December 2012 - Syria Special Weapons News

Syria: UN-Arab League envoy warns of limited options, dangers of fragmentation UN News Centre 30 Dec 2012 -- "I am unable to see another solution out of two possibilities: either a political solution that is accepted by the Syrian people which meets its aspirations and legitimate rights, or Syria to be transformed into hell."
UN Envoy Calls On International Community To Save Syria From 'Hell' RFE/RL 30 Dec 2012 -- The international peace envoy for Syria has urged the global community to accept a proposal for ending the brutal 21-month conflict.
Nearly 400 Reported Killed in Deadly Day in Syria RIA Novosti 30 Dec 2012 -- At least 397 people were killed in Syria on Saturday in what could be the country's bloodiest day since the start of the uprising 21 months ago, the opposition Local Coordination Committees (LCC) claimed on Sunday.
UN Envoy Brahimi Says Has Syria Peace Plan RIA Novosti 30 Dec 2012 -- The UN and Arab League's peace envoy on Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, said on Sunday he hoped the international community would accept a new plan to end the 21-month civil war in the Middle East country, Egyptian media reported.
UN Envoy Warns Syria Crisis Worsening VOA 30 Dec 2012 -- U.N.-Arab League Syria envoy Lakhdar Brahimi says the situation in Syria is deteriorating rapidly and risks getting considerably worse, if no political solution is found to the conflict.
Firouzabadi: US, Zionist regime behind Syrian crisis IRNA 29 Dec 2012 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Hassan Firouzabadi said on Saturday that the US and Zionist regime are behind the Syrian crisis.
Russia Says Still Chance For Negotiated Syria Settlement RFE/RL 29 Dec 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says there is still a chance for a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Syria.
Lavrov Denies Russian Arms Supplies to Syria RIA Novosti 29 Dec 2012 -- Russia is not supplying the Syrian authorities with offensive weapons or any kinds of weapons that could be used against civilians, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday.
Moscow Reiterates Invitation to Syria Opposition Leader RIA Novosti 29 Dec 2012 -- Russian diplomats are ready to meet with the leader of the Syrian opposition in a neutral country for peace talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday.
Lavrov Meets With UN Arab League Envoy VOA 29 Dec 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said there is still time to end the violence in Syria if the opposition agrees to talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. United Nations Arab League peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, who has traveled to Russia, said if that does not happen and a deal is not struck, 'hell' and more bloodshed will occur.
Ban to chair high-level donor conference next month for Syria humanitarian effort UN News Centre 28 Dec 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will chair a high-level conference next month to raise funds to alleviate the worsening plight of millions of Syrians affected by the ongoing conflict.
Russian, Egyptian Envoys Urge Cease-Fire In Syria RFE/RL 28 Dec 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has met in Moscow with his Egyptian counterpart, Muhammad Amr, for talks that included discussion of the ongoing crisis in Syria.
Russia Urges Syria to Dialogue with Opposition VOA 28 Dec 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday urged Syria's deputy foreign minister to engage in talks with the opposition in an attempt to end more than 21 months of civil war in Syria.
Russia Invites Syrian National Coalition Chief for Talks RIA Novosti 28 Dec 2012 -- Russia has sent an invitation for talks to the head of the opposition Syrian National Coalition, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Friday.
Syria: UN-Arab League envoy calls for transitional government with full powers UN News Centre 27 Dec 2012 -- Calling for "real change" in Syria, the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for the war-torn country, Lakhdar Brahimi, said today a Syrian transitional government with full executive powers "must be" created until elections can be held.
West Wary Over Syria's Chemical Stockpiles VOA 27 Dec 2012 -- Intelligence experts believe Syria has one of the largest chemical weapons arsenals in the world. Experts ask whether the Syrian government might use these weapons against insurgents and whether the rebels could gain access to chemical weapons and use them against the Syrian armed forces.
SYRIA: Nowhere to run IRIN 27 Dec 2012 -- At a school-turned-shelter in an upscale neighbourhood of the Syrian capital, sheets hanging from makeshift clotheslines divide classrooms into separate sleeping quarters for the 238 families that live here.
Brahimi Calls For Transitional Government In Syria RFE/RL 27 Dec 2012 -- International envoy Lakhdar Brahimi has called for a transitional government to be formed in Syria with 'full executive powers' to run the country until elections can be held.
UN Syria Envoy to Hold Moscow Talks RIA Novosti 27 Dec 2012 -- The UN and Arab League's envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, is due to visit Moscow on December 29, Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, as talks continue to try to end the violence in the Middle East country.
Russia, UN Envoy Call for Peaceful Solution in Syria VOA 27 Dec 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has echoed a call from an international peace envoy to resolve Syria's civil war through a government-backed national dialogue and political process.
TURKEY: Syrian refugees choosing to work risk exploitation IRIN 26 Dec 2012 -- The ruinous state of the Syrian economy after 18 months of civil war has left few options for young men trying to support their families without taking up arms. Many see escaping to Turkey to find illegal work as their only choice. But it is a choice that comes with a price.
Syrian Military Police Commander Defects, Criticizes Army RFE/RL 26 Dec 2012 -- Syria's military police chief has defected from President Bashar al-Assad's regime and has reportedly fled to Turkey.
Top Syrian Official Defects VOA 26 Dec 2012 -- A top Syrian military official who headed the feared military police has told a pan-Arab TV station that he defected and joined Syria's opposition movement.
FM spokesman underlines national dialogue, free elections as only solution to Syrian crisis IRNA 25 Dec 2012 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast underlined halt in clashes, preparing the ground for national dialogue and free and democratic elections as the only solutions to the ongoing crisis in Syria.
Activists: Syrian Rebels Capture Northern Town Near Turkey VOA 25 Dec 2012 -- Syrian rights activists say rebels have captured a northern town near the border with Turkey, driving out government troops after a siege that lasted several weeks.
Armenian PM: Syrian Refugees Plan to Stay VOA 25 Dec 2012 -- When the fighting began in Syria, some of the country's Syrian Armenians began to head to Armenia, but as the fighting has intensified so has the number of those looking to their ancestral homeland.
Kremlin's Syria Policy Hurts Russia's Position in Arab World VOA 24 Dec 2012 -- In the days of the Soviet Union, Moscow was a major player in the Arab world. But in the last two years, the Kremlin has repeatedly backed the losing sides in the Arab Spring.
Kuwait to Host Conference on Syria's Humanitarian Crisis VOA 24 Dec 2012 -- The Kuwaiti government has announced that it plans to host an international conference next month on helping solve Syria's growing humanitarian crisis.
LEBANON: Meagre job prospects for Syrian refugees IRIN 24 Dec 2012 -- For the roughly 120,000 registered Syrian refugees in Lebanon winter means not just freezing temperatures but also fewer jobs, especially in rural areas.
Syria Unlikely to Use Chemical Weapons - FM Lavrov RIA Novosti 24 Dec 2012 -- Syrian authorities are unlikely to use chemical weapons as it would be a 'political suicide' for them, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday.
Russian Military Denies Sending Commandos to Syria RIA Novosti 24 Dec 2012 -- The Russian Defense Ministry denied on Monday media rumors about sending commando units, air defense systems operators and military equipment to Syria.
Syria: UN-Arab League envoy holds talks on crisis with President Bashar Al-Assad UN News Centre 24 Dec 2012 -- The Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, met with President Bashar al-Assad today for further talks on the situation in the war-torn Middle Eastern country.
Assad Meeting Does Nothing to Alleviate UN Envoy's Concerns VOA 24 Dec 2012 -- International peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi says he remains worried about Syria's civil war after meeting President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Spokesman: Syrian crisis would not be limited to its borders IRNA 23 Dec 2012 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said if western countries interfere in Syria, the crisis would not be limited to Syria.
Syria Activists: Government Air Strikes Kill Dozens VOA 23 Dec 2012 -- Syrian rights activists say government air strikes have killed dozens of people in rebel-held areas of the country, as international peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi began another visit to Damascus to try to resolve Syria's civil war.
NATO Missile Plan 'Bad for Turkey' - Iran RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2012 -- Tehran warned on Saturday that the deployment of NATO's advanced surface-to-air Patriot missiles along the Turkish border with Syria would be detrimental to Turkey.
Syria's Chemical Weapons 'Safe for Now' - Moscow RIA Novosti 22 Dec 2012 -- Chemical weapons are under the control of the Syrian government, which has consolidated them in one or two locations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday.
UN genocide adviser warns of increasing risk of sectarian violence in Syria UN News Centre 21 Dec 2012 -- The United Nations top official on the issue of genocide has warned of the increasing risk of sectarian violence in Syria, and called on all parties to the conflict to refrain from targeting individuals or groups based on religious or ethnic identity.
NATO: Syria Fires More Scud Missiles VOA 21 Dec 2012 -- NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces have fired more missiles inside Syria, a move Rasmussen calls an act of a 'desperate regime approaching collapse.'.
UN's Ban Sees No Sign Of End To Syrian War; Condemns Pakistan Killings RFE/RL 20 Dec 2012 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says there doesn't seem to be any prospect for peace any time soon in the Syrian conflict.
Syrian Opposition Denies Targeting Russians RIA Novosti 20 Dec 2012 -- Syria's opposition coalition on Thursday denied it has declared "open season" on Russian nationals.
Moscow Urges UN Security Council to Protect Foreigners in Syria RIA Novosti 20 Dec 2012 -- A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman called on the UN Security Council on Thursday to ensure the protection of foreign civilians in Syria.
In latest update, UN independent panel finds more breaches of human rights law by parties to Syrian conflict UN News Centre 20 Dec 2012 -- A United Nations independent panel investigating human rights violations in Syria has released a new update on the situation in the Middle Eastern nation, noting that violations continue unabated and reiterating the need for a political solution to the conflict there.
Syrian Violence Becoming 'Overly Sectarian', Report Finds VOA 20 Dec 2012 -- The United Nations is highlighting the civilian toll in the nearly two-year conflict in Syria, saying thousands have died in a crisis that has become increasingly sectarian in nature.
Syrian Minister Hospitalized in Lebanon VOA 20 Dec 2012 -- Lebanese officials say a key aide to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is in the Lebanese capital to receive medical treatment for wounds suffered in a Damascus bomb attack last week.
Could an Alawite State in Syria Prevent Post-Assad Reprisals? VOA 20 Dec 2012 -- A new report by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights offers disturbing evidence that the civil war in Syria is turning into a sectarian battle between the country's majority Sunni and minority Alawite Muslim communities.
Syrian Scud Missiles Seen as Escalation of War VOA 19 Dec 2012 -- Syria's recent use of Scud missiles against rebel-held areas has alarmed the West and escalated fears that the Syrian government is inflicting a new stage of terror on its citizens.
SYRIA: IDPs brace for winter in rebel-controlled camps IRIN 19 Dec 2012 -- Ragad, 10, uses crutches to gingerly make her way up a muddy hillside. On her right foot, she wears a bright blue rubber shoe. The other foot is missing, amputated below the knee.
Syrian Militants Free to Target Russians – Opposition Leader RIA Novosti 19 Dec 2012 -- A prominent leader of the Syrian opposition abroad has called Russian and Iranian citizens "a legitimate target for opposition militants in Syria."
UN and humanitarian partners seek $1.5 billion for ongoing Syria crisis UN News Centre 19 Dec 2012 -- The United Nations and its humanitarian partners today appealed for $1.5 billion to assist civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria over the next six months, including those inside the country as well as those taking refuge beyond its borders.
Lebanese Take Sides in Syrian Civil War VOA 18 Dec 2012 -- Syria's civil war is inflaming passions next door in Lebanon. James Brooke reports from Lebanon's second largest city, Tripoli, where supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fought running gun battles last week.
Turkish Foreign Minister Rejects Iranian Criticism Of Patriot Deployment RFE/RL 18 Dec 2012 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has rejected charges by senior Iranian officials over the deployment of Patriot antimissile systems in his country.
Iran, Russia underlines diplomatic solution to Syrian crisis IRNA 18 Dec 2012 -- Iranian and Russian officials on Tuesday underlined the need for finding a diplomatic solution to Syrian crisis.
Russia Sends Naval Ships to Mediterranean, Eyes Syria Evacuation VOA 18 Dec 2012 -- Russia has sent warships to the Mediterranean after some of its senior diplomats said last week that Moscow may call for the evacuation of Russian citizens in Syria if the government in Damascus falls.
UN Chief Says Syria Violence Escalating RFE/RL 17 Dec 2012 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed alarm over what he describes as a "dramatic escalation of violence" in Syria in recent days.
UN Chief Concerned Over Escalating Violence in Syria RIA Novosti 17 Dec 2012 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern and alarm over growing violence in Syria, after reports that Syrian forces attacked the Yarmouk refugee camp.
Alarmed at rising violence, Ban urges protection of civilians and end to Syria fighting UN News Centre 17 Dec 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is alarmed by the continued dramatic escalation of violence in Syria over the past several days, and the grave danger facing civilians in areas under fire, according to his spokesperson.
UN Chief 'Firmly Condemns' Syria Violence Escalation VOA 17 Dec 2012 -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the escalation of violence in Syria, saying reports of government warplanes bombing a Palestinian refugee camp are of 'grave concern.'
Iran criticizes deployment of Patriot missiles in Turkey as provocative IRNA 16 Dec 2012 -- Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on Sunday criticized deployment of Patriot missiles in Turkey by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as provocative.
Iran announces new 6-point peace plan for Syria IRNA 16 Dec 2012 -- Foreign Ministry on Sunday announced a new six-point peace plan for Syria.
Syrian Warplanes Bomb Palestinian Camp in Damascus VOA 16 Dec 2012 -- Syrian opposition activists say government warplanes have bombed a Palestinian refugee camp on the southern outskirts of the capital, Damascus, killing at least eight people.
Syrian Refugees Face Bleak Winter VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- Almost two years of fighting in Syria has forced more than half a million Syrians to flee to safety in neighboring countries - Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the largest number, more than 150,000, are in Lebanon.
US Urges Russia to Play "More Constructive Role" in Syria RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2012 -- The US Department of State on Friday urged Russia to "to play a more constructive role" in the Syrian settlement and end support for President Bashar al-Assad.
UN Considers Sending up to 10,000 Peacekeepers to Syria - source RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2012 -- The United Nations considers sending from 4,000 to 10,000 peacekeepers to Syria, a diplomatic source told RIA Novosti on Friday.
UN Refugee Chief Visits Lebanon VOA 15 Dec 2012 -- U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres says the situation for Syrian refugees will likely get worse as the conflict in that country continues. He and European Union Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva are visiting Lebanon to meet with Syrian refugees and Lebanese host families.
Russia Looks Ahead to a Post-Assad Syria VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- Russia backtracked Friday on comments about Syria made by a key official only a day earlier.
Russia Seeks to Retain Influence Over Syria if Assad Falls VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- Russia's foreign ministry says Moscow's policy on Syria has not changed, despite a top diplomat's reported comment that Syria's opposition may win its battle against President Bashar al-Assad.
Russia Denies Its Syria Position Has Changed RFE/RL 14 Dec 2012 -- Russia has denied that one of its top diplomats said President Bashar al-Assad is losing control of Syria.
EU Looks at Options to Support Syrian Opposition RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- European Union leaders at a summit in Brussels on Friday stressed the need to support the coalition of opposition groups in Syria in the "most effective way."
Following refugee camp visit, UN officials flag need for more funds to help displaced Syrians in Iraq UN News Centre 14 Dec 2012 -- In the wake of a visit to a refugee camp for displaced Syrians in Iraq, senior United Nations officials have highlighted the urgent need for donor funding to increase the aid being provided to those fleeing the conflict in neighbouring Syria.
Panetta Signs Order to Deploy 400 U.S. Personnel to Turkey AFPS 14 Dec 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has signed an order that will deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey to support the deployment that NATO agreed to recently of Patriot missile capability there, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.
US to Send Patriot Missile Batteries to Turkey VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- NATO preparations to help shield Turkish territory from potential Syrian aerial attacks gained new backing Friday as the U.S. announced it is sending two batteries of defensive Patriot missiles to Turkey.
US To Deploy Troops, Missiles to Turkey RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- The United States said Friday it will send troops and missiles to its NATO ally Turkey in response to alleged security threats from Syria.
SYRIA: Bread shortages rising IRIN 13 Dec 2012 -- When Bashar Akkad recently visited Syria's northern, government-controlled town of al-Raqqah, hotel staff did not serve him breakfast.
Russian Official Acknowledges Syria's Assad Losing Control RFE/RL 13 Dec 2012 -- A senior Russian official has acknowledged for the first time that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is losing control over his country and may be toppled by rebels.
US Stops Short of Legal Recognition of Syrian Rebels RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2012 -- US President Barack Obama's decision to recognize a Syrian rebel coalition constitutes a political move and does not legally designate the group as Syria's legitimate government, the US State Department said Wednesday.
At Least Seven Killed, Some 50 Wounded in Damascus Blasts RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2012 -- At least seven people were killed and some 50 wounded after a series of explosions outside the building of the Interior Ministry in Syria's capital of Damascus on Wednesday, Al Arabiya reported.
Moscow 'Concerned' Over Syria Chemical Weapons RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2012 -- Russia is concerned by the prospect of Syrian chemical weapons falling into terrorist hands, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Thursday.
Moscow: Syria Opposition Victory 'Possible' RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2012 -- Moscow admitted on Thursday the possibility of the Syrian opposition winning the ongoing civil war against government forces.
Opposition Victory in Syria Possible, Russia Says VOA 13 Dec 2012 -- A senior Russian diplomat says Syria's opposition may win its battle against President Bashar al-Assad, marking the first time the powerful Syrian ally has acknowledged the Syrian government is crumbling due to internal and external pressure from the nearly two-year uprising.
16 Killed in Damascus Car Bombing VOA 13 Dec 2012 -- A car bomb has killed 16 people in a suburb outside the Syrian capital, Damascus, while a senior Russian diplomat says Syria's opposition may win in its battle against President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian Strikes Heighten Urgency of Patriot Missile Deployment in Turkey VOA 12 Dec 2012 -- NATO preparations to defend Turkey from potential Syrian attacks may find new urgency as Damascus begins to use missiles against Syrian rebels across the Turkish border.
'Friends of Syria' Recognize Syrian Opposition; Scuds Fired VOA 12 Dec 2012 -- A group of more than 100 nations calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down has formally recognized a newly formed Syrian opposition coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people.
International Meeting Endorses Syria Opposition Coalition RFE/RL 12 Dec 2012 -- Representatives of more than 120 countries and organizations meeting in Morocco have agreed to recognize the newly formed Syrian opposition coalition as the 'legitimate representative' of the Syrian people.
Friends of Syria Recognize Opposition Coalition RIA Novosti 12 Dec 2012 -- The "Friends of Syria" group on Wednesday recognized the Opposition Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, the Moroccan news agency MAP said.
Moscow Slams US Recognition of Syria Opposition RIA Novosti 12 Dec 2012 -- The recognition by the United States of Syria's opposition coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people shows that Washington is gambling on a military victory by the coalition, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.
Obama Recognizes Syrian Opposition RIA Novosti 12 Dec 2012 -- The United States has decided formally to recognize the Syrian opposition rebel coalition that is fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people, US President Barack Obama said on Tuesday.
International community must unite to support negotiated end to Syria crisis – Ban UN News Centre 12 Dec 2012 -- The international community needs to unite to support a negotiated end to the crisis in Syria, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressed, reiterating that a military solution will not stop the violence that has already claimed tens of thousands of innocent lives.
Russia Slams US Over Its Syria Stance VOA 12 Dec 2012 -- The Kremlin is lashing out at the United States for recognizing an opposition coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that runs counter to previous agreements on Syria.
'Friends of Syria' Recognize Syrian Opposition VOA 12 Dec 2012 -- A group of more than 100 nations calling for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down has formally recognized a newly formed Syrian opposition coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people.
Jordan Feels Pressure to Take Sides on Syria VOA 12 Dec 2012 -- Syria's neighbors have watched the nation's civil war unfolding on their borders -- and occasionally spilling over. Unlike Turkey and Iraq, Jordan has tried to remain neutral. There are signs the kingdom may be dragged, however reluctantly, into the conflict.
Will Friends of Syria Pledge Arms to Rebels? VOA 11 Dec 2012 -- As rebels pile up victories against the Syrian Army of President Bashar al-Assad, U.S. State Department delegates will join many of the 70 member states of the Friends of the Syrian People on Wednesday in Marrakech, Morocco to offer more support for the overthrow of Assad and to shorten a bloody 20-month revolution.
Nations Supporting Syrian Opposition to Meet in Morocco VOA 11 Dec 2012 -- High-level representatives from nations in the Friends of Syria group are to meet Wednesday in Morocco for the first time since the formation of a new Syrian opposition coalition.
Islamists Gaining Ground in Syria VOA 11 Dec 2012 -- The small group of Free Syrian Army opposition fighters marched under a hazy sky outside Aleppo, raising their guns in the air, days after the government's Sheik Suleiman base fell into rebel hands.
Obama: US Now Recognizes New Syrian Opposition Coalition VOA 11 Dec 2012 -- President Barack Obama has announced formal U.S. recognition of the Syrian opposition coalition, calling it the legitimate representative of the Syrian people.
SYRIA: Healthcare system crumbling IRIN 11 Dec 2012 -- Eid Hanani has not been affected by the bombs, the snipers or the shelling that have engulfed many parts of Syria.
Number of displaced Syrians registered in region passes half a million – UN refugee agency UN News Centre 11 Dec 2012 -- More than half a million Syrian refugees have now been registered or are awaiting registration in neighbouring countries and North Africa, and the numbers are currently climbing by more than 3,000 per day, the United Nations refugee agency announced today.
US Labels Syrian Jihadist Group as Terrorists VOA 11 Dec 2012 -- The United States has declared a Syrian Jihadist force as a terrorist organization, while Western powers gathered in Morocco to push international support for Syria's new opposition coalition.
Lebanon Tries To Contain Spillover of Syria's Civil War VOA 10 Dec 2012 -- The Lebanese Army tried Monday to impose martial law in Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest city, after a spillover of Syria's sectarian violence claimed 17 lives.
EU Urges More Pressure on Syria VOA 10 Dec 2012 -- European Union foreign ministers met Monday with new Syrian opposition leader Mouaz al-Khatib in Brussels.
Russia Rules Out Libyan Scenario in Syria RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2012 -- Russia will not allow a repetition of the Libyan scenario in Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Sunday.
Political solution for Syria crisis still possible, says UN-Arab League envoy UN News Centre 09 Dec 2012 -- The Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, held talks with senior Russian and United States officials on Sunday at which they stated that a political solution to end the crisis is still possible.
Syrian Violence Spreads Again, Islamists Make Gains in North VOA 09 Dec 2012 -- Fighting in Syria has again spilled over the border into neighboring Lebanon while rebel forces aided by Islamist fighters appeared to make further gains in northern Syria.
Netherlands to Send 2 Patriot Batteries to Turkey RIA Novosti 08 Dec 2012 -- The Dutch government has approved the delivery of two Patriot missile batteries to Turkey to boost its air defenses along the border with Syria, Dutch news agency ANP reported.
UN Chief Renews Plea for Syrian Refugee Aid VOA 07 Dec 2012 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made an appeal Friday for additional international support for the hundreds of thousands of refugees who have fled conflict in Syria.
Dy FM: Syria does not let irresponsive armed groups to use chemical IRNA 07 Dec 2012 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Countries Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said here Friday Syrian Government does not allow irresponsive armed groups which are backed by foreigners to probably use chemical weapons.
Clinton Urges 'Concerted Push' On Syria RFE/RL 07 Dec 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on all international players with influence in Syria to make a 'concerted push' together to bring the 21-month-old conflict to an end.
On visit to refugee camps, Secretary-General renews call for stop to killings in Syria UN News Centre 07 Dec 2012 -- Amidst a visit to a Turkish refugee camp for people displaced by the ongoing violence in neighbouring Syria, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appealed once more to all sides in the conflict to stop the killing, according to his spokesperson.
Moscow Issues New Warning on Patriot Missiles in Turkey RIA Novosti 07 Dec 2012 -- The deployment of Patriot air-defense systems at the Turkish-Syrian border means NATO is getting involved in the Syrian conflict, Russia's envoy to NATO said on Friday.
UN-Arab League envoy meets with top Russian and US foreign affairs officials on Syria UN News Centre 06 Dec 2012 -- The urgent need to initiate a political process to help resolve the ongoing conflict in Syria was agreed on in meeting of the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States for the crisis in Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, and the top foreign affairs officials of Russia and the United States.
Ban voices concern at reported plans of chemical weapons use by Syria UN News Centre 06 Dec 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated his grave concern about Syria's chemical weapons and recent reports of plans for their possible use, and has written again to President Bashar al-Assad urging him to refrain from the use of any such weapons, according to his spokesperson.
Panetta: Syria Considering Using Chemical Weapons VOA 06 Dec 2012 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said intelligence reports suggest the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is considering using chemical weapons against advancing rebels.
US, Russian FM to Meet on Syrian Conflict VOA 06 Dec 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.N. peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi Thursday to discuss the Syrian conflict.
Western Experts Study Possible Response to Syrian Chemical Weapons Moves VOA 06 Dec 2012 -- U.S. and allied forces would face major challenges if they intervene in Syria's civil unrest to prevent President Bashar al-Assad from using chemical weapons against his own people, according to military experts.
Clinton Warns Syria on Chemical Weapons VOA 05 Dec 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is warning Syrian leaders they will be held accountable if they resort to the use of chemical weapons in their increasingly difficult fight against insurgents.
International Concern Mounts Over Syria's Chemical Weapons VOA 05 Dec 2012 -- As U.S. officials raise the alarm about perceived Syrian government preparations to use chemical weapons in the country’s civil war, some analysts see those weapons playing other roles in the conflict.
US Senate Recommends Studying Syria No-Fly Zone RIA Novosti 05 Dec 2012 -- The US Senate recommended that US President Barack Obama study the possibility of imposing the no-fly zone over Syria.
UNICEF condemns mortar attack on Syrian school UN News Centre 05 Dec 2012 -- United Nations Children’s Fund declared that strikes on schools during the Syrian conflict are “unacceptable.”
NATO Foreign Ministers’ statement on Patriot deployment to Turkey NATO 04 Dec 2012
NATO agrees to augment Turkey’s air-defence capabilities NATO 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO ministers of foreign affairs agreed to augment Turkey’s air defence capabilities by deploying Patriot missiles at a meeting in Brussels.
NATO Approves Turkey’s Request for Patriot Missiles AFPS 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO foreign ministers have agreed to Turkey’s request for Patriot anti-missile batteries to defend the country against possible airstrikes from neighboring Syria.
NATO to Deploy Defensive Missiles to Turkey VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO has authorized the deployment of a missile defense system to Turkey in response to the continuing violence in Syria and concern its government might resort to using chemical weapons.
NATO Approves Deployment of Patriot Missiles in Turkey RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO allies approved the deployment of Patriot air defense systems in Turkey along the border with Syria, NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
Russia Respects Turkey’s Right to Self-Defense: Lavrov RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- Moscow is not attempting to prevent Turkey from realizing its right to self-defense by opposing the deployment of Patriot missiles along the border with Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Clinton Warns Syria on Chemical Weapons VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- The United States is warning there are signs that Syria might be assembling chemical weapons, including sarin gas.
NATO: Syria Chemical Weapons Warrant Immediate International Reaction VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- The NATO secretary-general says the alliance will authorize the deployment of a missile defense system to Turkey "within weeks."
Rasmussen Expects NATO To Back Turkish Request For Missiles RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says he is confident the alliance will approve Turkey's request for the deployment of surface-to-air missiles.
Obama Warns Syria Against Using Chemical, Biological Weapons AFPS 03 Dec 2012 -- President Barack Obama today warned Syria’s Bashar Assad regime that the use of chemical and biological weapons would be “unacceptable.”
Obama Warns Syria Over Chemical Arms RFE/RL 04 Dec 2012 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that “there will be consequences” if that regime uses chemical weapons against rebel fighters or opposition supporters.
Obama Warns Syria’s Assad Over Chemical Weapons RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2012 -- US President Barack Obama has warned Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad not to use chemical weapons against rebels.
As Syria Unravels, Russia Tries to Bolster Future Position VOA 04 Dec 2012 -- As Syria’s civil war threatens the future of President Bashar al-Assad, Russia is trying to build a pro-Russian opposition force.
Deputy Secretary of State William Burns' Meeting with UN-Arab League Joint Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2012
UN refugee official calls for safe passage for Syrians fleeing mounting violence UN News Centre 04 Dec 2012 -- A senior official with the United Nations refugee agency called for safe passage for Syrians fleeing the mounting violence in their country.
Syria Denies It Would Use Chemical Weapons VOA 03 Dec 2012 -- Syria says it will not use chemical weapons against its own people after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned the issue remains a "red line" that would prompt direct American intervention.
Syria Says It Will Never Use Chemical Weapons Against Own People RFE/RL 03 Dec 2012 -- The Syrian government says it would "never, under any circumstances" use chemical weapons against its own people.
Clinton Warns Syria About Using Chemical Weapons VOA 03 Dec 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the Syrian government's behavior is "reprehensible" and that its actions against the Syrian people are "tragic."
NATO to Discuss Anti-Missile System for Turkey VOA 03 Dec 2012 -- NATO foreign ministers will discuss sending a missile defense system to Turkey in response to the continuing violence in Syria.
NATO Experts Select Patriot Missile Sites in Turkey RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2012 -- NATO military experts have selected sites for the deployment of at least three Patriot air defense systems along Turkey's border with Syria.
Syria: Regime Hits Damascus Outskirts RFE/RL 03 Dec 2012 -- Syrian government warplanes and artillery have been bombarding rebel-held areas on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus.
Syrian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Defects; UN Pulls Staff VOA 03 Dec 2012 -- Syria's foreign ministry spokesman reportedly has resigned from President Bashar al-Assad's government.
SYRIA: UN shrinks staff and movement amid insecurity IRIN 03 Dec 2012 -- UN agencies in Syria are relocating and restricting movement of staff due to rising insecurity that is getting closer to the capital.
Russia, Turkey Resolve to Find Solution on Syria Crisis VOA 03 Dec 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country is working with Turkey to resolve the ongoing crisis in Syria - an issue on which the two countries sharply disagree.
Putin Reassures Turkey that Syria Is No Threat RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin reassured Turkey that Syria is too busy dealing with its internal conflict to plan any attack on its neighbors.
Russian President In Turkey For Talks On Syria, Business RFE/RL 03 Dec 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to discuss the conflict in Syria, as well as ways to boost Turkish-Russian business cooperation.
In Jordan, Syrian Refugees Await Assad's Fall VOA 03 Dec 2012 -- In a makeshift kitchen between refugee tents in Jordan, members of an extended family try to recreate some semblance of the life they left in Syria, before war tore apart their homeland.
‘Ordinary people are paying the price’ of violence in Syria – UN humanitarian official UN News Centre 03 Dec 2012 -- New methods to reach and assist the Syrian population are required as the situation in the Middle Eastern country continues to deteriorate on a daily basis.
Syrian Forces Pound Damascus Suburbs VOA 02 Dec 2012 -- Syrian security forces attacked rebel-held suburbs of Damascus with fighter jets and rockets Sunday, killing at least ten people and wounding dozens in an offensive to stop rebels closing in on the capital.
Report: Iraq Is Major Weapons Route to Syria VOA 02 Dec 2012 -- A report in a prominent U.S. newspaper says the air corridor over Iraq has become a main supply route for weapons for the beleaguered government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrian Forces Shell Damascus Outskirts; Phone Services Resume VOA 01 Dec 2012 -- Syrian forces shelled the outskirts of Damascus Saturday, as the country's telephone and Internet services resumed after a two-day blackout.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

December 2012 - Syria Special Weapons News