April 2013 - Syria Special Weapons News

News Conference by the President The White House 30 Apr 2013
Obama: Need All Facts on Syria Chemical Weapons VOA 30 Apr 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says he needs more facts on chemical weapons use in Syria before ordering an American response.
Obama: Chemical Weapons Used In Syria, More Facts Needed RFE/RL 30 Apr 2013 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says the United States has evidence that chemical weapons have been used in Syria.
Chemical arms use in Syria game-changer: Obama PressTV 30 Apr 2013 -- US President Barack Obama has said the use of chemical weapons is a “game-changer” in Syria
Syrian Rebels Use Chemical Weapons – State TV RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2013 -- Militants in Syria have used chemical weapons against civilians with the aim of discrediting forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Syria Denies Delaying Chemical Weapons Probe VOA 30 Apr 2013 -- Syria’s United Nations' ambassador blamed what he called "some influential countries" for the delay in sending a chemical weapons investigation team to his country.
Press Conference by Permanent Representative of Syria, 30 April 2013 United Nations 30 Apr 2013
UN must find main culprit behind chemical arms use in Syria: Iran PressTV 30 Apr 2013 -- Iran has called on the United Nations to identify the main culprit behind the use of chemical weapons in Syria before the situation in the Arab state gets out of control.
Dempsey: Military Provides Options to President on Syria AFPS 30 Apr 2013 -- The U.S. military stands ready to do whatever it is ordered to in Syria by civilian leaders, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
Deadly Blast Hits Central Damascus RFE/RL 30 Apr 2013 -- Syria's state television says a powerful explosion has hit central Damascus.
Bomb Rocks Syrian Capital, Killing 13 VOA 30 Apr 2013 -- A powerful explosion went off in Damascus' historic Marjeh Square, killing and wounding dozens. Government media put the casualty figures at 13 dead and over 70 wounded.
Blast in Damascus kills over a dozen, Syrian media PressTV 30 Apr 2013 -- A car bomb explosion has hit the Syrian capital Damascus, leaving at least 13 people dead and 70 more injured.
Russian Authorities Caution Against Flights Over ‘War Zones’ RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2013 -- Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia has urged all Russian airlines to suspend until further notice the flights over countries that are currently caught in military conflicts.
Moscow Bans Civilian Flights Over Syria RFE/RL 30 Apr 2013 -- Russia's air transport agency has banned all Russian civilian planes from flying through Syrian air space after a Russian passenger jet reportedly was threatened by rocket fire over Syria.
Syrian Rebels Eye EU Oil Trade VOA 30 Apr 2013 -- The European Union recently lifted the embargo on oil coming from opposition-controlled areas in Syria.
Aid Agency Seeks More Assistance for Syrians VOA 30 Apr 2013 -- The international aid charity Oxfam says the U.N. Security Council should use its influence to improve humanitarian access in Syria.
Palestinian refugees displaced in ever greater numbers by Syrian violence, says UN agency UN News Centre 30 Apr 2013 -- Increasing numbers of Palestinian refugees in Syria are being killed, injured or displaced amid the intensifying violence.
UN steps up vaccination campaigns amid measles outbreaks among uprooted Syrians UN News Centre 30 Apr 2013 -- The United Nations Children’s Fund and partners have stepped up vaccination campaigns in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey amid measles outbreaks.
Syrian PM Survives Bomb Attack VOA 29 Apr 2013 -- Syrian state media say Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi escaped unharmed from an assassination attempt in Damascus.
Syrian State TV Says Prime Minister Escapes Attack RFE/RL 29 Apr 2013 -- Syria's state-run television says Prime Minister Wael al-Halki has escaped what it called a "terrorist" attack in the capital, Damascus.
Syria PM Survives Car Bomb Attack RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2013 -- Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi survived a bomb attack that targeted his motorcade in central Damascus.
Syrian prime minister survives assassination attempt PressTV 29 Apr 2013 -- Syrian Prime Minister Wael Nader al-Halqi has survived an assassination attempt after bomb attacks targeted his vehicle downtown Damascus.
UN chief condemns terrorist attack on Syrian Prime Minister’s convoy UN News Centre 29 Apr 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban condemned the terrorist attack in Damascus on the convoy of Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi that resulted in deaths and injuries.
Moscow Warns Against Wrong Use of WMD Claim RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2013 -- Moscow believes using the issue of the alleged deployment of weapons of mass destruction in the Syrian conflict to attain geopolitical goals is unacceptable.
‘UK, France barring UN Syria inspection’ PressTV 29 Apr 2013 -- Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar al-Jaafari says Britain and France are trying to undermine Damascus’s official request from the United Nation to investigate chemical weapons use in Aleppo.
Syria: Ban renews call for on-site access for chemical weapons probe team UN News Centre 29 Apr 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban renewed his appeal for unfettered access to Syria for the United Nations team probing the alleged use of chemical weapons during the conflict.
UN Demands Access For UN Chemical Weapons Experts RFE/RL 29 Apr 2013 -- The White House is increasing pressure on the Damascene government for it to let a waiting UN team of chemical weapons inspectors into Syria.
UK mil. chief warns against Syria war PressTV 29 Apr 2013 -- Britain’s military chief has warned Prime Minister David Cameron against any intervention in Syria saying it would risk dragging British forces into an all-out war.
Iran voices readiness to host next quartet talks on Syria PressTV 29 Apr 2013 -- Iranian foreign minister Ali Akbar Salehi has expressed Tehran’s readiness to host the next round of the quartet talks on the ongoing crisis in Syria.
Germany fears return of extremists from anti-govt. fighting in Syria PressTV 29 Apr 2013 -- German Security officials say they are worried about the return of German extremists who are fighting alongside foreign-backed militants in Syria.
Over 45,000 Syrian refugees return home from Jordan since July PressTV 29 Apr 2013 -- More than 45,000 Syrian refugees have returned home since July 2012 from a refugee camp in northern Jordan as tensions subsides in the war-torn country.
Supreme Leader’s Speech at Inauguration of Islamic Awakening and Ulama Conference PressTV 29 Apr 2013 -- The following is the full text of the speech delivered on April 29, 2013 by Ayatollah Khamenei the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution in a meeting at Inauguration of Islamic Awakening and Ulama Conference.
Chemical arms pressure tactic: Syria Iran Press TV 28 Apr 2013 -- Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations, Bashar al-Jaafari says Western states have raised the issue of possible use of chemical weapons in Syria as a pressure tactic against his country.
US Lawmakers Urge Action After Syria Chemical Weapons Report VOA 28 Apr 2013 -- U.S. lawmakers say America cannot ignore Syria's alleged use of chemical weapons.
Syrian Opposition Rejects Russian Chemical Weapons Experts RIA Novosti 27 Apr 2013 -- The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces spoke against Russian experts investigating a possible use of chemical weapons in the country.
Russia Detains 140 Suspected Islamic Extremists VOA 27 Apr 2013 -- Russian authorities have detained 140 people suspected of ties to Islamic extremism at a mosque in Moscow.
Iraqi PM Warns of Syrian Sectarian Violence Spreading Across Region VOA 27 Apr 2013 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has referred to fighting in Syria as a possible cause of sectarian violence in Iraq.
Ban to meet next week with head of UN probe into chemical weapons use in Syria UN News Centre 26 Apr 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked the head of the United Nations probe of the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria to come to New York on Monday for consultations, a spokesperson for the world body said today.
US to Determine Extent of Chemical Weapons Use by Syria VOA 26 Apr 2013 -- The White House on Friday said the United States will work with international partners, and with Syria's opposition, to determine the extent of chemical weapons use in Syria.
US hints chemical arms use in Syria under pressure by Israel, Congress Iran Press TV 26 Apr 2013 -- Under Israeli pressure the US military has changed course from an earlier resistance to accepting reports of chemical weapons use in Syria, alleging in a letter to Congress that Damascus "may have used" chemical agents in the country.
US Says Chemical Weapons Used in Syria RIA Novosti 26 Apr 2013 -- The United States said Thursday it has evidence that chemical weapons have been used by the Syrian government in the civil war there, blaming the increasingly "desperate" regime of President Bashar al-Assad for crossing a "red line" that US President Barack Obama has said could lead to US intervention in the conflict.
UN Chief Urges Syria to Allow Chemical Weapons Inspectors RIA Novosti 26 Apr 2013 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday reiterated his call on Syrian authorities to allow an international technical expert team to conduct a fact-finding mission in the country over the possible use of chemical weapons.
White House Says All Options on Table on Syria VOA 26 Apr 2013 -- The White House says U.S. President Barack Obama is awaiting a 'definitive judgment' on the Syrian government's alleged use of chemical weapons before taking action.
Official: Action on Chem Weapons Requires Clearer Evidence AFPS 25 Apr 2013 -- There is evidence that the Syrian government used chemical weapons on its own people, but the world needs "clear evidentiary facts" before acting, a White House official said today.
Syrian Opposition Accuses Hezbollah of Widening War VOA 25 Apr 2013 -- Syria's opposition is accusing the Lebanese Hezbollah movement of declaring war on the Syrian people amid reports the Shi'ite militia's fighters have joined government forces in a battle against rebels in the central province of Homs.
US Says Assad's Forces Used Sarin in Syria VOA 25 Apr 2013 -- The Obama administration says chemical weapons likely have been used in Syria, prompting calls from U.S. lawmakers for an expansion of American aid to Syrian rebels battling government forces.
Syrian troops recapture key town near Damascus Iran Press TV 25 Apr 2013 -- Syrian forces have recaptured a key town near the capital, Damascus, after weeks of clashes with foreign-backed militants.
Hagel: Intel Community Says Syria Has Used Chemical Weapons AFPS 25 Apr 2013 -- The U.S. intelligence community assesses with varying degrees of confidence that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons -- specifically the nerve-agent sarin -- on a small scale in that violence-torn nation, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said here tonight.
Hagel: US Believes Syria Used Chemical Weapons VOA 25 Apr 2013 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the U.S. intelligence community believes the Syrian government has used sarin gas on a small scale against rebels trying to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad.
Remarks With Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Syrian Opposition Coalition President Moaz al-Khatib US Dept. of State 21 Apr 2013
Fierce clashes erupt at Syria's Minnigh airport, watchdog says Iran Press TV 24 Apr 2013 -- Foreign-sponsored militants have clashed with Syrian government forces inside the Minnigh military airport in the north of the country, a watchdog says.
500 Europeans fight along with militants against Syria: EU official Iran Press TV 24 Apr 2013 -- The European Union's counter-terrorism coordinator says at least 500 Europeans are fighting along with the foreign-backed militants against Syria.
Syria govt. forces clear more areas around Homs Iran Press TV 23 Apr 2013 -- Syrian government forces have driven out foreign-backed militants from around the city of Homs as the army continues clearing operations in the west of the country.
Syria using chemical weapons against militants: Israel Iran Press TV 23 Apr 2013 -- A senior Israeli military intelligence official claims that Syria is using chemical weapons against militants fighting against the Damascus government.
Syria Blasts EU Plan to Buy Rebel Oil RIA Novosti 23 Apr 2013 -- The Syrian authorities called the EU decision to allow the import of Syrian oil and its derivatives through exclusive transactions with the rebels an "illegal" move and "an act of aggression" on Tuesday.
Lavrov Urges Caution Over Syria Chemical Weapons Reports RIA Novosti 23 Apr 2013 -- Any reports of the alleged use of chemical weapons in the Syrian conflict must be carefully investigated to avoid the repetition of the "Iraqi scenario," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
Kerry Tells NATO to Prepare for Syrian Chemical Weapons RIA Novosti 23 Apr 2013 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday called on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to prepare for the possible use of chemical weapons by Syria in the ongoing civil war there.
Israel Accuses Syria of Using Chemical Weapons VOA 23 Apr 2013 -- Israel says Syria has used chemical weapons against rebels opposed to President Bashar al-Assad.
US, Russia Clash Over Syria at NATO Meeting VOA 23 Apr 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov offered starkly different views of the Syrian civil war Tuesday, after meeting at NATO headquarters.
Ban reiterates necessity of political solution to Syrian conflict in meetings with envoy, partners UN News Centre 22 Apr 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Nabil Elaraby, today met with their special representative Lakhdar Brahimi to discuss ways to help the Syrian parties begin a political process which could help end the violence while protecting all people and communities in the shattered country.
EU Eases Syria Sanctions to Help Opposition VOA 22 Apr 2013 -- European Union foreign ministers have agreed to ease an oil embargo against Syria to help rebel forces fighting the government of Syrian President Bashar el-Assad. The move follows a decision by the United States to dramatically increase aid to the Syrian opposition.
Syria Activists: Pro-Assad Forces Kill 80 Near Damascus VOA 21 Apr 2013 -- Syrian opposition activists say pro-government forces have killed at least 80 people in five days of fighting to recapture a rebel suburb of Damascus.
Syrian army advances on Qusayr town near Lebanese border Iran Press TV 22 Apr 2013 -- The Syrian army has made advancements on the strategic town of al-Qusayr near the border with Lebanon.
Syrian army forces destroy large arms convoy in Idlib Iran Press TV 22 Apr 2013 -- Syrian forces in the northwestern province of Idlib have attacked and destroyed a large convoy of munitions originating from Turkey and destined for the militant groups in Syria, Press TV reports.
Syrian army deals major blow to militants near Damascus Iran Press TV 22 Apr 2013 -- Syrian soldiers have killed dozens of militants near Damascus as the army continues mop-up operations on the outskirts of the capital.
Russia warns EU against lifting arms ban on Syria militants Iran Press TV 22 Apr 2013 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned the European Union against lifting an embargo on weapons supply to foreign-backed militants in Syria, saying the move violates international law.
Syrian Opposition Names Interim Leader VOA 22 Apr 2013 -- Syria's opposition coalition named a veteran dissident Monday as its interim leader.
UK FM: 'EU to discuss easing Syria arms ban' Iran Press TV 21 Apr 2013 -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague says the European Union will examine easing an arms embargo on Syrian anti-government militants in the coming weeks.
Assad: Army enjoys people's support Iran Press TV 21 Apr 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says situation in the country is improving as army enjoys people's support in the fight against terrorism.
U.S. To Give Syrian Rebels Extra $123 Million RFE/RL 21 Apr 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has declared that the United States will provide opposition forces in Syria with an additional $123 million in nonlethal assistance.
Syria Rebels Urge Air Strikes on Assad Missiles RIA Novosti 21 Apr 2013 -- Syria's opposition has asked its foreign supporters to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for "surgical strikes" on missile positions of Syrian government forces.
Kerry: 11 Nations to Direct Syria Aid Through Rebel General VOA 21 Apr 2013 -- The U.S. secretary of state, wrapping up his visit to Istanbul, says an important breakthrough has been achieved among countries supporting the Syrian opposition.
US Plans to Expand Non-Lethal Aid to Syrian Rebels VOA 19 Apr 2013 -- U.S. officials say Washington plans to provide about $100 million in new aid to the Syrian opposition for non-lethal military equipment.
Kerry Travels to Turkey for Syrian Opposition Meeting VOA 19 Apr 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry travels to Turkey for a meeting of foreign ministers who back opposition groups fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
US Troops in Jordan Will Only Add to Syrian Crisis - Russia RIA Novosti 19 Apr 2013 -- The deployment of US troops to Jordan will only make the Syrian crisis worse, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.
US Poised for Prolonged Syrian Conflict VOA 19 Apr 2013 -- Analysts say the new U.S. forces the Pentagon is sending to Jordan signal a deepening U.S. involvement in the prolonged conflict in Syria.
Syria shoots down balloon carrying US-made spying devices near Idlib PressTV 19 Apr 2013 -- The Syrian army says it has shot down a balloon that carried US-made spying devices over the northwestern province of Idlib.
Activists: Syrian Official Assassinated VOA 19 Apr 2013 -- Syrian opposition activists reported that a government official has been killed at a Damascus restaurant, the latest assassination in the country's ongoing unrest.
Arming Syria militants complicated question for Israel: Netanyahu PressTV 19 Apr 2013 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to rule out the possibility of arming foreign-backed militants fighting against the Syrian government.
Syria: Joint UN-Arab League Envoy urges Security Council to act on ‘most serious crisis’ UN News Centre 19 Apr 2013 -- Joint Special Representative of the UN and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis, Lakhdar Brahimi, reiterated his calls for the UNSC to act.
UN Envoy to Syria Denies Resignation Rumors RIA Novosti 19 Apr 2013 -- The UN and Arab League Special Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi on Friday denied media reports that he was about to quit his job.
Lakhdar Brahimi could cut official ties with Arab League: Russia PressTV 19 Apr 2013 -- Russia says reports that UN-Arab League Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi intends to cut ties with the Arab League are understandable.
Advance Headquarters Elements Operating in Jordan AFPS 18 Apr 2013 -- Elements of the 1st Armored Division headquarters at Fort Bliss, Texas, are preparing for what’s expected to be a year-long mission in Jordan.
US plans Syria invasion via Jordan with 20,000 soldiers PressTV 18 Apr 2013 -- The US military is deploying more forces to Jordan as part of a plan to dispatch 20,000 more soldiers there in a bid to invade Syria under the pretext of securing the country’s chemical weapon arsenals.
US Official, Senator Clash Over Arming Syrian Rebels VOA 18 Apr 2013 -- America's top intelligence official and a senior Republican lawmaker clashed over the wisdom and effectiveness of providing U.S. military assistance to Syrian rebels.
Russia Worried About Syria After Assad – US Intel Chief RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2013 -- Russia has refused to join Western calls for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down because it fears what would follow Assad.
Assad Warns of Syrian Conflict Spreading ‘Beyond Borders’ RIA Novosti 18 Apr 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has warned the West that it will pay a price for supporting terrorists.
UN Sees 'Humanitarian Catastrophe' in Syria VOA 18 Apr 2013 -- The heads of four United Nations departments dealing with humanitarian matters warned that the people of Syria are suffering and paying for the failure of a divided international community.
Syria: with aid efforts dramatically hobbled, UN officials call on Council to act UN News Centre 18 Apr 2013 -- Humanitarian organizations are facing enormous and dramatically growing constraints in aiding millions of Syrians.
Promised aid funding for Syria reaches half-way point IRIN 18 Apr 2013 -- UN officials are lauding as a “big achievement” today’s announcement that Kuwait has officially allocated $300 million promised for humanitarian aid in Syria.
Hagel Orders Unit to Jordan, Warns About Intervention in Syria AFPS 17 Apr 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced the deployment of an Army headquarters element to help Jordanian forces defend their border with Syria.
Syria National Day Message US Dept. of State 17 Apr 2013
Assad: West Will Pay for 'Supporting' al-Qaida Rebels VOA 17 Apr 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has warned the West that it will pay a "heavy price" for what he called its support of al-Qaida militants
Britain working on new plot to lift arms embargo against terrorists in Syria PressTV 17 Apr 2013 -- British Foreign Secretary William Hague in yet another attempt to lift EU arms sanctions against foreign-backed mercenaries and insurgents fighting the Syrian government.
Moscow Denies Seeking Regime Change in Syria RIA Novosti 17 Apr 2013 -- Moscow is not in the business of bringing about regime change in Syria or legitimizing such attempts, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Turkey Spends $700 Mln Aiding Syrian Refugees RIA Novosti 17 Apr 2013 -- Turkey has already spent $700 million helping Syrian refugees, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.
Syrian Opposition Ministers in Moscow for Talks RIA Novosti 16 Apr 2013 -- Dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition forces could begin within the next several months.
Turkey Holds 10 Suspected of Arming Syria Islamist Rebels VOA 16 Apr 2013 -- Turkey detained 10 people on suspicion of providing weapons and fighters in the name of al-Qaida to Islamist rebels trying to topple the Syrian government.
Syrian President Issues Amnesty Decree VOA 16 Apr 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has declared a general amnesty for crimes committed before Tuesday.
Assad issues new general amnesty PressTV 16 Apr 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a new general amnesty decree for crimes committed in the country before April 16, 2013.
UN senior officials issue urgent call to end bloodshed in Syria UN News Centre 15 Apr 2013 -- The heads of five United Nations agencies called on political leaders to meet their responsibility to the people of Syria and to the future of the region.
Syria: UK chem. traces claim unfounded PressTV 15 Apr 2013 -- Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi has dismissed as unfounded London’s claim that a soil sample smuggled out of the country proves the use of chemical weapons.
Iraq searches Syrian passenger plane PressTV 15 Apr 2013 -- Iraqi authorities have ordered a Damascus-bound passenger plane operated by Syria’s national flag carrier, Syrian Air, to land for inspection.
Is Turkey's approach to Syrian refugees sustainable? IRIN 15 Apr 2013 -- Turkey says it currently accepts between 500 and 1,500 refugees per day, but struggles to find room for them.
Syrian troops break militants siege of two military bases in Idlib Iran Press TV 14 Apr 2013 -- Syrian troops have managed to break a month-long militants siege on two key military bases in the northwestern province of Idlib.
Syrian troops inflict heavy losses on foreign-backed militants Iran Press TV 14 Apr 2013 -- The Syrian Army says it has inflicted heavy losses on foreign-backed militants who are fighting against the government in different parts of the country.
Russia Delivers Over 30 Tons of Humanitarian Aid to Syria RIA Novosti 14 Apr 2013 -- A Syrian Airlines plane carrying more than 30 tons of humanitarian aid for the victims of the ongoing conflict in Syria has landed in Damascus, Russia's embassy in the Syrian capital said on Sunday.
British Scientists: Chemical Weapons Used in Syria VOA 13 Apr 2013 -- A British newspaper reports that British military scientists have found forensic evidence that chemical weapons were used in the conflict in Syria.
In Oval Office meeting Ban and Obama discuss crises from Syria to climate change UN News Centre 11 Apr 2013 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon conferred with President Barack Obama in Washington today on a host of issues ranging from the conflict in Syria and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process to tensions on the Korean peninsula and climate change.
UN says $81 million urgently needed for food relief to 3.5 million Syrians UN News Centre 12 Apr 2013 -- The United Nations food relief agency today said it urgently needs $81 million to assist 2.5 hungry people inside Syria and one million refugees in neighbouring countries until June, and warned that without funding it would have to stop many of its current aid programmes.
Syria's Islamist Nusra Rebels Pledge Allegiance to al-Qaida VOA 10 Apr 2013 -- The head of Syria's main Islamist rebel group has sworn allegiance to al-Qaida, deepening a rift with moderate rebels over how to rule the nation if they topple President Bashar al-Assad.
G8 Ministers to Meet With Syrian Opposition VOA 10 Apr 2013 -- Britain is hosting a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries Wednesday and Thursday in London. Some of the ministers will meet with members of the Syrian opposition on the sidelines of the meeting, in a continued effort to reach a political and diplomatic breakthrough in that country's political crisis.
UN: Libya Arms Traffic 'Alarming' RFE/RL 10 Apr 2013 -- A new report from the United Nations says weapons are being shipped out of Libya at 'an alarming rate' and are adding to the arsenals of extremists and criminals in places such as Syria, the Gaza Strip, and Mali.
Ban appeals to Syrian Government to allow chemical weapons probe to proceed UN News Centre 09 Apr 2013 -- Noting the Syrian Government's reported rejection of his proposals on arrangements for a United Nations probe of the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appealed the authorities to extend their fullest cooperation and allow the investigation to proceed.
Syria Rejects 'Expanded' UN Chemical Weapons Probe - Agency RIA Novosti 09 Apr 2013 -- Syrian authorities reject an "additional demand" by the UN to let its investigative mission operate across all Syria's territory, the state-run Syrian news agency SANA reported on Monday in its Russian-language section.
Syrian refugee crisis worsens with aid efforts grossly underfunded, UN warns UN News Centre 09 Apr 2013 -- With United Nations efforts to tackle the Syrian refugee crisis reaching "breaking point" due to a massive shortfall in funds, a senior official warned today that the exodus of people fleeing the conflict could balloon to four million by the end of the year absent a political solution.
UN Reports 1.3 Million Syrian Refugees VOA 09 Apr 2013 -- The U.N. refugee agency reports more than 1.3 million Syrian refugees have now fled to neighboring countries. The UNHCR warns this number could triple by the end of the year if a political solution to the conflict in Syria is not found.
Syria Blocks UN Chemical Weapons Mission VOA 08 Apr 2013 -- The Syrian foreign ministry said Monday it would not admit a U.N. chemical weapons investigation team, despite having asked for it.
Advance team for UN weapons probe ready within 24 hours to deploy to Syria, Ban says UN News Centre 08 Apr 2013 -- Technical and logistical arrangements are now all in place for an advance United Nations-team to deploy to Syria to investigate allegations of reported use of chemical weapons, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today on the sidelines of the Review Conference of the landmark Chemical Weapons Convention.
Militants suffer heavy losses near Syrian capital Iran Press TV 08 Apr 2013 -- The Syrian army continues its mop-up operations against armed groups on the outskirts of Damascus as the militants suffer heavy losses for the second consecutive day.
Powerful Explosion Hits Syrian Capital RFE/RL 08 Apr 2013 -- Syrian state television says a car bomb has exploded in central Damascus.
Syria urges militants to lay down arms Iran Press TV 07 Apr 2013 -- The Syrian government has called on the armed foreign-sponsored militants to lay down their weapons or face the consequences.
Moscow Slams UN 'Maneuvering' on Syria Chemical Attack Probe RIA Novosti 06 Apr 2013 -- Moscow believes the United Nations is disrupting an investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria under pressure of "certain states," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
Assad: Turkey Untruthful About Syrian Uprising VOA 06 Apr 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been lying about the Syrian uprising.
Assistance to Syrian refugees in Jordan threatened by lack of funding – UN UN News Centre 05 Apr 2013 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) today warned that it may be forced to stop humanitarian assistance to more than 100,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan due to insufficient funds.
Kerry Trip Focuses on Israel-Turkey Relations VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is traveling to the Middle East with planned stops in Istanbul along with Jerusalem and Ramallah.
Activists: Regime Forces Attack Damascus District VOA 05 Apr 2013 -- Activists say Syrian government forces have attacked a key neighborhood of Damascus.
Syria Needs Negotiations to Stop ‘Massacre’ – Putin RIA Novosti 05 Apr 2013 -- Russia is not looking to oust Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and wants the conflicting parties to negotiate.
Jordan boosts security along Syria border after Damascus warning PressTV 05 Apr 2013 -- Jordan has increased security along its border with Syria.
No Agreement on Syria Access for UN Chemical Arms Inspectors VOA 04 Apr 2013 -- The United Nations and Syria have not yet agreed on how much access a team of chemical weapons inspectors will have.
Putin, Obama to Meet in June - Kremlin RIA Novosti 04 Apr 2013 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Barack Obama will hold full-fledged talks on the sidelines of the G8 Summit.
Damascus Violence Forces Flight of Even Most Resolute VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- A new exodus is flowing from Syria as fighting edges closer to the heart of Damascus.
Syrian envoy to UN: Damascus ready to cooperate with UN fact-finding mission IRNA 03 Apr 2013 -- Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar Ja'afari has voiced Damascus complete readiness to cooperate with the United Nations fact-finding mission.
US, Jordan expand training of Syria militants PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The United States and Jordan have increased the training of militants fighting against the Syrian government in an effort to establish a buffer zone along the southern border of Syria.
Iraqi al-Qaeda terrorists help Syria militants PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The al-Qaeda terrorists in Iraq have been increasingly cooperating with the foreign-backed militants in Syria over the past few months.
Despite new police presence, security concerns persist at Syrian refugee camp IRIN 03 Apr 2013 -- The Jordanian government is implementing new measures to improve security for the Syrian refugees at Za’atari camp.
Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Expect More International Aid VOA 03 Apr 2013 -- Aid workers in Lebanon say they lack resources to cope with the swelling tide of refugees from Syria.
Russia Delivers Aid for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2013 -- A Russian Emergencies Ministry plane carrying 26.7 tons of humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon landed in Beirut.
Syria exempts Iran fuel imports from tax PressTV 03 Apr 2013 -- The Syrian government has issued an "exclusive exemption on taxes and customs” on fuel imports from Iran until the end of June.
March Reported As Deadliest Month Yet In Syria RFE/RL 02 Apr 2013 -- A leading opposition activist group says March was the deadliest month yet in Syria's two-year-long conflict.
West Prepares Modified Libyan Scenario for Syria RIA Novosti 02 Apr 2013 -- The West might try implementing a modified "Libyan scenario" in Syria by supplying weapons to the Syrian opposition to oust President Bashar al-Assad.
Croatian weapons found in Syria: Report PressTV 02 Apr 2013 -- Croatian weapons have started to emerge in the hands of foreign-sponsored militants fighting against the Syrian government in the country's southwestern Daraa province.
Syrian Jihadists Launch Russian-Language Website RIA Novosti 02 Apr 2013 -- Confirming Russian Islamists’ involvement in the Syrian civil war, a new website has been launched to promote the activity of a Syrian rebel group – in Russian language.
Syria: UN food agency convoys increasingly caught in conflict UN News Centre 02 Apr 2013 -- The growing cycle of violence in Syria is preventing life-saving food aid from reaching many of the millions of vulnerable people in need.
Ancient Syrian Synagogue, Monuments Hit By Looting, Shelling VOA 01 Apr 2013 -- Theft and shelling have damaged a 2,000 year-old synagogue in Damascus.
‘Militants set oil wells ablaze in Syria’ PressTV 01 Apr 2013 -- Foreign-backed militants in Syria have set several oil wells ablaze in the east of the country.
Makeshift Camps Growing in Lebanon for Syrian Refugees VOA 01 Apr 2013 -- According to a new United Nations report, about 400,000 Syrians have registered as refugees across Lebanon, but many more are undocumented.

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April 2013 - Syria Special Weapons News