 'Horrified' By Syria Violence RFE/RL 30 Nov 2012 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says that the 20-month conflict in Syria has reached "new and appalling heights of brutality and violence."
At General Assembly, Ban and UN-Arab League envoy call for greater efforts to resolve crisis in Syria UN News Centre 30 Nov 2012 -- Announcing his plans to visit displaced Syrians in refugee camps in Turkey and Jordan, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged greater efforts to help bring an end to the conflict in the Middle Eastern country as well as greater support for the envoy tasked with that mission.
UN refugee agency warns of acute humanitarian needs in Syrian city of Homs UN News Centre 30 Nov 2012 -- Thousands of people in the Syrian city of Homs now face precarious living conditions and shortages of basic services, the United Nations refugee agency warned today, following an assessment mission there.
UN Finds Dire Humanitarian Needs in Homs, Syria VOA 30 Nov 2012 -- The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) reports tens of thousands of displaced people in the embattled Syrian city of Homs are living in unheated communal shelters. The agency recently completed a two-day assessment mission to Homs and found the humanitarian needs in the city to be overwhelming.
UN Envoy Warns Syria Could Become 'Failed State' VOA 30 Nov 2012 -- U.N.-Arab League Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi warned Friday that if a negotiated political settlement is not found for Syria, it could become a 'failed state' with all the repercussions that entails.
Peacekeeper convoy from Golan fired upon in Syria, leaves four wounded – UN spokesperson UN News Centre 29 Nov 2012 -- A United Nations convoy today came under fire close to the Damascus International Airport in Syria wounding at least four people, according to a UN spokesperson.
Security Council must come together to solve crisis in Syria – UN-Arab League envoy UN News Centre 29 Nov 2012 -- The Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for the crisis in Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, today called on the Security Council to come together to adopt a plan that will constitute the basis of a political process in the Middle Eastern country, which has been wracked by violence for 21 months now.
Government Cuts Internet Access Across Syria VOA 29 Nov 2012 -- The Syrian government imposed a wholescale Internet blackout Thursday along with severing phone service, leaving Syrians largely cut off from contact with the outside world.
Russia Pressuring Assad for End to Violence – Syrian Opposition Group RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2012 -- Russia's leadership is pushing Damascus to stop military operations against the country's insurgency in order to enable a political solution to the standoff in Syria, a representative of a moderate Syrian opposition group said Thursday.
Syria Launches Offensive Near Airport, Cuts Internet Access VOA 29 Nov 2012 -- Syrian forces launched a major offensive in Damascus near the country's international airport Thursday, and the government shut down Internet access across the country and slashed cell phone services in selected areas.
Reporter Abducted in Syria 'Admits' Intelligence Links RIA Novosti 29 Nov 2012 -- Ukrainian journalist Ankhar Kochneva, who was abducted in Syria in October, said in a YouTube video on Wednesday that she worked for Russian intelligence.
Syria: Ban strongly condemns terrorist bombings in Damascus UN News Centre 28 Nov 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned 'in the strongest possible terms' the terrorist bombings in the Syrian capital, Damascus, this morning which have left dozens killed and injured.
UN humanitarian chief says Syria's neighbours need more help as refugee crisis grows UN News Centre 28 Nov 2012 -- As refugees continue to flee the violence in Syria, the United Nations humanitarian chief today called on the international community to help the country's neighbours as they struggle to deal with the worsening crisis.
Larijani: Artilleries, tanks cannot bring democratic reforms to Syria IRNA 28 Nov 2012 -- Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani said on Wednesday democratic reforms in Syria cannot be carried out through artilleries and tanks.
Syrian Opposition Accuses Turkey of Allowing Mercenaries RIA Novosti 28 Nov 2012 -- A key member of the unrecognized Syrian opposition accused Turkey on Wednesday of allowing Saudi mercenaries to enter through its border with Syria.
Explosions in Damascus Kill At Least 34 VOA 28 Nov 2012 -- Twin car bombs Wednesday ripped through a suburb of Syria's capital populated mostly by Christians and Druze, killing at least 34 people.
Fighting Rages in Syria; UNHCR Warns of Growing Trauma VOA 27 Nov 2012 -- Activists say Syrian government warplanes targeted an olive press factory near the city of Idlib Tuesday, in the country's north, killing at least 20 people. They say dozens more have been wounded.
Rasmussen Discusses Afghanistan Progress, Missiles for Turkey AFPS 26 Nov 2012 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen is confident Afghan security forces will be able to take full responsibility for Afghanistan's security by the end of 2014, he said today during an interview with the Pentagon Channel.
NATO to Decide on Turkey Missile Defense VOA 26 Nov 2012 -- NATO is expected to make a decision Tuesday on Turkey's request for the deployment of missile defense batteries along its border with Syria. The decision is seen by Ankara as having both military and diplomatic significance. But such a deployment is strongly opposed by Russia and Iran.
Medvedev Questions French Recognition of Syrian Opposition RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2012 -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev spoke out against France's recognition of the Syrian opposition, calling the stance 'highly controversial' but conceding that it is 'an internal matter.'
Syrian Rebels Seize Major Dam in North VOA 26 Nov 2012 -- Activists say Syrian rebels have seized control of a hydroelectric dam on the Euphrates River in northern Syria after days of heavy clashes, the latest in a string of recent advances for opposition fighters.
Medvedev: Support of Syria Rebels 'Unacceptable' VOA 26 Nov 2012 -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has criticized France's support for Syria's opposition, calling the decision “unacceptable.”
NATO to Survey Patriot Missile Sites in Turkey RIA Novosti 26 Nov 2012 -- NATO officials will start surveying sites along the Turkey-Syria border on Tuesday for possible deployment of Patriot air defense systems, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement.
Syrian Rebels Claim Capture of Helicopter Base Near Damascus VOA 25 Nov 2012 -- Syrian rebels say they have captured a government helicopter base near Damascus as they try to close in on President Bashar al-Assad's seat of power in the capital.
Russia Reiterates Concern Over NATO Missiles in Turkey RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated on Friday Moscow's concern over the possible deployment of US Patriot air defense systems in Turkey.
Syrian Opposition Coalition to Open Office in Turkey RIA Novosti 23 Nov 2012 -- The National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SNCROF) will soon open its office in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Friday.
As cold weather sets in, UN agencies deliver winter aid supplies to help Syrians cope UN News Centre 23 Nov 2012 -- United Nations agencies have begun delivering winter packages containing items such as blankets, thermal clothing and hygiene kits for thousands of Syrian families across the country and in neighbouring nations as temperatures begin to drop.
NATO to Discuss Patriot Missile Request by Turkey RIA Novosti 22 Nov 2012 -- Turkey's request to deploy Patriot missile systems that the country says are necessary to protect its border with conflict-torn Syria will be considered soon, NATO's secretary general said on Wednesday.
Russia Warns Against NATO Missiles on Syrian Border RIA Novosti 22 Nov 2012 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry cautioned Thursday against Turkey's intention to deploy NATO Patriot missiles on its border with Syria.
LEBANON: Concern for Syrian refugees as winter approaches IRIN 21 Nov 2012 -- Winter is approaching fast for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, who are facing night-time temperatures that regularly dip below zero.
Statement by the NATO Secretary General on Patriot Missile Deployment to Turkey NATO 21 Nov 2012
U.S., NATO Consider Turkey Request for Missile Support AFPS 21 Nov 2012 -- The U.S. will work closely with its NATO allies to determine the best way to respond to a recent request from Turkey for Patriot missile support.
Turkey Asks NATO For Missile Defense Against Syria RFE/RL 21 Nov 2012 -- Turkey has asked NATO to deploy Patriot air-defense missiles on its territory.
Syrian minister urges opposition groups to join national dialogue IRNA 21 Nov 2012 -- Syrian Minister of State for National Reconciliation Ali Haidar called on all Syrian groups, including the opposition ones, to attend the next meetings on "National Dialogue."
Lavrov: US To Seek Compromise Agreements With Russia On Security, Economy VOA 20 Nov 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says his U.S. counterpart Hillary Clinton has indicated that the United States will search for compromise agreements on security and business with Russia.
UN Chief Worried About Syria Becoming 'Regional Battleground' RFE/RL 20 Nov 2012 -- UN Secretary-General Ban has said he fears the 20-month-old conflict in Syria could turn the country into a regional combat zone.
Syrian Rebels Claim Army Base Near Damascus RFE/RL 20 Nov 2012 -- Rebels in Syria are claiming to have taken control of an army base on the outskirts of Damascus.
Tripartite meeting on Syria to be held in Pakistan IRNA 20 Nov 2012 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that foreign ministers of Iran, Egypt and Turkey will discuss Syrian crisis in a meeting to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Conference on Syria calls for ceasefire, democratic process to form national reconciliation government IRNA 20 Nov 2012 -- Representatives of Syrian parties taking part in Conference on Syria National Dialogue called for ceasing violence and go ahead with democratic process.
No Russia-US Agreement on Syria - FM Lavrov RIA Novosti 20 Nov 2012 -- Russia and the United States have not agreed on a mutual position over the situation in Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
UK Recognizes Syrian Opposition RIA Novosti 20 Nov 2012 -- The United Kingdom has recognized the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, British Foreign Minister William Hague said on Tuesday in parliament.
On visit to northern Lebanon, UN official praises efforts to assist Syrian refugees UN News Centre 20 Nov 2012 -- A senior United Nations official praised efforts made by the Lebanese Government to help Syrian refugees who have fled the violence in their country.
NATO Secretary General comments on Turkey and the Middle East NATO 19 Nov 2012
NATO Ready to Protect Turkey from Syrian Missiles VOA 19 Nov 2012 -- NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen says the alliance would consider a request from Turkey to deploy Patriot anti-missile batteries along its border with Syria.
EU Endorses Syrian Opposition RFE/RL 19 Nov 2012 -- The newly formed Syrian opposition coalition has received backing from the European Union, a potentially significant vote of confidence for a movement seeking to gain recognition.
EU Recognizes Syrian Anti-Assad Coalition RIA Novosti 19 Nov 2012 -- The 27 members of the European Union recognized on Monday the broad opposition coalition created in Syria earlier this month as a legitimate representative of the Syrian people.
Syrian Islamist Groups Reject Opposition Coalition RFE/RL 19 Nov 2012 -- Hard-line rebel groups in northern Syria have rejected the newly formed opposition coalition.
Iranian ambassador unveils peace plan to Syrian opposition groups IRNA 19 Nov 2012 -- Iran unveiled a peace plan to Syrian opposition groups to stop bloodshed and go ahead with democratic process and free and fair election to form national reconciliation government.
Dy FM: Follow-up committee on Syrian national dialogue formed IRNA 19 Nov 2012 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amirabdollahian said a follow-up committee on Syrian national dialogue has been formed during the Tehran meeting.
2nd day of Syrian National Dialogue opens in Tehran IRNA 19 Nov 2012 -- The second day of meeting on Syrian National Dialogue opened behind the closed doors in the Iranian capital.
Syrian Pro-Government, Opposition Groups Meet in Tehran RIA Novosti 19 Nov 2012 -- Syrian government representatives and opposition political parties are taking part in a peace conference in the Iranian capital Tehran to find a negotiated solution to the 21-month-old crisis in Syria.
Syrian Refugees in Jordan Get 1,500 Saudi Caravans RIA Novosti 19 Nov 2012 -- Saudi Arabia on Monday delivered 1,500 trailers and 160 tents to house Syrian refugees at the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan's Mafraq district.
Iranian Kurds Fight Discrimination, Hope for Change VOA 19 Nov 2012 -- The Kurdish minority in Iran has for decades suffered discrimination and many Kurds have been thrown into prison and executed for seeking equal rights from the Islamic government in Tehran.
Participants of meeting on Syria agree to continue talks IRNA 18 Nov 2012 -- The Syrian government and opposition forces who have gathered in Tehran to attend the meeting of the national dialogue on Syria reiterated on the necessity of continuation of talks and dialogue, and confront meddling of foreign countries in their affairs.
SYRIA: Turkey opens up to international aid in camps IRIN 16 Nov 2012 -- Turkey has treated Syrians fleeing to its territory better than most countries in the world ever would or could. Refugees receive three hot meals a day and live in modern facilities, in much better conditions, they say, than their counterparts in Lebanon and Jordan.
Europe Mulls Increased Support For Syrian Opposition VOA 16 Nov 2012 -- Britain's Foreign Secretary William Hague met with Syrian opposition leaders in London Friday and said he was encouraged by their discussions. London's meeting comes after France became the first western nation to accept the opposition coalition as the legitimate government-in-exile. European countries are considering new ways to up their assistance to the Syrian opposition.
Turkey Recognizes Syrian Opposition VOA 15 Nov 2012 -- The newly formed coalition of Syrian opposition groups is getting another boost, this time from Turkey.
US Stops Short of Recognizing Syrian Opposition Coalition VOA 14 Nov 2012 -- The United States has declined to fully recognize a newly formed Syrian opposition coalition, saying the group must first prove its worth after its predecessor was dogged by feuding and accusations of Islamist domination.
France Recognizes Syrian Opposition RFE/RL 14 Nov 2012 -- France has become the first Western country to recognize Syria's new opposition coalition.
US to Increase Aid for Syrian Conflict Victims VOA 14 Nov 2012 -- The United States says it is providing $30 million in extra humanitarian aid for those affected by the Syrian conflict.
Delivering aid to displaced Syrians increasingly hazardous, says UN refugee agency UN News Centre 13 Nov 2012 -- The United Nations refugee agency said today that the violence throughout Syria is making the delivery of vital supplies to displaced people increasingly hazardous, while, beyond the Middle Eastern nation’s borders, the number of Syrian refugees continues to climb.
Violence Flares as Syrian Opposition Garners Support VOA 13 Nov 2012 -- Deadly fighting continues in Syria, as Arab and European leaders urge the newly-united opposition to seek broader support after it was recognized by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.
Gulf Cooperation Council Recognizes Syrian Opposition Bloc RIA Novosti 13 Nov 2012 -- The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GSC) has recognized the newly formed coalition of the Syrian opposition as the 'legitimate representative' of the Syrian people and urged the international community to support this entity.
Syria Opposition Seeks Recognition As Clashes Rage VOA 13 Nov 2012 -- Deadly fighting continues in Syria, as Arab and European leaders urged the newly united opposition to seek broader support even after it was recognized by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.
Millions in Syria Have Fled Homes VOA 13 Nov 2012 -- The Syrian Arab Red Crescent estimates 2.5 million people inside Syria have fled their homes and are in need of humanitarian assistance. The United Nations says the number of displaced could rise to four million people.
Analysis: Aid to Syria - winning friends and influence IRIN 12 Nov 2012 -- Syrian activists say opposition groups are manipulating humanitarian aid for political and security gains, after similar accusations were leveled against the Syrian government last week.
Israel Confirms 'Direct Hits' in Syria RIA Novosti 12 Nov 2012 -- Israel's armed forces have opened tank fire on Syria confirming direct hits after a mortar shell from Syria landed in Israeli territory, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Monday.
Syrian Rebels to Get Unified Command RIA Novosti 12 Nov 2012 -- Syrian rebel groups will establish a unified command center, to ensure that weapons provided by foreign backers do not end up in extremists' hands, a member of the oppositional Syrian National Council said on Monday.
Israel to Respond to Shelling from Syria - Defense min. RIA Novosti 12 Nov 2012 -- Israeli troops were ordered to make an 'immediate and harsh' response to any shelling from the Syrian territory, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Sunday.
United Syrian Opposition Seeks Recognition VOA 12 Nov 2012 -- The leader of Syria's newly united opposition headed to Arab League headquarters in Cairo seeking diplomatic recognition Monday, bolstered by a hard-won unity deal among the disparate factions.
International Red Cross Launches Syria Appeal VOA 12 Nov 2012 -- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is launching an emergency appeal for tens of thousands of Syrians who have sought refuge in neighboring Turkey and along the Syrian border. The appeal for $34 million will support the Turkish Red Crescent in providing winter assistance for up to 170,000 people.
Salehi: Iran's diplomacy vis-à-vis Syria to prevent deepened crisis IRNA 11 Nov 2012 -- Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said that the Islamic Republic of Iran's diplomacy in Syria is preventing that country's crisis from becoming more deepened, as well as trying to bring back stability and tranquility to the Arab country.
President: National reconciliation only solution to Syria problem IRNA 11 Nov 2012 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said national reconciliation is the solution to Syria problem and the solution can be achieved through a free election.
Israel Fires 'Warning' Missile After Syrian Mortars Strike Golan RFE/RL 11 Nov 2012 -- Israel's military says it fired "warning shots" into Syria after stray mortars from the Syrian conflict exploded in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.
Syrian Opposition Unites RIA Novosti 11 Nov 2012 -- A number of atomized groups making up the motley Syrian opposition have agreed on Sunday to form a unified coalition set to represent all opponents of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Israel Fires into Syria, Violence Also Flares on Gaza Border VOA 11 Nov 2012 -- Israel fired a missile into Syria in what the military described as a 'warning shot,' after a stray mortar shell fired from Syria landed near an Israeli military post in the Golan Heights. It was the first time Israel fired into Syria since the civil war erupted there more than a year and a half ago.
New Syria Council Chief 'Disappointed' In International Support For Uprising RFE/RL 10 Nov 2012 -- The newly elected leader of what is currently Syria's main opposition bloc says he is disappointed in foreign supporters of the Syrian uprising.
Syrian National Council Elects Leader RIA Novosti 10 Nov 2012 -- The opposition Syrian National Council (SNC) has elected George Sabra, a Christian former Communist, as its leader following talks in Qatar, world media reported.
Twin Bombings Kill Syrian Forces, Opposition Seeks Unity VOA 10 Nov 2012 -- Two suicide bombers have detonated explosives near a Syrian military camp, as the country's fractured opposition grapples with plans to reorganize and unite.
United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the Syrian Crisis US Dept. of State 09 Nov 2012
UN: Syria 'Dramatically Deteriorating' VOA 09 Nov 2012 -- The United Nations says the huge upsurge in the number of civilians fleeing Syria reflects the dramatically deteriorating situation in that country.
Assad Insists Syrian People Still Support Him VOA 09 Nov 2012 -- Syria's embattled President Bashar al-Assad is insisting that he still has the support of the Syrian people and army, even as violence raged on and reports emerged that more of his military officers defected to Turkey.
Syrian National Council Elects New Chief in Doha RFE/RL 09 Nov 2012 -- Syria's main opposition group, the Syrian National Council (SNC), has chosen a new president, 41-year-old veteran anti-regime activist George Sabra.
As crisis deepens, UN warns over four million Syrians may need humanitarian aid UN News Centre 09 Nov 2012 -- United Nations officials warned that over four million people may be in need of humanitarian relief by the start of next year.
Thousands Of Syria Refugees Stream Into Turkey RFE/RL 09 Nov 2012 -- The UN refugee agency says that as many as 9,000 Syrians have crossed into Turkey to flee the violence in their country.
In Jordan, UN food relief agency chief stresses need to strengthen aid to Syrian refugees UN News Centre 09 Nov 2012 -- The head of the United Nations food relief agency said the world body and its partners are intensifying their efforts to assist Syrian refugees.
US: Stronger Syrian Opposition Could Weaken Foreign Support for Assad VOA 08 Nov 2012 -- Syrian opposition leaders opened talks in Qatar aimed at creating a broader, more unified council of rebels and politicians fighting embattled president Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian President Assad Says He Won't Leave Country RFE/RL 08 Nov 2012 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he has no intention of stepping down from power and leaving the country.
Assad Vows to Remain in Syria VOA 08 Nov 2012 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says he will not leave his country, and warned against foreign military intervention in Syria.
Defiant Assad Refuses to Leave - Russian Arab TV RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2012 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will not leave his country and seek refuge elsewhere.
Turkey Inspects Armenian Plane En Route To Syria RFE/RL 08 Nov 2012 -- An Armenian plane flying to Syria landed in eastern Turkey on November 8 so that its cargo could be inspected to make sure it was not carrying military equipment.
Moscow Sees Shift in Western Stance on Syria Opposition RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2012 -- Russia believes the West is reviewing its approach toward the Syrian opposition, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Stray Syrian Mortar Rounds Fall in Golan Heights RIA Novosti 08 Nov 2012 -- Stray mortar rounds fell in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights but caused little damage, an Israeli Army source told RIA Novosti.
Syrian Rebels Target Assad Palace Near Capital VOA 07 Nov 2012 -- Syrian rebels made a new push into Damascus.
Britain Authorizes Talks with Armed Syrian Opposition VOA 07 Nov 2012 -- Britain says it will begin talks with Syrian armed opposition groups in an effort to find a political solution to the country's crisis.
Syrian Rebels Attack Pro-Assad Area In Damascus RFE/RL 07 Nov 2012 -- Syrian rebels have launched an assault on a Damascus district that is home to President Bashar al-Assad's Alawite minority.
Syria-led process only solution for peace in the war-torn country UN News Centre 06 Nov 2012 -- The United Nations political affairs chief said there was an urgent need to “shift away” from the military logic driving the conflict.
Gunmen Kill Syrian Parliament Speaker's Brother VOA 06 Nov 2012 -- Syria's state-run news agency said gunmen have shot and killed the brother of the country's parliament speaker.
On visit to region, UN food relief agency chief praises Lebanon for support of Syrian refugees UN News Centre 07 Nov 2012 -- The head of the United Nations food relief agency expressed her thanks to the people and Government of Lebanon for their support of Syrians seeking refuge from the violence affecting their country.
At Least 130 Dead in Syria Fighting VOA 06 Nov 2012 -- At least 130 people died Tuesday in Syria, in a wave of air strikes, bombings, ground battles and assassinations, as violence between government forces and rebels escalated in Damascus and Aleppo.
Damascus Bombings Kill At Least 10 RFE/RL 06 Nov 2012 -- Explosions in the west Damascus suburb of Qudsaya have killed at least 10 people and wounded some 40 others.
Russian Foreign Minister Meets Top Syrian Defector In Jordan RFE/RL 06 Nov 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has held a rare meeting with a high-level Syrian opposition figure.
Syria Pledges No Use of Chemical Weapons - Russia RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2012 -- The Syrian authorities have assured Moscow that there will be no use of chemical weapons against rebel forces, Russia’s foreign minister said.
UN ‘Let World Down’ on Syria - British PM RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2012 -- The United Nations “has let the world down” on Syria, and Russia and China are to blame for that, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said.
International Military Intervention in Syria Remains Unlikely VOA 05 Nov 2012 -- The main Syrian opposition bloc, the Syrian National Council, voted at a meeting in Doha, Qatar, to broaden its ranks.
Syrian Rebels, Government Troops Clash in Damascus VOA 05 Nov 2012 -- A Syrian activist group says heavy fighting has erupted between rebels and government troops in the capital.
Observatory: Suicide Car Bomb Kills 50 Syrian Troops VOA 05 Nov 2012 -- A Syrian activist group says a suicide car bomber has killed more than 50 Syrian soldiers in central Hama province.
Report: Suicide Bomb Kills 50 Syrian Troops VOA 05 Nov 2012 -- A Syrian activist group says a suicide car bomber has killed more than 50 Syrian soldiers and gunmen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad in central Hama province.
Syria: UN-Arab League envoy calls on Security Council to agree on resolution to help end crisis UN News Centre 05 Nov 2012 -- The Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for the crisis in Syria has encouraged the Security Council to turn an agreement reached in June outlining the steps for a peaceful transition in the Middle Eastern country into a resolution aimed at helping to end the ongoing crisis there.
Lavrov: No Secret Russia-U.S. Talks On Syria RFE/RL 05 Nov 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia and the United States never held secret discussions about regime change in Syria.
No Secret US-Russia Talks Over Syria - Lavrov RIA Novosti 05 Nov 2012 -- The United States and Russia have never held secret discussions about possible regime change in Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in Cairo.
Russia’s Lavrov Speaks against UN Resolution on Syria RIA Novosti 05 Nov 2012 -- Western countries are seeking a UN Security Council resolution on Syria to aggravate the situation in this country and form conditions for changing the ruling regime, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Russian Weapons Supply To Syria Fulfills Old Contract - Lavrov RIA Novosti 05 Nov 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sought to downplay longstanding criticism of Russia’s weapons trade with Syria.
DPRK, Syria Sign MOUs and Agreements KCNA 05 Nov 2012 -- MOU between the DPRK and Syrian governments on mutual cooperation signed at the Mansudae Assembly Hall.
Syrian Opposition in Key Qatar Meeting to Unify Ranks VOA 04 Nov 2012 -- Syria's fractured opposition factions began key talks aimed at forming a united front to gain international recognition and bolster their chances to oust President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian Opposition To Meet In Qatar RFE/RL 04 Nov 2012 -- Hundreds of Syrian opposition figures are beginning a five-day conference today in the Qatari capital Doha.
Russia Ready to Discuss UN Peacekeeping Mission to Syria RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2012 -- Moscow is ready to discuss sending international monitors and a UN peacekeeping mission to Syria.
Syrian Rebels Say Fighting Govt. Forces to Control Airbase RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2012 -- Rebels in Syria said they were involved in a fierce fight against government forces to gain control of a key airbase in the country’s north.
Several People Wounded in Damascus Hotel Explosion RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2012 -- An explosion that rocked the premises of a state-controlled labor union near the Dama Rose hotel in the Syrian capital has wounded several civilians.
Russia supports formation of trilateral committee on Syria IRNA 04 Nov 2012 -- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said that his country supports the idea of formation of a trilateral committee comprising Iran, Turkey and Russia for resolving the Syrian crisis.
Syrian Rebels Attack Key Air Base RFE/RL 03 Nov 2012 -- Syrian rebels have launched a major assault in the northwest against an airbase the government uses to launch air strikes on rebel positions.
Syrian Tanks Enter Golan Heights Buffer Zone RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2012 -- Syrian Army tanks entered the demilitarized Golan Heights buffer zone on the border with Israel for the first time in 40 years.
Syrian Activists: 6 People Died Each Hour of October VOA 03 Nov 2012 -- Syrian activists say an average of six people died every hour last month in the war-torn country.
UN Says Syrian Killings On Video Appear To Be War Crime RFE/RL 02 Nov 2012 -- A spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says a video showing what appears to be Syrian rebels executing government soldiers could be evidence of war crimes.
Activists: Syrian Rebels Control Strategic Northern Town VOA 02 Nov 2012 -- Syrian activists said rebel forces have taken control of a strategic northern town that is crucial link for the government's military campaign inside Syria's largest city, Aleppo.
Syrian Opposition Received $40 Million Aid RIA Novosti 02 Nov 2012 -- The opposition Syrian National Council has received more than $40 million in financial assistance since its inception in October 2011.
US Stance on Syria Undermines Geneva Agreements – Russia RIA Novosti 02 Nov 2012 -- Moscow believes the US position regarding settlement of the Syrian conflict runs counter to the agreements reached in Geneva, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Mothers, children widely affected by continuing Syrian violence, UNICEF warns UN News Centre 02 Nov 2012 -- The United Nations children’s agency drew attention to the impact that the conflict in Syria is taking on mothers and children, especially on newborn babies.
In Syria, 28 Soldiers Reported Killed In Attacks On Army Checkpoints RFE/RL 01 Nov 2012 -- A watchdog group says Syrian rebels have killed 28 government soldiers in attacks on three checkpoints on the main road from Damascus to Aleppo in the north.
Syrian Rebels Claim 28 Soldiers Killed in Checkpoint Attack VOA 01 Nov 2012 -- Syrian rebels attacked three army checkpoints and killed 28 soldiers, an opposition group reported.
US Looks for New Civilian Leadership in Syrian Opposition VOA 01 Nov 2012 -- The Obama administration is looking for a new group of Syrians to lead the rebellion against President Bashar Assad.
U.S. Seeks Syria Opposition Revamp RFE/RL 01 Nov 2012 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States wants to see changes in the leadership of Syria’s opposition.
Analysis: Catch-22 for Syrian migrants in Lebanon IRIN 01 Nov 2012 -- Syrians in Lebanon are increasingly coming under attack as lingering anti-Syrian sentiment intensifies amid the current conflict next door.

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November 2012 - Syria Special Weapons News