نقـــاش ودي وصــريــــح.. واتفـــاق عــلى اجتمــاع مــع الحــكومـــة في 30 الجــاري.. الرئيس الأسد يستعرض مع الوفد الوزاري العربي المبادرة العربية حول الأوضاع في سورية
Friendly and frank talk .. And agree to meet with the government on 30 July instant .. President al-Assad Reviews with the Arab ministerial delegation of the Arab initiative on the situation in Syria
http://tishreen.info/_default.asp?FileName=10882098420111027052747
http://backupurl.com/xz7i9r
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/10/26/378030.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/10/26/378084.htm
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Met with President Bashar al-Assad yesterday the Arab ministerial delegation headed by Shaikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani Prime Minister and Foreign Minister level.
During the meeting, the Arab initiative on the situation in Syria, and the discussion cordial and frank about what is happening in the country, it was agreed that there should be a meeting between the Arab Ministerial Committee and the Syrian Government on 30.10.2011 to continue trading as was discussed yesterday.
The Committee is composed of Ministers who attended the meeting, Dr. Nabil Arab Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Yusuf bin Alawi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, and Mourad Medelci, Algerian Foreign Minister, Ali Ahmed Karti Sudan's Foreign Minister, Muhammad Kamel Amr, Egypt's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Ben Helli, Deputy Secretary General of the League .
The meeting was attended by Walid Moallem, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Dr. Shaaban Political and Media Advisor at the Presidency of the Republic, and Dr. Faisal Miqdad Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Yusuf Ahmed representative of Syria's Permanent Representative to the Arab League, and the accompanying delegation to the ministerial committee.
(Oct 26, briefing by Qatari PM after meeting President al-Assad.)
http://www.youtube.com/user/manqolnn#p/u/4/j7IlNyWtv00
In a statement to reporters quoted (SANA) Description of the Qatari Prime Minister meeting with President Assad that he was a long, frank and friendly atmosphere were in and said: We are happy in the Arab Committee Belkaúna with President Bashar al-Assad.
He added: We talked to all the points came in the Arab initiative in all positive and explicitly and found in order to reach with the Arab Commission of the Syrian government to solve this issue so we agreed to continue meeting in the thirtieth of this month, pointing out that there was another meeting between the Arab and the Syrian government, whether in Damascus or on the sidelines of a conference of the Peace Initiative Committee in Doha.
He said there are points were agreed upon and the other you need to talk.
In response to a question on these points, said Qatari Prime Minister: We want to get to the results and for that we agreed that this issue remains under wraps that we agree or not agree and, God willing we will agree on a solution that would be practically out of the seriousness of the meeting, and we do not We want a transparent exit statement does not come does not matter the outcome of the Syrians and Arabs.
He added: There are things the Syrian side wants to studied more, and put us ideas we want to study, and we will meet, but there are some points agreed upon in bold and there are other points requested on the Syrian side that taught in the institutions of the Syrian in a day or two, we also serve as the Arab want to consult with us and we meet with our brothers in Syria and come up with something clear, adding: concerns us to stop fighting and stop the violence and not see death of any party.
In response to a question about the terrorist acts committed by terrorist groups armed against the Syrians said Qatari Prime Minister: Terrorism is a pariah in any country, anywhere, anytime but now we're in a crisis and during the crisis there may be many people exploit of any party and is important to us how we can wisdom and reason to stop fighting and there should not be victims of any party in Syria and begin the dialogue between the brothers the Syrians where they come together to meet the wishes of the people results in reform.
He added that the reform is needed today to resolve the crisis not only in Syria, there motionless happened in the Arab countries are in other Arab countries may continue this movement because we are now in a period where we need to do a radical reform, not reform a formality, and it is important to touch citizens in Qatar Syria, and anywhere that there is a sincere intention of the progress and implementation of reforms, not promises, and that there will be the implementation of these reforms, but it is also important to stop the violence from any source and stop the fighting and stop the armed manifestations.
أجواء «ودية وصريحة» في لقاء الرئيس الأسد وفد اللجنة العربية...اتفاق على نقاط وترك أخرى للنقاش والوزاري ... تفهم عقد أي حوار في دمشق
Atmosphere of «friendly and frank» in to meet with President Assad of the Arab delegation to the agreement ... and leave the other points for discussion and Ministerial ... Understand any dialogue held in Damascus
http://www.alwatan.sy/dindex.php?idn=111291
http://backupurl.com/b7pzno
10/27/2011
Meeting concluded that the Syrian leadership and the delegation of the Arab Ministerial Committee to «agreement to agree», no difference in the atmosphere of the meeting «a friendly and frank» in the words of the chairmanship of Qatar and the Syrian side to confirm
Which concluded that the two sides to walk the talk carefully to all points of the Arab initiative, which is most important about the outcome of the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee with the Syrian leadership yesterday, which worked better than the one that was unexpected, particularly after the Cairo meeting emergency two weeks ago, and which it was agreed to hold a meeting a second soon.
And open the door to a meeting yesterday, to study ways to agree on a solution based on «care to help Syria» do not click on them, for it was during the meeting, cordial and frank dialogue, marked by smiles, expressions and promote confidence between the parties.
And the keenness of the Syrian side, since the first moments, reaffirmed his desire to cooperate, but within the context of explaining the full picture of what is happening in Syria, without beauty, and especially after the blood tax paid during the past months and still are.
While keen Qatar, which led the Arab movement until now, to strengthen confidence in its efforts and ministerial delegation to «solve the Syrian crisis» and «Syria's help as you stop the violence and enhance the stability of the country», which concern all members of the Arab delegation to be considered «an essential part of system stability in the region and the Arab world both ».
The two sides reviewed some of the points of the Arab initiative, during the meeting, which lasted two and a half hours, but without going into details, and received a public debate on these items, which the parties agreed to keep it away from the media, at the present time, and even meeting the parties will likely in the Qatari capital on the sidelines meeting of the Ministerial Committee for the Arab initiative. A meeting which both sides see that it gives time for each of Damascus and the Commission to prepare for how good bilateral cooperation, to allow the achievement of results on the ground.
And asked the Syrian side on the issues in the Arab movement and promised to receive the answers, while the deadline to request documentation of his answers about the issues raised by the Ministerial Committee and require a response from the government institutions.
Al «alwatan.sy» understand that the Arab side to hold any dialogue anticipated in Damascus, not in any other place, and promotes the parties that this dialogue is the only way to get out of the current crisis.
President al-Assad met yesterday afternoon at the third ministerial delegation of the Committee under the chairmanship of Shaikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabir Al Thani. During the meeting, the Arab initiative on the situation in Syria, according to news agency said the Syrian «SANA» and Dar es «talk friendly and frank about what is happening in the country, it was agreed that there should be a meeting between the Arab Ministerial Committee and the Syrian government on 30 July instant to continue trading while a his research »yesterday.
The Committee is composed of Ministers who attended the meeting, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and the noble Arab Foreign Ministers of the Sultanate of Oman Yousuf bin Alawi Mourad Medelci, Algeria, Sudan Ali Ahmed Karti, Egypt, Muhammad Kamel Amr and Deputy Secretary General of the League, Ahmed Ben Helli.
The meeting was attended by the Syrian side, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Walid Moallem, Political and Media Advisor at the Presidency of the Republic Shaaban and Deputy Minister of Foreign and Emigrant Affairs Faisal Miqdad, Syria's Permanent Representative to the Arab League Yusuf Ahmed and his delegation to the Ministerial Committee.
In a press statement after the meeting, Shaikh Hamad said that the meeting was held in the «friendly atmosphere», pointing out «which had been addressed to all the points that came in the Arab initiative and explicitly all positive».
He said: «We have found in order to communicate to the Syrian government with the Arab, and therefore it was agreed to hold another meeting on 30 this month».
He added: «There are points that were agreed upon, and other points need to be studied by the two parties, and we want access to the results, and we want this issue to remain under wraps until it is agreed upon, God willing, and we do not want to get out a statement transparent not comes with no interest or concern to the Syrian Arab ».
He said: «What concerns us is to stop the fighting in Syria, and to stop violence by any party», saying «that terrorism pariah in any country, anywhere, at any time, but now we're in a crisis, and during this crisis, there may be many people take advantage of this crisis by any party, but it is important how we can be no victims of any party in Syria ». The official confirmed the country the importance of dialogue, and «access to the results where the support of the wishes of the people in reform, and reform today is required to resolve the crisis in Syria», said: «As you know, mobility has been in a number of Arab countries, being in other Arab countries, may continue this movement now, we are in the need to be a radical reform, not reform a formality, and the important thing is the citizen in any place that feels that there is a sincere intention to progress reforms and their implementation, not promises », and concluded:« What is important is to stop violence any source in the fighting, and stop the armed demonstrations because it does not accept any Arab or any Syrian ».
أجواء «ودية» أحاطت اللقاء «الصريح»... واجتماع بين«الحكومة السورية واللجنة» الأحد المقبل...الرئيس الأسد استقبل وفد اللجنة الوزارية
Atmosphere of «friendly» took the meeting «explicit» ... The meeting between «the Syrian government and the Commission» Sunday ... President al-Assad received the delegation of the Committee of Ministers
http://www.alwatan.sy/dindex.php?idn=111284
http://backupurl.com/jrpkh3
10/27/2011
Amid a friendly atmosphere greeted President Bashar al-Assad yesterday the delegation of the Arab ministerial committee chaired by Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, who confirmed the agreement on some points and that the other is still under debate », wishing to reach a« practical solution based on the seriousness of meeting »and announced a meeting between the Arab Ministerial Committee and the Syrian government on Sunday to continue trading as has been discussed.
He pointed to the need to «stop the violence from any source and stop the fighting and stop the armed manifestations now», also stressed the need «to radical reform does not tinker» touch and sincere citizens of the progress and implementation of reforms, not promises.
During the meeting, review of the Arab initiative on the situation in Syria and the discussion cordial and frank about what is happening in the country, the transfer of a presidential statement.
The Arab ministers decided the middle of this month to form a committee of Arab and ministerial under the chairmanship of Qatar and its memberships are Egypt and the Sultanate of Oman, Algeria, Sudan and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, set a mission to «Contact the Syrian leadership to stop all acts of violence and fighting and the lifting of all aspects of the military and the start of the dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition parties for the implementation of political reforms that meet the aspirations of the Syrian people ». Damascus and announced last Wednesday its consent to receive the committee without ministerial approval to declare that the Arab initiative.
The head of delegation in a statement to reporters after meeting with President Assad yesterday HE members of the Arab Committee, describing the meeting as «long and frank» pointing out that in a friendly atmosphere.
He noted, Shaikh Hamad said the meeting discussed «in all the points contained in the Arab initiative in all positive and explicitly», he added: «We found in order to reach with the Arab Commission by the Syrian government to solve this issue, so we agreed to continue meeting in the thirtieth of this month», He pointed out «that there is another meeting between the Arab and the Syrian government in Damascus or whether on the sidelines of the Peace Initiative Committee in Doha».
The Qatari Prime Minister, the meeting witnessed a «to agree on some points and that other you need to talk», refusing to disclose the nature of what has been agreed, and said: «We want to get to the results and for that we agreed that this issue remain confidential to the to agree or not agree and, God willing Fsntfq a solution that would be practically out of the seriousness of the meeting .. We do not want to leave a transparent statement does not come does not matter the outcome of the Syrians and Arabs ».
And Hamad pointed to the existence of «things he wants the Syrian side that studied more» He also asked the Commission «ideas you want to study», he added: «We will meet, but there are some points agreed upon in bold and there are other points requested on the Syrian side that taught in the institutions of Syria during the day or two », pointing out that the Arab Committee want to consult with each other and meet with our brothers in Syria and graduated with something clear, adding:« concerns us to stop fighting and stop the violence and we will not see any dead party ».
In response to a question about the terrorist acts committed by terrorist groups armed against the Syrians, the Prime Minister the country that «terrorism pariah in any country, anywhere, anytime» he said «We are now in a crisis and during the crisis there may be a lot of people exploit any Party », pointing out that the important thing now« How can the wisdom and reason to stop fighting and there should not be victims of any party in Syria and begin the dialogue between the Syrian brothers to each so that they come to the results meet the wishes of the people in the reform ».
He added: Reform needed today to resolve the crisis not only in Syria, there motionless happened in the Arab countries are in other Arab countries may continue this movement because we are now in a period where we need to do a radical reform, not reform nominally »saying that the important« to touch the citizen in Qatar and Syria, and anywhere that there is a sincere intention to advance reforms and implementation, not promises, and that there will be the implementation of these reforms, but it is also important to stop the violence from any source and stop the fighting and stop the armed manifestations now », he said.
And of the ministerial committee that attended the meeting, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Nabil Arab and Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Yusuf bin Alawi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria Mourad Medelci, Foreign Minister of Sudan Ali Ahmed Karti, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt Muhammad Kamel Amr, in addition to the Deputy Secretary General of the League, Ahmed Ben Costume.
The meeting was attended by the Syrian side, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Walid Moallem, Political and Media Advisor at the Presidency of the Republic Shaaban and Deputy Minister of Foreign and Emigrant Affairs Faisal Miqdad, Syria's Permanent Representative to the Arab League Yusuf Ahmed and his delegation to the ministerial committee.
المعارض فايز سارة: كلام رئيس الوزراء القطري يُخفي اختلافاً بين الوفد العربي و سوريا
Fayez Sarah exhibitions: Qatari Prime Minister's words hide the difference between the delegation and Syrian Arab
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=85714d826ca8335fe8419c108a3b88cd&ar=250521119
Thursday - October 27 - 2011 - 18:20:10
Syrian opposition considered that Fayez Sarah "What the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Qatar Prime Arab Ministerial Committee, Shaikh Hamad Al-Thani (from Damascus after meeting with President Bashar al-Assad of the Committee) is the word of diplomatic hide the different viewpoints of the delegation with the Syrian leadership."
Sarah expressed his conviction that "there is no agreement on anything between the Arab delegation and the Syrian leadership, especially on the subject of stop security solution and dialogue with the opposition."
Sarah and expressed his belief that "the League of Arab States would soon take decisions related to Damascus are the basis for significant changes in the international situation."
And the Italian news agency "AKI" reported about Sarah saying, "what he said Shaikh Hamad was the answer diplomatically hide the mismatch between the Arab delegation and Syrian presidency, but he did not close the door, was ignored half open even to meet the thirtieth of this month in Doha, which would be its result is better because Syrian authorities in their choices do not intersect with the initiative of the League. "
And on the most important points that have been agreed upon has been postponed to the end of this month, said Sarah that "what was agreed upon has no value procedural, it is a consensus on the general framework on the need to compromise and open dialogue and access to the results, and procedures were not agreed on anything" .
And on "procrastination", which accuses the Arab League and to consider the protesters, the Syrians that it gives the system time-out to end the protests, he drew Sarah that "the Arab League is not procrastinating, but the Syrian regime, and the League is trying to intervene and to reach a solution, and this is the second attempt it, the former regime had rejected Before the second and refuses to return to deal with it in form, and I think it is rejected by taking advantage of the reality of their time in following up the security solution on the one hand and taking advantage of the policy in the terms it would accept an Arab initiative. "
Davutoğlu: Assad following path Gaddafi once walked
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-261029-davutoglu-assad-following-path-gaddafi-once-walked.html
26 October 2011, Wednesday / TODAY'S ZAMAN, ANKARA
Turkey regrets seeing Syria following the same chaotic process that Libya went through, but Bashar al-Assad is brushing off friendly advice to step down, just like Muammar Gaddafi did when Turkey told him that Libyan unrest would bring about his demise, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu told Turkish media over the last two days as he proceeded from a visit to Serbia to the Middle East.
"Our prime minister [Recep Tayyip Erdoğan] was telling Gaddafi the same things he is telling Assad today; but I am afraid Syria is moving toward a similar period [as Libya]," Davutoğlu told the Star daily in an interview the paper published on Wednesday. Noting that Turkey had informed Gaddafi of what could and would eventually happen after he lost his grip over protests in Libya, Davutoğlu expressed his sorrow over the brutal killing of Gaddafi by his own people, as he dubbed what he saw in the footage of his death as "scenes that hurt our conscience."
According to Davutoğlu, Turkey has tried hard to prevent a clash similar to what happened in Libya over the last few months from being repeated in Syria, but the calls have gone unanswered. "He [Erdoğan] told Assad to hold elections, and let the Syrian nation decide on the future of the country, but Assad does not listen, just like Gaddafi did not," Davutoğlu was quoted as saying by Star.
The remarks from the foreign minister were the most recent from Turkey on Syria after a long break of contact with that country, as Turkish officials in the past repeatedly called on Assad to backpedal and go for democratic reforms and elections, but sharply cut down on efforts when Assad made clear he would not heed advice from other countries. "The process does not play out well for leaders who do not receive their power from their nation; once they lose political power, it is either jail or a grave that they end up in," Davutoğlu commented in harsh words that noted how critical Turkey perceived the condition of leaders of the Arab Spring who resist change and the will of their people.
"We clearly see Assad is no more capable of orchestrating the process [of democratization]," Davutoğlu was quoted as saying by the Bugün daily on Wednesday, as he repeated his take on the Syrian issue as a struggle already lost by Assad, who "refused to lend an ear to what Turkey had to say and walked away from his promises every time."
Offering an explanation to Turkey's approach to the Arab Spring leaders, particularly to Assad, Davutoğlu suggested that it is "elections that serve the will of the people," that a leader could remain in power or had to step down, make way for change but in return still remain a person liked by his people, even after he is replaced by the outcome of the vote.
Although Turkey -- once a strategic ally of Syria despite an up-and-down relationship for decades -- initially refrained from asking Assad to step down, violent crackdowns against democratic protesters all around the country persuaded Turkish officials that reforms demanded by the Syrian people would not be met by the Assad regime, and the country halted efforts to engage with the Syrian regime. Turkey was once on the verge of war with Syria as the Syrian regime allegedly sheltered Abdullah Öcalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), but tension eased when Syria expelled Öcalan in the late 1990s, leading to his capture by Turkey in 1999. Davutoğlu ruled out fears that Syria may go back to its policy of mobilizing PKK forces to terrorize Turkey in the face of the fallen alliance between the two countries, telling the Yeni Şafak daily that "Syria should not even think about doing that, based on previous experience." "Everyone knows where that road leads."
"Turkey has had no contact with Syria since the latest visits," Davutoğlu was quoted as saying by Yeni Şafak on Wednesday in response to a question on whether Turkish efforts to push Assad to comply with the demands of Syrians were still ongoing. Davutoğlu visited Syria over the summer for the last time before Assad raised the tone of crackdowns on his people, and as bloodshed continued, communication was cut between the countries. Turkey further backed up the stance with an improved arms embargo on Syria back in September and continues to provide shelter, food, medical care and education to some 7,000 Syrians who fled their country to seek refuge in the Turkish-Syrian border province of Hatay. Since May, around 20,000 Syrians in total fled to refugee camps in Hatay.
On Wednesday, Davutoğlu came together with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman as part of his tour of the Middle East.
The meeting, which lasted 45 minutes, focused on developments in the Middle East and especially in Syria, officials said.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh was also in attendance.
Foreign minister tells Syria not to stir up Turkey
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=foreign-minister-tells-syria-not-to-stir-up-turkey-2011-10-26
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
DENİZ ZEYREK
DOHA - Radikal
Syria's embattled government should not even consider trying to incite Turkey's Kurds in a bid to foment tension in its northern neighbor, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has warned Damascus during talks on the Arab Spring in Qatar.
"They should think about the past and not even think about playing such a card. Everyone will see the results of such an act," Davutoğlu said Oct. 25 during an official visit to Doha.
Davutoğlu met the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) Chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil as part of his talks in Doha.
Speaking about the death of former Libya leader Moammar Gadhafi, Davutoğlu said he was sorry about the violent nature of the colonel's end.
"Even though it may be explained through social and psychological reasons, I was sorry [to see this end]. I watched for a while and then could not watch more. It is saddening that a political and biological life has ended in this way for a leader who was present for almost the entire time during and after the Cold War," said Davutoğlu.
But Gadhafi was also somewhat responsible for his end because he ignored his people's demands and international calls, including ones from Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for reform, Davutoğlu said.
'Can't survive without legitimacy'
Davutoğlu refuted recent reports that Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad could share Gadhafi's violent end, saying the two countries had different structures.
"Syria's ethnic structure is different than Libya. It is located in a more critical political region. [Syria] has unsolved problems with Israel. It [is close to] sensitive places like Lebanon and Iraq," said Davutoğlu.
The minister, however, said Syria was similar to Libya in that it was not possible for governments who lose legitimacy in the eyes of their people to survive. "There are lessons from Libya that everyone can take."
Jalil, meanwhile, offered condolences following the massive earthquake that killed hundreds of people in the eastern province of Van while also saying Libya would never forget Turkey's support during his country's hard times.
Davutoğlu said Turkey's assistance to Libya would continue and added that Turkey hoped to help restore Libya's political, economic and security systems while also improving cooperation with the North African country.
During his talks in Doha, the Turkish foreign minister also met with Nabeel al-Arabi, the head of the Arab League, as well as Qatari Amir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Crown Prince Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Premier and Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani.
Davutoğlu yesterday proceeded to Jordan, where he was scheduled to meet with King Abdullah and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh.
Davutoğlu says Turkey responsible for defending Syrians, Palestinians
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-261167-davutoglu-says-turkey-responsible-for-defending-syrians-palestinians.html
27 October 2011, Thursday / TODAY'S ZAMAN, ANKARA
The Turkish foreign minister said it was Turkey's responsibility to protect Syrians from chaos and oppression and ensure the liberation of Palestinians through the foundation of a sovereign Palestinian state, announcing that Turkey would coordinate with Jordan to both ends in a visit to Amman on Wednesday.
"We will not allow chaos and despotism to take hold in Syria; it is our responsibility to the Syrian people," Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu was quoted by the Anatolia news agency as telling reporters at a joint press conference with his Jordanian counterpart, Nasser Judeh, on Wednesday. He underlined that Turkey would do whatever it took to realize the legitimate demands of the Syrian people and said the country was determined to coordinate with Jordan, Syria's southern neighbor, to that end.
"We hope that the initiative of the Arab League will work; bloodshed needs to stop first and foremost; reforms are otherwise impossible," Davutoğlu further noted in remarks that came shortly after at least 20 people died in clashes between Syrian security forces, protesters and defecting soldiers, and while President Bashar al-Assad was meeting with Arab ministers seeking to end months of violence. Davutoğlu also met Arab League head Nabil al-Arabi on Tuesday as he was visiting Qatar, prior to proceeding to Jordan on Wednesday.
Touching on the issue of Palestine, Davutoğlu repeated the well-known stance of Turkey from Amman, saying that a sovereign state of Palestine needed to be established in line with its 1967 borders, prior to the Israeli occupation of most Palestinian territory and that the foundation of the state was a responsibility for the international community.
"It is not a favor to Palestinians, it is a responsibility," Davutoğlu said on Wednesday as he stressed the need for the establishment of a Palestinian state, a situation that has been ongoing for decades but has gotten tangled up in negotiations between Palestinian and Israeli officials. Recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state in the UN will lead the way to peace, the Turkish foreign minister said, as a Security Council vote approaches to decide on the Palestinian bid for membership in the UN. Turkey emerged as a strong supporter of Palestine back in September in the General Assembly.
Davutoğlu said Turkey placed great importance in Jordan's role in both issues and called that country the principal actor with regard to the future of Palestine, as he praised the role of Jordan in every step along the way to stabilization in the Middle East.
Jordan is one of the countries that offered extensive help to Turkey in the aftermath of Sunday's magnitude 7.2 earthquake that shook Turkey's east and rendered thousands homeless and in need of shelter in the approaching winter. "The helping hand of our brothers in Jordan is a historic one that comes right from the heart," Davutoğlu said in words to express Turkish gratitude to Jordan, which declared it would send help to the country.
Davutoğlu also praised Jordan's "correct assessment" of the developments of the Arab Spring and the country's efforts to introduce reforms due to the efforts of Jordanian King Abdullah II, whom he met during his visit to discuss bilateral relations as well as Arab Spring developments in general. Davutoğlu also expressed Turkey's determination to establish a high-level strategic council between Jordan and Turkey and announced that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan intended to visit Jordan soon.
Joint force closes 2 illegal Syria border crossing points
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2011/Oct-27/152344-joint-force-closes-2-illegal-syria-border-crossing-points.ashx
October 27, 2011 01:19 AM
The Daily Star
BEIRUT: Two illegal crossing points on the Lebanese-Syrian border were closed Wednesday by the countries' joint border force, as part of efforts to reduce arms smuggling to Syria.
The National News Agency reported that the force used two bulldozers to close two illegal border crossings near the village of Majdal in Wadi Khaled on the northeastern Lebanese-Syrian border.
The move is being accompanied by stricter security measures with units from the force patrolling the area.
The NNA said that the closure of the border crossings is a prelude to closing other illegal outlets that are being used to smuggle arms to Syria.
Syrian troops plant mines by Lebanon border: local official
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2011/Oct-27/152379-syrian-troops-plant-mines-by-lebanon-border-local-official.ashx
October 27, 2011 03:16 PM (Last updated: October 27, 2011 04:49 PM)
Agence France Presse
TRIPOLI: Syrian troops were seen planting mines along a region bordering northern Lebanon early on Thursday in a bid to stem weapons smuggling, a local Lebanese official told AFP.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said the troops began planting the mines at dawn in an area facing two Lebanese villages -- Knaysseh and Al-Hnayder.
"Lebanese officials told us the Syrians undertook the measure to prevent weapons smuggling," he said.
"A number of Syrian soldiers were also seen deploying on their side of the border, near the Syrian villages of Heet and Buwayt," he added.
The area is separated only by mounds of earth and for long has been used to smuggle goods between the two countries. Lebanese and Syrian nationals previously also circulated freely between the two countries.
But tension in the region has mounted since the revolt against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime erupted in March and some 5,000 Syrians, among them defecting soldiers and opposition activists, have sought refuge in Lebanon.
Experts say weapons smuggling from Lebanon to Syria has thrived since the revolt began but not on a large scale. They also point out that, the smuggling appears to be the work of individuals rather than political parties opposed to the Assad regime.
Lebanese Authorities Close Two Illegal Crossing Points on Northeastern Borders with Syria to Combat Smuggling
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/10/27/378090.htm
Oct 27, 2011
BEIRUT, (SANA) – The Lebanese authorities on Wednesday announced that two illegal crossing points on the northeastern borders with Syria were closed as part of Lebanon's diligent efforts to prevent smuggling, particularly smuggling weapons to Syria.
The joint security forces for monitoring borders used two bulldozers to close the two crossing points opposite the town of al-Majdal, accompanied by extensive security measures including vehicular and on-foot patrols.
Several other illegal crossing points believed to be still in use for smuggling arte set to be closed by the Lebanese authorities.
سفير سوريا في لبنان :حجم الأسلحة المهربة لسوريا يستدعي مراجعة أجهزة الامن بلبنان
Syria's ambassador in Lebanon: the volume of smuggled weapons to Syria calls for review of the security services in Lebanon
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=4f2d3826515adae5a9d451670f64d419&ar=831835337
Thursday - October 27 - 2011 - 12:01:23
Syrian ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abd al-Karim Ali said in an interview to "Al-Manar" that Syria is being conducted a critical review of the reality of the Syrian and the strengths and weaknesses in order to diagnose the condition more, stressing his country's openness to the opinion of others, notably the Arab brothers.
The ambassador Ali to be "in Syria, there are extremist forces carry weapons, so it forced the state to maintain its security and to address those elements that abuse of national security and interests of the people."
Ambassador Ali felt that "the statements of the Qatari Foreign Minister Shaikh Hamad bin Jassim indicate that the Arab Ministerial Committee realized the seriousness of the Syrian leadership on the development of the internal structure to strengthen Syria."
The ambassador stressed that "the priority of the United States to protect the security of Israel and its commitment to democratic life in the Arab countries is not true."
Ali said he believed that "the volume of seizures of smuggled weapons to Syria and the size of which appears in the Lebanese investigations calls for review of the Lebanese security services," stressing the desire of the Syrian Embassy on all the meanings of cooperation. "
With regard to First Lieutenant Ali Salah Haj, said: "I think that what it calls the right of equitable and review what I know about the officers that impulsive and enthusiastic, honest and sincere and deserves recognition, not defamation." The ambassador expressed the regret that the betting on the fall of the regime in Syria will be disappointed.
He emphasized that "whether or not the financing of the International Tribunal is Lebanon's internal affairs and the decision which is due to the government in Lebanon and the rivals within the government."
And on the transfer of the headquarters of the Syrian embassy in Hamra, said he "had to move to the new building of the Syrian Embassy in Yarze two months ago, but the contractor delayed in the process of recognizing the building, and this is purely natural and does not require any interpretation."
Assad tells Nasrallah Syria not opposed to STL funding: report
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2011/Oct-27/152378-assad-tells-nasrallah-syria-not-opposed-to-stl-funding-report.ashx
October 27, 2011 03:05 PM
The Daily Star
BEIRUT: Syrian President Bashar Assad has reportedly told Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah during a recent meeting that Syria is not opposed to funding for a U.N.-backed tribunal probing the assassination of statesman Rafiq Hariri.
A report carried by Al-Akhbar newspaper Thursday said Assad met Nasrallah in Damascus less than 10 days ago and the two sides discussed regional issues, including the position of the Hezbollah-led March 8 coalition over funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
"The two men, however, had a different approach to the STL funding issue," Al-Akhbar wrote.
It said Assad told Nasrallah he did not object to STL funding and expressed concerns over the continuity of the government and the need not to destabilize it, and to prioritize the protection of the resistance in the face of global challenges.
Nasrallah, however, restated his rejection of the funding, telling Assad it was a matter of principle for the resistance.
Assad's remarks over the funding were not new, Al-Akhbar said.
According to the newspaper, the leader made similar remarks during an Oct. 8 meeting in Damascus, when he told a senior visiting Lebanese official that he supports STL funding.
Assad at the time hinted that he was going to try to make Hezbollah change its mind and support the funding.
"But Nasrallah's visit to Damascus reflected Hezbollah's deep-rooted commitment toward objection to finance the STL," Al-Akhbar said
The paper quoted Assad as telling Nasrallah in the latest visit that he would not delve into the STL issue any further, saying it was an internal Lebanese affair and that he would leave it up to Hezbollah and its allies to "take the appropriate decision that is in the best interest of the resistance."
When contacted by The Daily Star, Hezbollah's press office would neither confirm nor deny the report.
صحيفة : تنسيق على أعلى المستويات بين سوريا و ايران و حزب الله و حماس .. وخطوات مهمة بعد عيد الأضحى
Newspaper: coordination at the highest levels between Syria and Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas .. The important steps after the Eid al-Adha
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=2aa378df93b799cede7337a3498f84b8&ar=669595747
Thursday - October 27 - 2011 - 12:11:13
Sources Islamic informed of Beirut's "al-Safir" that "contacts at the highest levels occurred and are occurring between the Syrian and Iranian officials and the two" Party of God "and" Hamas "movement to keep up with rapid changes in the region, from Tunisia in the light of the Renaissance (al-Nahdah) party won the election, to Syria, which pressure is mounting the international, through Egypt and Yemen, as well as prepare for the post-Great American decision to withdraw from Iraq. "
Sources reported that "senior Iranian official recently visited Syria and discuss developments with President Bashar al-Assad, where it was agreed on a series of important steps between the leaderships of the two countries will be put into effect after the Eid al-Adha, and the purpose of enhancing the resilience Syrian and achieving national reconciliation and a willingness to face any negative developments might get."
According to the information sources themselves, the "President Assad will chair personally reconciliation conference to be held after the feast," and pointed out that "the Syrian leadership was keen to engage positively with the Arab initiative obstructs the state of negative attitudes and to show good will towards the Arab League, despite the Syrian reservations on the content of the initiative and said that the Syrian leadership tends to take unconventional steps in terms of amending the Constitution and the simplification of procedures and security measures as they will interact positively with tips from friendly countries such as Russia, China and Iran in order to strengthen the internal situation and deal positively with the reformist opposition Interior willing to dialogue and rejection of foreign intervention. "
The sources pointed to "meetings held on the leading level high among the" Hamas "and" Party of God "during which they review each situation in the region, especially what is happening in Syria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen, where it was agreed to increase coordination and cooperation between the movement and the party in order to keep up with what is going on and address some problems in terms of the relationship between forces and Islamist movements in the Arab world. It was also agreed with Iranian officials to do some practical steps to keep up with what's going on and to increase cooperation between all the forces of resistance and all Islamic movements. "
The sources confirmed that "the leadership" of Hamas, "remain in Damascus and all the movements and contacts undertaken by the movement that in terms of the exchange of prisoners or Palestinian reconciliation or visits to Arab countries in coordination with the Syrian leadership and the relationship between Syrian officials and the leadership of" Hamas "is a very good relationship" , and pointed to "hold several meetings between the Political Bureau chief Khaled Meshaal and Syrian officials have broken both frankness and openness about what is happening in Syria is on the situation of Palestinian and Arab and Islamic."
She said of the "axis of Syria, Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas enjoys these days the best relations between the parties and that there is a firm conviction that what is happening from the variables in the region would work for the benefit of this axis, and the forces and the Islamic movements that are linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, which is investigating political results. significant at the level of the Arab political reality is not far from the atmosphere of coordination with the components of this axis. "
The sources said that "the most important event strategic broadly as the region in the next two months is to withdraw the U.S. military from Iraq and to be prepared to keep pace with this development and the forces and the axis of the resistance and in coordination with major countries like Russia, China, India, Brazil and South Africa will be ready to fill the vacuum of strategic and international tell what the American withdrawal from Iraq and the inevitable repercussions on the region and internationally. "
Sources, and stopped when the "key words launched by the Secretary General of" Hezbollah "Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an interview with" Al-Manar "Three days ago, excluding the military option against Syria, where he said that the West hesitated a lot before taking any military action against Syria." lest they "lead the attack on Syria to regional developments hurt Israel and the harm it may or roll the area to a very large regional war."
The sources pointed out that "the Americans and the Israelis have not read of Nasrallah's speech but this sentence, which reflected the great words said for the first time in this way the clear and direct that any Atlantic (NATO) adventure against Syria will drag the region into" a very large regional war. "
British ambassador pledges boost for Army
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2011/Oct-27/152332-british-ambassador-pledges-boost-for-army.ashx
October 27, 2011 01:19 AM
By Patrick Galey
The Daily Star
BEIRUT: The United Kingdom delivered a strong show of support for Lebanon Wednesday, pledging to increase military assistance against a backdrop of growing international disquiet over Cabinet's inability to reach agreement on funding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Following a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, British Ambassador Tom Fletcher said London's training of the Lebanese Army would "more than double over the coming months."
"The situation is always fragile," Fletcher told The Daily Star. "But our intention is that this is a long-term program because the judgment is that the Army one of the parts of the state that functions best."
Fletcher took over at the head of the U.K.'s mission in August, and has rapidly set about his country's three-part vision for Lebanon, set to include increased support for the military, protection for the banking sector and reform support.
"[Military training] is really the most tangible part of our plan, because you can see it happen," he said.
In the wake of his meeting with Mikati, Fletcher announced that "wise heads should prevail" on the acrimonious dispute over Lebanon's share of STL funding.
Bound by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1757, Lebanon must pay 49 percent of the annual running costs of the court, which is probing the 2005 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Lebanon has so far failed to come up with the cash, as the issue continues to divide the Cabinet, with the court's detractors calling for an STL boycott.
The U.N., the United States and the European Union have all warned that Lebanon could be slapped with sanctions should it renege on its international agreement and not pay the tribunal what it owes.
Fletcher took a more upbeat approach. "We hope for a resolution on his so we don't have to put the option [of sanctions] on the table. I am confident there will be a way through this, that there will be a Lebanese solution," he said.
"There are obviously more hawkish bits of the international community who are desperate to set this up as proof that Lebanon has moved out of the international orbit and it has become Hezbollah's state. This [approach] doesn't have Lebanon's interests at heart."
U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly warned Monday that Lebanon could face "serious consequences" if it refused to pay the $32 million it owes for 2011, while European Union Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst Tuesday told reporters her organization was mulling sanctions if the country blocks the funding.
United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jacob Walles, who arrived in Beirut Tuesday, held two days of talks with leading Lebanese officials including President Michel Sleiman, Speaker Nabih Berri, Mikati, Lebanese Army Gen. Jean Kahwagi and Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh on the troublesome issue.
"Mr. Walles underscored the need for Lebanon to meet all of its international obligations, including cooperating with and funding the [STL]," a U.S. Embassy statement said.
Fletcher also announced that Mikati was set to meet with British Prime Minister David Cameron and other high-ranking ministers during an official visit to Downing Street on Nov. 7.
The British ambassador said that discussions would touch on developments in Libya and Syria, as well as the STL.
"I am sure the tribunal will come up," Fletcher said.
مصر ترفض دخول 305 طن قطن من سورية
Egypt refuses to enter the 305 tons of cotton from Syria
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=4bbc13741ff727ccdbd88aedc048426a&ar=960349607
Wednesday - October 26 - 2011 - 13:45:59
Quarantine authorities rejected the Egyptian port of Damietta to enter a shipment of Syrian cotton up to 305 tons, for violating the requirements of international and Egyptian stone, while the company has imported mobilizing employees to demonstrate in front of the Damietta to pressure the government to pass the shipment.
Quoted by local media by the President of the Agricultural Quarantine, Ministry of Agriculture, "Ali Sulaiman," It was rejected shipment of $ 156 machine inside 16 containers, noting that the rejection is due to the gravity of the wealth of Egyptian agricultural and because they threaten crops and contrary to the requirements of the SPS in order to contain the seeds of cotton.
He explained, "Sulaiman" that the shipment will be returned to the country of origin, namely Syria, adding that he decided to increase the action of stone of various ports and ports to prevent the attempt imported into the country, while the alarm company should be returned to the country of origin within 21 days from the date of issuance of the decision.
العراق يستثني المواد المستوردة من سوريا من الفحص لمدة ستة أشهر
Iraq exempts materials imported from Syria, from the examination for a period of six months
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=e6179ee0878751e173d3c3251856d9ee&ar=298847244
Wednesday - October 26 - 2011 - 10:06:29
Iraqi government decided yesterday exempting goods imported from Syria from the examination for six months according to the system SGS, according to a statement of the Council of Ministers.
According to media sources, an Iraqi, said in a statement Iraqi Council of Ministers The Council decided to exclude examination of the goods imported from Syria to undergo inspection of the goods by the companies viewfinder SGS, and Wendel for six months until a solution forms of contracting with companies closer again with laboratories in Syria to be examined in Iraq (Baghdad).
And the Iraqi government refused to allow trucks from Syria to enter Iraq, upon notification of the Syrian side of the application of these procedures and to extend the time limits allowed for goods since the 1 / 4 to 15/7/2011 to enter without certificates of conformity, the possibility to extend this time limit, even for one last time, no matter how the damage and loss for the goods.
Was loaded and Syrian traders responsibility for this situation, given that the Ministry of Economy and Trade Syrian circulated through the chambers of commerce to the exporters of the new procedures be introduced by the Iraqi side, starting from 04/01/2011.
It is noteworthy that Iraq is the first trade partner of Syria three billion dollars.
سورية تطالب بتشكيل تكتل موحد يخدم المصالح العربية في مجال النقل الجوي وفق شروط متكافئة مع الاتحاد الأوروبي
Syria Calls for Forming Unified Bloc that Serves Arab Interests in Air Transport Sector
http://www.sana.sy/ara/4/2011/10/26/378011.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/24/2011/10/26/378034.htm
Oct 26, 2011
CAIRO, (SANA) – Syria called upon Arab countries to form a unified bloc that serves the Arab interests in the air transport sector and which has the same competitive terms as the European Union.
Syria's delegation to the 24th regular session of Arab Transport Ministers Council stressed that imposing sanctions and embargos by the US and the EU against civil activities, particularly in the field of aviation, is not admissible.
Meeting at the Arab League headquarters in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, the Council approved the agreement on regulating road transport of goods between the Arab countries and the multiple mode transport agreement.
The meeting also tackled issues related to developing transport in the Arab countries and enhancing the joint Arab cooperation.
The Council stressed the importance of continuing cooperation regarding the network of railway and land roads linking the Arab countries, in addition to the maritime project for linking the Arab seaports.
A proposal on establishing an information bank on road transport in the Arab world was referred to the technical committee for study.
The Council also recommended for holding the conference scheduled to bring together Arab Transport Ministers and their European counterparts, assigning the task of setting up a unified draft agreement for negotiations with the European Union to the Arab Civil Aviation Commission.
In a statement to SANA correspondent in Cairo, head of the Syrian delegation Assistant Minister of Transport Rajeh Sarei' underlined the importance of the multiple mode transport and the regulation of road transport for goods between the Arab countries agreements in facilitating transport between the Arab countries.
Talks to Establish Syrian-Iraqi Free Trade Zones on the Syrian-Jordanian Zone's Model
http://www.sana.sy/eng/24/2011/10/26/377914.htm
Oct 26, 2011
DARAA, (SANA) – Talks between officials from Syria and Iraq were held on Tuesday to discuss establishing joint Syrian-Iraqi free trade zones.
The discussions took place during a visit to the Syrian-Jordanian Free Trade Zone in Daraa governorate to inspect the work situation at the Zone and make use of its successful experience in attracting capitals.
وزير الاقتصاد: أهمية إقامة مناطق حرة مشتركة بين سورية والعراق لتجسيد الشراكة الحقيقية والتكامل الاقتصادي بين البلدين
Initial Copy Prepared for Contract to Establish Two Syrian-Iraqi Free Zones
http://www.sana.sy/ara/4/2011/10/26/378060.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/24/2011/10/26/378067.htm
Oct 26, 2011
DAMASCUS, (SANA)-Syria and Iraq discussed on Wednesday establishing two joint free zones in al-Yaroubiyeh and Abu Kamal on the Syria side of the joint borders and Rabiah and al-Qaem on the Iraqi side.
The discussion took place between Minister of Economy and Trade Muhammad Nidal al-Shaar and the Chairman of the General Commission of the Iraqi Free Zones, Salah al-Qaisi, who was briefed along with the delegation accompanying him on the results of the talks between the Syrian and Iraqi officials in this regard over the previous days.
On Tuesday, a Syrian-Iraqi visit was made to the Syrian-Jordanian Free Trade Zone in Daraa governorate to inspect the work situation at the Zone and make use of its successful experience in attracting capitals.
The meeting between al-Shaar and al-Qaisi came out with getting prepared the initial copy of the foundation contract for the due-to-be-established joint free zones. The statute and the investment system to regulate the two sides' companies' work for establishing the zones will be set up on the model of the Syrian-Jordanian Company.
The Minister expressed readiness to offer all facilitations to make the joint project and other future projects a success, hoping the joint free zones will contribute to increasing trade exchange between Syria and Iraq and attract capitals which will be used in industrial activities that will help provide new job opportunities.
He added that the joint Syrian-Iraqi free trade zones will also contribute to operating the Syrian ports in light of the several facilitations to be provided at these zones.
مصدر عسكري يمني يوضح تفاصيل تحطم طائرة الانتينوف بقاعدة العند التدريبية اليمنية
Yemeni military source shows the details of the crash of the Antonov rule Anad training of Yemen
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/10/27/378127.htm
October 27, .2011
Sanaa - SANA
Rif'at al-Assad attends the funeral of the late Crown Prince Sultan of Saudi Arabia
الوفود تصل الرياض لتقديم العزاء في الأمير سلطان
Delegations arrives at Riyadh to offer condolences in the Prince Sultan
http://www.alriyadh.com/net/article/678708
http://backupurl.com/mktu6u
الدكتور رفعت الأسد:الأمير سلطان ضحى بالكثير من أجل نصرة الأمة العربية والإسلامية
Dr. Rifaat Al-Assad: Prince Sultan sacrificed much for the support of Arab and Islamic nation
http://www.alriyadh.com/2011/10/26/article678883.html
http://backupurl.com/ojfeqn
Jordan's King Abdullah on Egypt, Syria and Israel
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/jordans-king-abdullah-on-egypt-syria-and-israel/2011/10/24/gIQAejhRDM_print.html
By Lally Weymouth,
2011.10.24
During the World Economic Forum he hosted at the Dead Sea over the weekend, Jordan's King Abdullah II spoke with The Post's Lally Weymouth. Excerpts:
Q. How do you see Egypt's future?
A. I went to Egypt after visiting the U.S. in May. I had a message from the administration for General Tantawi. [Muhammad Hussein Tantawi is head of Egypt's military ruling council.]
How did your visit to Egypt go?
With Tantawi — fantastic. We had a very good meeting.
It is astounding that Tantawi did not take President Obama's call for hours the night the Israelis were trapped in their embassy in Egypt.
The feeling I got from the Egyptian leadership is that if they stick [their] necks out, they will just get lambasted like [former president Hosni] Mubarak did. So I think they are playing safe by just keeping their heads down, which I think . . . sometimes allows things to get out of control. . . . Tantawi thinks there is too much pressure on him.
From the streets?
No, from the West.
Do you and other leaders in this area believe you cannot rely on the U.S.?
I think everybody is wary of dealing with the West. . . . Looking at how quickly people turned their backs on Mubarak, I would say that most people are going to try and go their own way. I think there is going to be less coordination with the West and therefore a chance of more misunderstandings. Egypt is trying to develop its own way of moving forward.
And Jordan?
Two things make Jordan stand out. One is that we reached out to everybody and got a national dialogue committee. The other thing that made a major impact is that we have had demonstrations for the past 11 months but . . . nobody has been killed. It was a decision taken [from] Day One that we disarmed all our police. In other countries . . . their solution was to pull out their guns and shoot.
Do you think President Bashar al-Assad of Syria can last?
We have been very careful to keep all channels of communication open with the Syrians.
Does that mean you have talked to President Assad?
I spoke to Bashar al-Assad twice in the springtime. . . . Basically, they were not interested in listening to our advice. They basically told us that there are a bunch of thugs in Syria and they had everything under control. A couple of times I have felt that I should reach out to him, but I really don't know what to say. I think he does have reform in his soul but I don't think that type of regime allows for any potential reformist.
People are asking about an alternative to President Assad — can another Alawite or a Sunni overthrow him?
Nobody has an answer to Syria. . . . The regime seems to be quite strong. I think you are going to see continued violence for the time being.
In the West, you hear over and over that Assad's days are numbered.
My view is when you use violence on your people, that never ends well. But anybody would be challenged to say if that's [in] six months, six years or 16 years.
What is your assessment of Libya?
It took everybody by surprise. We were committed to the transitional council from Day One.
So you think the death of Colonel Gaddafi is a good thing?
There is an old saying that peace is going to be much harder than war. I think the challenge for Libya now is how to make this transition peacefully.
I heard that Hamas's leader, Khaled Meshal, is coming to Jordan.
Because of the loss of Egypt's political leadership, the rest of us are having to step up. On the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Jordan's relationship with the Palestinians has had to take a step forward.
You support Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's request for U.N. membership?
Yes, we do. It is out of desperation and frustration that they are going to the U.N. I think part of the problem is that in the U.S., you have your other [domestic] priorities. . . .
I think the [Obama] administration would be very wary to step out front without guarantees on the Israeli-Palestinian process, which is a shame because it is desperately needed now.
[The Arab Spring] is a disaster for Israel, isn't it?
You have seen what has happened in Egypt [and] Turkey. We are actually the last man standing with our relationship with Israel.
The Israelis are worried the Egyptians will break the [peace] treaty.
That is a very, very strong possibility.
Do you intend to support Jordan's treaty with Israel?
We have a peace treaty with Israel and will continue to do so because it helps both parties.
A lot of Israelis think your recent statements have been hostile.
What I am saying is they are missing an opportunity here and I am very concerned. This is the most frustrated I have ever been about the peace process. I think a lot of us have come to the conclusion that this particular [Israeli] government is not interested in a two-state solution.
What did you think of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's deal with Hamas to release an Israeli soldier ?
It is politics at the end of the day.
It was strange for Israel to be negotiating with Hamas.
I think all of us have been asking each other, what is the Israeli government's true intention right now? Since I am not convinced there is an interest in a two-state solution, the question I am asking is: What is Plan B?
You just appointed a new prime minister .
The new prime minister, Awn al-Khasawneh, has got an impeccable record; he is the ideal person to get us to national elections as quickly as possible.
If you look five years down the line, do you see yourself relinquishing some power to the parliament?
Probably sooner. We haven't shut any doors on relinquishing power. My mission is as quickly as possible to get Jordan to have a prime minister elected from a political party. . . . We need to create new political parties based on programs. . . .
The Arab Spring didn't start because of politics; it started because of economics — poverty and unemployment. . . . What keeps me up at night is not political reform because I am clear on where we are going. What keeps me up at night is the economic situation because if people are going to get back on the streets, it is because of economic challenges, not political.
Syrian Reform: Myths and Reality
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/global-issues/mena/syria/014-syria-myths/
1. Myth: President Assad has granted a general amnesty to political opposition movements, including the Muslim Brotherhood.
Reality: Many political prisoners were excluded from the amnesties, and many more innocent civilians have been detained since for political reasons.
2. Myth: Lifting the Emergency Law was the start of a Syrian reform process.
Reality: despite the promise of the Syrian government, it has done nothing to allow normal political life to resume.
3. Myth: The Syrian Government is facilitating a "National Dialogue" to hear ordinary Syrians' concerns
Reality: The regime selects which "ordinary" Syrians it would like to hear from and ignores any point of view that is inconvenient
4. Myth: The protests in Syria are the result of armed groups inciting trouble and deaths a result of terrorist attacks on the security forces and the army.
Reality: The UN report that government forces have killed over 3,000 protestors, including nearly 200 children.
5. Myth: President Assad is committed to delivering reform and just needs some time to regain security control.
Reality: Assad has had seven months to deliver reform but has not done so.
6. Myth: Syria's economic problems are a result of sanctions
Reality: For ordinary citizens the economic pain they are currently feeling is a direct consequence of the regime's actions – a result of the current violence and decades of economic mismanagement. International sanctions are targeted against the regime and its supporters and they have made regime actions more expensive. Any decision to pass these on to the Syrian people is one made consciously by the Assad regime.
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