October 2013 - Syria Special Weapons News

Syria meets deadline, renders chemical weapons facilities 'inoperable' – OPCW-UN mission UN News Centre 31 Oct 2013 -- Syria's chemical weapons facilities are "inoperable," the Joint Mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations overseeing the destruction of the country's weapons programme confirmed today.
Polio Outbreak in Syria Prompts Fears of Regional Spread VOA 31 Oct 2013 -- An outbreak of polio among children in Syria has the potential to spread rapidly, doctors are warning. It is Syria's first polio outbreak in 14 years - and aid agencies have begun emergency vaccination programs.
US Officials: Israel Strikes Syrian Military Base VOA 31 Oct 2013 -- U.S. officials say Israeli warplanes have attacked a Syrian military base near the port city of Latakia.
Syrian crisis pushing Lebanese into poverty IRIN 31 Oct 2013 -- The impact of the Syrian crisis is dragging tens of thousands of Lebanese into poverty, a new report has shown.
Syria destroys all CW installations: OPCW Iran Press TV 31 Oct 2013 -- The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says Syria has destroyed all its declared chemical weapons installations.
Syrian Chemical Weapons Plants Are Inoperable – Arms Watchdog RIA Novosti 31 Oct 2013 -- Syria has destroyed equipment at all its declared chemical weapons production sites, the global chemical weapons watchdog said Thursday.
Syria Meets Weapons Deadline, Inspectors Say VOA 31 Oct 2013 -- The international watchdog overseeing Syria's destruction of its chemical weapons program says the country has met a deadline to destroy equipment used to make the arms.
As part of peace efforts, UN-Arab League envoy meets Syrian President in Damascus UN News Centre 30 Oct 2013 -- The Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Lakhdar Brahimi, today met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, as part of his ongoing efforts to bring all parties to the conflict to the negotiating table.
Syria pres. holds talks with Lakhdar Brahimi Iran Press TV 30 Oct 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has held talks with the UN-Arab League Special Envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, on the third day of his visit to the country.
Russian, US Top Diplomats Discuss Syria RIA Novosti 30 Oct 2013 -- Top Russian and US diplomats have discussed the situation in Syria and preparation for the Geneva-2 international conference designed to get the Middle Eastern country's government and opposition groups to meet for peace talks, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Syria's Assad Meets UN Envoy VOA 30 Oct 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is warning the U.N.-Arab League envoy that proposed peace talks can only succeed if other countries end their support for rebel groups.
Syrian Dismissal Seen as 'Jockeying' Ahead of Peace Talks VOA 30 Oct 2013 -- The dismissal of Syria's Deputy Prime Minister, Qadri Jamil on Tuesday appears to be part of complex maneuvering ahead of the "Geneva 2" peace talks the U.S. and Russia are proposing for next month, say analysts and rebel leaders.
Syria Spillover Violence in Lebanon Raises Alarms VOA 29 Oct 2013 -- Lebanon's army is trying to quell deadly clashes between Lebanese supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. One soldier died yesterday (Oct 28) and several were wounded in the northern city of Tripoli as army units deployed in a bid to curb a week of fighting between warring sectarian neighborhoods.
UN health agency confirms polio outbreak in Syria UN News Centre 29 Oct 2013 -- The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today confirmed 10 cases of polio in conflict-stricken Syria, adding that health authorities in the country and neighbouring nations have already begun a comprehensive response to the outbreak.
Serving up five-star service for refugees the UAE way IRIN 29 Oct 2013 -- Under the glare of the midday sun, the neatly-arranged caravans gleam a bright white against the dusty desert terrain, their short symmetrical shadows disturbed only by an occasional piece of laundry hanging from a barred window.
WHO confirms Syria polio outbreak Iran Press TV 29 Oct 2013 -- For the first time in fourteen years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed cases of polio in Syria.
Polio Confirmed in Syria VOA 29 Oct 2013 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) says it has confirmed 10 cases of polio detected in northeast Syria in mid-October. The WHO warns protective measures must be taken to prevent the crippling disease from spreading in the region.
Syria army retakes Christian town of Sadad Iran Press TV 28 Oct 2013 -- The Syrian army has taken back control of the ancient Christian town of Sadad from al-Qaeda-linked militants operating inside the Arab country.
Russian Minister Slams Threats to Syria Peace Talk Attendees RIA Novosti 28 Oct 2013 -- Threats of violence by Syrian opposition groups against participants of an upcoming peace conference on Syria are "outrageous and unacceptable," Russia's top diplomat said Monday.
UN Team Delays Visits to 2 Syrian Chemical Weapons Sites VOA 28 Oct 2013 -- International inspectors charged with visiting Syria's chemical weapons sites say two of the sites remain inaccessible due to security concerns.
Syrian militant groups reject Geneva 2 conference Iran Press TV 27 Oct 2013 -- Over twenty foreign-backed militant groups fighting against the Syrian government have rejected the planned Geneva 2 conference aimed at resolving the crisis in Syria.
'Sponsors' of Syrian Rebels Sabotage Geneva-2 – Russian MP RIA Novosti 27 Oct 2013 -- A senior Russian lawmaker said Sunday that the recent refusal of 19 Syrian opposition groups to attend a peace conference in Geneva was instigated by their foreign backers.
Syrian army continues mop-up operations Iran Press TV 26 Oct 2013 -- The Syrian army continues its mop-up operations against the foreign-sponsored militants across the country.
Security Council's leadership role vital to end 'appalling suffering' in Syria – UN official UN News Centre 25 Oct 2013 -- After its call on all parties in Syria for humanitarian access to relieve the plight of civilians trapped by heavy fighting, the Security Council must show leadership to ensure cooperation for delivery of food and medicines, and protection measures, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator urged today.
UN Wants 'Humanitarian Pause' in Syria Conflict VOA 25 Oct 2013 -- U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos called Friday for "humanitarian pauses" in areas of Syria under siege so that aid convoys could reach those in need and evacuate civilians caught in the conflict.
Syria army gains new ground in Damascus countryside Iran Press TV 24 Oct 2013 -- The Syrian army continues to gain ground in its fight against foreign-backed Takfiri armed groups in the suburbs of the capital, Damascus, Press TV reports.
Chemical Weapons Mission Awaits Syria's Disarmament Plan VOA 24 Oct 2013 -- The mission overseeing the dismantling of Syria's chemical weapons program is expecting the government to turn over a plan on Thursday for destroying its existing stockpile.
Syria: joint OPCW-UN chemical weapons team reports visits to nearly all declared sites UN News Centre 23 Oct 2013 -- The Joint Mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations dealing with Syria's chemical weapons programme reports that it has now visited 18 of the sites disclosed by Damascus, a spokesperson for the chemical watchdog said today.
Syria to submit chem. disarmament plan before deadline: OPCW Iran Press TV 23 Oct 2013 -- The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says the Syrian government will submit a plan on the elimination of its chemical arsenal within the following hours, days before deadlines set by the organization.
Syria forces in full control of southwest Muqaddimah Iran Press TV 23 Oct 2013 -- Syrian forces have regained the full control of the southwest of al-Muqaddimah, a suburb of Damascus, as they continue to inflict heavy losses on Takfiri militants, Press TV reports.
Syria Peace Push Continues as Complications Linger VOA 23 Oct 2013 -- United Nations and Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi is pushing forward with a regional tour aimed at building support for a Syrian peace conference, amid lingering questions about who would take part and under what conditions
'Friends of Syria' Urge Opposition to Join Peace Talks VOA 22 Oct 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is in Europe for talks on getting to a transitional government to end Syria's civil war. But there are divisions within the opposition and questions over Iran joining those talks.
Syrians face bleak time in Bulgaria's broken asylum system IRIN 22 Oct 2013 -- In an abandoned schoolhouse outside the Bulgarian capital Sofia, 380 migrants and asylum seekers are living in squalid conditions. They are part of a new wave of migrants and asylum seekers, mostly Kurds from Syria, who have strained Bulgaria's inefficient asylum system to breaking point.
Syria cooperative on chem. disarmament: OPCW-UN mission Iran Press TV 22 Oct 2013 -- The Syrian government has so far 'fully cooperated' in eliminating its huge chemical arsenal, the head of the joint Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and United Nations team says.
No role for Assad in future Syria: So-called Friends of Syria Iran Press TV 22 Oct 2013 -- Foreign ministers of Western and Arab countries supporting militants in Syria say President Bashar al-Assad can have no role in the future Syrian government.
Equipment Destroyed at 14 Syrian Chemical Arms Sites RIA Novosti 22 Oct 2013 -- A team of international experts working on a mission to eradicate Syria's chemical weapons has destroyed critical equipment at 14 sites in the war-torn country, the global chemical weapons watchdog said Monday.
Syria has 'fully cooperated' with joint OPCW-UN mission to destroy chemical arsenal UN News Centre 22 Oct 2013 -- The Syrian Government has been fully cooperating with the destruction of its chemical weapons programme, the head of the joint mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations today said.
Talks Only Way to End Syria Bloodshed, Kerry Says VOA 22 Oct 2013 -- U.S. and British officials are again urging all sides in the Syrian conflict to sit down and talk, adding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will eventually have to step down.
Syria: UN officials press for humanitarian access, peace conference UN News Centre 21 Oct 2013 -- As United Nations officials remain hard at work on several fronts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Syria and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in desperate need, the world body's health agency has said it received reports of a polio outbreak in the war-torn country.
Kerry: Syria Faces More War, Implosion if Assad Stays VOA 21 Oct 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says there can be no peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria as long as President Bashar al-Assad remains in power.
Syrian refugees in Turkey exceed 600,000: Official Iran Press TV 21 Oct 2013 -- Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) says the number of Syrian refugees in the country has surpassed 600,000.
Kerry to Meet Qatari FM Ahead of Syria Talks VOA 21 Oct 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has arrived in Paris for talks with Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid al-Attiyah about Syria.
Arab League Chief Says Syria Conference Set For Late November RFE/RL 20 Oct 2013 -- The head of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, says talks aimed at ending the conflict in Syria are scheduled to take place on November 23 in Geneva.
Date Set for Syria Peace Talks - Maybe VOA 20 Oct 2013 -- A truck bomb explosion in Syria's fourth largest city of Hama killed more than 30 people Sunday, as the special envoy of the United Nations and Arab League held talks in Cairo on fixing a date for a long-delayed peace conference.
US proposal on Syria CW 'premature': Russia Iran Press TV 19 Oct 2013 -- Russia has described as "premature" a proposal by US Secretary of State John Kerry that Syria's chemical weapons should be placed on a ship and removed from the region.
Syrian army kills over 100 militants in Homs countryside Iran Press TV 19 Oct 2013 -- Syrian forces have killed over a hundred foreign-backed militants fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Homs countryside.
Syria: UN humanitarian chief urges safe passage for civilians trapped in Rural Damascus UN News Centre 19 Oct 2013 -- The United Nations humanitarian chief on Saturday called for a ceasefire in Moadamiyeh in Rural Damascus to allow aid agencies access to evacuate thousands of civilians trapped by the ongoing conflict in Syria.
Brahimi Pushes for Syria Peace Talks on Egypt Visit VOA 19 Oct 2013 -- The U.N.-Arab League envoy for Syria is in Cairo as part of a regional tour aimed at garnering support for a peace conference in Geneva next month.
UN agency urges countries to ensure safe passage for Syrians fleeing conflict UN News Centre 18 Oct 2013 -- With the numbers of Syrians seeking safety in Europe on the rise, the United Nations refugee agency said today it is concerned about difficulties displaced people face during their passage and at borders, including the risk of drowning at sea.
Half Syria chemical inspections completed: OPCW Iran Press TV 17 Oct 2013 -- The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says that it has completed about half of its inspections of Syria's chemical arsenal.
Chemical Weapons Experts in Syria Have Security Fears VOA 17 Oct 2013 -- The chemical weapons experts tasked with ridding Syria of its arsenal say security is a concern after car bombs and mortar attacks hit near the team's Damascus hotel.
Ban appoints Sigrid Kaag to head up joint OPCW-UN mission in Syria UN News Centre 16 Oct 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Sigrid Kaag, of the Netherlands, as Special Coordinator of the joint mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations, which officially began its work today overseeing the destruction of Syria's chemical stockpiles and production facilities.
Analysis: Getting it right for Syrian refugees the second time round IRIN 16 Oct 2013 -- On a rocky patch of wind-swept desert 80km east of the Jordanian capital Amman, teams of construction engineers are hard at work erecting metal shelters.
21 killed in car bomb blast in Syria's Daraa Iran Press TV 16 Oct 2013 -- At least 21 people, including four children, have been killed in a car bomb blast in Syria's southern province of Daraa, as the Arab country continues to grapple with foreign-backed militancy.
70 militant groups reject Syrian National Coalition Iran Press TV 16 Oct 2013 -- Seventy foreign-backed militant groups in Syria have announced their separation from the so-called Syrian National Coalition (SNC) opposition group.
Armed conflicts between militants, Kurd fighters kill over 40 Iran Press TV 16 Oct 2013 -- Two days of heavy clashes between Kurdish fighters and al-Qaeda-linked militants in northeast Syria have left over 40 dead on both sides.
Syria forces recapture key town of al-Bweida Iran Press TV 16 Oct 2013 -- Syrian government forces have recaptured the strategic town of al-Bweida, south of the capital, Damascus.
Equipment Destroyed at 6 Syrian Chemical Weapons Sites – OPCW RIA Novosti 16 Oct 2013 -- Experts from the global chemical weapons watchdog said Wednesday that critical equipment has been destroyed at six chemical weapon sites in Syria.
Syria Fighting Rages Despite Holiday VOA 15 Oct 2013 -- Syrian warplanes bombed several rebel-held areas and opposition fighters fired mortar rounds and homemade rockets at Damascus.
OPCW calls for short-term ceasefire in Syria PressTV 15 Oct 2013 -- The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has called for a short-term ceasefire in Syria to allow its inspectors to continue their task to destroy the Arab country’s chemical weapons.
Crisis inflicts $100bn loss on Syria: Syria deputy PM PressTV 15 Oct 2013 -- Syrian deputy prime minister says the ongoing crisis and the Western sanctions have caused the Arab country around USD 100 billion in losses.
Secretary Kerry Remarks With UN Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi Following Their Meeting US Dept. of State 14 Oct 2013
US unable to bring Syria opp. to Geneva confab: Russia Iran Press TV 14 Oct 2013 -- Russia has sharply criticized the US for its inability to bring the Syria opposition to the Geneva 2 conference on the ongoing crisis in Syria.
Kidnapped ICRC workers freed in Syria: ICRC spokesman Iran Press TV 14 Oct 2013 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says three of its workers as well as a volunteer with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), who had been kidnapped in northwestern Syria, have been released.
Kerry Calls For Urgent Peace Conference On Syria RFE/RL 14 Oct 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has called for a peace conference on Syria to be held urgently.
West Failing to Deliver on Syria Deals with Russia – FM Lavrov RIA Novosti 14 Oct 2013 -- Russia's foreign minister on Monday said a key Syrian opposition group's refusal to take part in the Moscow-backed Geneva-2 peace conference on Syria indicates that the West has failed to deliver on its promises.
UN agency deplores violence in Syrian refugee camp that killed seven Palestinians UN News Centre 14 Oct 2013 -- The United Nations agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees today called on all parties in Syria to stop the violence in refugee camps and other civilian areas, following violence near the Dera'a camp which killed seven Palestinians. "Reports from Dera'a of the further loss of Palestinian lives are deeply distressing," said Michael Kingsley-Nyinah, the Director of UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Syria.
Kerry Calls for 'Urgent' Syrian Peace Talks VOA 14 Oct 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the U.N.-Arab League envoy for Syria say an international conference to set up a Syrian transitional government must be organized urgently and held as soon as possible.
1,500 evacuated from besieged Damascus suburb Iran Press TV 13 Oct 2013 -- The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) says it has evacuated at least 1,500 people, mostly women and children, from a suburb southwest of Syria's capital, Damascus.
Leading Syrian Opposition Group Bails Out on Geneva-2 Talks RIA Novosti 13 Oct 2013 -- A major Syrian opposition group that has gained international recognition would not participate in the Moscow-backed Geneva-2 peace conference on Syria, the group's leader told RIA Novosti on Sunday.
Red Cross: 7 Aid Workers Kidnapped in Northern Syria VOA 13 Oct 2013 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross says gunmen in northern Syria have kidnapped six Red Cross aid workers and a member of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Iraqi Kurdish leader threatens to strike militants anywhere Iran Press TV 13 Oct 2013 -- President of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region Massoud Barzani says his forces are ready to strike at militants anywhere including in neighboring Syria in a bid to protect Kurds.
Infighting kills nearly 50 in Aleppo Iran Press TV 12 Oct 2013 -- About 50 foreign-backed militants have been killed in three days of infighting among armed groups in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo.
Army opens Hama-Aleppo road, retakes 40 villages Iran Press TV 12 Oct 2013 -- Syrian army forces have opened a road linking Hama to Aleppo and have regained the full control of about 40 villages.
Security Council approves joint OPCW-UN mission to oversee destruction of Syria's chemical weapons UN News Centre 11 Oct 2013 -- The Security Council has formally approved a first-ever joint United Nations mission with the Nobel Peace Prize-winning global chemical weapons watchdog to oversee the destruction of Syria's stockpiles and production facilities.
Syria militants get chem. training in Afghanistan: Russia Iran Press TV 11 Oct 2013 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has cited reports saying that a number of countries are training Syrian militants in Afghanistan to use chemical weapons.
UN Security Council Members Back Joint Syria Team RIA Novosti 11 Oct 2013 -- Members of the UN Security Council on Thursday backed the UN chief's initiative to establish a joint mission tasked with eliminating chemical weapons in Syria.
Some 800,000 Syrian refugees to benefit from new UN electronic voucher programme UN News Centre 11 Oct 2013 -- The United Nations food relief agency today announced that a new electronic voucher programme in Lebanon will allow hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees to meet their food needs while boosting the local economy.
New chemical arms inspectors arrive in Syria Iran Press TV 10 Oct 2013 -- A second team of international chemical weapons inspectors has joined a mission already in Syria, as part of an agreement to eliminate the Syrian chemical arms.
Chemical weapons watchdog urges cooperation in Syria to carry out UN-joint mission UN News Centre 09 Oct 2013 -- The head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) today called on all parties in the Syrian conflict to cooperate so that a joint United Nations mission tasked with overseeing the destruction of the country's chemical stockpiles can carry out its work as quickly as possible.
Syrian refugees fearful as food aid reduced in Lebanon IRIN 09 Oct 2013 -- On a scruffy basketball court in south Lebanon, a few dozen people shuffle their way to the front of an orderly queue where most collect a piece of paper and leave. A few, perhaps a quarter, are told to join the second line.
Israeli military hits target in Syria Iran Press TV 09 Oct 2013 -- The Israeli military has hit a target in Syria after a soldier in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights sustained slight injuries by fire from the Syrian side.
Chemical-Weapons Watchdog Chief Seeks Temporary Syria Cease-Fires RFE/RL 09 Oct 2013 -- The head of the global chemical-weapons watchdog has called for temporary cease-fires in Syria's ongoing civil war.
Ban seeks 100-member joint mission to oversee destruction of Syrian chemical weapons UN News Centre 08 Oct 2013 -- Nearly 100 United Nations and chemical weapons experts will be deployed over the coming months in a joint mission overseeing the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles, with many members of the team to be based in Cyprus due to the dangers on the ground in the war-torn country, under a proposal submitted by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Growing Unease Over Turkish Jihadists in Syria VOA 08 Oct 2013 -- Growing numbers of young Turks are crossing into Syria to join jihadist groups fighting the Assad regime raising fears in Turkey of a future national security risk for Ankara.
Haves and have-nots in Jordan's Za'atari camp IRIN 08 Oct 2013 -- Just over one year ago, thousands of white tents were erected near the Jordanian-Syrian border to "temporarily" host Syrian refugees who had fled violence in their country. Waves of refugees have since flooded the desert camp; Za'atari is now Jordan's fourth largest city and the world's fourth largest camp, home to 120,000 Syrian refugees.
Chemical weapons team continues mission in Syria Iran Press TV 08 Oct 2013 -- The team of experts from the UN and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), who are currently in Syria, are continuing their mission to eliminate Syrian chemical weapons.
Paris, Riyadh to up aid to Syria rebels Iran Press TV 08 Oct 2013 -- France and Saudi Arabia have agreed to give more weapons to the foreign-backed Takfiri militants operating in Syria.
Syrian warplanes pound militant positions in Idlib Iran Press TV 08 Oct 2013 -- Syrian warplanes have reportedly launched airstrikes against foreign-backed insurgents attacking military bases in the northwestern province of Idlib.
US Downplays 'Praise' for Assad Over Weapons Removal RIA Novosti 08 Oct 2013 -- The United States on Monday moved to clarify unusually positive remarks made by US Secretary of State John Kerry about Syrian President Bashar Assad as work begins to destroy Syria's chemical weapons stockpile.
UN Chief Proposes Establishing Joint Mission with OPCW in Syria RIA Novosti 08 Oct 2013 -- The UN chief has suggested that a joint mission of the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), tasked with eliminating chemical weapons, be established in Syria.
UN Chief Calls Syria Weapons Mission 'Dangerous' VOA 08 Oct 2013 -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling for a 100-person joint mission to oversee the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons program, an extremely hazardous task he said would be made even more dangerous by continued fighting in an active war zone.
Destruction of Syria's chemical weapons programme begun, joint UN team confirms UN News Centre 06 Oct 2013 -- A joint team of United Nations and international inspectors today began to oversee the process of dismantling and destroying Syria's chemical weapons production programme, it was announced.
Syrian troops reopen key road in Aleppo Province Iran Press TV 07 Oct 2013 -- Syrian military forces have reopened a key road linking the central heartland with the embattled northern province of Aleppo, following heavy clashes with foreign-backed militants.
Kerry, Lavrov Discuss Syrian Crisis RFE/RL 07 Oct 2013 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have discussed the Syrian conflict on the sidelines of an Asian Pacific economic summit in Indonesia.
Part of Syrian Chemical Arsenal Already Destroyed – UN RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2013 -- Syrians have destroyed a part of their chemical weapons stockpile under the supervision of the global chemical weapons watchdog, the UN said on Sunday.
Kerry Offers Calibrated Praise for Syria's Chemical Disarmament VOA 07 Oct 2013 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry has applauded Syria for its initial progress in destroying its chemical weapons. Offering some rare praise for Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, Kerry said he would continue to urge the country to live up to its commitment to destroy its chemical weapons arsenal.
Experts begin destroying Syria chemical weapons Iran Press TV 06 Oct 2013 -- A team of international disarmament inspectors has started the process of destroying Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons and the machinery used to produce them.
UNHCR: 779,000 Syrians taking refuge in Lebanon Iran Press TV 06 Oct 2013 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says the total official number of Syrians who have fled the ongoing violence in their homeland, and crossed borders into neighboring Lebanon has reached 779,000.
Syria ready for talks but not with terrorists: Assad Iran Press TV 06 Oct 2013 -- Syria's President Bashar al-Assad says he is ready for a planned international peace conference on the crisis in his country but stresses that he will not negotiate with terrorists.
Assad Says 'West Is More Confident in Al-Qaida than Me' RIA Novosti 06 Oct 2013 -- In an interview with a German magazine, Syrian President Bashar Assad has accused the West of lies about the use of chemical weapons in Syria and said Russia understands the reality of the conflict in his country "much better," than the United States.
Destruction of Syria's Chemical Weapons Begins VOA 06 Oct 2013 -- A team of international inspectors has begun the huge task of destroying Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons and the facilities used to make them.
FSA founder probably killed in military operation Iran Press TV 05 Oct 2013 -- Conflicting reports coming out of Syria suggest that the man who established the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) has been probably killed in a military operation in Syria's western province of Latakia.
Syria Hands Over More Chemical-Weapons Data RFE/RL 05 Oct 2013 -- Damascus has given international experts more details about its chemical-weapons program.
Syria: joint UN team preparing for onsite inspections 'within the next week' UN News Centre 04 Oct 2013 -- The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is reviewing additional information received from Syria in connection to its chemical weapons stockpiles, a United Nations spokesperson said today, ahead of onsite inspections and initial disabling of equipment which could start as early as next week.
Syrian Intervention Renewal an Ankara Balancing Act VOA 04 Oct 2013 -- Turkey's parliament voted to extend a mandate authorizing deployment of troops in Syria if necessary for another year.
Syria al-Qaeda militants threaten Turkey: report Iran Press TV 04 Oct 2013 -- Al-Qaeda-affiliated militant groups in Syria have threatened to attack Turkish cities of Istanbul and Ankara, a report says.
FSA on verge of collapse in Syria: Analyst Iran Press TV 04 Oct 2013 -- The so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) is on the verge of collapse due to its deteriorating internal rifts, and the situation in Syria is further shifting in favor of the government, a political analyst tells Press TV.
Too early to judge Syria's response to call for immediate humanitarian access, says UN refugee agency UN News Centre 04 Oct 2013 -- United Nations agencies are hoping to quickly gain more humanitarian access to the millions of people in Syria affected by the civil war raging there following the Security Council's call two days ago to the Government to immediately allow aid deliveries across the front lines.
Assad: Turkey Will Pay for Supporting 'Terrorists' VOA 04 Oct 2013 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is warning neighboring Turkey will pay a 'heavy price' for supporting what he referred to as 'terrorists' in his country.
Syrian Chemical Weapon Dismantlement to Start Next Week RIA Novosti 03 Oct 2013 -- A team of international experts is likely to start on-site inspections and the disabling of arms “within the next week."
UN-OPCW team makes progress in Syria PressTV 03 Oct 2013 -- International experts overseeing the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria say they have made encouraging progress in their mission.
Turkey mulls military mandate on Syria PressTV 03 Oct 2013 -- The Turkish parliament will vote on a mandate that allows Turkey’s armed forces to send soldiers into Syria.
CIA ramping up training program for militants in Syria PressTV 03 Oct 2013 -- US officials say the CIA is expanding a covert effort to train militants in Syria who have been fighting the Syrian government forces for the past two and a half years.
Syria militants told to withdraw PressTV 03 Oct 2013 -- Six militant groups operating in Syria have called on an al-Qaeda front group to leave the northern town of Azaz bordering Turkey and return to their main headquarters.
Damascus Not Ready for Talks With Radical Opposition - Minister RIA Novosti 03 Oct 2013 -- The Syrian government is not ready to engage in peace talks with radical opposition forces, who have publicly called for foreign military intervention.
Hezbollah Hands Over Checkpoints in Lebanon to Avoid Strife VOA 03 Oct 2013 -- Lebanon’s militant Shi'ite group Hezbollah established dozens of checkpoints this summer in Beirut and other Lebanese cities after a series of bombings targeted their followers.
UN inspectors begin mission to disable Syria’s chemical production facilities UN News Centre 02 Oct 2013 -- The joint team of United Nations and international inspectors overseeing the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons production facilities completed its first day of work.
Chemical Experts Begin Mission on Syria Disarmament VOA 02 Oct 2013 -- International experts in Damascus have begun an unprecedented U.N.-backed mission to oversee the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons.
Chemical weapons disarmament team begins Syria mission PressTV 02 Oct 2013 -- A team of international disarmament experts tasked with destroying Syria’s chemical arsenal has started its work.
UN Security Council urges all sides in Syrian crisis to immediately provide access for humanitarian aid UN News Centre 02 Oct 2013 -- The United Nations Security Council urged the Syrian Government to immediately allow cross-border aid deliveries.
UN Makes Renewed Effort to Help Struggling Syrians VOA 02 Oct 2013 -- The United Nations humanitarian chief says new action from the Security Council could help aid workers in Syria assist more than 2 million people in urgent need who have been unreachable for months.
Concern Grows Over Middle East's WMD Arsenal VOA 01 Oct 2013 -- Efforts to secure Syria's chemical weapons and regulate Iran's nuclear program have again raised the idea of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.
Syrian Conflict Will Take Years to Sort Out, Dempsey Says AFPS 01 Oct 2013 -- The conflict in Syria will take years to sort out, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
UN Inspectors Begin Syria Disarmament VOA 01 Oct 2013 -- International inspectors have arrived in Syria to begin the task of verifying and destroying President Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons arsenal.
OPCW Team In Syria To Dismantle Chemical Weapons RFE/RL 01 Oct 2013 -- A team of experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has arrived in Syria to begin the process of dismantling Syria's chemical weapons.
Moscow to Conduct Its Own Probe into Syria Chemical Attacks RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2013 -- Russia announced it will carry out its own investigation into chemical weapons attacks in Syria.
Participants at UN forum agree to boost support for countries hosting Syrian refugees UN News Centre 01 Oct 2013 -- Participants at a United Nations meeting in Geneva agreed on urgent action to mitigate the humanitarian crisis spawned by the Syrian conflict.
Russia Provides $10M to Syrian Refugees RIA Novosti 01 Oct 2013 -- Russia has donated $10 million for Syrian refugees and is ready to provide more, a Russian envoy said.

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October 2013 - Syria Special Weapons News