February 2014 - Syria Special Weapons News

Syria Slow in Meeting Obligations, DOD Spokesman Says AFPS 27 Feb 2014 -- Chemical materials designated for destruction are slowly being transported for consolidation at the Syrian port of Latakia, and the United States is urging the Syrian government to accelerate this process, Defense Department spokesman Army Col. Steven Warren told reporters here.
Syria forces continue mop-up operations, kill 50 militants Iran Press TV 27 Feb 2014 -- Syrian government forces have continued mop-up operations across the country, seizing parts of Aleppo airport and killing at least fifty militants.
Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to end backing Syrian armed forces ISNA 26 Feb 2014 -- Iranian permanent envoy to the UN Mohammad Khazaei called on Saudi Arabia to end support for armed groups in Syria.
Syrian army kills scores of militants near capital Iran Press TV 26 Feb 2014 -- Syrian army forces have killed at least 175 foreign-backed al-Qaeda-linked militants near the capital, Damascus, in its latest mop-up operation in the country.
Joint UN-OPCW mission welcomes mustard gas shipment out of Syria as 'important step' UN News Centre 26 Feb 2014 -- The Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations confirmed today that a shipment of Syria's stockpile of sulphur mustard, commonly known as "mustard gas," has left its territory.
Saudi Arabia to provide weapons from Pakistan to Syrian opposition VoR 26 Feb 2014 -- Saudi source has announced on Sunday that Saudi Arabia is in the middle of negotiations with Pakistan regarding the purchase of anti-aircraft and anti-tank rockets in order to support Syrian rebels.
Calls Grow for Syria to Stop Impeding Aid Effort VOA 25 Feb 2014 -- U.N. member states Tuesday called for the implementation of a Security Council resolution demanding safe and unobstructed humanitarian access to Syrian civilians.
Pakistan denies selling arms to Saudi Arabia for Syrian rebels IRNA 25 Feb 2014 -- Pakistan has rejected reports as baseless that Saudi Arabia has shown interest to buy Pakistani arms for Syrian rebels.
US preparing insurgents for an attack on Damascus Iran Press TV 25 Feb 2014 -- The United States and some of its Arab allies are preparing insurgents fighting against the Syrian government for an attack from the direction of the Jordanian border, hoping the insurgents will be able to reach the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Syria: UN officials urge political solution to crisis, greater efforts to ease civilian suffering UN News Centre 25 Feb 2014 -- As the conflict that has inflicted unimaginable suffering on the Syrian people prepares to enter its fourth year, United Nations officials today stressed the need for a political solution to end the crisis, as well as greater efforts to protect civilians and ensure they receive the assistance they desperately need.
Ba'ath Party should negotiate with other Syrian parties - Bashar al-Assad VoR 25 Feb 2014 -- The Ba'ath Party "should negotiate and maintain effective relationships with new parties, which have appeared on the political arena of Syria", President of Syria Bashar al-Assad said during his speech in Damascus, facing members of the city committee and activists from the Ba'ath Party. Newspaper "Al-Ba'at", press organ of the Party, cites the president.
Russia troubled by reports Saudi Arabia to buy MPADS for Syria opposition - Foreign Ministry VoR 25 Feb 2014 -- Russia is troubled by the reports that Saudi Arabia is willing to provide the Syrian opposition with man-portable air-defense systems (MPADS) and anti-tank systems, the Russian Foreign Ministry says.
On visit to besieged camp, UN official urges unhindered access for all civilians in Syria UN News Centre 24 Feb 2014 -- A senior United Nations official said today he was shocked by what he saw during a visit to a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, and underscored the need for full and unhindered access to all conflict-affected communities in the country.
UN, humanitarian partners sound global alarm on behalf of Syria's children UN News Centre 24 Feb 2014 -- Moved by the dire plight of more than 5 million war-traumatized Syrian children – both inside and outside the country – United Nations agencies and their partners today joined forces to urge the world to demand an end to the "relentless horror and suffering" those children face before an entire generation is lost.
Syria army continues offensive against militants Iran Press TV 24 Feb 2014 -- The Syrian army continues its offensive against foreign-backed militants in several areas across the country, killing dozens of them in fresh clashes.
Syria welcomes UNSC aid access resolution Iran Press TV 23 Feb 2014 -- Syria has welcomed a resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demanding humanitarian aid convoys be allowed to access Syrian civilians trapped in the conflict.
Syria ready to cooperate with UN aid resolution if it respects sovereignty VoR 23 Feb 2014 -- Syria said Sunday it is ready to cooperate with a rare UN Security Council resolution to allow humanitarian access, so long as it respects state 'sovereignty.'
Syrian Kurds capture town from al-Qaeda-linked militants Iran Press TV 22 Feb 2014 -- Kurdish fighters in Syria say they have captured a town in the northeastern part of the country near the Iraqi border after days of combat with al-Qaeda-linked militants.
UNSC demands immediate aid access across Syria Iran Press TV 22 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations Security Council has unanimously passed a resolution demanding humanitarian aid convoys be allowed to access millions of Syrians.
UN Security Council Passes Resolution on Aid Access to Syria RIA Novosti 22 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Saturday demanding the Syrian government allow unhindered humanitarian access to all regions of the country, the UN said on its website.
Unanimously approved, Security Council resolution demands aid access in Syria UN News Centre 22 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations Security Council today unanimously approved a resolution to boost humanitarian aid access in Syria, a move Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said can ease some civilian suffering, if it is implemented quickly and in good faith.
UN Orders Syria Humanitarian Aid Access VOA 22 Feb 2014 -- The U.N. Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution on Syria's humanitarian crisis, demanding that both sides in the conflict provide immediate access to deliver essential aid to millions of people in desperate need.
Countries urged to offer admission for additional 100,000 Syrians - UN refugee agency UN News Centre 21 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations refugee agency is urging countries to offer increased resettlement or other forms of admission, including scholarships, for an additional 100,000 Syrian refugees in 2015 and 2016.
OPCW to discuss new destruction plan for Syrian chemical weapons early March VoR 21 Feb 2014 -- Syria has presented a new plan for the destruction of its chemical weapons, according to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Syria: 20% of chemical substances removed during chemical weapons liquidation VoR 21 Feb 2014 -- About 20% of chemicals had been either removed or destroyed during the process of Syrian chemical weapons liquidation, according to a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Syria: UN agency awaits clearance to resume aid delivery to Palestinian camp UN News Centre 20 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations agency charged with ensuring the well-being of Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East is awaiting clearance to again resume distributing aid in a camp near Damascus, where just yesterday it had been able to reach civilians in desperate need.
Idris quits 'Syrian National Coalition' Iran Press TV 20 Feb 2014 -- Divisions among foreign-sponsored opposition groups in Syria have further widened as senior militant commanders sever their ties with the Syrian National Coalition (SNC).
US policy on Syria aids 'terrorism' - Russia VoR 20 Feb 2014 -- Moscow accused Washington Thursday of prolonging the Syrian conflict by supporting the opposition, on the eve of a UN Security Council vote that threatens to further deepen big power divisions.
Russia says Syrian rebels thwart UN aid missions to torpedo peace process VoR 20 Feb 2014 -- The obstruction of attempted humanitarian deliveries to Syrian territories besieged by militants aims to thwart the relief operations and to stop the inter-Syrian peace process, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Siege warfare in Syria violates humanitarian, human rights laws - UN report UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- An estimated 240,000 Syrian remain trapped in areas under siege resulting in severe hardship, suffering and deaths of civilians, in clear breach of the obligations under international human rights and humanitarian laws, the United Nations today reported.
Syria: UN Palestine refugee agency condemns deadly bombing near school UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees expressed his "outrage and shock" today, strongly condemning a bomb attack that killed 18 people, including five children, near a school the agency operates in southern Syria.
Saudi Arabia to supply tons of arms to FSA: Report Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2014 -- Saudi Arabia is reportedly to provide more than 3,000 tons of heavy arms to the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA).
Russia rejects US charge of failing in Geneva talks Iran Press TV 17 Feb 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed US claims that Moscow failed to push for a political solution in the second round of Geneva talks on Syria.
So-called Free Syrian Army fires chief of staff Iran Press TV 17 Feb 2014 -- The military wing of the Western-backed Syrian opposition says it has dismissed its chief of staff because of the difficulties in the war against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Syria shouldn't be blamed for talks failure: Russia Iran Press TV 17 Feb 2014 -- Russia says the blame for the lack of progress at the Geneva talks aimed at finding a political solution to the crisis in Syria should not be placed on the Arab country.
Iran to continue supporting Syria: Speaker Larijani Iran Press TV 17 Feb 2014 -- Iranian Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic will continue to support the Syrian nation in the face of the foreign-sponsored crisis plaguing the Arab state.
Moscow Alarmed by Reports of New Syrian Opposition Leadership RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2014 -- Russia is alarmed by reports that the Syrian opposition is being reorganized around a new leadership opposed to further peace talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday.
McCain urges Syria military intervention Iran Press TV 16 Feb 2014 -- Hawkish US Senator John McCain has called on the Obama administration to employ its already-devised plan of military intervention against the Syrian government.
Syrians hold rallies in support of Assad government Iran Press TV 16 Feb 2014 -- Thousands of Syrians have held demonstrations across the country to express their support for the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Britain, France Blame Assad For Geneva Failure RFE/RL 16 Feb 2014 -- Britain and France have blamed the Syrian government for the failure of the internationally backed Geneva peace conference, after a second round of talks ended on February 15 with a final session that lasted only 27 minutes.
Killing in Syria Accelerates as Both Sides Dig In VOA 16 Feb 2014 -- The killing in Syria is accelerating with a surge in fighting across the war-torn country between government forces and rebels. Opposition activists say the death toll in the past three weeks has been the highest since the uprising started against President Bashar al-Assad almost three years ago.
Syrian Peace Talks Hit Dead End RFE/RL 15 Feb 2014 -- The final day of the second round of Syrian peace talks in Geneva ha been scheduled for February 15, but delegates from both sides said on February 14 that the process had reached a dead end.
UN-Arab League envoy apologizes to Syrian people over stalemate in peace talks UN News Centre 15 Feb 2014 -- Calling an end to the latest round of United Nations-backed talks in Geneva on Syria's civil war, Lakhdar Brahimi apologized to the Syrian people on Saturday for the lack of progress on halting the bloodshed in their country, and urged Government and opposition negotiators to go back to their bases and reflect on their responsibility and "on whether they want this process to continue or not."
Future of Deadlocked Syria Talks in Question VOA 15 Feb 2014 -- U.N. mediator Lakhdar Brahimi apologized to the Syrian people Saturday as the latest round of peace talks in Geneva between Syria's government and the opposition ended without agreement.
Syrian rebels to get antiaircraft missiles from Saudis - report VoR 15 Feb 2014 -- Saudi Arabia, frustrated by the deadlock in the second round of Geneva 2 talks, has reportedly offered to supply the rebels with anti-aircraft missiles. Meanwhile Russia has accused the US of once again hijacking peace talks and pushing for regime change.
Syria Peace Talks Reach an Impasse VOA 14 Feb 2014 -- Five days of peace talks aimed at ending Syria's civil war ended in a bitter impasse on Friday with Syrian government and opposition negotiators trading accusations over who was to blame for the stalemate at the UN-mediated talks in Geneva.
Cape Ray Arrives in Spain to Await Syrian Chemical Mission AFPS 13 Feb 2014 -- The MV Cape Ray has arrived at Rota, Spain, for a port visit while en route to aid in removal of Syrian chemical materials, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said.
Russian Resolution Focuses on Fighting Terror in Syria – Minister RIA Novosti 13 Feb 2014 -- Russia's new UN Security Council draft resolution on the crisis in Syria is centered around anti-terrorism efforts, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
UN-Arab League envoy says Russia, US pledge to help unblock stalled Syria talks UN News Centre 13 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations/Arab Joint Special Representative for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, said officials from Russia and the United States today promised to keep working with the UN to unblock stalled Syrian peace talks, as food and medical supplies continue to reach people in long-besieged Homs.
US, Russia Pledge to Unblock Syria Talks VOA 13 Feb 2014 -- The United States and Russia have pledged to help unblock stalled negotiations between Syria's two warring sides, International Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said on Thursday.
Syria: Ceasefire in Homs extended for three more days - governor VoR 13 Feb 2014 -- A humanitarian ceasefire in the Syrian city of Homs was extended on Thursday for three more days, the city's governor.
Moscow hopes UN SC to approach constructively Russia's resolution on Syria VoR 13 Feb 2014 -- Russia is hoping that partners in the UN Security Council will approach constructively the humanitarian draft resolution on Syria submitted by Moscow, the Russia Foreign Ministry said.
Russia, US pledge to unblock Syria talks - Brahimi VoR 13 Feb 2014 -- The United States and Russia have pledged to help unblock stalled negotiations between Syria's two warring sides, international mediator Lakhdar Brahimi said on Thursday.
Syria: More aid gets into besieged Homs as more evacuees leave, UN reports UN News Centre 12 Feb 2014 -- More relief moved in today for Syrians trapped in the Old City of Homs for nearly two years without aid, and more evacuees moved out, as Government and opposition delegates met in Geneva in United Nations-sponsored talks seeking to end the bloody conflict.
White House Defends Obama on Syria, After McCain Criticism VOA 12 Feb 2014 -- The White House has strongly defended President Barack Obama against criticism by a prominent Republican senator who accused Obama of failing to fulfill pledges to act to prevent mass atrocities, including killings in Syria.
Syria forces regain strategic town of Jarajir near Lebanon Iran Press TV 12 Feb 2014 -- Syrian government forces have regained full control of a strategic town near neighboring Lebanon's border.
Russia Accuses US of Manipulation Over Syria Resolution RIA Novosti 12 Feb 2014 -- Recent statements by the US leader on Russia and Syria are an attempt to manipulate public opinion and force Russia to support a "counterproductive" UN resolution, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Wednesday.
Russia Plans Veto of Security Council Resolution on Syria VOA 12 Feb 2014 -- A Russian official said a draft U.N. Security Council resolution on humanitarian aid for Syria has been crafted as a precursor for military intervention, and that Russia will not let it pass.
No Progress at Syria Talks VOA 12 Feb 2014 -- Talks in Geneva between Syria's government and opposition continue, despite no sign of progress.
Homs evacuations resume as Syria peace talks falter Voice of Russia 12 Feb 2014 -- The evacuation of civilians and delivery of aid to besieged rebel-held areas of Syria's third city Homs resumed on Wednesday, as peace talks in Geneva struggled to make headway.
US trying to force in counterproductive resolution against Syria - Russian FM Voice of Russia 12 Feb 2014 --US peremptory claims about Syria being to blame for the aggravation of the humanitarian crisis and its assessment of Russia's activities is clearly an attempt to create conditions for forcing in a counterproductive resolution, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Wednesday.
Senior UN official spotlights plight of Palestinian refugees caught in Syrian conflict UN News Centre 11 Feb 2014 -- A senior United Nations official today appealed to all parties in the Syrian conflict to ensure unimpeded access for the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in need, especially the thousands of Palestinian refugees languishing in the besieged Damascus suburb of Yarmouk.
Renewed Syrian peace talks make little progress as concern rises for detained evacuees - UN UN News Centre 11 Feb 2014 -- United Nations-sponsored talks between the Syrian Government and opposition that resumed yesterday are making scant progress in ending the "nightmare" of the civil war, the top mediator said today, calling for a quicker pace as officials voiced "deep concern" at the detention by the authorities of men and boys leaving a long besieged city.
Syria talks not making much progress: Brahimi Iran Press TV 11 Feb 2014 -- UN-Arab League Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi says the peace talks between the Syrian government and foreign-backed opposition in Geneva are not making much progress.
Russia Wants Ceasefires, End of Arms Supplies to Syria RIA Novosti 11 Feb 2014 -- Russia expects the Geneva-2 peace conference to put an end to illegal arms supplies to Syria, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
Russia Needs to Make Sure Syria Fulfills Commitments - Obama RIA Novosti 11 Feb 2014 -- It is Russia's responsibility to ensure that the Syrian government complies with its international commitments on eliminating chemical weapons, the US president said Tuesday.
Syrian Talks Adjourn With Discord VOA 11 Feb 2014 -- U.N.-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi says peace talks between delegates from the Syrian government and opposition to President Bashar al-Assad are laborious and not making much progress
Most dangerous Syrian chemical weapons will be removed by March 1 - Syrian ambassador Voice of Russia 11 Feb 2014 -- Most chemical weapons, including their most dangerous components, will be removed from Syria before March 1, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad said.
US retain right to military strike against Syria - Obama Voice of Russia 11 Feb 2014 -- The US retain the right to conduct a military operation in Syria, but political settlement remains the priority, stated the US President Barack Obama.
UN-mediated Syrian peace talks resume as aid lifeline to Homs extended for three days UN News Centre 10 Feb 2014 -- United Nations-sponsored talks between the Syrian Government and opposition resumed today, 10 days after a first round ended with little progress, in efforts to end the civil war, as an already- violated ceasefire to allow humanitarian access to a city cut off by siege for nearly two years was extended for another three days.
Major Powers to Take Bigger Role in Syria Talks VOA 10 Feb 2014 -- Senior U.S. and Russian officials are to take a bigger role in the U.N.-sponsored talks on Syria's future that reconvened in Geneva Monday. The move comes as the Syrian government and opposition delegations remain far apart on how to end the nearly three-year-long civil war.
Fighting terrorism, key to resolve Syria crisis: Miqdad Iran Press TV 10 Feb 2014 -- Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad says the priority to reach a political solution to the deadly crisis in the Arab country is to stand against terrorism.
More chemical arms material leaves Syria, joint OPCW-UN mission confirms UN News Centre 10 Feb 2014 -- A third shipment of chemical weapons material was removed from Syria today, the Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations confirmed.
UN to Continue Humanitarian Pause in Homs VOA 10 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations says the Syrian government and opposition have agreed to extend a humanitarian pause in the beleaguered city of Homs for another three days
Syrian Refugees Find Themselves in Deep Debt VOA 10 Feb 2014 -- U.N. agencies have had to reduce aid to Syrian refugees in Lebanon and those who get no food assistance say they are falling into deep debt.
President Assad's resignation not on Geneva agenda - Syrian FM Voice of Russia 10 Feb 2014 -- There will be no discussion concerning President Bashar al-Assad's resignation at Geneva conference, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said on Monday.
Third shipment of chemical weapons leaves Syria Voice of Russia 10 Feb 2014 -- The third shipment of Syrian chemical weapons has taken place, the Reuters news agency reports on Monday citing an OPCW statement.
Homs evacuation operation extended until Wednesday night - UN Voice of Russia 10 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations has said an operation to allow civilians to leave besieged districts of the Syrian city of Homs will be extended until Wednesday night.
Iran welcomes UN-Syria deal to supply humanitarian aid to Homs IRNA 09 Feb 2014 -- Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham on Sunday expressed pleasure with the agreement reached between the Syrian government and UN resident envoy for the exit of non-military forces from certain areas of Homs and dispatch humanitarian aid to the area.
800 civilians evacuated from Syrian city of Homs Iran Press TV 09 Feb 2014 -- Hundreds of Syrians have been evacuated by aid teams from besieged districts in the western city of Homs as operations to save civilians continue.
UN humanitarian chief urges safe passage for aid delivery to Syrians in need UN News Centre 09 Feb 2014 -- A top United Nations official said she is deeply disappointed that a three-day humanitarian pause agreed between the parties to the Syrian conflict was broken on Saturday and aid workers were deliberately targeted as they tried to deliver food and medicine to Homs.
Governor says 600 Evacuated from Syria's Embattled Homs VOA 09 Feb 2014 -- The governor of Syria's war-battered city of Homs says that more than 600 people were evacuated Sunday from rebel-held parts of the city.
611 civilians evacuated from opposition-controlled old town - Homs governor Voice of Russia 09 Feb 2014 -- As many as 611 civilians have been evacuated from the opposition-controlled old town quarters in Homs, the SNA news agency quoted Homs Governor Talal al-Barrazi as saying on Sunday. According to al-Barrazi, the ceasefire agreement may be extended for three days more to give local residents an opportunity to leave dangerous areas.
Red Crescent brings first batch of aid to besieged Homs despite mortar fire Voice of Russia 09 Feb 2014 -- The Syrian Red Crescent Saturday delivered a first batch of much-needed aid to civilians trapped for nearly two years in rebel-held areas of Homs city, despite coming under fire from mortars.
Barrel Bombs Sow Terror in Syria VOA 07 Feb 2014 -- Every war brings a new terror and in recent weeks so-called barrel bombs dropped from helicopters into rebel-held areas by forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad have emerged as the latest weapon of terror to kill and maim thousands of mostly innocent civilians.
Clashes erupt in Syrian city of Homs, truce violated Iran Press TV 08 Feb 2014 -- Clashes have broken out around militant-held districts of Syria's Homs city as the UN is poised to deliver aid to civilians on the second day of a humanitarian truce.
Rocket Fire Delays Relief to Besieged Syrian City VOA 08 Feb 2014 -- Renewed fighting hampered a U.N. relief effort in Syria's war-battered enclave of Homs on Saturday, a day after a three-day humanitarian pause in violence took effect.
Four Red Cross employees injured as trucks enter besieged Syria areas Voice of Russia 08 Feb 2014 -- Four employees of the Syrian Red Cross have been injured during the humanitarian operation in Homs, Al Mayadeen TV Channel reported on Saturday.
Syria: first civilians evacuated from Homs after nearly two-year siege, UN reports UN News Centre 07 Feb 2014 -- As the first of 2,500 Syrians trapped by war in the Old City of Homs without aid for nearly two years were evacuated today under a three-day accord allowing people out and aid in, the United Nations called for immediate access to nearly 1.6 million others throughout the country who have been without regular food or medical supplies for many months.
1000s return home in southwest Syria after truce Iran Press TV 07 Feb 2014 -- Thousands of Syrians have returned home in southwestern Syria, after a ceasefire deal between the government and foreign-backed opposition, Press TV reports.
Homs evacuation starts under UN supervision Iran Press TV 07 Feb 2014 -- Hundreds of civilians are being evacuated from militant-held areas of Syria's third largest city of Homs under a UN-supervised deal between the government and the foreign-backed opposition.
UN to evacuate some 200 civilians of besieged Homs Friday, deliver aid Saturday Voice of Russia 07 Feb 2014 -- A promised aid delivery to besieged rebel-held areas of Homs will not take place until Saturday after an evacuation of civilians on Friday, the Syrian city's governor said.
Syria: UN calls for speeding up pace of lagging chemical weapons elimination UN News Centre 06 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations today welcomed a long-sought accord to let in convoys with life-saving supplies for 500 Syrian families trapped by war in the Old City of Homs without any aid for two years, but voiced growing concern at the slow pace in ridding the country of chemical weapons, calling for swifter action.
US increased funding to Syria militants after Geneva II Iran Press TV 06 Feb 2014 -- Insurgents fighting against the Syrian government say that the US government has increased direct funding to them after the Geneva II talks ended last week.
UN, Syria reach deal for civilians to leave Homs Iran Press TV 06 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations and Syria have reached an agreement to allow aid into western city of Homs and secure the exit of civilians, local media reported.
Both sides in Syria guilty of war crimes in 'systematic effort to cause civilian suffering' - UN experts UN News Centre 06 Feb 2014 -- Government and opposition forces in Syria are committing war crimes by using civilian suffering, such as blocking access to food, water and health services, as a method of war, United Nations experts said today, highlighting the "most critical" situation of a quarter of a million people under siege.
UN Welcomes Humanitarian Agreement for Syrian City VOA 06 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations is welcoming reports from Syria that there is an agreement on a plan to allow civilians to leave some areas of the besieged city of Homs.
UN begins polio vaccination campaign at besieged Palestinian refugee camp in Syria UN News Centre 05 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations agency assisting Palestinian refugees said today it has begun a large-scale polio vaccination campaign targeting thousands of children in the Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus.
Syrians internally displaced by war expected to nearly double to 6.5 million by year's end - UN UN News Centre 05 Feb 2014 -- The number of people displaced by the civil war inside Syria is expected to nearly double from some 3.5 million today to 6.5 million by the end of the year, a senior United Nations official said today.
Syria Misses Another Chemical Weapon Deadline VOA 05 Feb 2014 -- Syria has failed to meet another key deadline for turning over its chemical weapons stockpile as part of an internationally brokered agreement.
New UN airlift ships food from Iraq to 30,000 Syrians cut off on land by civil war UN News Centre 04 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations today began a new airlift from Iraq to feed nearly 30,000 displaced people in a conflict-torn region of northeast Syria where road access has been cut off for over six months and no significant relief deliveries have arrived overland since last May.
Syria to remove toxic chemicals by March: Russia Iran Press TV 04 Feb 2014 -- Russia's deputy foreign minister says Syria has planned to remove a large shipment of toxic chemical agents this month.
Washington's Syria-bound weapons arrive in Jordan Iran Press TV 04 Feb 2014 -- A US airplane loaded with weapons and ammunition for foreign-backed militants fighting in Syria has landed in neighboring Jordan, local media reveal.
Airstrikes Rock Aleppo; Peace Talks to Resume VOA 04 Feb 2014 -- Syrian activist groups say the government renewed air raids over the northern city of Aleppo on Tuesday, after Monday airstrikes left about 30 people dead.
Syria: UN agency appeals for long-term access to starving, desperate civilians in besieged camp UN News Centre 02 Feb 2014 -- While confirming today's delivery of more than 700 food parcels to the desperate, malnourished civilians stranded in a hard-hit area outside the Syrian capital of Damascus, the United Nations agency tasked with protecting Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East, reiterated its call for long-term access to meet the enormous needs, as Syria's three-year civil war grinds on.
Al-Qaida Disavows Syria Militant Group VOA 03 Feb 2014 -- Al-Qaida has announced it is severing ties with a militant group fighting in Syria.
Over 136,000 killed in Syria crisis: NGO Iran Press TV 01 Feb 2014 -- The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has put the death toll from the Syrian crisis at more than 136,000.
Ban: Syria Talks Need More Seriousness, Urgency VOA 01 Feb 2014 -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says Syria's government and its political opponents should bring greater seriousness and urgency to international efforts to end their conflict. Their first round of talks ended Friday with little progress on how to end the fighting or increase humanitarian access.
Syria rejected US talks bid without Kerry apology - FM Muallem Voice of Russia 01 Feb 2014 -- Syria's foreign minister said Saturday his delegation had rejected a US request for direct talks unless Secretary of State John Kerry apologised for his remarks at the Geneva-2 talks.

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February 2014 - Syria Special Weapons News