What's behind the recall of the US ambassador to Syria?
http://english.ruvr.ru/2011/10/25/59316258.html
Chupina Maria
Oct 25, 2011 15:00 Moscow Time
Concern for the personal safety of the American ambassador in Syria has forced US authorities to recall the diplomat. He is reported to have already left the country swept by disorders. Experts believe that this move heralds America's serious intentions concerning Syria.
The reason was the diplomat's attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of that country balancing on the brink of a full-scale civil war. At least this is what Damascus accuses Robert Ford of. The Department of State gives little comment on the situation, stressing a weighty threat to the ambassador's personal safety. The Department of State does not specify the date of the ambassador's return to Damascus, giving an evasive explanation that this will depend on Washington's estimation of the situation in Syria.
This precedent is rather disturbing, believes expert of the Institute of Strategic Evaluations and Analysis Sergey Demidenko.
"Even after the terrorist acts against the US Embassy in Damascus in 2005 the ambassador was not recalled. Undoubtedly we should consider this demarche of the USA towards Syria as a sign of certain intentions. Hard to say why they need this, because if they start to smash Bashar al-Assad's regime with diplomatic, economic or military methods this will endanger the entire situation in the Middle East. On the other hand, the USA may have some relatively painless way of changing power in Syria up its sleeve. This can only be one thing: a coup on the ruling top level, inside the military elite which could overthrow Bashar al-Assad and put forward another clan which would stabilize the situation. For this reason, the USA is likely to try to finish off al-Assad by hook or by crook. This means that after Libya there is Syria in store."
Damascus has been displeased with some of the ambassador's actions for a long time, for example, his trip to the city of Hama swept by disorders. Incidentally, after this visit an angry crowd threw tomatoes, eggs and stones at the US Embassy in Damascus. However, this did not thwart the diplomat's plans and he visited another "hotbed of the revolution", the city of Jassem, in spite of the ban of the Syrian Foreign Ministry. This caused more eggs and stones, which proves that the ambassador's safety was not at a very high level indeed. Whether this was his own doing is an open question.
Recalling the ambassador is the next stage in the West's information war against the Syrian regime, says the head of the Arab and Islamic Department of the Institute of Oriental Studies Alexander Filonik.
"Recalling the ambassador strangely coincided with Gaddafi's murder and this action against the late Libyan leader can be considered an act of inspiration for the Syrian opposition. The coincidence of these two events is hardly a mere chance. From this angle, recalling the diplomat can be considered the next stage of a campaign against the Syrian regime."
The situation with the ambassador is developing in the context of Washington's uncertainty about its future policy towards Syria. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the opposition has not asked for help so far. The UN Security Council's resolution on Syria has been vetoed by Russia and China because the resolution did not contain the exact wording of the inadmissibility of military interference in Syria's internal affairs. Does the USA listen to other countries' opinions and what will happen if the Syrian opposition asks Americans for help? If we retrace the US attitude towards the recent revolutions in North Africa we cannot guarantee that the USA will not continue to support the Syrian opposition or that the West will not try to settle the typical internal conflict with military methods.
Naturally, Washington's demarche with recalling the ambassador did not remain unnoticed in Syria. In reply Syria has also recalled its ambassador. Imad Moustapha left Washington on Monday.
لافروف يعرب عن دعمه للبحث عن سبل للتوصل الى الوفاق الوطني في سورية
Lavrov expressed his support for the search for ways to reach a national accord in Syria
http://arabic.rt.com/news_all_news/news/570156
27.10.2011 21:18
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during his meeting with Faisal Miqdad Deputy Syrian Foreign Minister in Moscow on Thursday, October 27 for its support of the search for solutions to reach a national accord in Syria, which started thanks to the efforts of the League of Arab States.
According to a statement published by the Russian Foreign Ministry on its official website that, "Sergei Lavrov expressed his support for a positive search for solutions to difficult and acceptable to all, which started thanks to the efforts of the League of Arab States in order to reach national reconciliation in Syria and speedup its action in the way of reforms political, economic and social. "
The Russian minister also discussed with the Syrian diplomat, "a range of issues of bilateral Russian-Syrian relations, with emphasis on the intention to expand economic cooperation later."
He said in the statement that "Miqdad took the Russian side of the results of visit of a delegation of the Committee of the Arab League in Damascus on Wednesday. According to estimates by the Syrian side, the negotiations with the delegation was received by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was constructive. It was stressed during which the common interest beyond the crisis in Syria without external interference and on the road to a compromise. It was agreed to continue contacts in the near future. "
It is noted that Faisal Miqdad met during his visit to Moscow as well as with Andrei Denisov, First Deputy Foreign Minister and Russian Deputy Minister Mikhail Bogdanov.
Qadri Jamil: We are opposed to the opposition, which wants to outside interference
On the other hand, the representative of the Popular Front for Syrian Liberation and Change Qadri Jamil during a telephone conversation with "Russia Today" from Damascus that "the slogan overthrow the regime, which we opposed from the outset, proved to be impractical and unrealistic and unattainable and unhelpful in the current circumstances, But on the other hand, was unable to end the unrest. " He continued: "We are against any violence in the country in these circumstances that its evolution is possible that the call for outside intervention."
As for accusations that the opposition inside are made by the Syrian regime, said Jamil: "Our opposition is not temporary, as we are opposed to the regime's policies long ago, especially in the economic, social, and perhaps we were the only voice which rose during this period against these policies, we have martyrs and detainees."
He noted that "being accused of in this way is an insult to all the martyrs and detainees in these conditions, and directs the charges because we do not agree to outside interference, and we are opposed to the regime's policies of economic, social and opposition to the opposition that you want outside interference."
لافروف يؤكد خلال لقائه المقداد أهمية الاصلاحات الجارية في سورية للخروج من الظروف التي تمر بها
Lavrov Stresses Importance of Reforms in Syria to Emerge from the Crisis
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/10/27/378305.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/10/27/378325.htm
Oct 27, 2011
MOSCOW, (SANA)_At the invitation of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Deputy Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr. Fayssal Miqdad is on an official visit to Moscow as part of the regular political talks between the two ministries.
The Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met Dr. Miqdad. The situation in Syria and the Arab region was discussed during the meeting.
Lavrov expressed satisfaction over the Syrian-Russian relations and the coordination between the two countries in all fields.
He also stressed the importance of current reforms in Syria to come out of the extraordinary conditions and the significance of the efforts exerted for holding the comprehensive national dialogue.
Lavrov expressed relief over the positive and cordial atmosphere during the meeting of President Bashar al-Assad with the Arab Ministerial Committee.
For his part, Dr. Miqdad reviewed the situation in Syria due to the Western campaign and the misleading media which are aimed at undermining Syria's national achievements and pan-Arab stances.
Dr. Miqdad said Syria will overcome the current situation thanks to the awareness of the Syrian people of the goals of the extremist powers and the terrorist groups supported by Western and regional countries.
Miqdad conveyed Syria's appreciation for the Russian and Chinese support at the UN Security Council, stressing the importance of enhancing economic, political, cultural and social relations between the two countries.
Miqdad gave a review of the open and cordial talks during President al-Assad's meeting with the Arab League Ministerial Committee delegation.
التقى الشرع والمعلم..المبعوث الصيني الخاص للشرق الأوسط يؤكد وقوف بلاده ضد محاولات التدخل الخارجي بشؤون سورية
Chinese Envoy: International Community should respect Syria's sovereignty
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/10/27/378215.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/10/27/378227.htm
Oct 27, 2011
DAMASCUS, SANA _ Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa said Thursday that the Syrian people categorically reject any foreign intervention in their internal affairs as they support the national reform process.
During a meeting with China's Special Envoy to the Middle East, Wu Sike, al-Shara talked about the reform process announced by President Bashar al-Assad to meet the citizens' interests and achieve hopes and aspirations of the Syrian people.
He expressed Syria's appreciation for China's positions, along with the Federal Russia, in the UN Security Council for supporting the reform process carried out by Syria and rejection of outside interference in its internal affairs.
Al-Shara voiced Syria's welcome of the Arab initiative and its content in a way that accords with the national sovereignty, pointing out to the importance of the national dialogue for which preparations have begun.
For his part, Sike underlined China's firm position towards the events in Syria, hailing the steps taken regarding the national reform and reiterating China's refusal of any form of outside interference in Syria's internal affairs.
Ways of developing bilateral relations between the two countries and the situation in the region were also on the table.
Later, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Walid al-Moallem explained to Sike, the events taking place in Syria and the steps taken by the Syrian government to meet the citizens' legitimate demands.
Al-Moallem underlined the government's efforts to achieve reforms and hold the national dialogue conference in Damascus.
Minister Al-Moallem also briefed Sike on the outcome of President Bashar al-Assad's meeting with the Arab League Ministerial Committee yesterday.
For his part, Sike reiterated his country's keenness on Syria's stability and security which are essential to stability in the Middle East, hailing the Syrian leadership's efforts to deal with the current situation through dialogue and reforms.
He said "China will continue cooperation and coordination with Syria at international forums, stressing its standing against all attempts of foreign interference in Syria's Affairs."
The talks also dealt with means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries to reach strategic partnership.
Sike: International Community should respect Syria's sovereignty
The Chinese Special Envoy to the Middle East, Wu Sike said that Syria is an important country in the Middle East, adding "Syria has great impacts in the regional affairs… the international community has to respect Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."
At a press conference in the Chinese Embassy Chancery in Damascus, Sike said "China is following with great concern the developments in Syria… China, as a friendly country to Syria, will continue its positive role in this regard."
He called for dealing with this issue in peaceful ways in the interest of the Syrian people to realize peace, stability and development in the whole region.
"New developments have occurred in the region and Syria… all parties concerned in Syria should put the nation's interests over any other matter and stop all forms of violence," Sike said.
He added that China hoped the Syrian government would accelerate implementation of reforms and launch the comprehensive political process with wide participation of the sides concerned.
On the outcomes of his meetings with the Syrian officials, the Chinese envoy said "we exchanged ideas and run a profound dialogue about the reforms.
"China vetoed the draft resolution on Syria at the UN because we believe in the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs and to protect the UN convention purposes in the interest of the developing countries," Sike said.
He added "China as a permanent member in the Security Council will continue its efforts to push forwards stability in Syria and support the efforts of the Arab league in this regard."
As for the economic cooperation between Syria and China, Sike underlined that trade and economic cooperation is strong as the two countries are linked by traditional friendship.
On Syria's announcement to deal with the Chinese Yuan and the effect of this move to ease the western sanctions on Syria, the Chinese envoy said "the trade and economic record of the two countries come in the interest of both of them… China won't prefer to impose sanctions on any country because this would have bad repercussions on the peoples.
He concluded "China, as a friendly country to Syria, has proposed a number of ideas and suggestions to help the friends in Syria," calling for leaving the Syrian issue for its people to find a suitable way to solve the current crisis.
الجعفري: من غير المقبول أن يبقى مجلس الأمن الدولي مكتوف الأيدي تجاه إسرائيل وسياساتها العدوانية
al-Jaafari: Security Council's Failure to Take Action against Israel and its Hostile Policies Unaccepted
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/10/26/377936.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2011/10/26/377965.htm
Oct 26, 2011
NEW YORK, (SANA) - Syria's Permanent Representative to the UN Bashar al-Jaafari stressed that the provision discussed during the open regular session of the UN Security Council under the title 'Situation in the Middle East' is only concerned with the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Palestinian cause, and it is not related to any issue that is not within the historical definition of the provision.
(paragraphs related to Israel and Palestine omitted.)
He added "In the framework of the same policy which challenges the international legitimacy, Israel is still rejecting to restore the occupied Syrian Golan to its homeland Syria and to comply with the international legitimacy resolutions, particularly the Security Council's resolution No. 497 for 1981 which considered Israel's decision to annex the occupied Syrian Golan as null and void and don't have any legal influence."
"Israel continues the policies of terrorism and repression against the Syrian citizens under the occupation in Golan, in addition to starting a constant campaign to divide the occupied Syrian Golan and its geographical connection with its homeland Syria through building a racial separation wall to the east of Majdal Shams town with the aim of embodying a new political and security reality," al-Jaafari said.
He went on saying "We submitted a formal complaint to the UN Secretary General in this regard demanding the UN and its Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities and to take all the required measures against Israel immediately to stop this procedure, yet regrettably we didn't receive any attention and we are displeased as the UN Secretary General didn't touch upon the occupied Syrian Golan today."
He went on saying "We are deeply concerned and regretful that some of the permanent representatives continue to tackle the current events in Syria in their statements within the provision dubbed (Situation in the Middle East) with the same hostile and provocative language which aims at provoking the toppling of the legitimate governments and spreading instability and chaos, in addition to tampering with the fate of the nations"
"It is strange that the countries which pretend that they are keen on Syria's stability and security are still rejecting to encourage the national dialogue and the ongoing serious reforms in the country in the framework of implementing the comprehensive reform program which is scheduled to be accomplished in less than six months," al-Jaafari said.
He added "We will not use our right to reply regarding the statements of some colleagues as we don't believe that this provision is related to their plots which aim at diverting the attention from the continuation of Israel's occupation of the Arab territories including Palestine, Golan and South Lebanon, in addition to Israel's crimes and settlement building."
He affirmed that Syria strongly condemns what was said by the EU Representative against it and its leadership, adding that it will not retaliate in the same way as it respects the UN principles and the noninterference in the internal affairs of the member states.
اتفاق على التعاون الزراعي بين سورية وجنوب أفريقيا
Syria and South Africa discuss agriculture cooperation
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/10/26/378079.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/10/26/378078.htm
Oct 26, 2011
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-
Minister of Agriculture Riad Hijab on Wednesday underlined the importance of developing cooperation between Syria and South Africa, particularly in the fields of agricultural researches, polices, technologies and exchanging expertise.
Meeting the South African Ambassador in Damascus, Minister Hijab hailed the distinguished stances of South Africa which has strong ties with Syria.
Both sides have agreed to prepare a memo of understanding to exchange agriculture expertise, training, particularly in agrarian researches and polices.
The South African Ambassador stressed the importance of cooperation with Syria, particularly in the filed of importing the olive oil, citrus and other agrarian productions.
جنوب افريقيا تترقب استيراد زيت الزيتون السوري والحمضيات بدون وسيط
South Africa awaiting the importation of Syrian olive oil and citrus without a broker
http://www.albaathmedia.sy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45826:%D8%AC%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%B6%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B7&catid=41:2009-08-05-19-42-11&Itemid=194
Wednesday, 26 October 2011 20:32
Dr. Riad Hijab, Minister of Agriculture, with Sean Penn Feldt Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa relations of cooperation in the agricultural field when he said that South Africa is a big country and has a position characteristic and correlates Syria relations are very strong, especially in the political field and appreciate the positions of the people of South Africa of the conspiracy that plotted against Syria.
And the Minister stressed the importance of developing agricultural relations and cooperation in scientific research and agricultural policies and technologies and exchange information with South Africa being a developed country agricultural and is the second country in the world in terms of the production of genetically modified crops, as well as exchange of agricultural products in terms of import and export of crops that Syria Syrian agricultural country par excellence and we have a surplus for export in most of the products, especially olive and olive oil, vegetables, citrus fruits, apples and almonds and pistachios and cotton.
The two sides agreed to prepare a memorandum of understanding between Syria and South Africa include the exchange of agricultural expertise and training, particularly in the area of research and agricultural policies and qualifying.
He appealed to the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of South Africa to visit Syria for the Syrian agricultural situation and discuss activating the agricultural cooperation between the two sides.
For his part, and Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa about the importance of agricultural cooperation with Syria, especially the import of olive oil and without a mediator, as well as citrus and various agricultural products.
مدير إدارة الشرق الأوسط في الخارجية البرازيلية: الأزمة في سورية شأن داخلي نرفض التدخل الخارجي فيه
Brazil Reiterates Rejection of Foreign Interference in Syria's Internal Affairs (direct export of Syrian olive oil to South Africa discussed)
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/10/27/378243.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/10/27/378304.htm
Oct 27, 2011
BRAZILIA, (SANA) - Director of the Middle East Department of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Martins Ceglia, reiterated his country's rejection of foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs.
Meeting Syria's new Ambassador to Brazil Muhammad Khaddour, Ceglia said that the crisis in Syria is an internal affair and this constitutes the base for the Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and the IBSA group's interest to help Syria comes out of the crisis in cooperation with.
He stressed Brazil's support to reform projects that call for consolidating national dialogue in Syria, highlighting its keenness on the Syrian-Brazilian historic relations.
قانصو يطالب الحكومات الأوروبية بوقف الدعم الذي توفره للمجموعات الإرهابية المسلحة في سورية
Qanso demanding European governments to stop the support provided by the armed terrorist groups in Syria
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/10/27/378314.htm
October 27, .2011
Beirut, (SANA) -
Lebanese Minister of State Ali Qanso demanded the EU governments not to provide cover and support to armed groups that use violence in Syria under the title of the opposition.
Qanso called during a meeting with the Ambassador of Denmark in Lebanon, Jan Top Christensen to work to stop all forms of financial and political support and information provided by some European governments and the Bank for these groups that commit criminal acts in Syria.
(omitted)
Syrian Social Nationalist Party: Syria and the army leadership and the people stand compact front against foreign interventions and projects of sedition and anarchy
(omitted)
الخارجية الأمريكية : قرار استدعاء السفير من سوريا خطأ
U.S. State: the decision to recall the ambassador from Syria error
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=7150f72dc184ac5448bd9c7661ee5c82&ar=513843405
Wednesday - October 26 - 2011 - 9:28:52
Source described in the State's decision to call the U.S. ambassador from Syria as "wrong."
The newspaper "Asharq al-Awsat" the Saudi source said, "perhaps an order was issued from here to return him pity and fear for his life, without a comprehensive review of the echoes of it."
The source added that "I do not know if the decision was issued by the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or less from the official one." He added that "maybe someone here said to him, if I felt that the increased attack you, come here."
The source continued that "those responsible for foreign affairs in the Syrian spent almost all day trying to convince journalists that there is a difference between" call "and" cut ties "and" consultations. "He said he" probably will be investigated in this topic. NASA seems to be here did not plan much beyond the call Ambassador Ford. "
He criticized the source "The timing of the withdrawal of the ambassador at the time exacerbated the situation in Syria," and said, "how to say he was summoned to rest in this tense atmosphere, and while speaking U.S. officials in Congress for military operations in Syria?", In reference to statements made recently by Senator senior John McCain, which is likely the option of military operations, especially after the end of operations in Libya.
U.S. expects ambassador to return to Syria next month
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-10/27/c_122202173.htm
English.news.cn 2011-10-27 05:33:46
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. hoped that its ambassador to Syria can return to the country next month, said the State Department on Wednesday, urging Damascus to protect the safety of American diplomats.
"Well, let me just say that he's bought his Thanksgiving turkey for his embassy staff. And he wants very much to have a Thanksgiving dinner for his folks there," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said in a regular briefing.
"So that's our expectation, that it'll be, you know, sometime before Thanksgiving," she said. This year's Thanksgiving was on Nov. 24.
The State Department said in a statement Monday that the U.S. government has withdrawn its ambassador to Syria Robert Ford because of "credible threats" against his safety. A second secretary at the U.S. embassy in Syria's capital of Damascus confirmed to Xinhua on Monday that Ford left Syria Saturday for a "two-week vacation."
Nuland said Ford is now in the U.S. "having internal consultations, and "also seeing his family."
She made it clear that the U.S. wants the Syrian government to "stop the incitement, stop the attacks on him in state-sponsored media."
"We do intend for Ambassador Ford to go back, and when he does go back, we expect the Syrian government to do a better job of meeting their Vienna Convention obligations to keep him safe and to keep all of our personnel safe," she added.
Ford paid controversial visits to many restive areas in Syria recently in a show of support to anti-government protestors. Before he left Syria, Ford was hit on Friday with eggs and tomatoes while he was visiting the central Midan neighborhood of Damascus.
Syria has been plagued by unrest since mid-March when protests against President Bashar Assad's government erupted.
More than 3,000 people have been killed in the turmoil, according to figures released by the United Nations.
シリア 会談応じるも弾圧激化 (Syria suppresses oppositions more while accepting the Arab League delegation)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20111028/t10013567771000.html
http://backupurl.com/yhviey
10月28日 5時7分
シリアのアサド政権は、反政府デモへの弾圧をやめるよう求めてきたアラブ連盟との会談に応じた一方で、反政府勢力に対してさらに激しい弾圧を加えており、事態は打開策を見いだせないまま悪化の一途をたどっています。
シリアのアサド大統領は、２６日、首都ダマスカスで、反政府デモに参加する市民への弾圧をやめるよう求めてきたアラブ連盟の代表との話し合いに応じました。会談の詳しい中身は明らかになっていませんが、アラブ連盟側によりますと、アサド大統領は事態の打開に向けて協議を続けることに同意したということです。
ところが、こうした話し合いの間も、政権側は反政府デモへの激しい弾圧を続けていて、国際的な人権団体アムネスティ・インターナショナルによりますと、治安部隊は、病院に運び込まれたデモの参加者を探し出して拷問したり、治療に当たった医師を逮捕したりするなど、病院までも弾圧の標的にしているということです。
また、シリア国内の人権団体などによりますと、今月中旬にアラブ連盟が仲介に乗り出して以降、弾圧は一層激しくなり、２７日までの間に数多くの子どもを含むおよそ２００人が死亡したということで、事態は打開策を見いだせないまま悪化の一途をたどっています。
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