Dec. 16. Anti-government demonstrations in al-Qatif, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.
Protesters were most powerful when they shout "Death to al-Saud family!!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3ksZDSSiQg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvnBL-MqvbI
Other videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rm91qg7Ju4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP3D3Ok_ROM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWyPqiWF4QE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92W5Hbm1cok
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szI9D37I_hA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSw_HFF34yA
Saudis stage fresh anti-regime rally
Fri Dec 16, 2011 9:11AM
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/215986.html
Anti-regime protesters in the oil-rich Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia have staged yet another rally against the ruling Al Saud family, Press TV learnt.
Demonstrations took place in a number of towns and villages in the eastern part of the kingdom, including the town of Qatif, which has been the scene of numerous anti-regime rallies over the past few months.
While calling for greater freedom and equality, protesters also condemned the government for the brutal crackdown on peaceful anti-regime demonstrators.
In November, regime troops opened fire on protesters in the towns of Qatif, Awamiya and Shweika in the Eastern Province, killing five protesters and injuring dozens of others.
Riyadh received condemnation from Amnesty International and other human rights organizations across the world for repressing protesters and reformists after the crackdown.
The kingdom's Eastern Province has been the scene of anti-regime demonstrations, with the outraged public urging reforms, realization of freedom of expression as well as the release of political prisoners.
Saudi activists say there are more than 30,000 political inmates, mostly prisoners of conscious, in jails across the kingdom.
On March 5, 2011, the Saudi Interior Ministry called all public gatherings "illegal," authorizing regime forces "to take all measures needed" against the people who defied the ban.
The implementation of the suppressive measures, however, has failed to dishearten the protesters.
Jordan set to end reliance on Egyptian gas
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44360
16 December 2011
By Taylor Luck
JORDAN IS SET to move away from Egyptian gas due to the growing unreliability of the country's main energy source, officials say.
In a statement earlier this week, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Qutaiba Abu Qura announced that the ministry is intensifying efforts to secure alternatives to Egyptian gas, on which Jordan relies for 80 per cent of its electricity generation needs, adding that the resource will not factor in the Kingdom's future energy plans.
The minister's statement, issued during a meeting of the Lower House Finance Committee, came amidst reports in the Egyptian press that Amman has gone back on its decision to ratify a new natural gas agreement, which was approved by the Cabinet in August and has been pending Cairo's approval.
Officials denied that Jordan has formally withdrawn its support for the amended agreement, under which Egypt is expected to triple gas prices.
"We have had no developments, either towards ending or signing the new agreement," Farouq Hiyari, the energy ministry's secretary general, told The Jordan Times.
Despite the denials, according to a ministry source, frustration over the unreliability of gas supplies and a lack of communication from the Egyptian side has led Jordanian officials to "give up" on an arrangement that at its peak supplied the Kingdom with some 300 million cubic feet per day.
The Egyptian ministry of petrol declined to comment.
Cairo has yet to resume pumping since a Sinai explosion cut supplies on November 28, marking the ninth attack on supply line since the beginning of the year and the third in less than a month.
The most recent attacks came amidst assurances by Egyptian authorities that an increased military presence in the Sinai Peninsula combined with the arrest of several jihadists allegedly behind the spate of attacks would lead to the security of the pipeline.
According to sources at E-Gas, one of the two firms that oversee the 400-kilometre Arab Gas Pipeline - which also supplies Israel - repairs have faced "unexpected" delays leading to the prolonged disruption, which has forced the Kingdom's power plants onto their fuel reserves at a cost of some JD3 million per day.
Economists say the series of attacks have had a direct impact on Jordan, with the series of disruptions pushing the national energy bill to record levels - over JD4 billion - and expected to widen the National Electric Power Company's budget deficit to JD1.4 billion by the end of the year.
"For months NEPCO has covered the difference in price between natural gas and heavy oil, but this burden has become unsustainable," NEPCO General Manager Ghaleb Maabreh recently told The Jordan Times.
According to officials, a ministerial team is to travel to Cairo "soon" to review the issue of gas supplies with their Egyptian counterparts before Jordan formally moves to end its decade-long reliance on Egyptian gas.
Meanwhile, Hiyari said talks are intensifying with Iraq and several Arab Gulf states over the potential of importing natural and liquid gas over the next decade as Jordan attempts to develop domestic energy sources including oil shale and nuclear power.
Despite the renewed efforts to secure additional energy sources, officials say it will take up to two years from the signing of any agreement before Jordan can benefit from a new energy market due to infrastructure requirements.
Should Jordan decide to end its decade-long reliance on Egyptian gas supplies, Hiyari said the government will resort to the international energy market to maintain electricity generation in parallel with its drive to secure additional energy sources.
"We will have no problem meeting the needs of electricity plants needs with oil and diesel during this period," Hiyari said.
Energy officials privately conceded that the move will impact electricity tariffs as heavy fuel oil and diesel are much costlier than Egyptian gas imports, which Jordan previously received at prices of less than half the international market rate.
Sources claim the government has previously hesitated to formally end the country's gas deal with Egypt for fear of raising electricity tariffs at a time of popular unrest over a struggling economy and a stalled political reform drive.
"Officials have finally come to the decision they can no longer wait around for the Egyptian situation to improve," said an energy official who was not authorised to speak to the press.
"They have come to the terms that Jordan can no longer rely on subsidised energy."
While an added economic burden for citizens, industry observers say the move away from Egyptian gas will serve as a boost to Jordanian oil shale, which experts say is cost competitive with unsubsidised natural gas, and renewable energy, which advocates claim has long been neglected in favour of subsidised fossil fuels.
Despite the recent boost in investments in the alternative energy sector, Jordan will not see the production of electricity from oil shale before 2016, while the first large-scale renewable energy project, a 90-megawatt wind farm south of Shobak, is not expected to come online before 2014.
Observers say uncertainty over Egyptian gas has elevated energy from a policy concern to an issue of national security for Jordan, which currently imports 98 per cent of its energy needs at a cost of 23 per cent of the gross domestic product.
2011/12/17
Dec 16 Economy
السورية للطيران تعيد افتتاح الخط الجوي المباشر بين حلب وبيروت بعد 9 سنوات من التوقف
Syrian Air re-opening of direct air route between Aleppo and Beirut after 9 years of stop
http://www.syriandays.com/?page=show_det&select_page=52&id=29330
its cache
Friday 12/16/2011
05:33:56
Announced the general agent of Arab Airlines Syrian Beirut Rashid Attar re-opening of the air route direct between Beirut and Aleppo, and after a halt since 2002, adding that "the tours will start from December 23, present, and twice a week on Monday and Friday."
The announcement comes in light of the imposition of the Arab League economic sanctions on Syria addressed either the aviation sector, which stipulates sanctions to reduce flights to and from Syria to 50%, due to acts of "violence" associated with the movement's anti-Syrian leadership, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.
And Attar pointed out that "after in-depth study was based on several factors related to the start of secure social networking between the two countries and peoples of Lebanon and Syria on the one hand in addition to the economic feasibility of this line, which believes in promoting economic and trade ties, tourism and investment considered management of the company's direct flights to Aleppo Airport Beirut twice a week to stimulate and support the brotherly relationship between the common interests between the two countries and peoples, hoping that the successful outcome of this communication good for everyone. and I confirm that we are the process of increasing the number of flights on this route in the future in the hope that we can also link this air route very close to city of Yerevan in Armenia. "
And about the effects of the air embargo, which could impose on Syria and its impact on the flights, "the Syrian" From Beirut Attar said, "We did not Ntbulg any signs or restrictions prevent us from conducting flights over the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, with the knowledge that we as an airline Syria going direct flights from Beirut and Damascus to Brussels twice a week. "
He Attar, in a press conference held in Beirut, that "the bookings that we receive it at our offices in Beirut are promising and demonstrate the turnout dramatically from Beirut to Aleppo and vice versa and this is what makes us confirm that we we will provide the best possible for travelers on board our aircraft services with reference to that the situation in Syria in general and in particular Aleppo is stable and safe. "noting that" at present, interest in the company's management development studies for the conduct of flights new long-term will be announced at the time until conditions are appropriate and the data for that. "
Syrian Airlines to reactivate Beirut-Aleppo flights
December 16, 2011 11:25 AM (Last updated: December 16, 2011 02:04 PM)
The Daily Star
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2011/Dec-16/157070-syrian-airlines-to-reactivate-beirut-aleppo-flights.ashx
BEIRUT: Syrian Airlines announced Friday it would resume direct flights between Beirut and Aleppo after a nine-year suspension.
The announcement was made by Syrian Airlines' Lebanon-based manager Rashed Attar.
Syrian Airlines, which suspended Beirut-Aleppo flights in 2002, will be running two trips a week on Mondays and Fridays starting Dec. 23, Attar told a news conference at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport.
"After an in-depth study based on securing social communication between the peoples of Lebanon and Syria, in addition to the economic benefit that this venue will bring which will strengthen tourism, trade, economic and investment ties, the company decided to schedule two direct flights to Aleppo via Beirut airport," Attar said.
The decision comes following growing pressure by the international community and Arab states on Syria to end its crackdown on protesters. Syria is already under economic and diplomatic sanctions.
Asked whether a possible air travel ban on Damascus would affect Syrian flights, Attar said: "We have not been informed of any restrictions that would prevent us from conducting flights via Rafik Hariri [International] Airport in Beirut."
Christmas shopping volume sinks this season
December 16, 2011 02:03 AM
By Mohamad El Amin
The Daily Star
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/Lebanon/2011/Dec-16/157028-christmas-shopping-volume-sinks-this-season.ashx
BEIRUT: The first weeks of the holiday season have been deemed slow by merchants across the capital as Christmas shoppers hunted for bargains and relatively cheaper gifts, complaining that soaring foodstuff prices have eroded their ability to buy expensive presents and luxury items.
The Daily Star spoke Thursday to a number of shoppers and merchants in three major commercial districts of Beirut: Hamra, Burj Hammoud and at ABC in Sassine.
One easily made observation as one walks through these markets is that a majority of shop browsers walk empty-handed with some looking at the window displays while others check out the prices without buying anything.
All except one of the shopkeepers interviewed said they were facing a slow holiday season with sales, significantly below what they expected for the busiest time of the year.
Mahmoud Ballout, the owner of a clothing shop, complained along with three other shopkeepers in Hamra Street that his business was not doing well this year.
"The year has been really bad for our business. We are slashing our prices to lure more customers but still we were not able to sell enough. Usually we start giving discounts during February, but this year they have already started. Tourists are also almost completely absent from the street," he said.
The same view was echoed by Freddy, a merchant in Burj Hammoud, who said his jewelry shop had not yet seen the generous holiday customers that he is accustomed to welcoming at this time of the year.
Paul Abu Elias, who was shopping for Christmas on Arax, Burj Hammoud's major commercial street, said people were nowadays generally reluctant to spend generously on nonessential items.
"Even those who are buying are limiting their purchases to necessary stuff," he said, adding that people have become much more concerned about prices than anything else these days.
But the whole picture was not gloomy: A Burj Hammoud merchant who did not want to be named said lowering prices was the key to boosting his sales.
"Whoever has the cheaper product will sell," he said, adding, "I saw a significant improvement this year after I lowered prices at the shop."
He said the success of his business depends on locally manufactured clothing, which he thought significantly improved his situation in the market compared to merchants selling imported goods.
Employees at various low-end shops, which were particularly busy, would not talk to The Daily Star, citing management restrictions.
Georges Murad, shopping for Christmas in Burj Hammoud's market, said most of his income went to providing bare necessities.
"No one monitors prices. Supermarkets are free to increase prices and no one is able to stop them," he said. Murad's comments were shared by various shoppers who said they barely make ends meet.
But Nadine, who was shopping for the holidays at ABC mall in Ashrafieh, thought there were a lot of bargains that customers could benefit from during the season.
"I have not noticed any increases in prices, at least on clothing and gift-items. In fact discounts have started somewhat earlier than usual this year," she said.
Hanna, another shopper, said he was avoiding expensive shops and looking for more reasonably priced gift items. "I believe people have become more price aware overall," he said, adding that Christmas was not about expensive gifts.
The head of Beirut Merchants Association Nicolas Chammas confirmed the reports of a slow season during an interview with The Daily Star Thursday, saying markets continue to recede under the pressure of regional and local unrest.
He said that 20-25 percent of total business volumes are generated each year by merchants during normal and quiet holiday seasons, but this year the picture was much gloomier.
"We had warned before that 2011 had been an already bad year for businesses and the continuing political wrangling continues to overshadow it," he said.
"Also strikes and protests contributed to the worsening situation," he added, referring to the demonstration staged by teachers Thursday.
Chammas reiterated that the tourism industry, imperative for energizing Lebanese markets, had suffered a blow because of the turmoil across neighboring Syria.
"Let us not forget that the Syrian situation had caused a drop in the number of tourists, especially those who come here for shopping often on a weekly basis. A lot of tourists who cross through Syria from Jordan and other countries are no longer able to cross over to Lebanon."
Chief economist at Byblos Bank Nassib Ghobril also took a dim view of the situation, saying ongoing political divisions and the Syria crisis are putting a damper on already dwindling consumer confidence.
Ghobril, who is in charge of the OSB-Byblos Bank Consumer Confidence Index, did not expect that December consumer confidence statistics, available next January, would bring any improvement.
"Consumers still have deep uncertainties, chiefly due to the country's continuing political crises. We will continue to see consumer confidence dwindling alongside political turmoil," he said, adding, "Also let us keep in mind that growth this year will not exceed 2 percent."
Last November the Byblos Bank-OSB Consumer Confidence Index had shown Lebanese consumers' confidence levels at their lowest during the first nine months of 2011 since 2007.
But the root of the problem, Chammas thought, was that residents are subject to continuous increases in their education, health care, electricity and transportation bills, leaving "discretionary income at just 50 percent of the income of a Lebanese family."
"The government should intervene to lessen these costs. That would be a more effective approach than wage increases," he suggested.
Syrian Air re-opening of direct air route between Aleppo and Beirut after 9 years of stop
http://www.syriandays.com/?page=show_det&select_page=52&id=29330
its cache
Friday 12/16/2011
05:33:56
Announced the general agent of Arab Airlines Syrian Beirut Rashid Attar re-opening of the air route direct between Beirut and Aleppo, and after a halt since 2002, adding that "the tours will start from December 23, present, and twice a week on Monday and Friday."
The announcement comes in light of the imposition of the Arab League economic sanctions on Syria addressed either the aviation sector, which stipulates sanctions to reduce flights to and from Syria to 50%, due to acts of "violence" associated with the movement's anti-Syrian leadership, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.
And Attar pointed out that "after in-depth study was based on several factors related to the start of secure social networking between the two countries and peoples of Lebanon and Syria on the one hand in addition to the economic feasibility of this line, which believes in promoting economic and trade ties, tourism and investment considered management of the company's direct flights to Aleppo Airport Beirut twice a week to stimulate and support the brotherly relationship between the common interests between the two countries and peoples, hoping that the successful outcome of this communication good for everyone. and I confirm that we are the process of increasing the number of flights on this route in the future in the hope that we can also link this air route very close to city of Yerevan in Armenia. "
And about the effects of the air embargo, which could impose on Syria and its impact on the flights, "the Syrian" From Beirut Attar said, "We did not Ntbulg any signs or restrictions prevent us from conducting flights over the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, with the knowledge that we as an airline Syria going direct flights from Beirut and Damascus to Brussels twice a week. "
He Attar, in a press conference held in Beirut, that "the bookings that we receive it at our offices in Beirut are promising and demonstrate the turnout dramatically from Beirut to Aleppo and vice versa and this is what makes us confirm that we we will provide the best possible for travelers on board our aircraft services with reference to that the situation in Syria in general and in particular Aleppo is stable and safe. "noting that" at present, interest in the company's management development studies for the conduct of flights new long-term will be announced at the time until conditions are appropriate and the data for that. "
Syrian Airlines to reactivate Beirut-Aleppo flights
December 16, 2011 11:25 AM (Last updated: December 16, 2011 02:04 PM)
The Daily Star
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2011/Dec-16/157070-syrian-airlines-to-reactivate-beirut-aleppo-flights.ashx
BEIRUT: Syrian Airlines announced Friday it would resume direct flights between Beirut and Aleppo after a nine-year suspension.
The announcement was made by Syrian Airlines' Lebanon-based manager Rashed Attar.
Syrian Airlines, which suspended Beirut-Aleppo flights in 2002, will be running two trips a week on Mondays and Fridays starting Dec. 23, Attar told a news conference at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport.
"After an in-depth study based on securing social communication between the peoples of Lebanon and Syria, in addition to the economic benefit that this venue will bring which will strengthen tourism, trade, economic and investment ties, the company decided to schedule two direct flights to Aleppo via Beirut airport," Attar said.
The decision comes following growing pressure by the international community and Arab states on Syria to end its crackdown on protesters. Syria is already under economic and diplomatic sanctions.
Asked whether a possible air travel ban on Damascus would affect Syrian flights, Attar said: "We have not been informed of any restrictions that would prevent us from conducting flights via Rafik Hariri [International] Airport in Beirut."
Christmas shopping volume sinks this season
December 16, 2011 02:03 AM
By Mohamad El Amin
The Daily Star
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/Lebanon/2011/Dec-16/157028-christmas-shopping-volume-sinks-this-season.ashx
BEIRUT: The first weeks of the holiday season have been deemed slow by merchants across the capital as Christmas shoppers hunted for bargains and relatively cheaper gifts, complaining that soaring foodstuff prices have eroded their ability to buy expensive presents and luxury items.
The Daily Star spoke Thursday to a number of shoppers and merchants in three major commercial districts of Beirut: Hamra, Burj Hammoud and at ABC in Sassine.
One easily made observation as one walks through these markets is that a majority of shop browsers walk empty-handed with some looking at the window displays while others check out the prices without buying anything.
All except one of the shopkeepers interviewed said they were facing a slow holiday season with sales, significantly below what they expected for the busiest time of the year.
Mahmoud Ballout, the owner of a clothing shop, complained along with three other shopkeepers in Hamra Street that his business was not doing well this year.
"The year has been really bad for our business. We are slashing our prices to lure more customers but still we were not able to sell enough. Usually we start giving discounts during February, but this year they have already started. Tourists are also almost completely absent from the street," he said.
The same view was echoed by Freddy, a merchant in Burj Hammoud, who said his jewelry shop had not yet seen the generous holiday customers that he is accustomed to welcoming at this time of the year.
Paul Abu Elias, who was shopping for Christmas on Arax, Burj Hammoud's major commercial street, said people were nowadays generally reluctant to spend generously on nonessential items.
"Even those who are buying are limiting their purchases to necessary stuff," he said, adding that people have become much more concerned about prices than anything else these days.
But the whole picture was not gloomy: A Burj Hammoud merchant who did not want to be named said lowering prices was the key to boosting his sales.
"Whoever has the cheaper product will sell," he said, adding, "I saw a significant improvement this year after I lowered prices at the shop."
He said the success of his business depends on locally manufactured clothing, which he thought significantly improved his situation in the market compared to merchants selling imported goods.
Employees at various low-end shops, which were particularly busy, would not talk to The Daily Star, citing management restrictions.
Georges Murad, shopping for Christmas in Burj Hammoud's market, said most of his income went to providing bare necessities.
"No one monitors prices. Supermarkets are free to increase prices and no one is able to stop them," he said. Murad's comments were shared by various shoppers who said they barely make ends meet.
But Nadine, who was shopping for the holidays at ABC mall in Ashrafieh, thought there were a lot of bargains that customers could benefit from during the season.
"I have not noticed any increases in prices, at least on clothing and gift-items. In fact discounts have started somewhat earlier than usual this year," she said.
Hanna, another shopper, said he was avoiding expensive shops and looking for more reasonably priced gift items. "I believe people have become more price aware overall," he said, adding that Christmas was not about expensive gifts.
The head of Beirut Merchants Association Nicolas Chammas confirmed the reports of a slow season during an interview with The Daily Star Thursday, saying markets continue to recede under the pressure of regional and local unrest.
He said that 20-25 percent of total business volumes are generated each year by merchants during normal and quiet holiday seasons, but this year the picture was much gloomier.
"We had warned before that 2011 had been an already bad year for businesses and the continuing political wrangling continues to overshadow it," he said.
"Also strikes and protests contributed to the worsening situation," he added, referring to the demonstration staged by teachers Thursday.
Chammas reiterated that the tourism industry, imperative for energizing Lebanese markets, had suffered a blow because of the turmoil across neighboring Syria.
"Let us not forget that the Syrian situation had caused a drop in the number of tourists, especially those who come here for shopping often on a weekly basis. A lot of tourists who cross through Syria from Jordan and other countries are no longer able to cross over to Lebanon."
Chief economist at Byblos Bank Nassib Ghobril also took a dim view of the situation, saying ongoing political divisions and the Syria crisis are putting a damper on already dwindling consumer confidence.
Ghobril, who is in charge of the OSB-Byblos Bank Consumer Confidence Index, did not expect that December consumer confidence statistics, available next January, would bring any improvement.
"Consumers still have deep uncertainties, chiefly due to the country's continuing political crises. We will continue to see consumer confidence dwindling alongside political turmoil," he said, adding, "Also let us keep in mind that growth this year will not exceed 2 percent."
Last November the Byblos Bank-OSB Consumer Confidence Index had shown Lebanese consumers' confidence levels at their lowest during the first nine months of 2011 since 2007.
But the root of the problem, Chammas thought, was that residents are subject to continuous increases in their education, health care, electricity and transportation bills, leaving "discretionary income at just 50 percent of the income of a Lebanese family."
"The government should intervene to lessen these costs. That would be a more effective approach than wage increases," he suggested.
Dec 16 Regional
وزراء الخارجية العرب يؤجلون اجتماعهم القادم بشأن سورية الى موعد غير محدد
Arab foreign ministers postpone their next meeting on Syria to an undetermined date
http://arabic.rt.com/news_all_news/news/574226/
16.12.2011 09:19
Quoted by news agency MENA, Arab League official said the Arab foreign ministers decided to postpone a meeting scheduled to be held in Cairo on Syria on Saturday, December 17 / December to a date to be determined later.
The agency quoted Ahmad Ben Helli, Deputy Secretary General of Arab League The Arab ministerial committee to resolve the crisis on Syria will meet in Doha on Saturday instead of meeting which was scheduled to be held in Cairo before the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
Ben Helli did not mention the postponement of the meeting, but said that the consultations that would hold a meeting of the Ministerial Committee in Doha instead of Cairo. The agency also said that efforts were being made to reach a formula "under which the Syrian government will sign a protocol on the Observer Mission of the Arab League until the mission assigned to it by the Council of the Arab League."
Source: Agencies
فرزلي والربيعي: بعد هزيمة الولايات المتحدة في العراق وانتصار سورية على المؤامرة لن يكون هناك قطب أوحد في العالم
Ferzli and al-Rubaie: After the defeat of the U.S. victory in Iraq and Syria on the plot will not be a uni-polar world
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388700.htm
December 16, .2011
Damascus, (SANA) -
Said Elie Ferzli Vice Chairman of the Board of Deputies of the former Lebanese that U.S. withdrawal from Iraq is a strategic turning point not only to Iraq but the entire region and said that the withdrawal will create a new Arab dawn basic social balance Syria and Iraq.
And Ferzli said in an interview for the Syrian Arab television from Beirut today that the Zionist-American project alternative of withdrawal from Iraq was the fragmentation of the region and tampering with the security of Syria, beating heart of Arabism, pointing out that America has worked before withdrawing to create an atmosphere of ethnic conflicts in the Arab and Islamic world in order to push the region to internal fighting and to create problems in each country to be the seeds of self-destruction as an alternative to the presence of its military forces directly.
Ferzli noted that some Arab satellite channels which ran sedition and try to split and fragmentation of the unity of the social components in Syria, the line was advanced to play the role of diverting attention from the American withdrawal from Iraq and suffered a defeat Washington to focus on the situation in Syria.
Ferzli hopes to have the American retreat from Iraq, an end to foreign intervention in the Arab region, warning that the Zionist incitement of the U.S. administration is based on the culture of the United States to pay more military involvement on behalf of "Israel" and service objectives in the region.
For his part, Hussein al-Rubaie, writer and political analyst of Iraq, in an interview, said that similar to Syrian fortress of the Arab nation and its heart is a partner of victory of Iraq and the defeat of U.S. military occupation and trying to take revenge of them for its resistor and said that after this historic moment in the defeat of the United States of America and the victory of Syria, certainly there will be no pole Oouhd in the world.
al-Rubaie noted that to the first goal of the U.S. occupation of Iraq was to achieve security "of Israel" must therefore be crowned the victory of the U.S. to withdraw within the strategy of the Liberation of Palestine, where expose the horrors of the occupation and what he did in Iraq crimes during the coming days.
Rubaie confirmed that the position of the people and the Iraqi government supports and hopes to close a Syrian victory because Syria and Iraq will re-role of the Arab nation was better than the Arabs to be the share of the new world order.
More than 4,500 Syrians sheltered in Lebanon: UN
December 16, 2011 08:49 PM
Agence France Presse
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2011/Dec-16/157104-more-than-4500-syrians-sheltered-in-lebanon-un.ashx
BEIRUT: More than 4,500 Syrians fleeing a brutal crackdown on a revolt against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad have found shelter in neighbouring Lebanon, with hundreds crossing the border in the last two weeks, the United Nations said Friday.
A report released by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said 4,510 Syrians, including women and children, had registered in northern Lebanon, up from 3,798 at the beginning of December.
The majority of those who fled to Lebanon this month hail from the central Homs region and nearby Tall Kalakh, where regime forces have sought to crush massive protests demanding Assad step down.
Most of them had settled with host families "in difficult circumstances" in villages near the border as well as in the Akkar district, located between the Lebanese-Syrian border and the coastal city of Tripoli, the report said.
Nineteen wounded Syrians, including a 11-year old girl, were also hospitalised in the north this week alone, according to UNHCR.
"Several were in coma when they reached the hospitals and one person reportedly died from his injuries," read the report.
Syria has planted landmines along its border with Lebanon in a bid to prevent weapons smuggling and dissidents from fleeing the fierce crackdown by the regime in Damascus against a nine-month revolt, Lebanese officials in the north have said.
Lebanon and Syria share a 330-kilometre (205-mile) border but have yet to agree on official demarcation.
Syrian troops have regularly staged incursions into neighbouring Lebanon in recent weeks, killing at least three people when they opened fire on border villages, according to Lebanese officials.
Beirut is bitterly divided between pro- and anti-Damascus camps, and there are growing fears the bloodshed in Syria could spill over the border.
Lebanon's Western-backed opposition, Washington and the United Nations have condemned the incursions.
But the Lebanese government, largely dominated by Hezbollah, a strong ally of the Syrian regime, has for the most part stayed silent on the issue.
'US, Israel exhausted by defeats'
Fri Dec 16, 2011 9:16AM
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/215987.html
Iran's Ambassador to Beirut Ghazanfar Roknabadi says the United States and Israel have become exhausted due to the repercussions of the duo's frequent defeats in the region.
Countering [the threats of] the occupying regime of Israel constitutes the priority in Iran's foreign policy, IRNA quoted Roknabadi as saying on Thursday.
Iran's envoy to Lebanon also slammed the dual policies of certain Western countries and their allies in the region, adding that their efforts are mainly aimed at supporting Israel and weakening the resistance of regional countries against Tel Aviv.
The Islamic Republic will support the legitimate demands of people in the region and across the world, he noted.
The Iranian diplomat pointed to the ongoing developments in Syria and stated that the majority of Syrian people have explicitly expressed their support for President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrians have proved that they are fully aware of the enemies' plots to inflict damage on their resistance and called for the implementation of reforms proposed by the Syrian government, added Roknabadi.
Syria has been experiencing unrest since mid-March, with demonstrations being held both against and in favor of President Assad.
Damascus blames "outlaws, saboteurs and armed terrorist groups" for the unrest, saying it is being orchestrated from abroad.
In interviews with Israeli news outlets over the past few months, the Syrian opposition members have "clearly expressed their vision for the future of Syria and their interest in establishing relations with the Tel Aviv regime," according to informed sources in Syria.
However, Syrian people have repeatedly expressed solidarity with the government over the past weeks.
Service taxi drivers to Syria allowed to change routes
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44314
15 December 2011
By Muath Freij
AMMAN - The Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) on Wednesday gave owners of service taxis previously plying the Amman-Damascus-Beirut route permission to operate temporarily on other routes in light of the unsafe situation in Syria.
LTRC Spokesperson Ikhlas Yousef explained that the decision was taken after service taxi owners demanded they be allowed to change their routes temporarily after the instability in Syria significantly affected their business.
"Some owners in Mafraq held a demonstration demanding to change the route, so LTRC Director General Jamil Mujahid visited them yesterday and decided to meet their demands," she told The Jordan Times over the phone yesterday.
Yousef added that 150 out of 800 owners operating routes through Syria have already been granted licences for new routes while the rest will receive them soon.
The LTRC spokesperson noted that 1,111 service taxis travel between Jordan and other countries, the majority to Syria.
"Before the the Syrian demonstrations began, we used to operate 12 trips to Syria and earn around JD60 (USD84.3) a day, but after the unrest broke out, we hardly make one trip," Zeyad Saqir, the owner of a travel services office, told The Jordan Times.
He said drivers plan to take advantage of the decision, which allows them to operate routes within the Kingdom and to other countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Service taxi owners say domestic routes will not make up losses from Syria
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44379
16 December 2011
By Muhammad Ghazal
AMMAN - Several owners of service taxis operating between Amman and Damascus on Thursday said that allowing them to ply routes within the Kingdom and to Saudi Arabia to make up for their losses amid low demand for travel to Syria is "good but insufficient".
They said a decision by the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) to temporarily license their vehicles to operate inside the Kingdom and on the route to Saudi Arabia shows "good intention" but will not make up for their lost revenues.
"There is no demand for travel to Syria at all. Since the beginning of the unrest in Syria, our business has been hit hard and we are suffering," Muhammad Erbeihat, owner of Al Sham Transport Agency, told The Jordan Times on Thursday.
"There are not enough passengers wanting to travel to Damascus every day. Our office hardly sends one car with five passengers to Syria each day," he said.
The LTRC has given temporarily licences to about 150 cars out of 800 plying the Amman-Damascus-Beirut route to operate inside the Kingdom and to Saudi Arabia, LTRC Spokesperson Ikhlas Yousef told the Jordan Times on Thursday, adding that the rest will eventually receive licences to do the same.
Service taxi owners said passenger traffic to Syria has fallen 95 per cent from the beginning of this year to date, compared to the same period last year, acknowledging that the only way they will make up their losses is if the unrest in Syria ends.
"People are afraid to go to Syria nowadays," Erbeihat noted.
Owners said a majority of their taxis are 2010 and 2011 models, which makes it "illogical and unfeasible" to use them on domestic routes
"I have many brand new Mercedes cars and even if I am allowed to operate routes locally or to Saudi Arabia, I will not use them as service taxis in the country. This is not feasible," Sami Abdullah, owner of Al Abdali Transport Agency, told The Jordan Times on Thursday.
"We might use some of our old cars on internal routes, but it is illogical to use our brand new cars," he said.
Husni Abu Eldahab, who works as a driver on the Amman-Damascus-Beirut route, disagreed.
"I prefer to operate domestic routes rather than stay at home with nothing to do. I used to make about JD500 to JD700 per month before the unrest in Syria and nowadays there is no work. If I make JD300 working internal routes it is fine. At least I can pay my rent and for the gas my car consumes," he said yesterday.
Displaced Syrians 'losing faith' in opposition
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44372
16 December 2011
By Taylor Luck
MAFRAQ/RAMTHA - Displaced Syrians say they are losing faith in opposition groups' ability to form a united front to oppose the regime of President Bashar Al Assad, urging international intervention as the "only hope" to end the conflict in their country.
Syrians residing in the northern cities of Mafraq and Ramtha expressed a growing sense of frustration towards political groups they claim are "failing" in their efforts to drum up international support to bring an end to violence that has claimed the lives of over 5,000 civilians.
"People have been dying day after day, week after week, month after month and all we have had so far is talk," said Abu Muhammad, a Homs resident who fled to Mafraq, some 90 kilometres north of Amman, earlier this month.
"By the time they are done talking, Syria will have bled dry," the 76-year-old noted.
Syrians who have fled the violence that has been ongoing since February claim that the Syrian National Council - an opposition coalition comprising several political parties, Kurdish groups and dissidents - has little legitimacy among average Syrians, who accuse the organisation of acting in the interest of "personal agendas".
"We look at this council and see the faces and names of people who left Syria decades ago and have no idea what life is like on the ground," said Nidhal Ahmad, a 43-year-old Homs resident.
"Since when did we put Burhan Ghalioun in charge of our future?" he remarked, referring to the Paris-based Syrian political scientist who was named chair of the council in August.
While displaced Syrians face a worsening situation - dwindling savings, need for costly medical care, and limited contact with loved ones back home - opposition forces have failed to mount a campaign to raise international political and monetary assistance, they said.
"When the revolutions started in Tunisia and Libya, the opposition secured support for civilians and refugees; how come we have to rely on Jordanian organisations for help?" remarked Um Muath, a mother of four.
Ongoing violence across Syria and opposition inaction has created a growing sense of "resentment" among displaced Syrians towards a political class they reject as "illegitimate".
"We have been out in the streets day after day facing bullets and tanks, demanding our basic rights for freedom," said Ayman Luoay. "What have they done for us?"
Displaced Syrians say they have particularly little faith in the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, which has been quietly positioning itself as a leading opposition voice from its base in Istanbul.
"How can they speak in our name when they haven't even lived in the country for over 30 years?" Laith, a 24-year-old from the Syrian border town of Daraa, remarked.
Syrians labelled the Islamists as "latecomers" attempting to take advantage of the crisis to build on the movement's democratic and political gains in Egypt and elsewhere.
"We all know that the Muslim Brotherhood have their eyes set on ruling the country, not saving it," said Abu Muhammad.
"If they expect to come back to Damascus after the fall of Assad to a people waiting with open arms, they will be very mistaken."
Free Army
Disillusioned with political actors, displaced Syrians maintain that the Free Syria Army - a coalition of military defectors operating within Syria - remains their "only hope" of bringing an end to the 10-month crisis.
Due to decades of living under one-party rule, Syrians say they are much more willing to throw their support behind a nonpolitical force solely dedicated to freeing the country than any ideologically driven group.
"These are our sons and brothers. These are the people who will lead our revolution, not some washed-up politicians in Paris," said Muhammad Abu Ali, a father of nine who arrived in Jordan late last month.
Syrians said they identify with the soldiers, who they claim are underfed and underpaid, and are showing a growing unwillingness to carry out orders to kill civilians.
"I have seen with my own eyes soldiers refusing to shoot peaceful protesters," said Um Majdi, a Homs resident now residing in a two-room apartment in Mafraq.
"They paid with their lives."
Syrians admit that due to a slow rate of defection - soldiers are currently leaving by the dozens rather than hundreds or thousands - the movement has yet to gain the momentum it needs to pose a real threat to the regime.
"There are thousands of soldiers ready to defect, waiting for the opportunity, but they are afraid," said Abu Yasser, a Daraa resident who has three brothers serving in the army.
Syrians claim that a buffer zone or the enforcement of a no-fly zone would give thousands of Syrian soldiers and officers the chance to defect, organise and launch a campaign against Assad loyalists.
"If the international community sets up a no-fly zone, within 48 hours the Free Syria Army will topple the regime," predicted Amar Mahmoud, an engineer from Homs.
Syrians in Jordan hope that by replicating the experience of Libyan revolutionaries - allowing army deserters to organise within areas along the Syrian-Turkish border in the north and the Syrian-Jordanian border to the south under the backing of international military support - the movement can topple four decades of Baath party rule.
"For months we have called on the Arab League, on Syria's neighbours and on the international community to give us the chance we need by establishing a no-fly zone," said Ahmad, a 33-year-old truck driver.
"But it seems the international community is failing us."
As the international community continues to struggle to form a strong consensus, Arab foreign ministers are set to gather once again on Saturday to discuss the ongoing crisis, but Syrians, who have been hardest hit by the violence say they are losing both time and patience.
"The Syrian people are done with the talk, done with statements, done with politics," said Abu Ibrahim, a 34-year-old software engineer.
"The Syrian people want freedom, and they are willing to die to get it."
حسون لوفد إعلامي مصري: سورية مستهدفة بسبب مواقفها الوطنية ودورها الداعم للمقاومة
Hassoun, a delegation of Egyptian media: Syria is targeted because of their position and role of national support for the resistance
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388725.htm
December 16, .2011
Aleppo, (SANA) -
Samaha said Dr. Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassoun, Grand Mufti of the Republic of Syria is targeted because of their adherence to national and Arab issues and support for the resistance in Palestine and Lebanon, stood in the face of American and Western schemes that target fragmentation region and the seizure of its resources.
He Hassoun, during a meeting with the delegation the Egyptian media, which is visiting Syria for the reality of the situation on the ground to the size of the plot and keep it away on Syria in order to break up national unity and sow division among the children pointing to the existence of large institutions have the plans and agenda of work for it.
He noted the Grand Mufti of the Republic of the march of comprehensive reform, led by President Bashar al-Assad referring to the package of laws, decrees and resolutions issued in this area, which is in the interest of the homeland and the citizen.
Hassoun explained that reform takes time, and that Syria will emerge from the crisis strong pointing to the importance of spreading the values of love and tolerance among people and the rejection of hatred and hatred between the various forms of all religions and sects in the community, including the good of all mankind.
In turn, through the Egyptian delegation expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the Syrian people, stressing the depth of the brotherly relationship and common destiny, which combines the two Syrian, Egyptian and the Egyptian people's solidarity with their brothers the Syrians in the face of what is being plotted against their own country.
He drew the delegation to understand the magnitude and the dimensions of the plot and attack the media planned on Syria to put pressure on them to achieve the goals and objectives serve the American and Zionist interests, stressing that during their tour in many Syrian cities touching the case of safety and stability enjoyed by these cities, the opposite of what broadcast channels tendentious and misleading and that the war against Syria is the media war in every sense of the word.
He said members of the delegation, we will convey the true picture to the Egyptian people and the world to tell them that Syria is strong and that broadcasts satellite channels are not biased unfounded.
The delegation includes Elhamy Melegy media columnist and editor of Abdo Moroccan news weekly newspaper and the Egyptian journalist Mohsen Abdul-Aziz Al-Ahram newspaper in Egypt.
بن جدو: الجامعة أفشلت خطة العمل العربية حول سورية من خلال عنادها وعدم واقعيتها
Ben Jeddo: The Arab League thwarted Arab Plan of Action on Syria through stubbornness and lack of realism
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/16/388683.htm
December 16, .2011
Tehran, (SANA) -
A Tunisian journalist, Ghassan Ben Jeddo, said that the Arab League, which caused the failure of Arab Plan of Action on Syria through the stubbornness and arrogance and the lack of realism.
Ben Jeddo told Fars news today that the positions of some parties within the Arab League towards Syria was based on an illusion due to lack of knowledge of reality real and what is happening on the ground in Syria, pointing at the same time that a political solution is the only way out of the crisis in Syria.
Bin Jeddo said the recent statements of Burhan Ghaliyoun on the severance of relations with the States and the forces of resistance in the event of receipt of the Board of the Istanbul office in Syria, revealed the fact that the deal held by Ghaliyoun with foreign powers against Syria, pointing out that these attitudes are rejected completely by the Syrian people and cannot be accepted at all .
On the other hand said Ben Jeddo that the policy of the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Syria have created many economic problems in Turkey, especially after losing senior traders Turks Syrian market and markets many Arab were praying to it through Syria, pointing out that there is something like the Intifada the political level in the Turkish press on the attitudes of the Turkish government, where the view of some Turkish politicians that Turkey introduced themselves in trouble with the neighboring countries such as Syria, Iran and others.
In the context of online media confirmed that Ben Jeddo statements by French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe against Syria due to considerations of personal reasons and nothing more.
Turkish Street Rejects Its Government's Support of Armed Gangs against Syria
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/12/16/388638.htm
Dec 16, 2011
ANKARA, (SANA) – The Turkish street continued its rejection of the government of Justice and Development Party's support and harboring of armed terrorist groups operating against Syria, stressing their standing by Syria in the face of all conspiracies hatched against it.
Workers' Party Secretary General Osman Yilmaz said, in an interview with the Syrian TV, said the Turkish government did not deny the presence of armed gangs on its territories which is a very serious issue as it violates the Turkish and international laws.
He added that the presence of these gangs is supported by the US and sponsored by the Turkish government.
Yilmaz expressed the Turkish street rejection of what is taking place, adding that if the ruling government insisted on its practices, the people will overthrow it.
For his part, Chief Editor of the Aydinlik Turkish Gazette described harboring armed men in Turkey as "wrong " and a crime in terms of the Turkish law since creating chaos in another country is illegal.
A Turkish citizen said that Turkish government has made a big mistake by harboring armed men operating against Syria taking into accounting the Syrian-Turkish relations, wondering that if the roles were reversed, would Turkey keep silent about Syria's interference.
Another citizen said the Israeli ambitions have been turned into the Turkish government's demands.
Syria to lose 100 mln USD transport revenue per year from Turkey: Turkish minister
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2011-12/16/c_131311447.htm
English.news.cn 2011-12-16 23:19:42
ANKARA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Syria will lose more than 100 million U.S. dollars a year in transport revenues as Turkey is employing alternative routes to export goods to the Middle East and Gulf countries bypassing Syria, a Turkish high-ranking official said on Friday.
Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said in a statement that Turkey had finished talks with Egypt on roll-on/roll-off (RORO) services and Egyptian city of Alexandria is ready to brace for Turkish trucks bounding for the Middle East and Gulf countries.
RORO ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo like cars, trucks, trailers and railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels.
Caglayan said Syrian economy would be affected negatively with the start of the RORO services between Mediterranean Turkish port of Mersin and Egypt's Alexandria, estimating the annual loss for Syria from transport revenues to be over 100 million dollars.
Turkey has been seeking new trade routes to the Middle East since relations with neighboring Syria deteriorated following Ankara's increased criticism of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over his crackdown on an uprising that began in March.
As Syrian officials have on Dec. 1 suspended a free trade deal between Damascus and Ankara, Turkey drafted a decree on suspension of free trade agreement with Syria last Friday amid ongoing bilateral diplomatic friction, and the decree has been submitted to the Council of Ministers for a decision.
On Nov. 30, Turkey announced a series of sanctions against Syria, including a freeze of the Syrian government's assets in Turkey, a travel ban on Syrian leaders, the suspension of relations between Turkish and Syrian central banks and a blockade of weapon delivery to Syria through the Turkish territory.
هاآرتس: قطر منحت تأشيرات لإسرائيليين لدخول أراضيها
Haaretz: Qatar granted visas to Israelis to enter the territory
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/16/388696.htm
December 16, .2011
Damascus, (SANA) -
Israeli newspaper Haaretz revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ordered in particular the granting of entry visas to the occupied country a group of journalists, university professors and Israeli activists to participate in a forum hosted by Doha, despite recent conversations and information about the tension of the relations between Qatar and Israel.
The paper in its issue today that Israeli participation in the forum, titled "Alliance of civilizations" would not have been without the consent of the Emir of Qatar, which encourages Israeli businessmen to invest in his country, according to the newspaper.
The paper noted that Qatar soaked in oil but it suffers from a shortage of entrepreneurs, saying that if Israel made a political initiative in this regard to Qatar for the Emir of Qatar was ready to open the doors wide open with the emirate.
Arab foreign ministers postpone their next meeting on Syria to an undetermined date
http://arabic.rt.com/news_all_news/news/574226/
16.12.2011 09:19
Quoted by news agency MENA, Arab League official said the Arab foreign ministers decided to postpone a meeting scheduled to be held in Cairo on Syria on Saturday, December 17 / December to a date to be determined later.
The agency quoted Ahmad Ben Helli, Deputy Secretary General of Arab League The Arab ministerial committee to resolve the crisis on Syria will meet in Doha on Saturday instead of meeting which was scheduled to be held in Cairo before the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
Ben Helli did not mention the postponement of the meeting, but said that the consultations that would hold a meeting of the Ministerial Committee in Doha instead of Cairo. The agency also said that efforts were being made to reach a formula "under which the Syrian government will sign a protocol on the Observer Mission of the Arab League until the mission assigned to it by the Council of the Arab League."
Source: Agencies
فرزلي والربيعي: بعد هزيمة الولايات المتحدة في العراق وانتصار سورية على المؤامرة لن يكون هناك قطب أوحد في العالم
Ferzli and al-Rubaie: After the defeat of the U.S. victory in Iraq and Syria on the plot will not be a uni-polar world
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388700.htm
December 16, .2011
Damascus, (SANA) -
Said Elie Ferzli Vice Chairman of the Board of Deputies of the former Lebanese that U.S. withdrawal from Iraq is a strategic turning point not only to Iraq but the entire region and said that the withdrawal will create a new Arab dawn basic social balance Syria and Iraq.
And Ferzli said in an interview for the Syrian Arab television from Beirut today that the Zionist-American project alternative of withdrawal from Iraq was the fragmentation of the region and tampering with the security of Syria, beating heart of Arabism, pointing out that America has worked before withdrawing to create an atmosphere of ethnic conflicts in the Arab and Islamic world in order to push the region to internal fighting and to create problems in each country to be the seeds of self-destruction as an alternative to the presence of its military forces directly.
Ferzli noted that some Arab satellite channels which ran sedition and try to split and fragmentation of the unity of the social components in Syria, the line was advanced to play the role of diverting attention from the American withdrawal from Iraq and suffered a defeat Washington to focus on the situation in Syria.
Ferzli hopes to have the American retreat from Iraq, an end to foreign intervention in the Arab region, warning that the Zionist incitement of the U.S. administration is based on the culture of the United States to pay more military involvement on behalf of "Israel" and service objectives in the region.
For his part, Hussein al-Rubaie, writer and political analyst of Iraq, in an interview, said that similar to Syrian fortress of the Arab nation and its heart is a partner of victory of Iraq and the defeat of U.S. military occupation and trying to take revenge of them for its resistor and said that after this historic moment in the defeat of the United States of America and the victory of Syria, certainly there will be no pole Oouhd in the world.
al-Rubaie noted that to the first goal of the U.S. occupation of Iraq was to achieve security "of Israel" must therefore be crowned the victory of the U.S. to withdraw within the strategy of the Liberation of Palestine, where expose the horrors of the occupation and what he did in Iraq crimes during the coming days.
Rubaie confirmed that the position of the people and the Iraqi government supports and hopes to close a Syrian victory because Syria and Iraq will re-role of the Arab nation was better than the Arabs to be the share of the new world order.
More than 4,500 Syrians sheltered in Lebanon: UN
December 16, 2011 08:49 PM
Agence France Presse
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2011/Dec-16/157104-more-than-4500-syrians-sheltered-in-lebanon-un.ashx
BEIRUT: More than 4,500 Syrians fleeing a brutal crackdown on a revolt against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad have found shelter in neighbouring Lebanon, with hundreds crossing the border in the last two weeks, the United Nations said Friday.
A report released by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said 4,510 Syrians, including women and children, had registered in northern Lebanon, up from 3,798 at the beginning of December.
The majority of those who fled to Lebanon this month hail from the central Homs region and nearby Tall Kalakh, where regime forces have sought to crush massive protests demanding Assad step down.
Most of them had settled with host families "in difficult circumstances" in villages near the border as well as in the Akkar district, located between the Lebanese-Syrian border and the coastal city of Tripoli, the report said.
Nineteen wounded Syrians, including a 11-year old girl, were also hospitalised in the north this week alone, according to UNHCR.
"Several were in coma when they reached the hospitals and one person reportedly died from his injuries," read the report.
Syria has planted landmines along its border with Lebanon in a bid to prevent weapons smuggling and dissidents from fleeing the fierce crackdown by the regime in Damascus against a nine-month revolt, Lebanese officials in the north have said.
Lebanon and Syria share a 330-kilometre (205-mile) border but have yet to agree on official demarcation.
Syrian troops have regularly staged incursions into neighbouring Lebanon in recent weeks, killing at least three people when they opened fire on border villages, according to Lebanese officials.
Beirut is bitterly divided between pro- and anti-Damascus camps, and there are growing fears the bloodshed in Syria could spill over the border.
Lebanon's Western-backed opposition, Washington and the United Nations have condemned the incursions.
But the Lebanese government, largely dominated by Hezbollah, a strong ally of the Syrian regime, has for the most part stayed silent on the issue.
'US, Israel exhausted by defeats'
Fri Dec 16, 2011 9:16AM
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/215987.html
Iran's Ambassador to Beirut Ghazanfar Roknabadi says the United States and Israel have become exhausted due to the repercussions of the duo's frequent defeats in the region.
Countering [the threats of] the occupying regime of Israel constitutes the priority in Iran's foreign policy, IRNA quoted Roknabadi as saying on Thursday.
Iran's envoy to Lebanon also slammed the dual policies of certain Western countries and their allies in the region, adding that their efforts are mainly aimed at supporting Israel and weakening the resistance of regional countries against Tel Aviv.
The Islamic Republic will support the legitimate demands of people in the region and across the world, he noted.
The Iranian diplomat pointed to the ongoing developments in Syria and stated that the majority of Syrian people have explicitly expressed their support for President Bashar al-Assad.
Syrians have proved that they are fully aware of the enemies' plots to inflict damage on their resistance and called for the implementation of reforms proposed by the Syrian government, added Roknabadi.
Syria has been experiencing unrest since mid-March, with demonstrations being held both against and in favor of President Assad.
Damascus blames "outlaws, saboteurs and armed terrorist groups" for the unrest, saying it is being orchestrated from abroad.
In interviews with Israeli news outlets over the past few months, the Syrian opposition members have "clearly expressed their vision for the future of Syria and their interest in establishing relations with the Tel Aviv regime," according to informed sources in Syria.
However, Syrian people have repeatedly expressed solidarity with the government over the past weeks.
Service taxi drivers to Syria allowed to change routes
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44314
15 December 2011
By Muath Freij
AMMAN - The Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) on Wednesday gave owners of service taxis previously plying the Amman-Damascus-Beirut route permission to operate temporarily on other routes in light of the unsafe situation in Syria.
LTRC Spokesperson Ikhlas Yousef explained that the decision was taken after service taxi owners demanded they be allowed to change their routes temporarily after the instability in Syria significantly affected their business.
"Some owners in Mafraq held a demonstration demanding to change the route, so LTRC Director General Jamil Mujahid visited them yesterday and decided to meet their demands," she told The Jordan Times over the phone yesterday.
Yousef added that 150 out of 800 owners operating routes through Syria have already been granted licences for new routes while the rest will receive them soon.
The LTRC spokesperson noted that 1,111 service taxis travel between Jordan and other countries, the majority to Syria.
"Before the the Syrian demonstrations began, we used to operate 12 trips to Syria and earn around JD60 (USD84.3) a day, but after the unrest broke out, we hardly make one trip," Zeyad Saqir, the owner of a travel services office, told The Jordan Times.
He said drivers plan to take advantage of the decision, which allows them to operate routes within the Kingdom and to other countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Service taxi owners say domestic routes will not make up losses from Syria
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44379
16 December 2011
By Muhammad Ghazal
AMMAN - Several owners of service taxis operating between Amman and Damascus on Thursday said that allowing them to ply routes within the Kingdom and to Saudi Arabia to make up for their losses amid low demand for travel to Syria is "good but insufficient".
They said a decision by the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) to temporarily license their vehicles to operate inside the Kingdom and on the route to Saudi Arabia shows "good intention" but will not make up for their lost revenues.
"There is no demand for travel to Syria at all. Since the beginning of the unrest in Syria, our business has been hit hard and we are suffering," Muhammad Erbeihat, owner of Al Sham Transport Agency, told The Jordan Times on Thursday.
"There are not enough passengers wanting to travel to Damascus every day. Our office hardly sends one car with five passengers to Syria each day," he said.
The LTRC has given temporarily licences to about 150 cars out of 800 plying the Amman-Damascus-Beirut route to operate inside the Kingdom and to Saudi Arabia, LTRC Spokesperson Ikhlas Yousef told the Jordan Times on Thursday, adding that the rest will eventually receive licences to do the same.
Service taxi owners said passenger traffic to Syria has fallen 95 per cent from the beginning of this year to date, compared to the same period last year, acknowledging that the only way they will make up their losses is if the unrest in Syria ends.
"People are afraid to go to Syria nowadays," Erbeihat noted.
Owners said a majority of their taxis are 2010 and 2011 models, which makes it "illogical and unfeasible" to use them on domestic routes
"I have many brand new Mercedes cars and even if I am allowed to operate routes locally or to Saudi Arabia, I will not use them as service taxis in the country. This is not feasible," Sami Abdullah, owner of Al Abdali Transport Agency, told The Jordan Times on Thursday.
"We might use some of our old cars on internal routes, but it is illogical to use our brand new cars," he said.
Husni Abu Eldahab, who works as a driver on the Amman-Damascus-Beirut route, disagreed.
"I prefer to operate domestic routes rather than stay at home with nothing to do. I used to make about JD500 to JD700 per month before the unrest in Syria and nowadays there is no work. If I make JD300 working internal routes it is fine. At least I can pay my rent and for the gas my car consumes," he said yesterday.
Displaced Syrians 'losing faith' in opposition
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44372
16 December 2011
By Taylor Luck
MAFRAQ/RAMTHA - Displaced Syrians say they are losing faith in opposition groups' ability to form a united front to oppose the regime of President Bashar Al Assad, urging international intervention as the "only hope" to end the conflict in their country.
Syrians residing in the northern cities of Mafraq and Ramtha expressed a growing sense of frustration towards political groups they claim are "failing" in their efforts to drum up international support to bring an end to violence that has claimed the lives of over 5,000 civilians.
"People have been dying day after day, week after week, month after month and all we have had so far is talk," said Abu Muhammad, a Homs resident who fled to Mafraq, some 90 kilometres north of Amman, earlier this month.
"By the time they are done talking, Syria will have bled dry," the 76-year-old noted.
Syrians who have fled the violence that has been ongoing since February claim that the Syrian National Council - an opposition coalition comprising several political parties, Kurdish groups and dissidents - has little legitimacy among average Syrians, who accuse the organisation of acting in the interest of "personal agendas".
"We look at this council and see the faces and names of people who left Syria decades ago and have no idea what life is like on the ground," said Nidhal Ahmad, a 43-year-old Homs resident.
"Since when did we put Burhan Ghalioun in charge of our future?" he remarked, referring to the Paris-based Syrian political scientist who was named chair of the council in August.
While displaced Syrians face a worsening situation - dwindling savings, need for costly medical care, and limited contact with loved ones back home - opposition forces have failed to mount a campaign to raise international political and monetary assistance, they said.
"When the revolutions started in Tunisia and Libya, the opposition secured support for civilians and refugees; how come we have to rely on Jordanian organisations for help?" remarked Um Muath, a mother of four.
Ongoing violence across Syria and opposition inaction has created a growing sense of "resentment" among displaced Syrians towards a political class they reject as "illegitimate".
"We have been out in the streets day after day facing bullets and tanks, demanding our basic rights for freedom," said Ayman Luoay. "What have they done for us?"
Displaced Syrians say they have particularly little faith in the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, which has been quietly positioning itself as a leading opposition voice from its base in Istanbul.
"How can they speak in our name when they haven't even lived in the country for over 30 years?" Laith, a 24-year-old from the Syrian border town of Daraa, remarked.
Syrians labelled the Islamists as "latecomers" attempting to take advantage of the crisis to build on the movement's democratic and political gains in Egypt and elsewhere.
"We all know that the Muslim Brotherhood have their eyes set on ruling the country, not saving it," said Abu Muhammad.
"If they expect to come back to Damascus after the fall of Assad to a people waiting with open arms, they will be very mistaken."
Free Army
Disillusioned with political actors, displaced Syrians maintain that the Free Syria Army - a coalition of military defectors operating within Syria - remains their "only hope" of bringing an end to the 10-month crisis.
Due to decades of living under one-party rule, Syrians say they are much more willing to throw their support behind a nonpolitical force solely dedicated to freeing the country than any ideologically driven group.
"These are our sons and brothers. These are the people who will lead our revolution, not some washed-up politicians in Paris," said Muhammad Abu Ali, a father of nine who arrived in Jordan late last month.
Syrians said they identify with the soldiers, who they claim are underfed and underpaid, and are showing a growing unwillingness to carry out orders to kill civilians.
"I have seen with my own eyes soldiers refusing to shoot peaceful protesters," said Um Majdi, a Homs resident now residing in a two-room apartment in Mafraq.
"They paid with their lives."
Syrians admit that due to a slow rate of defection - soldiers are currently leaving by the dozens rather than hundreds or thousands - the movement has yet to gain the momentum it needs to pose a real threat to the regime.
"There are thousands of soldiers ready to defect, waiting for the opportunity, but they are afraid," said Abu Yasser, a Daraa resident who has three brothers serving in the army.
Syrians claim that a buffer zone or the enforcement of a no-fly zone would give thousands of Syrian soldiers and officers the chance to defect, organise and launch a campaign against Assad loyalists.
"If the international community sets up a no-fly zone, within 48 hours the Free Syria Army will topple the regime," predicted Amar Mahmoud, an engineer from Homs.
Syrians in Jordan hope that by replicating the experience of Libyan revolutionaries - allowing army deserters to organise within areas along the Syrian-Turkish border in the north and the Syrian-Jordanian border to the south under the backing of international military support - the movement can topple four decades of Baath party rule.
"For months we have called on the Arab League, on Syria's neighbours and on the international community to give us the chance we need by establishing a no-fly zone," said Ahmad, a 33-year-old truck driver.
"But it seems the international community is failing us."
As the international community continues to struggle to form a strong consensus, Arab foreign ministers are set to gather once again on Saturday to discuss the ongoing crisis, but Syrians, who have been hardest hit by the violence say they are losing both time and patience.
"The Syrian people are done with the talk, done with statements, done with politics," said Abu Ibrahim, a 34-year-old software engineer.
"The Syrian people want freedom, and they are willing to die to get it."
حسون لوفد إعلامي مصري: سورية مستهدفة بسبب مواقفها الوطنية ودورها الداعم للمقاومة
Hassoun, a delegation of Egyptian media: Syria is targeted because of their position and role of national support for the resistance
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388725.htm
December 16, .2011
Aleppo, (SANA) -
Samaha said Dr. Ahmad Badr al-Din Hassoun, Grand Mufti of the Republic of Syria is targeted because of their adherence to national and Arab issues and support for the resistance in Palestine and Lebanon, stood in the face of American and Western schemes that target fragmentation region and the seizure of its resources.
He Hassoun, during a meeting with the delegation the Egyptian media, which is visiting Syria for the reality of the situation on the ground to the size of the plot and keep it away on Syria in order to break up national unity and sow division among the children pointing to the existence of large institutions have the plans and agenda of work for it.
He noted the Grand Mufti of the Republic of the march of comprehensive reform, led by President Bashar al-Assad referring to the package of laws, decrees and resolutions issued in this area, which is in the interest of the homeland and the citizen.
Hassoun explained that reform takes time, and that Syria will emerge from the crisis strong pointing to the importance of spreading the values of love and tolerance among people and the rejection of hatred and hatred between the various forms of all religions and sects in the community, including the good of all mankind.
In turn, through the Egyptian delegation expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to the Syrian people, stressing the depth of the brotherly relationship and common destiny, which combines the two Syrian, Egyptian and the Egyptian people's solidarity with their brothers the Syrians in the face of what is being plotted against their own country.
He drew the delegation to understand the magnitude and the dimensions of the plot and attack the media planned on Syria to put pressure on them to achieve the goals and objectives serve the American and Zionist interests, stressing that during their tour in many Syrian cities touching the case of safety and stability enjoyed by these cities, the opposite of what broadcast channels tendentious and misleading and that the war against Syria is the media war in every sense of the word.
He said members of the delegation, we will convey the true picture to the Egyptian people and the world to tell them that Syria is strong and that broadcasts satellite channels are not biased unfounded.
The delegation includes Elhamy Melegy media columnist and editor of Abdo Moroccan news weekly newspaper and the Egyptian journalist Mohsen Abdul-Aziz Al-Ahram newspaper in Egypt.
بن جدو: الجامعة أفشلت خطة العمل العربية حول سورية من خلال عنادها وعدم واقعيتها
Ben Jeddo: The Arab League thwarted Arab Plan of Action on Syria through stubbornness and lack of realism
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/16/388683.htm
December 16, .2011
Tehran, (SANA) -
A Tunisian journalist, Ghassan Ben Jeddo, said that the Arab League, which caused the failure of Arab Plan of Action on Syria through the stubbornness and arrogance and the lack of realism.
Ben Jeddo told Fars news today that the positions of some parties within the Arab League towards Syria was based on an illusion due to lack of knowledge of reality real and what is happening on the ground in Syria, pointing at the same time that a political solution is the only way out of the crisis in Syria.
Bin Jeddo said the recent statements of Burhan Ghaliyoun on the severance of relations with the States and the forces of resistance in the event of receipt of the Board of the Istanbul office in Syria, revealed the fact that the deal held by Ghaliyoun with foreign powers against Syria, pointing out that these attitudes are rejected completely by the Syrian people and cannot be accepted at all .
On the other hand said Ben Jeddo that the policy of the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Syria have created many economic problems in Turkey, especially after losing senior traders Turks Syrian market and markets many Arab were praying to it through Syria, pointing out that there is something like the Intifada the political level in the Turkish press on the attitudes of the Turkish government, where the view of some Turkish politicians that Turkey introduced themselves in trouble with the neighboring countries such as Syria, Iran and others.
In the context of online media confirmed that Ben Jeddo statements by French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe against Syria due to considerations of personal reasons and nothing more.
Turkish Street Rejects Its Government's Support of Armed Gangs against Syria
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/12/16/388638.htm
Dec 16, 2011
ANKARA, (SANA) – The Turkish street continued its rejection of the government of Justice and Development Party's support and harboring of armed terrorist groups operating against Syria, stressing their standing by Syria in the face of all conspiracies hatched against it.
Workers' Party Secretary General Osman Yilmaz said, in an interview with the Syrian TV, said the Turkish government did not deny the presence of armed gangs on its territories which is a very serious issue as it violates the Turkish and international laws.
He added that the presence of these gangs is supported by the US and sponsored by the Turkish government.
Yilmaz expressed the Turkish street rejection of what is taking place, adding that if the ruling government insisted on its practices, the people will overthrow it.
For his part, Chief Editor of the Aydinlik Turkish Gazette described harboring armed men in Turkey as "wrong " and a crime in terms of the Turkish law since creating chaos in another country is illegal.
A Turkish citizen said that Turkish government has made a big mistake by harboring armed men operating against Syria taking into accounting the Syrian-Turkish relations, wondering that if the roles were reversed, would Turkey keep silent about Syria's interference.
Another citizen said the Israeli ambitions have been turned into the Turkish government's demands.
Syria to lose 100 mln USD transport revenue per year from Turkey: Turkish minister
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2011-12/16/c_131311447.htm
English.news.cn 2011-12-16 23:19:42
ANKARA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Syria will lose more than 100 million U.S. dollars a year in transport revenues as Turkey is employing alternative routes to export goods to the Middle East and Gulf countries bypassing Syria, a Turkish high-ranking official said on Friday.
Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan said in a statement that Turkey had finished talks with Egypt on roll-on/roll-off (RORO) services and Egyptian city of Alexandria is ready to brace for Turkish trucks bounding for the Middle East and Gulf countries.
RORO ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo like cars, trucks, trailers and railroad cars that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels.
Caglayan said Syrian economy would be affected negatively with the start of the RORO services between Mediterranean Turkish port of Mersin and Egypt's Alexandria, estimating the annual loss for Syria from transport revenues to be over 100 million dollars.
Turkey has been seeking new trade routes to the Middle East since relations with neighboring Syria deteriorated following Ankara's increased criticism of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over his crackdown on an uprising that began in March.
As Syrian officials have on Dec. 1 suspended a free trade deal between Damascus and Ankara, Turkey drafted a decree on suspension of free trade agreement with Syria last Friday amid ongoing bilateral diplomatic friction, and the decree has been submitted to the Council of Ministers for a decision.
On Nov. 30, Turkey announced a series of sanctions against Syria, including a freeze of the Syrian government's assets in Turkey, a travel ban on Syrian leaders, the suspension of relations between Turkish and Syrian central banks and a blockade of weapon delivery to Syria through the Turkish territory.
هاآرتس: قطر منحت تأشيرات لإسرائيليين لدخول أراضيها
Haaretz: Qatar granted visas to Israelis to enter the territory
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/16/388696.htm
December 16, .2011
Damascus, (SANA) -
Israeli newspaper Haaretz revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ordered in particular the granting of entry visas to the occupied country a group of journalists, university professors and Israeli activists to participate in a forum hosted by Doha, despite recent conversations and information about the tension of the relations between Qatar and Israel.
The paper in its issue today that Israeli participation in the forum, titled "Alliance of civilizations" would not have been without the consent of the Emir of Qatar, which encourages Israeli businessmen to invest in his country, according to the newspaper.
The paper noted that Qatar soaked in oil but it suffers from a shortage of entrepreneurs, saying that if Israel made a political initiative in this regard to Qatar for the Emir of Qatar was ready to open the doors wide open with the emirate.
Dec 16 International
الخارجية الروسية: مشروع القرار الروسي في مجلس الأمن يؤكد عدم جواز التدخل الخارجي في سورية
Russian Foreign: Russian draft resolution in the Security Council stresses the inadmissibility of external interference in Syria
http://arabic.rt.com/news_all_news/news/574237/
16.12.2011 12:03
Alexander Ukashević, a spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said the draft resolution, which was promulgated by Russia on Thursday, December 15 / December to members of the UN Security Council, affirming the inadmissibility of the interpretation of its provisions as a signal to start outside interference in the internal Syrian affairs.
Ukashević explained in a news conference on Friday, December 16 / December, the talk is going on a modified version of the draft resolution had been submitted by Russia and China to the Security Council as an alternative to the European draft resolution that was talking about imposing sanctions on the Syrian regime.
The Russian diplomat said the text of the amended draft refers to the need to Send Observer Mission of the Arab League to Syria soon.
Ukashević said: "We proceed from the outside interference in Syria could destabilize the situation in the Middle East as a whole, it is considered that there is no alternative to the political-diplomatic settlement of the crisis."
He added that the project "clearly confirms the inadmissibility of the interpretation of provisions of the resolution as a sign of foreign intervention in internal Syrian affairs."
He added that the Russian draft resolution sends a signal to the Syrian authorities and the opposition alike need to stop the violence, in addition to the emphasis on the need to Send Observer Mission of the Arab League to Syria soon.
Moscow hopes to clarify the details of the Arab initiative as soon as possible
Ukashević said that Moscow hopes to finalize details for the Arab initiative and approve it as soon as possible.
He added: "We have repeatedly said that we develop our relations with the Syrian leadership and the opposition at various levels. But the main objective at the present time lies in the implementation of the main principle of the Arab initiative on the cessation of violence by all parties and audit control mechanism which can be activated by sending observers of the Arab League to Syria" .
He warned that the Arab League initiative should not become a warning.
Source: Agencies
Political analyst: Russia's draft resolution enjoyed good prospects in the Security Council
Arman Ohannesian, editor of the magazine "International Living" in Moscow, said that the Russian draft resolution enjoyed good prospects for passage in the UN Security Council.
Lukashevich: Russia Submitted an Objective Draft Resolution on Syria to the UNSC
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/12/16/388645.htm
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/16/388642.htm
Dec 16, 2011
MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Russia submitted an objective draft resolution on Syria to the UN Security Council.
In a press conference on Friday, Lukashevich added that the Russian draft resolution referred to the necessity for the Syrian authorities and the opposition to halt violence and engage in dialogue according to the Arab work plan.
He stressed that none of the draft resolution's articles are to be interpreted as a call for foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs, warning that such interference will stoke tension in the region as a whole.
The Russian official underlined that there is no alternative to the diplomatic political efforts to find a solution for the situation in Syria.
Anatoly Egorin: Unites States, Western Countries Supply Armed Terrorist Groups in Syria with Weapons and Cash
Dr. Anatoly Egorin, Deputy Director of Oriental Studies Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Russian Federation said ''all have come to know that the Unites States and Western Countries supply the armed terrorist groups in Syria with weapons and cash and instigate these groups to pursue criminal acts in Syria.''
In press statements to SANA Correspondent in Moscow Friday, Dr. Egorin added that the Western Countries increase their aggressiveness against the Arab Countries, whose governments stand in the face of the strategic interests of the west, which has been seeking to dominate the Arab region and plunder its resources and to get closer to Russia as to attack it in the future.
Egorin pointed out that some western countries instigate Turkey as to take anti-Syria stances, which is against the interests of the Turkish People.
Dr. Egorin vehemently condemned the media war and bids of foreign interference by some Arab and western countries against Syria, asserting that Syria is a fundamental country in the region and a founding-member of the Arab League.
Dr. Egorin highly lauded the Syrian People as 'courageous', ' firm in defending its homeland and genuine interests' calling, on behalf of Russian researchers and scientists, on western colleagues as to ''work together for dialogue among all Syrian sides as to get out from current crisis'', pointing out that the Syrian opposition is not harmonious and doesn't have the same stances from the Syrian authorities.
Russian Analyst: Washington Should Abandon Its Hard-line Stance towards Damascus
In the same context, the Russian political analyst Vislav Matozov said Russia's new draft resolution does not include a change in the Russian principled stance towards Syria in the current crisis, reiterating Russia's support to Syria against any form of foreign interference in its internal affairs.
In a phone call with the Syrian TV, Matozov said his country called in its draft for dialogue between the Syrian leadership and the opposition, an end to violence by all parties, recognition of the legitimacy of the Syrian authority and rejection of the extremist opposition abroad.
He pointed out that all the armed groups operating on the ground in Syria are being encouraged and funded by the US, calling upon Washington to abandon its hard-line stance towards the Syrian leadership as well as its support to the armed opposition.
The Russian analyst wondered about the source of the huge funds being provided by Washington to the Syrian opposition in light of the current deficit in the US budget.
"It seems that the money are taken from the budget of the Libyan people whom they immersed in continued armed clashes and chaos to the date," wondered Matozov.
Russia's Mufti: Solution to Syria's Problems to Be Reached by the Syrians
Head of the Iftaa Council in Russia, the grand mufti, Shaikh Rawi Ain Eddine stressed that the solution to the problems facing Syria should be reached by the Syrians themselves without foreign interference.
During his meeting with the Syrian Ambassador in Moscow, Dr. Riyad Haddad, Shaikh Rawi reiterated the Russian Iftaa House's rejection of any foreign interference in the Syrian internal affairs and its support to Russia's stances towards the situation in Syria.
He said that the Russian stances in this regard are in defense of the principles of right and justice.
موسكو تنفي زيارة فاروق الشرع إلى روسيا.. ومصادر تقول انه تم تأجيل الزيارة من اجل أن تشمل لقاء بوتين
Moscow denies Farouq al-Sharaa's visit to Russia .. The sources said that the visit was postponed in order to include a meeting Putin
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=a3eff51d4ed88e3e5461fb1f5ba0cf84&ar=272536871
Friday - December 16 - 2011 - 13:19:42
Denied, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, reports that the arrival of Vice President Farouq al-Sharaa to Moscow, said in an interview, told Interfax "Russian".
He was Vice Chairman of the Russian Association for Solidarity and Cooperation between the peoples of Asia and Africa Kosov Kim had said earlier that al-Shara will hold talks in Moscow with Russian leaders, including Lavrov, on the situation in Syria.
For its part, reported channel "Al-Manar," the Lebanese that "the postponement of Shara's visit to Moscow soon to include a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior Russian officials."
Russian oil the winner from Syria, Iran sanctions
http://arabnews.com/economy/article548820.ece
By REUTERS
Published: Dec 15, 2011 23:02 Updated: Dec 15, 2011 23:03
LONDON: Russia is emerging as the winner from international sanctions against Syria and stands to benefit even more if the European Union bans imports of Iranian crude, keeping Russia's Urals crude at stiff premiums for months more.
Urals crude already has been fetching premiums over the North Sea Dated Brent benchmark since mid-October, the longest period ever.
"The strength of Urals relative to Brent in recent weeks is due to a combination of factors: uncertainty over the impact of sanctions on Iran and the loss of Syrian production and exports," Roy Jordan with consultancy Facts Global Energy said.
Forced to pay higher Urals prices, European refiners have been losing money, which could discourage the EU from moving ahead with a proposed ban on Iranian oil.
Urals is typically sold at discounts to Brent, because it contains about 1.3 percent of sulfur with API gravity of about 32, making it heavier and more sour than the crudes that go into setting the North Sea benchmark.
Most Iranian and Syrian crudes are similar to or heavier than Urals. All of these crudes require extra refining.
Syria exported most of its 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) of heavy sour crude to the Mediterranean before sanctions were imposed earlier this year following repression of civil protest against President Bashar Assad's 11-year rule.
Syrian heavy crudes were typically the alternative to Urals crude, when the Russian prices were high.
"As the Syria sanctions do not look set to change anytime soon, there is likely to be some continuous upwards effect on the Urals," said Samuel Ciszuk, a consultant with KBC Process Technology.
On top of that, if the EU agrees to ban imports of Iranian crude in January, European refiners would have to find alternatives for another 600,000 bpd of medium and heavy-sour oil — a figure in the International Energy Agency's monthly oil market report released on Tuesday.
"I expect that the potential loss of Iranian crude imports will persuade European refiners to continue to pay a premium for Urals over Brent in the short-term until the situation relating to Iran is clarified," Jordan said.
The IEA said that even in a partial ban, European refiners would confront higher prices for replacement crudes from producers including Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Saudi Arabia sells exclusively to term contract customers. Not all the sour crude buyers in Europe have contracts with the Saudis.
Russia, however, sells its crude on the spot market as well as term contracts.
Greece, which had relied on Iranian crude, recently bought a cargo of Urals crude from trader Glencore for the first time in many months, traders said.
"They are certainly trying to test how life looks without Iranian supplies. Well, it certainly looks expensive," one trader said.
"Greece will find it very hard to live without Iranian oil by switching back to Urals."
Russia exported about 4 milion bpd of crude, predominantly Urals, to Europe in November via tankers and pipelines, Reuters data showed. Its oil is traded by Russian and European oil majors and most big oil traders.
While Russia is the winner, European refiners have been the losers. The fears of an EU embargo are proving more harmful to them than to Iran, which could sell its oil to energy-hungry Asia.
Many European refiners such as Finland's Neste and Italy's Eni have invested in recent years in advanced refining units such as desulphurizers and hydrocrackers to be able to handle heavy sour crudes. That strategy could backfire.
"Expensive Urals turns refinery economics upside down," an oil trader with a major said.
"Everyone completed investment in their refineries to buy more Urals and other sour (crudes), where the cost savings used to come from."
Cracking margins to make refined products such as gasoline and diesel from Urals have fallen to a loss of $1.25 to $2 a barrel in the past two weeks, said consultant Jordan.
By contrast, the Reuters refining margins model shows refiners can still profit from light-sweet Brent crude.
Russia will offer eurozone up to $20 bln in IMF-run aid
December 16, 2011 09:49 AM
Agencies
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/International/2011/Dec-16/157023-russia-will-offer-eurozone-up-to-$20-bln-in-imf-run-aid.ashx
BRUSSELS: Russia dangled a $20-billion offer of IMF-run aid for the eurozone Thursday as President Dmitry Medvedev held his last summit with EU leaders amid splits on energy, Syria and Iran.
The elections to replace Medvedev in March also came under scrutiny following the allegations of fraud and protests that greeted Russian parliamentary elections earlier this month.
Arkady Dvorkovich, Medvedev's adviser, said Russia was ready to contribute as soon as the IMF calls in its help. "Ten billion dollars is the minimum commitment," he said, adding that Moscow would "consider" giving another $10 billion depending on "the size of the gap" in European efforts to raise overall rescue funding to a targeted one trillion euros.
"If the gap is half a trillion and we don't know where other $490 billion are coming from, that would not be much point," he said.
He said after talks that began overnight that $10 billion due to be returned from the IMF next year could remain with the IMF "today" for special eurozone aid as soon as the fund calls on it.
EU states have pledged to boost IMF crisis defenses with loans of 200 billion euros ($265 billion). At a summit Friday, EU leaders set a deadline of Dec. 19 for pledges or ideas.
"What we need to do is make markets believe," Dvorkovich said, adding that Brazil, China, India and South Africa, the other so-called BRICS emerging giants, "will not object" to the IMF channeling money to the European Financial Stability Facility.
"European leaders seem to be more optimistic than before," he added following a private dinner of the partners late Wednesday. "Now they were able to say very specific things."
The summit proper gathered EU president Herman Van Rompuy, executive head Jose Manuel Barroso, foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton and energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger.
Medvedev was joined by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov plus Economic Development and Trade Minister Elvira Nabiullina.
"Both the Union and Russia are at a crossroads," Van Rompuy told Medvedev during his opening speech.
"The EU is maneuvering its way through the sovereign debt crisis. We are on our way to bringing confidence to the eurozone," he added.
Questions facing Russia "are no less important," Van Rompuy said, urging Moscow to maintain modernization "based on democratic values, built on a modern economy and ensuring further political reforms."
That was a reference to what officials said would be calls for a squeaky-clean presidential poll in March which is expected to hand victory to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
The parliamentary elections sparked mass street protests at the weekend and left Putin's ruling party with a reduced majority.
An EU official had said beforehand the bloc would press Medvedev on "democratic development, the rule of law and human rights."
Medvedev in his initial remarks said he was "confident" the EU would overcome the debt crisis, but made no reference to any contribution.
Instead, he said he hoped Friday's signing in Geneva of Russia's World Trade Organization accession, 18 years in the making, "could activate" an EU-Russia cooperation agreement left on the starting blocks because WTO rules are an integral part of EU regulations.
The EU and Russia are far apart on a Trans-Caspian pipeline which Brussels is now negotiating with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, but Medvedev highlighted Russian reliability as an energy partner for the EU.
Medvedev was due to meet with leaders from giant industrial corporations like Deutsche Bahn and Siemens later Thursday.
Money for the eurozone aside, which remains conditional and dependent on IMF decisions, the rest of the talks were to focus on "deliverables" including the first tentative steps towards a cherished Russian goal of visa-free travel in and out of the bloc.
Some short trips will be made easier once biometric passports are introduced alongside other changes.
The summit came as the World Trade Organization was set to approve Russia's long-delayed membership Friday. Russia – the largest economy still outside the WTO – has been trying to join for 18 years.
إحسان أوغلو: نرفض أي تدخل أجنبي في سورية
OIC Expresses Rejection of Foreign Interference in Syria's Affairs
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/16/388721.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/12/16/388745.htm
Dec 16, 2011
ANKARA, (SANA) – Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on Friday expressed his rejection of any foreign interference in the Syrian internal affairs.
During a visit to Libya, Ihsanoglu told the Turkish Anadolu News Agency (AA) "We should carefully study what we can and cannot do in Syria."
He added "What we shouldn't do is the matter of the foreign intervention. Intervention will not help solve Syria's problem. This thing was proved in Libya and in Iraq in 2003."
Russian Foreign: Russian draft resolution in the Security Council stresses the inadmissibility of external interference in Syria
http://arabic.rt.com/news_all_news/news/574237/
16.12.2011 12:03
Alexander Ukashević, a spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said the draft resolution, which was promulgated by Russia on Thursday, December 15 / December to members of the UN Security Council, affirming the inadmissibility of the interpretation of its provisions as a signal to start outside interference in the internal Syrian affairs.
Ukashević explained in a news conference on Friday, December 16 / December, the talk is going on a modified version of the draft resolution had been submitted by Russia and China to the Security Council as an alternative to the European draft resolution that was talking about imposing sanctions on the Syrian regime.
The Russian diplomat said the text of the amended draft refers to the need to Send Observer Mission of the Arab League to Syria soon.
Ukashević said: "We proceed from the outside interference in Syria could destabilize the situation in the Middle East as a whole, it is considered that there is no alternative to the political-diplomatic settlement of the crisis."
He added that the project "clearly confirms the inadmissibility of the interpretation of provisions of the resolution as a sign of foreign intervention in internal Syrian affairs."
He added that the Russian draft resolution sends a signal to the Syrian authorities and the opposition alike need to stop the violence, in addition to the emphasis on the need to Send Observer Mission of the Arab League to Syria soon.
Moscow hopes to clarify the details of the Arab initiative as soon as possible
Ukashević said that Moscow hopes to finalize details for the Arab initiative and approve it as soon as possible.
He added: "We have repeatedly said that we develop our relations with the Syrian leadership and the opposition at various levels. But the main objective at the present time lies in the implementation of the main principle of the Arab initiative on the cessation of violence by all parties and audit control mechanism which can be activated by sending observers of the Arab League to Syria" .
He warned that the Arab League initiative should not become a warning.
Source: Agencies
Political analyst: Russia's draft resolution enjoyed good prospects in the Security Council
Arman Ohannesian, editor of the magazine "International Living" in Moscow, said that the Russian draft resolution enjoyed good prospects for passage in the UN Security Council.
Lukashevich: Russia Submitted an Objective Draft Resolution on Syria to the UNSC
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/12/16/388645.htm
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/16/388642.htm
Dec 16, 2011
MOSCOW, (SANA)- Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Russia submitted an objective draft resolution on Syria to the UN Security Council.
In a press conference on Friday, Lukashevich added that the Russian draft resolution referred to the necessity for the Syrian authorities and the opposition to halt violence and engage in dialogue according to the Arab work plan.
He stressed that none of the draft resolution's articles are to be interpreted as a call for foreign interference in Syria's internal affairs, warning that such interference will stoke tension in the region as a whole.
The Russian official underlined that there is no alternative to the diplomatic political efforts to find a solution for the situation in Syria.
Anatoly Egorin: Unites States, Western Countries Supply Armed Terrorist Groups in Syria with Weapons and Cash
Dr. Anatoly Egorin, Deputy Director of Oriental Studies Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Russian Federation said ''all have come to know that the Unites States and Western Countries supply the armed terrorist groups in Syria with weapons and cash and instigate these groups to pursue criminal acts in Syria.''
In press statements to SANA Correspondent in Moscow Friday, Dr. Egorin added that the Western Countries increase their aggressiveness against the Arab Countries, whose governments stand in the face of the strategic interests of the west, which has been seeking to dominate the Arab region and plunder its resources and to get closer to Russia as to attack it in the future.
Egorin pointed out that some western countries instigate Turkey as to take anti-Syria stances, which is against the interests of the Turkish People.
Dr. Egorin vehemently condemned the media war and bids of foreign interference by some Arab and western countries against Syria, asserting that Syria is a fundamental country in the region and a founding-member of the Arab League.
Dr. Egorin highly lauded the Syrian People as 'courageous', ' firm in defending its homeland and genuine interests' calling, on behalf of Russian researchers and scientists, on western colleagues as to ''work together for dialogue among all Syrian sides as to get out from current crisis'', pointing out that the Syrian opposition is not harmonious and doesn't have the same stances from the Syrian authorities.
Russian Analyst: Washington Should Abandon Its Hard-line Stance towards Damascus
In the same context, the Russian political analyst Vislav Matozov said Russia's new draft resolution does not include a change in the Russian principled stance towards Syria in the current crisis, reiterating Russia's support to Syria against any form of foreign interference in its internal affairs.
In a phone call with the Syrian TV, Matozov said his country called in its draft for dialogue between the Syrian leadership and the opposition, an end to violence by all parties, recognition of the legitimacy of the Syrian authority and rejection of the extremist opposition abroad.
He pointed out that all the armed groups operating on the ground in Syria are being encouraged and funded by the US, calling upon Washington to abandon its hard-line stance towards the Syrian leadership as well as its support to the armed opposition.
The Russian analyst wondered about the source of the huge funds being provided by Washington to the Syrian opposition in light of the current deficit in the US budget.
"It seems that the money are taken from the budget of the Libyan people whom they immersed in continued armed clashes and chaos to the date," wondered Matozov.
Russia's Mufti: Solution to Syria's Problems to Be Reached by the Syrians
Head of the Iftaa Council in Russia, the grand mufti, Shaikh Rawi Ain Eddine stressed that the solution to the problems facing Syria should be reached by the Syrians themselves without foreign interference.
During his meeting with the Syrian Ambassador in Moscow, Dr. Riyad Haddad, Shaikh Rawi reiterated the Russian Iftaa House's rejection of any foreign interference in the Syrian internal affairs and its support to Russia's stances towards the situation in Syria.
He said that the Russian stances in this regard are in defense of the principles of right and justice.
موسكو تنفي زيارة فاروق الشرع إلى روسيا.. ومصادر تقول انه تم تأجيل الزيارة من اجل أن تشمل لقاء بوتين
Moscow denies Farouq al-Sharaa's visit to Russia .. The sources said that the visit was postponed in order to include a meeting Putin
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=a3eff51d4ed88e3e5461fb1f5ba0cf84&ar=272536871
Friday - December 16 - 2011 - 13:19:42
Denied, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, reports that the arrival of Vice President Farouq al-Sharaa to Moscow, said in an interview, told Interfax "Russian".
He was Vice Chairman of the Russian Association for Solidarity and Cooperation between the peoples of Asia and Africa Kosov Kim had said earlier that al-Shara will hold talks in Moscow with Russian leaders, including Lavrov, on the situation in Syria.
For its part, reported channel "Al-Manar," the Lebanese that "the postponement of Shara's visit to Moscow soon to include a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior Russian officials."
Russian oil the winner from Syria, Iran sanctions
http://arabnews.com/economy/article548820.ece
By REUTERS
Published: Dec 15, 2011 23:02 Updated: Dec 15, 2011 23:03
LONDON: Russia is emerging as the winner from international sanctions against Syria and stands to benefit even more if the European Union bans imports of Iranian crude, keeping Russia's Urals crude at stiff premiums for months more.
Urals crude already has been fetching premiums over the North Sea Dated Brent benchmark since mid-October, the longest period ever.
"The strength of Urals relative to Brent in recent weeks is due to a combination of factors: uncertainty over the impact of sanctions on Iran and the loss of Syrian production and exports," Roy Jordan with consultancy Facts Global Energy said.
Forced to pay higher Urals prices, European refiners have been losing money, which could discourage the EU from moving ahead with a proposed ban on Iranian oil.
Urals is typically sold at discounts to Brent, because it contains about 1.3 percent of sulfur with API gravity of about 32, making it heavier and more sour than the crudes that go into setting the North Sea benchmark.
Most Iranian and Syrian crudes are similar to or heavier than Urals. All of these crudes require extra refining.
Syria exported most of its 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) of heavy sour crude to the Mediterranean before sanctions were imposed earlier this year following repression of civil protest against President Bashar Assad's 11-year rule.
Syrian heavy crudes were typically the alternative to Urals crude, when the Russian prices were high.
"As the Syria sanctions do not look set to change anytime soon, there is likely to be some continuous upwards effect on the Urals," said Samuel Ciszuk, a consultant with KBC Process Technology.
On top of that, if the EU agrees to ban imports of Iranian crude in January, European refiners would have to find alternatives for another 600,000 bpd of medium and heavy-sour oil — a figure in the International Energy Agency's monthly oil market report released on Tuesday.
"I expect that the potential loss of Iranian crude imports will persuade European refiners to continue to pay a premium for Urals over Brent in the short-term until the situation relating to Iran is clarified," Jordan said.
The IEA said that even in a partial ban, European refiners would confront higher prices for replacement crudes from producers including Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Saudi Arabia sells exclusively to term contract customers. Not all the sour crude buyers in Europe have contracts with the Saudis.
Russia, however, sells its crude on the spot market as well as term contracts.
Greece, which had relied on Iranian crude, recently bought a cargo of Urals crude from trader Glencore for the first time in many months, traders said.
"They are certainly trying to test how life looks without Iranian supplies. Well, it certainly looks expensive," one trader said.
"Greece will find it very hard to live without Iranian oil by switching back to Urals."
Russia exported about 4 milion bpd of crude, predominantly Urals, to Europe in November via tankers and pipelines, Reuters data showed. Its oil is traded by Russian and European oil majors and most big oil traders.
While Russia is the winner, European refiners have been the losers. The fears of an EU embargo are proving more harmful to them than to Iran, which could sell its oil to energy-hungry Asia.
Many European refiners such as Finland's Neste and Italy's Eni have invested in recent years in advanced refining units such as desulphurizers and hydrocrackers to be able to handle heavy sour crudes. That strategy could backfire.
"Expensive Urals turns refinery economics upside down," an oil trader with a major said.
"Everyone completed investment in their refineries to buy more Urals and other sour (crudes), where the cost savings used to come from."
Cracking margins to make refined products such as gasoline and diesel from Urals have fallen to a loss of $1.25 to $2 a barrel in the past two weeks, said consultant Jordan.
By contrast, the Reuters refining margins model shows refiners can still profit from light-sweet Brent crude.
Russia will offer eurozone up to $20 bln in IMF-run aid
December 16, 2011 09:49 AM
Agencies
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/International/2011/Dec-16/157023-russia-will-offer-eurozone-up-to-$20-bln-in-imf-run-aid.ashx
BRUSSELS: Russia dangled a $20-billion offer of IMF-run aid for the eurozone Thursday as President Dmitry Medvedev held his last summit with EU leaders amid splits on energy, Syria and Iran.
The elections to replace Medvedev in March also came under scrutiny following the allegations of fraud and protests that greeted Russian parliamentary elections earlier this month.
Arkady Dvorkovich, Medvedev's adviser, said Russia was ready to contribute as soon as the IMF calls in its help. "Ten billion dollars is the minimum commitment," he said, adding that Moscow would "consider" giving another $10 billion depending on "the size of the gap" in European efforts to raise overall rescue funding to a targeted one trillion euros.
"If the gap is half a trillion and we don't know where other $490 billion are coming from, that would not be much point," he said.
He said after talks that began overnight that $10 billion due to be returned from the IMF next year could remain with the IMF "today" for special eurozone aid as soon as the fund calls on it.
EU states have pledged to boost IMF crisis defenses with loans of 200 billion euros ($265 billion). At a summit Friday, EU leaders set a deadline of Dec. 19 for pledges or ideas.
"What we need to do is make markets believe," Dvorkovich said, adding that Brazil, China, India and South Africa, the other so-called BRICS emerging giants, "will not object" to the IMF channeling money to the European Financial Stability Facility.
"European leaders seem to be more optimistic than before," he added following a private dinner of the partners late Wednesday. "Now they were able to say very specific things."
The summit proper gathered EU president Herman Van Rompuy, executive head Jose Manuel Barroso, foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton and energy commissioner Guenther Oettinger.
Medvedev was joined by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov plus Economic Development and Trade Minister Elvira Nabiullina.
"Both the Union and Russia are at a crossroads," Van Rompuy told Medvedev during his opening speech.
"The EU is maneuvering its way through the sovereign debt crisis. We are on our way to bringing confidence to the eurozone," he added.
Questions facing Russia "are no less important," Van Rompuy said, urging Moscow to maintain modernization "based on democratic values, built on a modern economy and ensuring further political reforms."
That was a reference to what officials said would be calls for a squeaky-clean presidential poll in March which is expected to hand victory to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
The parliamentary elections sparked mass street protests at the weekend and left Putin's ruling party with a reduced majority.
An EU official had said beforehand the bloc would press Medvedev on "democratic development, the rule of law and human rights."
Medvedev in his initial remarks said he was "confident" the EU would overcome the debt crisis, but made no reference to any contribution.
Instead, he said he hoped Friday's signing in Geneva of Russia's World Trade Organization accession, 18 years in the making, "could activate" an EU-Russia cooperation agreement left on the starting blocks because WTO rules are an integral part of EU regulations.
The EU and Russia are far apart on a Trans-Caspian pipeline which Brussels is now negotiating with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, but Medvedev highlighted Russian reliability as an energy partner for the EU.
Medvedev was due to meet with leaders from giant industrial corporations like Deutsche Bahn and Siemens later Thursday.
Money for the eurozone aside, which remains conditional and dependent on IMF decisions, the rest of the talks were to focus on "deliverables" including the first tentative steps towards a cherished Russian goal of visa-free travel in and out of the bloc.
Some short trips will be made easier once biometric passports are introduced alongside other changes.
The summit came as the World Trade Organization was set to approve Russia's long-delayed membership Friday. Russia – the largest economy still outside the WTO – has been trying to join for 18 years.
إحسان أوغلو: نرفض أي تدخل أجنبي في سورية
OIC Expresses Rejection of Foreign Interference in Syria's Affairs
http://www.sana.sy/ara/3/2011/12/16/388721.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/22/2011/12/16/388745.htm
Dec 16, 2011
ANKARA, (SANA) – Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on Friday expressed his rejection of any foreign interference in the Syrian internal affairs.
During a visit to Libya, Ihsanoglu told the Turkish Anadolu News Agency (AA) "We should carefully study what we can and cannot do in Syria."
He added "What we shouldn't do is the matter of the foreign intervention. Intervention will not help solve Syria's problem. This thing was proved in Libya and in Iraq in 2003."
Dec 16 Local government
Votes for Councils of Hasaka Governorate and Hasaka and Qamishli Cities to Be Recounted
http://sana.sy/eng/21/2011/12/16/388676.htm
Dec 16, 2011
HASAKA, (SANA)-The judicial sub-committee in charge of supervising the local council elections in the northeastern governorate of Hasaka decided to annul the results which were announced on Thursday evening of the provincial councils in the governorate and cities of Hasaka and Qamishli because of certain mistakes in the process of vote counting, caused by a failure in the computer system.
Judge Ammar al-Aani, head of the committee, told SANA correspondent that mistakes were detected in the computerized vote counting when compared to manual counting of ballots conducted for the councils of cities, towns and municipalities.
He said that the manual vote counting will be adopted, while the ballots for the elections of the councils of the governorate and the cities of Hasaka and Qamishli will be recounted manually.
تحويل أرض السوق العربية المشتركة في حلب إلى مدينة تجارية تضم معارض وفنادق
Conversion of the Arab common market in the city of Aleppo to include a commercial exhibition and hotels
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=2b2c4a03060778ad58a1f1fca9077c06&ar=732202829
Friday - December 16 - 2011 - 15:37:46
Ministry of Economy announced that it is about converting part of the land of the Arab common market in the city of Aleppo to include a commercial exhibition and hotels.
Muhammad Nidal Shaar, the Minister of Economy, visited the land of Arab common market in Aleppo, accompanied by Governor of Aleppo a few days ago, where the minister said that his visit was to settle the conditions of the land of the Arab common market, which regained the ministry about 150 thousand square meters and will be invested to establish a city of huge commercial includes exhibitions, hotels and offices the contribution of each commercial and industrial economic activities in Aleppo.
The minister pointed out that he will discuss the possibility of a literal complexes on the outskirts of the city under the terms of environmental, health and science together all the trades located within the city and the allocation of the craftsmen according to studies and possibilities available, including contributing to the transfer of all industries and trades to light outside the city.
The minister opened, after his tour of a branch, the development and promotion of exports of Aleppo.
http://sana.sy/eng/21/2011/12/16/388676.htm
Dec 16, 2011
HASAKA, (SANA)-The judicial sub-committee in charge of supervising the local council elections in the northeastern governorate of Hasaka decided to annul the results which were announced on Thursday evening of the provincial councils in the governorate and cities of Hasaka and Qamishli because of certain mistakes in the process of vote counting, caused by a failure in the computer system.
Judge Ammar al-Aani, head of the committee, told SANA correspondent that mistakes were detected in the computerized vote counting when compared to manual counting of ballots conducted for the councils of cities, towns and municipalities.
He said that the manual vote counting will be adopted, while the ballots for the elections of the councils of the governorate and the cities of Hasaka and Qamishli will be recounted manually.
تحويل أرض السوق العربية المشتركة في حلب إلى مدينة تجارية تضم معارض وفنادق
Conversion of the Arab common market in the city of Aleppo to include a commercial exhibition and hotels
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=2b2c4a03060778ad58a1f1fca9077c06&ar=732202829
Friday - December 16 - 2011 - 15:37:46
Ministry of Economy announced that it is about converting part of the land of the Arab common market in the city of Aleppo to include a commercial exhibition and hotels.
Muhammad Nidal Shaar, the Minister of Economy, visited the land of Arab common market in Aleppo, accompanied by Governor of Aleppo a few days ago, where the minister said that his visit was to settle the conditions of the land of the Arab common market, which regained the ministry about 150 thousand square meters and will be invested to establish a city of huge commercial includes exhibitions, hotels and offices the contribution of each commercial and industrial economic activities in Aleppo.
The minister pointed out that he will discuss the possibility of a literal complexes on the outskirts of the city under the terms of environmental, health and science together all the trades located within the city and the allocation of the craftsmen according to studies and possibilities available, including contributing to the transfer of all industries and trades to light outside the city.
The minister opened, after his tour of a branch, the development and promotion of exports of Aleppo.
Dec 16 Pro-government
السوريون يواصلون نشاطاتهم رفضاً للتدخلات الخارجية وتأكيداً على استقلالية القرار الوطني
Syrians continue their activities rejection of foreign intervention and an emphasis on the independence of national decision
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388660.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/12/16/388668.htm
December 16, .2011 (a lot of photos in the URL)
Provinces (SANA) -
Syrian citizens continue Mseerathm mass and activities of national emphasis on national unity and support for the independence of national decision and comprehensive reform program, led by President Bashar al-Assad and rejection of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Syria.
The participants in the demonstrations witnessed by the squares Hijaz and the seven Bahrat Damascus and Saadallah Jabri Aleppo and municipal Baldrekish and main Bamalikih in Hasaka and martyrs in the village of activated Suweida and Alchornecan Maritime Tartous and Banias and standing united in the face of the conspiracy against their country.
In Damascus, the participants in my name the seven Bahrat Hijaz and their appreciation for the sacrifices offered by the army of the nation in addressing the terrorist groups armed by the exercise of the killing and destruction away from the morals and values of the Arab people and their support for comprehensive reform program and their rejection of attempts at outside interference in the affairs of the Syrian people carrying flags of the nation and the signs emphasize national unity and to make valuable and precious for the sake of boosting the immune Syria.
And chanted hymns and patriotic songs that reflect their sense of national awareness high and what is being plotted for the homeland of the conspiracies and suspicious projects aimed to undermine the security, stability and pride, stressing that Syria will remain resistant to all the conspirators and the defeatists.
(omitted)
Friday sermon by al-Bouti
العلامة البوطي: تهريب الأسلحة إلى سورية وإجرام المسلحين يتم من أجل قرة عين "إسرائيل
Shaikh al-Bouti: Illegal Trafficking of Weapons to Syria, Crimes of Gunmen Serve Israel
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388688.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/12/16/388737.htm
Dec 16, 2011
DAMASCUS, SANA_ Shaikh Muhammad Said Ramadan al-Bouti said the plot against the Arabs had begun since the cancerous tumor (Israel) was planted in Palestine, affirming that the illegal trafficking of weapons to Syria and the crimes of armed people are in favor of Israel.
In his Friday sermon, Shaikh al-Bouti said the Palestinian cause is the cause of the Islamic nation as a whole and not a regional cause that belongs to a spot of land to which a group of people are responsible.
He continued that the United States, which had executed "the order of Israel" to occupy Iraq and destroy it under the pretext of possession of nuclear weapons threaten Israel, would withdraw from Iraq today empty-handed, bearing a heavy human and material losses.
Shaikh al-Bouti was amazed at statements of some Arab Muslims who called for wisdom in dealing with Israel, so it is normal for Israel to rebel and ignore the international law and international resolutions since the past enemies have transformed into defenders who deal with it in wisdom and flexibility.
Syrians continue their activities rejection of foreign intervention and an emphasis on the independence of national decision
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388660.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/12/16/388668.htm
December 16, .2011 (a lot of photos in the URL)
Provinces (SANA) -
Syrian citizens continue Mseerathm mass and activities of national emphasis on national unity and support for the independence of national decision and comprehensive reform program, led by President Bashar al-Assad and rejection of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Syria.
The participants in the demonstrations witnessed by the squares Hijaz and the seven Bahrat Damascus and Saadallah Jabri Aleppo and municipal Baldrekish and main Bamalikih in Hasaka and martyrs in the village of activated Suweida and Alchornecan Maritime Tartous and Banias and standing united in the face of the conspiracy against their country.
In Damascus, the participants in my name the seven Bahrat Hijaz and their appreciation for the sacrifices offered by the army of the nation in addressing the terrorist groups armed by the exercise of the killing and destruction away from the morals and values of the Arab people and their support for comprehensive reform program and their rejection of attempts at outside interference in the affairs of the Syrian people carrying flags of the nation and the signs emphasize national unity and to make valuable and precious for the sake of boosting the immune Syria.
And chanted hymns and patriotic songs that reflect their sense of national awareness high and what is being plotted for the homeland of the conspiracies and suspicious projects aimed to undermine the security, stability and pride, stressing that Syria will remain resistant to all the conspirators and the defeatists.
(omitted)
Friday sermon by al-Bouti
العلامة البوطي: تهريب الأسلحة إلى سورية وإجرام المسلحين يتم من أجل قرة عين "إسرائيل
Shaikh al-Bouti: Illegal Trafficking of Weapons to Syria, Crimes of Gunmen Serve Israel
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388688.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/21/2011/12/16/388737.htm
Dec 16, 2011
DAMASCUS, SANA_ Shaikh Muhammad Said Ramadan al-Bouti said the plot against the Arabs had begun since the cancerous tumor (Israel) was planted in Palestine, affirming that the illegal trafficking of weapons to Syria and the crimes of armed people are in favor of Israel.
In his Friday sermon, Shaikh al-Bouti said the Palestinian cause is the cause of the Islamic nation as a whole and not a regional cause that belongs to a spot of land to which a group of people are responsible.
He continued that the United States, which had executed "the order of Israel" to occupy Iraq and destroy it under the pretext of possession of nuclear weapons threaten Israel, would withdraw from Iraq today empty-handed, bearing a heavy human and material losses.
Shaikh al-Bouti was amazed at statements of some Arab Muslims who called for wisdom in dealing with Israel, so it is normal for Israel to rebel and ignore the international law and international resolutions since the past enemies have transformed into defenders who deal with it in wisdom and flexibility.
Dec 16 Anti-government
Displaced Syrians 'losing faith' in opposition
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44372
16 December 2011
By Taylor Luck
MAFRAQ/RAMTHA - Displaced Syrians say they are losing faith in opposition groups' ability to form a united front to oppose the regime of President Bashar Al Assad, urging international intervention as the "only hope" to end the conflict in their country.
Syrians residing in the northern cities of Mafraq and Ramtha expressed a growing sense of frustration towards political groups they claim are "failing" in their efforts to drum up international support to bring an end to violence that has claimed the lives of over 5,000 civilians.
"People have been dying day after day, week after week, month after month and all we have had so far is talk," said Abu Muhammad, a Homs resident who fled to Mafraq, some 90 kilometres north of Amman, earlier this month.
"By the time they are done talking, Syria will have bled dry," the 76-year-old noted.
Syrians who have fled the violence that has been ongoing since February claim that the Syrian National Council (SNC) - an opposition coalition comprising several political parties, Kurdish groups and dissidents - has little legitimacy among average Syrians, who accuse the organisation of acting in the interest of "personal agendas".
"We look at this council and see the faces and names of people who left Syria decades ago and have no idea what life is like on the ground," said Nidhal Ahmad, a 43-year-old Homs resident.
"Since when did we put Burhan Ghalioun in charge of our future?" he remarked, referring to the Paris-based Syrian political scientist who was named chair of the council in August.
While displaced Syrians face a worsening situation - dwindling savings, need for costly medical care, and limited contact with loved ones back home - opposition forces have failed to mount a campaign to raise international political and monetary assistance, they said.
"When the revolutions started in Tunisia and Libya, the opposition secured support for civilians and refugees; how come we have to rely on Jordanian organisations for help?" remarked Um Muath, a mother of four.
Ongoing violence across Syria and opposition inaction has created a growing sense of "resentment" among displaced Syrians towards a political class they reject as "illegitimate".
"We have been out in the streets day after day facing bullets and tanks, demanding our basic rights for freedom," said Ayman Luoay. "What have they done for us?"
Displaced Syrians say they have particularly little faith in the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, which has been quietly positioning itself as a leading opposition voice from its base in Istanbul.
"How can they speak in our name when they haven't even lived in the country for over 30 years?" Laith, a 24-year-old from the Syrian border town of Daraa, remarked.
Syrians labelled the Islamists as "latecomers" attempting to take advantage of the crisis to build on the movement's democratic and political gains in Egypt and elsewhere.
"We all know that the Muslim Brotherhood have their eyes set on ruling the country, not saving it," said Abu Muhammad.
"If they expect to come back to Damascus after the fall of Assad to a people waiting with open arms, they will be very mistaken."
Free Army
Disillusioned with political actors, displaced Syrians maintain that the Free Syria Army - a coalition of military defectors operating within Syria - remains their "only hope" of bringing an end to the 10-month crisis.
Due to decades of living under one-party rule, Syrians say they are much more willing to throw their support behind a nonpolitical force solely dedicated to freeing the country than any ideologically driven group.
"These are our sons and brothers. These are the people who will lead our revolution, not some washed-up politicians in Paris," said Muhammad Abu Ali, a father of nine who arrived in Jordan late last month.
Syrians said they identify with the soldiers, who they claim are underfed and underpaid, and are showing a growing unwillingness to carry out orders to kill civilians.
"I have seen with my own eyes soldiers refusing to shoot peaceful protesters," said Um Majdi, a Homs resident now residing in a two-room apartment in Mafraq.
"They paid with their lives."
Syrians admit that due to a slow rate of defection - soldiers are currently leaving by the dozens rather than hundreds or thousands - the movement has yet to gain the momentum it needs to pose a real threat to the regime.
"There are thousands of soldiers ready to defect, waiting for the opportunity, but they are afraid," said Abu Yasser, a Daraa resident who has three brothers serving in the army.
Syrians claim that a buffer zone or the enforcement of a no-fly zone would give thousands of Syrian soldiers and officers the chance to defect, organise and launch a campaign against Assad loyalists.
"If the international community sets up a no-fly zone, within 48 hours the Free Syria Army will topple the regime," predicted Amar Mahmoud, an engineer from Homs.
Syrians in Jordan hope that by replicating the experience of Libyan revolutionaries - allowing army deserters to organise within areas along the Syrian-Turkish border in the north and the Syrian-Jordanian border to the south under the backing of international military support - the movement can topple four decades of Baath party rule.
"For months we have called on the Arab League, on Syria's neighbours and on the international community to give us the chance we need by establishing a no-fly zone," said Ahmad, a 33-year-old truck driver.
"But it seems the international community is failing us."
As the international community continues to struggle to form a strong consensus, Arab foreign ministers are set to gather once again on Saturday to discuss the ongoing crisis, but Syrians, who have been hardest hit by the violence say they are losing both time and patience.
"The Syrian people are done with the talk, done with statements, done with politics," said Abu Ibrahim, a 34-year-old software engineer.
"The Syrian people want freedom, and they are willing to die to get it."
Profile of Muhammad Bassam al-Imadi, leader of al-Leeqa, as pro-Syrian media describes
"سيريانديز" تكشف أوراقه... محمد بسام العمادي "حرامي" اتهم بالغش والتدليس واستغلال منصبه الوظيفي والنصب على مطاعم السويد
"Syriandays" reveal his cards ... Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi, "thief" was accused of cheating, fraud and exploitation of his career and the monument to Sweden Restaurants
http://www.syriandays.com/?page=show_det&select_page=73&id=29327
its cache
Friday 12/16/2011
04:45:39
As the Syrian opposition abroad to gather in their ranks included those sentenced for felonies and the provisions do not lack the seduction of minors, abuse you, "and a single falcon," and traitors, such as "servants" and rustlers public money and led by "Bassam Ja'ara" Here is "fraudster" Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi, a former Syrian Ambassador to Sweden, joined the convoy after announcing the split from the regime as he put it and start the process of lip service on the satellite channels and pipe mouthpiece like him, he wants buffer zones on the border of Turkey and Jordan on the grounds that this would break the Syrian army as revealed to him His intelligence .. But who is Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi?
Despite the emergence of "Al Emadi," nine months after the start of the events in Syria guise of fraud that announced his resignation from his post as ambassador Syria to Sweden in 2009, and that against the regime and the Syrian government, but he did not Ichi that permitted this, but too late for his convoy, which has written volumes for ways to protect the Syrian people, knowing that this was just the tip of the iceberg Tigris and Ahtealh, and the evidence that the Syrian Foreign and once claiming to resign and then Alaenchenakkak took the initiative to open the file and expose his cards and said that he was dismissed from his work on the impact of charges of fraud, fraud and robbery of public funds.
Site "Syriandays" The truth, I looked in the network kindly to this person, "Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi," did not find only the report of the new AMD processors websites content transfer "of Al-Emadi," to the central body of control and inspection for several charges, and held the report entitled: "Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi thief accused of fraud and fraud and the exploitation of his career, and information on his flight to the Gulf state "
The report says: "The central body of control and inspection had been sent a letter to the Prime Minister called for a warrant remand the movable and immovable property of the Syrian Ambassador in Sweden, Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi. The Commission asked in her referral Emadi to justice on charges of fraud and deceit and the exploitation of his career for profit-PC, also demanded the expulsion of his career. where the investigation had begun in secret since September 2008, he was summoned to Damascus the summer of that year on the back of the case. and a decision is also issued the expulsion of Al-Emadi of his work, but the information cross-cited in the report says that "Al Emadi," managed to escape to the Gulf state before his arrest, and you only did the report mention that information, but noted that "Al Emadi," was involved the sale of documents and official information of the points of foreign intelligence for the U.S. Embassy in Sweden, as well as his involvement spying for foreign hostile.
Not only did the site "Syriandays" remembrance of the report and brought him the information, but to work on contacting relevant Arab community of Syrian and Sweden during the screening, all mentioned, it was found that the "Al Emadi," married to a woman of foreign nationality and that is what is not allowed nor approved by the labor law in the diplomatic corps in particular the work the position of "ambassador" as well as that for the duration of his position of "ambassador" Syria to Sweden did not leave an impact politically, socially or even fingerprint Suribh featured during the period he spent in his diplomatic career, but as confirmed relevant Arab community Syrian in Sweden, that "Al Emadi," was exploiting his position and reviews the forces of power in its diplomatic goals of personality, was the most important, access to restaurants, entertainment venues and doing the work of the monument to their owners, including meals free of charge using the described diplomacy as "ambassador."
In the face of Ka committed by acts of harm to him Kasuri first and his diplomatic representative of Syria resorted concerned to Stockholm and the investigation and take necessary action against him was dismissed from his post, but the big surprise was happy made by Syrian members of the Syrian community in Sweden when the action has been taken equitable right " Emadi, "where by many to be the procedure the judge removed him from his post as ambassador stricken grin luck came his removal to the Syrians, because everyone knows his command and his actions inappropriate his job as an ambassador representing the Syrians in exile.
This was recorded "Al Emadi," the first appearance of media has Kpoq of the trumpets of freedom, led by militia Istanbul, led by "pipe" yesterday on the screen of al-Jazeerah after his appearance on the pages of "The Times" British appearance of the Antichrist is a professional, where he took the stronghold of left and right to freedom and demanding Boqsaha to the Syrian people, but soon embraced the doctrine of buffer zones and the air embargo against Syria.
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44372
16 December 2011
By Taylor Luck
MAFRAQ/RAMTHA - Displaced Syrians say they are losing faith in opposition groups' ability to form a united front to oppose the regime of President Bashar Al Assad, urging international intervention as the "only hope" to end the conflict in their country.
Syrians residing in the northern cities of Mafraq and Ramtha expressed a growing sense of frustration towards political groups they claim are "failing" in their efforts to drum up international support to bring an end to violence that has claimed the lives of over 5,000 civilians.
"People have been dying day after day, week after week, month after month and all we have had so far is talk," said Abu Muhammad, a Homs resident who fled to Mafraq, some 90 kilometres north of Amman, earlier this month.
"By the time they are done talking, Syria will have bled dry," the 76-year-old noted.
Syrians who have fled the violence that has been ongoing since February claim that the Syrian National Council (SNC) - an opposition coalition comprising several political parties, Kurdish groups and dissidents - has little legitimacy among average Syrians, who accuse the organisation of acting in the interest of "personal agendas".
"We look at this council and see the faces and names of people who left Syria decades ago and have no idea what life is like on the ground," said Nidhal Ahmad, a 43-year-old Homs resident.
"Since when did we put Burhan Ghalioun in charge of our future?" he remarked, referring to the Paris-based Syrian political scientist who was named chair of the council in August.
While displaced Syrians face a worsening situation - dwindling savings, need for costly medical care, and limited contact with loved ones back home - opposition forces have failed to mount a campaign to raise international political and monetary assistance, they said.
"When the revolutions started in Tunisia and Libya, the opposition secured support for civilians and refugees; how come we have to rely on Jordanian organisations for help?" remarked Um Muath, a mother of four.
Ongoing violence across Syria and opposition inaction has created a growing sense of "resentment" among displaced Syrians towards a political class they reject as "illegitimate".
"We have been out in the streets day after day facing bullets and tanks, demanding our basic rights for freedom," said Ayman Luoay. "What have they done for us?"
Displaced Syrians say they have particularly little faith in the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood, which has been quietly positioning itself as a leading opposition voice from its base in Istanbul.
"How can they speak in our name when they haven't even lived in the country for over 30 years?" Laith, a 24-year-old from the Syrian border town of Daraa, remarked.
Syrians labelled the Islamists as "latecomers" attempting to take advantage of the crisis to build on the movement's democratic and political gains in Egypt and elsewhere.
"We all know that the Muslim Brotherhood have their eyes set on ruling the country, not saving it," said Abu Muhammad.
"If they expect to come back to Damascus after the fall of Assad to a people waiting with open arms, they will be very mistaken."
Free Army
Disillusioned with political actors, displaced Syrians maintain that the Free Syria Army - a coalition of military defectors operating within Syria - remains their "only hope" of bringing an end to the 10-month crisis.
Due to decades of living under one-party rule, Syrians say they are much more willing to throw their support behind a nonpolitical force solely dedicated to freeing the country than any ideologically driven group.
"These are our sons and brothers. These are the people who will lead our revolution, not some washed-up politicians in Paris," said Muhammad Abu Ali, a father of nine who arrived in Jordan late last month.
Syrians said they identify with the soldiers, who they claim are underfed and underpaid, and are showing a growing unwillingness to carry out orders to kill civilians.
"I have seen with my own eyes soldiers refusing to shoot peaceful protesters," said Um Majdi, a Homs resident now residing in a two-room apartment in Mafraq.
"They paid with their lives."
Syrians admit that due to a slow rate of defection - soldiers are currently leaving by the dozens rather than hundreds or thousands - the movement has yet to gain the momentum it needs to pose a real threat to the regime.
"There are thousands of soldiers ready to defect, waiting for the opportunity, but they are afraid," said Abu Yasser, a Daraa resident who has three brothers serving in the army.
Syrians claim that a buffer zone or the enforcement of a no-fly zone would give thousands of Syrian soldiers and officers the chance to defect, organise and launch a campaign against Assad loyalists.
"If the international community sets up a no-fly zone, within 48 hours the Free Syria Army will topple the regime," predicted Amar Mahmoud, an engineer from Homs.
Syrians in Jordan hope that by replicating the experience of Libyan revolutionaries - allowing army deserters to organise within areas along the Syrian-Turkish border in the north and the Syrian-Jordanian border to the south under the backing of international military support - the movement can topple four decades of Baath party rule.
"For months we have called on the Arab League, on Syria's neighbours and on the international community to give us the chance we need by establishing a no-fly zone," said Ahmad, a 33-year-old truck driver.
"But it seems the international community is failing us."
As the international community continues to struggle to form a strong consensus, Arab foreign ministers are set to gather once again on Saturday to discuss the ongoing crisis, but Syrians, who have been hardest hit by the violence say they are losing both time and patience.
"The Syrian people are done with the talk, done with statements, done with politics," said Abu Ibrahim, a 34-year-old software engineer.
"The Syrian people want freedom, and they are willing to die to get it."
Profile of Muhammad Bassam al-Imadi, leader of al-Leeqa, as pro-Syrian media describes
"سيريانديز" تكشف أوراقه... محمد بسام العمادي "حرامي" اتهم بالغش والتدليس واستغلال منصبه الوظيفي والنصب على مطاعم السويد
"Syriandays" reveal his cards ... Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi, "thief" was accused of cheating, fraud and exploitation of his career and the monument to Sweden Restaurants
http://www.syriandays.com/?page=show_det&select_page=73&id=29327
its cache
Friday 12/16/2011
04:45:39
As the Syrian opposition abroad to gather in their ranks included those sentenced for felonies and the provisions do not lack the seduction of minors, abuse you, "and a single falcon," and traitors, such as "servants" and rustlers public money and led by "Bassam Ja'ara" Here is "fraudster" Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi, a former Syrian Ambassador to Sweden, joined the convoy after announcing the split from the regime as he put it and start the process of lip service on the satellite channels and pipe mouthpiece like him, he wants buffer zones on the border of Turkey and Jordan on the grounds that this would break the Syrian army as revealed to him His intelligence .. But who is Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi?
Despite the emergence of "Al Emadi," nine months after the start of the events in Syria guise of fraud that announced his resignation from his post as ambassador Syria to Sweden in 2009, and that against the regime and the Syrian government, but he did not Ichi that permitted this, but too late for his convoy, which has written volumes for ways to protect the Syrian people, knowing that this was just the tip of the iceberg Tigris and Ahtealh, and the evidence that the Syrian Foreign and once claiming to resign and then Alaenchenakkak took the initiative to open the file and expose his cards and said that he was dismissed from his work on the impact of charges of fraud, fraud and robbery of public funds.
Site "Syriandays" The truth, I looked in the network kindly to this person, "Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi," did not find only the report of the new AMD processors websites content transfer "of Al-Emadi," to the central body of control and inspection for several charges, and held the report entitled: "Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi thief accused of fraud and fraud and the exploitation of his career, and information on his flight to the Gulf state "
The report says: "The central body of control and inspection had been sent a letter to the Prime Minister called for a warrant remand the movable and immovable property of the Syrian Ambassador in Sweden, Muhammad Bassam al-Emadi. The Commission asked in her referral Emadi to justice on charges of fraud and deceit and the exploitation of his career for profit-PC, also demanded the expulsion of his career. where the investigation had begun in secret since September 2008, he was summoned to Damascus the summer of that year on the back of the case. and a decision is also issued the expulsion of Al-Emadi of his work, but the information cross-cited in the report says that "Al Emadi," managed to escape to the Gulf state before his arrest, and you only did the report mention that information, but noted that "Al Emadi," was involved the sale of documents and official information of the points of foreign intelligence for the U.S. Embassy in Sweden, as well as his involvement spying for foreign hostile.
Not only did the site "Syriandays" remembrance of the report and brought him the information, but to work on contacting relevant Arab community of Syrian and Sweden during the screening, all mentioned, it was found that the "Al Emadi," married to a woman of foreign nationality and that is what is not allowed nor approved by the labor law in the diplomatic corps in particular the work the position of "ambassador" as well as that for the duration of his position of "ambassador" Syria to Sweden did not leave an impact politically, socially or even fingerprint Suribh featured during the period he spent in his diplomatic career, but as confirmed relevant Arab community Syrian in Sweden, that "Al Emadi," was exploiting his position and reviews the forces of power in its diplomatic goals of personality, was the most important, access to restaurants, entertainment venues and doing the work of the monument to their owners, including meals free of charge using the described diplomacy as "ambassador."
In the face of Ka committed by acts of harm to him Kasuri first and his diplomatic representative of Syria resorted concerned to Stockholm and the investigation and take necessary action against him was dismissed from his post, but the big surprise was happy made by Syrian members of the Syrian community in Sweden when the action has been taken equitable right " Emadi, "where by many to be the procedure the judge removed him from his post as ambassador stricken grin luck came his removal to the Syrians, because everyone knows his command and his actions inappropriate his job as an ambassador representing the Syrians in exile.
This was recorded "Al Emadi," the first appearance of media has Kpoq of the trumpets of freedom, led by militia Istanbul, led by "pipe" yesterday on the screen of al-Jazeerah after his appearance on the pages of "The Times" British appearance of the Antichrist is a professional, where he took the stronghold of left and right to freedom and demanding Boqsaha to the Syrian people, but soon embraced the doctrine of buffer zones and the air embargo against Syria.
Dec 16 Incidents
تفجير سكة القطار في دير الزور وجنوح عربتين
Bombing of a railway train in Deir Al-Zour and Delinquency vehicles
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_articles&id=b0a47f1b8b0acf53356cd2deac274718&h=%CD%E3%D5&ar=86622100
Friday - December 16 - 2011 - 13:38:07
Exposed in the railway town of Deir Al-Zour to an act of sabotage on Friday, which led to the delinquency of the vehicles without causing damage.
The Syrian news agency SANA, the official "The process of sabotage against rail in al-Kubr district, (50 km) west of Deir Al-Zour, so unzip the two pieces of rail, which led to his exit from its course, without causing any damage or casualties."
The rail network in the country aimed at several locations during the events taking place and was targeting the most dangerous province of Homs train carrying about 500 passengers.
Were also targeted freight trains fell as martyrs and injuries among their workers.
مصادر رسمية: لا قتلى أو جرحى اليوم في المحافظات رغم قيام المجموعات الإرهابية المسلحة باستهداف قوات حفظ النظام في بعض المناطق
Official Sources: No one Killed, Injured in the Governorates Friday
http://www.sana.sy/ara/336/2011/12/16/388652.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2011/12/16/388681.htm
Dec 16, 2011
PROVINCES, (SANA)-SANA correspondents in the governorates quoted official sources as saying that no one was killed or injured, although armed terrorist groups attacked law-enforcement members in some areas.
SANA correspondents in Idlib and Hama countryside said that some areas saw gatherings which dispersed later.
An armed terrorist group in the northeastern province of Deir Ezzor on Friday damaged the railway in al-Kesreh area causing two railroad cars to get off the track.
SANA correspondent said that there were no human injuries.
Engineer Ghassan al-Abdullah, Director of the General Establishment of Syrian Railways branch in the governorate told SANA ''When the train No. 256 was en route from Qamishli to Aleppo, two coaches derailed due to the damage inflicted. There were no human losses and the railway was fixed, and the passengers moved to the rest of the coaches before heading to Aleppo again.''
Over the past months, the armed terrorist gangs sabotaged railways in the provinces of Homs and Aleppo.
Terrorists Burglarize Heavy Machinery Carrier in Hama, 7 Explosive Devices Dismantled
Meanwhile in Hama province, a group of 30 armed terrorists burglarized a 16 m long heavy machinery carrier belonging to al-Ghab Development Commission in al-Mdeiq Citadel and took it to an unknown area.
SANA correspondent in the central province reported that the military engineering units dismantled 7 explosive devices of various weights on Mhardeh-Hama main road, which were planted by the armed terrorist groups.
He pointed out that another explosive device, planted in al-Shahba neighborhood, exploded with no reports of any injury.
Authorities Arrest Terrorist in Daraa
SANA correspondent in Daraa province, southern Syria, reported that the authorities arrested a member of an armed terrorist gang who was holding a weapon and ammunition in Daraa countryside.
Explosive Device Dismantled, Another Explodes in Douma
In Damascus Countryside, the military engineering units dismantled an explosive device planted by terrorist in a neighborhood in Douma city, while another exploded causing no injuries.
Terrorists Killed, Arrested in Homs, Armed Group Burglarizes Fodder Store
SANA correspondent in Homs province, central Syria, said the authorities clashed with an armed terrorist gang in al-Qseir in the countryside of Homs killing a number of its members and arresting others.
On Thursday evening, the correspondent reported, an armed terrorist group burglarized a fodder store in Tal Dao, which is affiliated to the Agriculture Directorate of Homs, and stole quantities of fodder of various types.
He added that the terrorist gang also stole the furniture of the administrative offices.
Competent authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group in al-Qseir in Homs countryside on Thursday, killing and injuring a number of them.
Raqqa Governor Dismisses al-Jazeera TV Reports on Protests
In another context, governor of Raqqa, Dr. Adnan al-Sukhni, dismissed reports of al-Jazeera TV channel on protests in the northeastern province as "completely untrue", confirming that no protests took place at all.
Dr. al-Sukhni said in a statement to SANA that the people of Raqqa are aware of the lies and fabrications of al-Jazeera and other tendentious channels, pointing out that the misleading campaigns conducted by the biased media are part of the plots targeting Syria.
He stressed that the citizens of Raqqa have confidence in the ongoing reforms which they believe are being properly achieved, and refuse to be tools for foreign parties that wish Syria ill.
Friday demonstrations and pro rally roundup
خروج مظاهرات مناوئة للنظام وأخرى موالية .. تفجير سكة قطار في دير الزور وأنباء عن شهداء وسانا تنفي "سقوط أي قتيل أو جريح"
Demonstrations hostile to the system and other pro .. Bombing of a railway train in Deir Al-Zour, and news for Martyrs and the SANA denies "the fall of any dead or wounded"
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_articles&id=68b120ff623c65f5f71e33cae7335681&h=%CD%E3%D5&ar=103691064
Friday - December 16 - 2011 - 17:20:31
Out anti-regime demonstrations in various cities in Syria on Friday, as protests were loyal in several areas.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (opposition) is that about two hundred thousand people took to the streets of Homs to protest against the regime.
The Observatory statement that "out of thousands in the Khalidiya neighborhood in a massive demonstration. Emerged as another large demonstration in the district of Dir mailbox.."
The statement that "Jouret Shiah neighborhood witnessed the biggest demonstration since the beginning of events in Syria, where out of more than 10 thousand demonstrators, most of the mosques in the neighborhood. And went out in the neighborhood of construction a large demonstration, and went out in the neighborhood of Baba Amr next mass demonstration."
The observatory said that four protesters were wounded in the Bab al-Sibaa', in addition to injuring 5 people wounded, one seriously in the head as a result of his injury by a sniper. "
The observatory said in a statement that "the mass demonstrations were organized in each of the Alvriqls and Tallkalakh and tricks and villages and Haulah."
The demonstrations took place in some areas of the countryside and Aleppo, Damascus and its countryside, and some parts of Hama, and Idlib and surroundings, and Homs and surroundings.
On the other hand, flowed into the crowds of citizens to the squares of the seven Bahrat and the Hijaz and Damascus Saadallah Jabri province of Aleppo, an emphasis on national unity and independence of national decision and rejection of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of the Syrian people.
In Tartous flowed into the large crowds of citizens to the Corniche, the city's sea of post-effective national (will not forgive will not forget), which organized a convoy of National Unity in collaboration with the youth and popular events in the governorate.
The influx of people Draykish area and surrounding villages in the governorate of Tartous to the Municipal Square and crowds in aldrekish youth in the neighborhood of the Banias city of palaces rejection of foreign intervention and internal affairs of Syria's support of the national constants and national and comprehensive reform program led by President Bashar al-Assad.
In the province of Hasaka crowds of people flowed into the city Maalikis to the main square in the city's rejection of outside interference in the internal affairs of the Syrian people and the support of the independent national decision.
It also flowed into the crowds and popular events, civil, and youth to the Martyrs Square in the village of activated province endosperm emphasis on national unity and independence of national decision and rejection of outside interference in the internal affairs of the Syrian people.
In Homs, crowds of citizens in the neighborhood and the village of Khirbat al-Sabri Noor figs Brief in support of the preservation program of comprehensive reform and a rejection of attempts at outside interference in the internal affairs of Syria and the affirmation of the independence of national decision.
While activists have announced the fall of the martyrs in Syria, has denied Syrian news agency, this information and said he did not witness the fall of Syria killed or wounded Friday.
Quoted the Syrian news agency SANA quoted official sources as "not the day of casualties in spite of the terrorist groups targeting the armed forces of order in some areas."
The agency said that the elements of engineering in Damascus today dismantled an explosive device planted by armed terrorist group in a city is always alive, while another exploded, causing no injuries or significant damage.
It quoted its correspondent in Hama that the elements of engineering in the province dismantled seven bombs planted by the weights of different terrorist groups armed by the Mharda protectors while another bomb exploded in the neighborhood of buffy the city without causing any injuries.
The correspondent pointed out that "armed terrorist group composed of 30 people seized the tanker Heavy length of 16 meters belonging to the Development Authority of the jungle in the castle of the Straits Hama and hauled to an unknown destination."
The railway was in Deir al-Zour to an act of sabotage on Friday, which led to the delinquency of the vehicles without causing damage.
She said, "SANA": "The process of sabotage against rail in the old age (50 km) west of Deir Al-Zour, and unzip the two pieces of rail, which led to his exit from its course of without causing any damage or casualties."
The Engineer Ghassan Abdullah Branch Manager of the General Organization of Railways in the province that, during the passage of passenger train No. 256 coming from the city of Qamishli towards Aleppo at the time the second quarter after midnight last night ran aground two carriages of the train due to vandalism, causing no damage or casualties have been the reform of the rail and transport passengers to the rest of the train, which completed the march towards Aleppo.
The rail network in the country aimed at several locations during the events taking place and was targeting the most dangerous province of Homs train carrying about 500 passengers.
Were also targeted freight trains fell as martyrs and injuries among their workers.
The Syrian official source said, told, "United Press International," The Syrian security forces clashed early on Friday (late Thursday), with a "terrorist" armed tried to storm the hospital short of the province of Homs, near the border with Lebanon, and was able to repel the attack and killed 17 insurgents, including head of the so-called "coordination short."
The source pointed out that "the competent authorities were able to repel the attack, a terrorist group includes dozens of armed, tried to control the short-National Hospital and turn it into a springboard for terrorist operations."
He explained that following a violent clash with the group, which he described as "terrorist" was killed 17 armed policemen, including Muhammad Matar, head of the so-called "coordination short," while the others managed to escape.
The source said the Syrian official had been confiscating large quantities of weapons held by the attackers, was locked in a high security hospital for the target.
(omitted)
السخني: ما تناقلته الجزيرة عن مظاهرات بالرقة عار عن الصحة
al-Sukhni: What is passed on al-Jazeerah demonstrations thin untrue
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388707.htm
December 16, .2011
Tenderness (SANA) -
Governor of Raqqa, Dr. Adnan al-Sukhni, denied what had been reported by Al Jazeera for demonstrations today in the province, stressing that this news completely untrue and there was no such thing at all.
Dr. al-Sukhni in a statement to SANA that the broadcasts of such channels, the misleading of the fabrications and lies is nothing new it and people of the province are aware of these methods, explaining that what is practiced by the falsification of the facts of the events the ordinary, such as filming funerals of death natural as the demonstrations is evidence of bankruptcy and the failure of the schemes disinformation campaigns fall under it.
The Governor emphasized that the children of tenderness are confident that the achievements of past and currently is being done within the process of comprehensive reforms are going to be the correct form and that they are distancing themselves to be a tool for evil outsiders want their homeland.
Bombing of a railway train in Deir Al-Zour and Delinquency vehicles
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_articles&id=b0a47f1b8b0acf53356cd2deac274718&h=%CD%E3%D5&ar=86622100
Friday - December 16 - 2011 - 13:38:07
Exposed in the railway town of Deir Al-Zour to an act of sabotage on Friday, which led to the delinquency of the vehicles without causing damage.
The Syrian news agency SANA, the official "The process of sabotage against rail in al-Kubr district, (50 km) west of Deir Al-Zour, so unzip the two pieces of rail, which led to his exit from its course, without causing any damage or casualties."
The rail network in the country aimed at several locations during the events taking place and was targeting the most dangerous province of Homs train carrying about 500 passengers.
Were also targeted freight trains fell as martyrs and injuries among their workers.
مصادر رسمية: لا قتلى أو جرحى اليوم في المحافظات رغم قيام المجموعات الإرهابية المسلحة باستهداف قوات حفظ النظام في بعض المناطق
Official Sources: No one Killed, Injured in the Governorates Friday
http://www.sana.sy/ara/336/2011/12/16/388652.htm
http://www.sana.sy/eng/337/2011/12/16/388681.htm
Dec 16, 2011
PROVINCES, (SANA)-SANA correspondents in the governorates quoted official sources as saying that no one was killed or injured, although armed terrorist groups attacked law-enforcement members in some areas.
SANA correspondents in Idlib and Hama countryside said that some areas saw gatherings which dispersed later.
An armed terrorist group in the northeastern province of Deir Ezzor on Friday damaged the railway in al-Kesreh area causing two railroad cars to get off the track.
SANA correspondent said that there were no human injuries.
Engineer Ghassan al-Abdullah, Director of the General Establishment of Syrian Railways branch in the governorate told SANA ''When the train No. 256 was en route from Qamishli to Aleppo, two coaches derailed due to the damage inflicted. There were no human losses and the railway was fixed, and the passengers moved to the rest of the coaches before heading to Aleppo again.''
Over the past months, the armed terrorist gangs sabotaged railways in the provinces of Homs and Aleppo.
Terrorists Burglarize Heavy Machinery Carrier in Hama, 7 Explosive Devices Dismantled
Meanwhile in Hama province, a group of 30 armed terrorists burglarized a 16 m long heavy machinery carrier belonging to al-Ghab Development Commission in al-Mdeiq Citadel and took it to an unknown area.
SANA correspondent in the central province reported that the military engineering units dismantled 7 explosive devices of various weights on Mhardeh-Hama main road, which were planted by the armed terrorist groups.
He pointed out that another explosive device, planted in al-Shahba neighborhood, exploded with no reports of any injury.
Authorities Arrest Terrorist in Daraa
SANA correspondent in Daraa province, southern Syria, reported that the authorities arrested a member of an armed terrorist gang who was holding a weapon and ammunition in Daraa countryside.
Explosive Device Dismantled, Another Explodes in Douma
In Damascus Countryside, the military engineering units dismantled an explosive device planted by terrorist in a neighborhood in Douma city, while another exploded causing no injuries.
Terrorists Killed, Arrested in Homs, Armed Group Burglarizes Fodder Store
SANA correspondent in Homs province, central Syria, said the authorities clashed with an armed terrorist gang in al-Qseir in the countryside of Homs killing a number of its members and arresting others.
On Thursday evening, the correspondent reported, an armed terrorist group burglarized a fodder store in Tal Dao, which is affiliated to the Agriculture Directorate of Homs, and stole quantities of fodder of various types.
He added that the terrorist gang also stole the furniture of the administrative offices.
Competent authorities clashed with an armed terrorist group in al-Qseir in Homs countryside on Thursday, killing and injuring a number of them.
Raqqa Governor Dismisses al-Jazeera TV Reports on Protests
In another context, governor of Raqqa, Dr. Adnan al-Sukhni, dismissed reports of al-Jazeera TV channel on protests in the northeastern province as "completely untrue", confirming that no protests took place at all.
Dr. al-Sukhni said in a statement to SANA that the people of Raqqa are aware of the lies and fabrications of al-Jazeera and other tendentious channels, pointing out that the misleading campaigns conducted by the biased media are part of the plots targeting Syria.
He stressed that the citizens of Raqqa have confidence in the ongoing reforms which they believe are being properly achieved, and refuse to be tools for foreign parties that wish Syria ill.
Friday demonstrations and pro rally roundup
خروج مظاهرات مناوئة للنظام وأخرى موالية .. تفجير سكة قطار في دير الزور وأنباء عن شهداء وسانا تنفي "سقوط أي قتيل أو جريح"
Demonstrations hostile to the system and other pro .. Bombing of a railway train in Deir Al-Zour, and news for Martyrs and the SANA denies "the fall of any dead or wounded"
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_articles&id=68b120ff623c65f5f71e33cae7335681&h=%CD%E3%D5&ar=103691064
Friday - December 16 - 2011 - 17:20:31
Out anti-regime demonstrations in various cities in Syria on Friday, as protests were loyal in several areas.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (opposition) is that about two hundred thousand people took to the streets of Homs to protest against the regime.
The Observatory statement that "out of thousands in the Khalidiya neighborhood in a massive demonstration. Emerged as another large demonstration in the district of Dir mailbox.."
The statement that "Jouret Shiah neighborhood witnessed the biggest demonstration since the beginning of events in Syria, where out of more than 10 thousand demonstrators, most of the mosques in the neighborhood. And went out in the neighborhood of construction a large demonstration, and went out in the neighborhood of Baba Amr next mass demonstration."
The observatory said that four protesters were wounded in the Bab al-Sibaa', in addition to injuring 5 people wounded, one seriously in the head as a result of his injury by a sniper. "
The observatory said in a statement that "the mass demonstrations were organized in each of the Alvriqls and Tallkalakh and tricks and villages and Haulah."
The demonstrations took place in some areas of the countryside and Aleppo, Damascus and its countryside, and some parts of Hama, and Idlib and surroundings, and Homs and surroundings.
On the other hand, flowed into the crowds of citizens to the squares of the seven Bahrat and the Hijaz and Damascus Saadallah Jabri province of Aleppo, an emphasis on national unity and independence of national decision and rejection of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of the Syrian people.
In Tartous flowed into the large crowds of citizens to the Corniche, the city's sea of post-effective national (will not forgive will not forget), which organized a convoy of National Unity in collaboration with the youth and popular events in the governorate.
The influx of people Draykish area and surrounding villages in the governorate of Tartous to the Municipal Square and crowds in aldrekish youth in the neighborhood of the Banias city of palaces rejection of foreign intervention and internal affairs of Syria's support of the national constants and national and comprehensive reform program led by President Bashar al-Assad.
In the province of Hasaka crowds of people flowed into the city Maalikis to the main square in the city's rejection of outside interference in the internal affairs of the Syrian people and the support of the independent national decision.
It also flowed into the crowds and popular events, civil, and youth to the Martyrs Square in the village of activated province endosperm emphasis on national unity and independence of national decision and rejection of outside interference in the internal affairs of the Syrian people.
In Homs, crowds of citizens in the neighborhood and the village of Khirbat al-Sabri Noor figs Brief in support of the preservation program of comprehensive reform and a rejection of attempts at outside interference in the internal affairs of Syria and the affirmation of the independence of national decision.
While activists have announced the fall of the martyrs in Syria, has denied Syrian news agency, this information and said he did not witness the fall of Syria killed or wounded Friday.
Quoted the Syrian news agency SANA quoted official sources as "not the day of casualties in spite of the terrorist groups targeting the armed forces of order in some areas."
The agency said that the elements of engineering in Damascus today dismantled an explosive device planted by armed terrorist group in a city is always alive, while another exploded, causing no injuries or significant damage.
It quoted its correspondent in Hama that the elements of engineering in the province dismantled seven bombs planted by the weights of different terrorist groups armed by the Mharda protectors while another bomb exploded in the neighborhood of buffy the city without causing any injuries.
The correspondent pointed out that "armed terrorist group composed of 30 people seized the tanker Heavy length of 16 meters belonging to the Development Authority of the jungle in the castle of the Straits Hama and hauled to an unknown destination."
The railway was in Deir al-Zour to an act of sabotage on Friday, which led to the delinquency of the vehicles without causing damage.
She said, "SANA": "The process of sabotage against rail in the old age (50 km) west of Deir Al-Zour, and unzip the two pieces of rail, which led to his exit from its course of without causing any damage or casualties."
The Engineer Ghassan Abdullah Branch Manager of the General Organization of Railways in the province that, during the passage of passenger train No. 256 coming from the city of Qamishli towards Aleppo at the time the second quarter after midnight last night ran aground two carriages of the train due to vandalism, causing no damage or casualties have been the reform of the rail and transport passengers to the rest of the train, which completed the march towards Aleppo.
The rail network in the country aimed at several locations during the events taking place and was targeting the most dangerous province of Homs train carrying about 500 passengers.
Were also targeted freight trains fell as martyrs and injuries among their workers.
The Syrian official source said, told, "United Press International," The Syrian security forces clashed early on Friday (late Thursday), with a "terrorist" armed tried to storm the hospital short of the province of Homs, near the border with Lebanon, and was able to repel the attack and killed 17 insurgents, including head of the so-called "coordination short."
The source pointed out that "the competent authorities were able to repel the attack, a terrorist group includes dozens of armed, tried to control the short-National Hospital and turn it into a springboard for terrorist operations."
He explained that following a violent clash with the group, which he described as "terrorist" was killed 17 armed policemen, including Muhammad Matar, head of the so-called "coordination short," while the others managed to escape.
The source said the Syrian official had been confiscating large quantities of weapons held by the attackers, was locked in a high security hospital for the target.
(omitted)
السخني: ما تناقلته الجزيرة عن مظاهرات بالرقة عار عن الصحة
al-Sukhni: What is passed on al-Jazeerah demonstrations thin untrue
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/16/388707.htm
December 16, .2011
Tenderness (SANA) -
Governor of Raqqa, Dr. Adnan al-Sukhni, denied what had been reported by Al Jazeera for demonstrations today in the province, stressing that this news completely untrue and there was no such thing at all.
Dr. al-Sukhni in a statement to SANA that the broadcasts of such channels, the misleading of the fabrications and lies is nothing new it and people of the province are aware of these methods, explaining that what is practiced by the falsification of the facts of the events the ordinary, such as filming funerals of death natural as the demonstrations is evidence of bankruptcy and the failure of the schemes disinformation campaigns fall under it.
The Governor emphasized that the children of tenderness are confident that the achievements of past and currently is being done within the process of comprehensive reforms are going to be the correct form and that they are distancing themselves to be a tool for evil outsiders want their homeland.
2011/12/16
Dec 15 Economy
Syria oil sanctions will fail: Gulfsands
December 15, 2011 01:29 AM
By Emma Farge
Reuters
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/Middle-East/2011/Dec-15/156898-syria-oil-sanctions-will-fail-gulfsands.ashx
LONDON: Sanctions on Syria's oil sector are squeezing the country in the short term but production and exports are likely to resume once Syrian oil companies find new Asian partners to buy their oil, a Gulfsands executive told Reuters.
Gulfsands, which sources over 90 percent of its output from Syria, has shut down production there along with oil major Royal Dutch Shell and Canada's Suncor Energy due to the latest set of EU sanctions.
"If I could find an angle to sue the British government and the European Union, I would do it. Sanctions do not work – look at Iran, look at Iraq," Gulfsands' President Mahdi Sajjad said in an interview this week.
The company declared force majeure earlier this week after the EU added Syrian state-owned firms such as GPC to a blacklist, although the company continues its exploration activities. Gulfsands' share price hit a three-month low Monday when the company announced its withdrawal.
Sajjad said that Syrian companies will likely resume pumping oil from joint sites without the presence of foreign partners in a move which he said would allow oil revenues to keep flowing to President Bashar Assad's embattled government.
"They [sanctions] have partly succeeded as Syrians have struggled to export oil but I think they are going to try to find a way to keep producing.
There are companies in India, South Korea, Russia and China interested in buying the oil and they will make it possible to ship oil east of the Mediterranean," he said.
Syria is a relatively small producer, pumping less than 1 percent of daily global production but this accounts for a vital portion of government earnings, which Western powers say could be used by the government to crackdown on opposition."
Sajjad, a founding member of Gulfsands who helped lead the firm into Syria in the early 2000s, said that the company is seeking to buy regional production assets in the next two-three months, adding that likely targets are in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Oman.
"We need to be a bit aggressive. Our strategy is to try to find some assets through acquisition or merger," he said adding that he expects to buy in the next two-three months.
He said the fact that the company had no debt meant it would be able to raise enough capital to buy assets worth over $100 million.
In the long term, Sajjad said Gulfsands would remain interested in Syria because of offshore exploration blocks and because of its potential as a future corridor for Iraqi oil. OPEC member Iraq has an official goal to ramp up production capacity to 12 million bpd by 2017 as it rebuilds after years of war and economic sanctions.
"Iraq will always have to look to Syria as a future transit point to deliver to Europe. There's too much risk to the region for it all to go through the Straits of Hormuz," he said.
مقاولو حلب و إدلب يشتكون من أوضاعهم بسبب الظروف التي تمر بها البلاد ويطالبون الجهات المعنية بـ "حلول" !
Aleppo and Idlib contractors complain about their situation because of the circumstances experienced by the country concerned and want to "solutions"!
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_articles&id=9022f3d8dd4e12e0d4f3c4059354602d&h=%CD%E1%C8&ar=552079363
Thursday - December 15 - 2011 - 16:21:41
Complained a number of contractors of Aleppo and Idlib of the difficult situation that they have achieved because of the circumstances of the country, which hinder a lot of projects that have contracts on them.
After six months on a number of complaints, published through Aks al-Ser and a lot of newspapers, which are submitted to a number of stakeholders, they say they did not obtain justice after.
"Muhammad Fawwaz Ajouz" (contractor in Aleppo): "The security conditions prevented us, and our workers barred from access to project sites, and not being able to have the material necessary for the implementation of the business."
"Ajouz" to the circumstances that led to the increase in prices (materials, labor) and up to a hundred percent.
"The diesel fuel is the main nerve in our work, and diesel fuel is not abundant."
The Contractors in their complaint that "the Arab and Turkish ban unfair led to the loss of the materials described in our projects in local markets."
As an example, said contractors in the complaint they made to the Director-General of the General Organization for Housing, "a reference to the contracts concluded with them, according to the books of the conditions and statements discretion, it is stated item Turkish marble in most of the flooring/paving (Alabaster Insert - Alabaster Habsat - alabaster tables fields - tiles in Turkish share - Turkish Ahv and overalls). "
And continued: "Due to the lack of these materials in the local markets and, if so, their prices have doubled contract price as a result of the unjust embargo on Syria, and to increase tariffs by 30% from the Syrian side, and 30% of the Turkish side."
And went on: "In addition to transportation costs, which increased ｂｙ 200 percent."
According to contractors largely reflected the situation on all projects, and were forced to stop working, and pay their workers, which led to the displacement of many families to work for them.
Another contractor and said: "We can no longer cover the huge losses we incur, which was started months ago, knowing that we have resisted and endured to some extent out of our control after we lost and we lost a lot."
And contractors appealed to the concerned authorities to kindly study their situations, and in particular to justify the length of time from the date of 03.15.2011 and the date that work was like in the projects is down for reasons beyond their control (force majeure), as stipulated in the contract law / 51 / of 2004.
Similarly the treatment of private sector contractors with the public sector of the differences in prices and increase in salaries and wages, and develop a mechanism to indemnify us for price differences consistent with actual prices in the market, knowing that we are ready to contribute our time and effort and expertise without profit or loss of service to our country Syria.
States that among the contractors who have complained over Aks al-Ser "Muhammad Fawaz Ajouz, Zaki Saadiq, Abdel-Moneim Ghazzaal, Muhammad Zuhair Qattaa', Ahmad al-Hasan, Khalaf al-Hasan, Basil Abu Dan, Khalil Muhammad Mustafa, Faa'iz Mousa, Radwan Jankhi, Mustafa Shaar."
قريباً في الاستثمار .. مشروع لإنتاج الأدوية السرطانية بدرعا بكلفة مليار ليرة
Soon in the investment .. Project to produce cancer drugs in Daraa cost of one billion pounds
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=c89e5477c7d9eef40f2ed72e09abd247&ar=158167641
Thursday - December 15 - 2011 - 13:26:59
Eng "Qasim Znich" Branch Manager Syrian Investment Agency in Daraa Maintaining attracted many investment projects, and will be completed soon, the draft includes drugs and cancer, which is the first of its kind in the country and the region, which was built in the motto north of the province and an area of 44 thousand square meters., with a total cost of more than one billion pounds and provides a hundred jobs and is one of the important projects due to the nature of humanitarian and medical.
According to the newspaper, the "al-Thawrah", he noted, "Znich" that the number of investment projects ongoing according to the investment law for the current year amounted to six projects, industrial, agricultural, and cost a 120 million SL, and secure more than 200 jobs in addition to several important projects have been invested to maintain such a laboratory drive laser and a project to generate electricity using wind power project for the production of iron armed, which reached the value of projects ongoing to about 33.734 billion pounds reached the 52 agricultural and industrial projects, service.
And included other projects related to the transport sector, including five projects include the transport of passengers and tour groups, goods and livestock inside and outside Syria, and arrived in capital of 275 million SL, in addition to agricultural projects included the cattle breeding and milk production and cultivation of fodder crops and projects to invest rock basalt is available in the province.
The branch manager investment in Daraa that work was underway to attract many of the Arab capital and investment to maintain, and there are currently two projects, one for Kuwaiti investors, including food products and juices, tomatoes, at a cost of half a billion pounds, in addition to the project for the company in Syria Saudi Arabia include the breeding birds of falsehoods and feed production up cost about 450 million pounds and the percentage of implementation of the project 85%.
الهيئة العامة للثروة السمكية باللاذقية: مشروعات لتحسين الإنتاجية وتطوير الاستزراع السمكي
General Authority for Fish Wealth in Lattakia: Projects to improve productivity and the development of aquaculture
http://www.sana.sy/ara/7/2011/12/15/388454.htm
December 15, .2011
Lattakia, (SANA) -
The Organization of Fisheries in Latakia on the completion of a number of projects that will improve fish production in Syria and wealth preservation and development of fish and reduce their prices and the fight against illegal fishing, which drains the wealth.
It is part of the establishment of nature reserves to aquatic and lay the foundations of management to ensure the conservation of biodiversity in freshwater, marine and controls to plant fisheries open and closed, testing and propagation of fish species for the reconstruction of local fisheries.
And Muhammad Zinedine Director-General of the General Board of Fisheries that the Authority is developing plans and programs to maintain aquaculture, resource development and the development of fish farming in fresh water and sea to ensure the sustainability of productive activity and the search for areas of expansion in fish farming and the preparation of estimates of the energies expected to find the appropriate way to employ them in this area, in coordination with the concerned authorities.
The Zinedine that the authority is working on the preparation of draft laws and regulations for the protection of aquatic life in general and fisheries in particular and the organization of seasons hunting and follow up the implementation of laws and regulations and regulate the investment of public water in the education and the rationalization of fishing in which to ensure the sustainability of fisheries resources in addition to the supervision of fishing activity and safety of its means.
The manager of the Authority that the Authority is working to register Chidiat on the coast and inland waters and to encourage the introduction of the methods and modern technologies in fishing and leasing of fishing rights in inland waters not designated for drinking purposes or utilized optimally in line and ensure technical safety and environmental facilities, water and irrigation projects built on the facilities and the granting of fishing licenses of all kinds.
(omitted)
التقرير الوطني الثاني حول حالة سكان سورية2010.. عدد سكان سورية سيتضاعف خلال العقود الأربعة القادمة
The second national report on the state's population Syria 2010 .. Syria's population will double in the next four decades
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/15/388553.htm
December 15, .2011
Damascus, (SANA) -
Ochehrt the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs on the second national report on the status of the population entitled Syria 2010 (opening of the window .. demographic challenges and opportunities) at the center Rida Said Conference at the University of Damascus.
Based on (a status report the population of Syria 2010) reference to the first national report of the population in 2008, depending the type of condensation when the methodological framework analytical theme of the president, a demographic window and analyze the demographic impact of the positive to the decline in population growth rate despite the limitations of a relatively open window demographics and the impact of opening up the last of the apparent increase the proportion of working-age population according to the supply mechanisms of demographic and economic demand as an opportunity as a necessity for the use of this increase in higher rates of economic growth.
The report focuses on the issue of supply demographic in terms of the growing size of the population on the one hand and the change in age structure of the community population in Syria, and implications on the structure of tenure of the population trends of positive demographic perspective also report focuses on the relationship between education associated with the offer demographic and employment associated with the offer of economic and identifying the core benefit the rising volume of manpower and transferred to the work force and (demographic gift).
The report pointed out that the rate of celibacy population 15 years and older rose from 33 percent in 1970 to about 43 percent in 2000 and then back down to 2.41 percent in 2001 and to 4.38 in 2009 and the report that the rate of participation of women in the labor force increased during the period from 1970 to 1995 nearly doubled from 7.10 percent to 8.19 percent, but declined in the recent period to (Editorial note: population growth rate) 8.15 percent in 2010 and the report pointed out that studies indicate that the unemployment rate was stable, did not fall below 8 percent.
The report noted that the relationship of population growth to education imposes an annual need of the people and to open new schools in addition to preparing educational cadres and a new administrative task for the advancement of education and care of new citizens who are more numerous than their peers in the previous year.
The report states that according to projected population increases will increase government spending on health each year, including more than 1200 million Syrian pounds to 1600 million Syrian pounds, which means that the current budget of the Ministry of Health should increase this amount annually to maintain the current level of spending.
Habib: The government has adopted in the framework of the comprehensive development process witnessed by Syria's approach to the solution of the issue of population development
Dr. Radwan Habib, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour said that perception and reality of the population issue is one of the most prominent perceptions of government as a prerequisite to identify the nature of this issue and its problems and know the limits and methods and mechanisms for review, adding that the government has adopted in the context of the overall development of its economic, cultural and social taking place in Syria under the leadership of Mr. President Bashar al-Assad's approach to the solution of the issue of development and the population moved from the field of pressure recognition of this issue to the adoption of curriculum development trends in the resolution and encourage the work to develop population policies that correspond to those directions.
He added that the first of a higher committee of the population was formed in 1985, a parcel with the exposure of the manifestations of the population problem resulting from high population growth and the disruption of demographics and continued the case with the government and the follow-up, where she called to the First National Conference on Population in 2001 and has worked to promote national dialogue on this issue and support the for Family Affairs to assume the responsibilities of support and information analytical research on this issue down to the one considered most important players in this regard.
The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor that a translation of the government to the principles of the transition to social market economy meets fully with the issues raised by the first national report of the population in Syria, which represents an authoritative report also meet with the ideas proposed with the effects and proposed second national report on the openness of the demographic window and turn it a policy to grant demographic.
He noted that the government has supported all the policies can benefit from the donation of demographic and hired reproductive health programs and legislation the labor market and stimulate economic growth and diversification of sources and work on the flexibility of the market in this direction from that man is the goal of development and the merits and performance at the same time indicating convergence Government's vision to fully with this report to resolve the issue of development of the Syrian population, linking demographic programs at the level of the supply and development programs at the level of demand.
The minister said the government would continue programs of institutional reform, which was deemed the report one of the key issues in the area of the growing size of the working-age population and the labor-power market, noting that the government's plans and programs adopted to support the gift of demographic potential and preparation for the receiving of them grace and prevent to be a curse because the government is aware This work, which is located in the heart of government responsibilities and that he collected in the collective responsibility of all parties to address their development process, explaining that the Government encourages the principle of participatory and interactive between all components of society to discuss the issues of population and development. He concluded the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs that the government gives the experience, integrity and a serious national researchers all the attention is the report of plant quality in national discussions of the relationship of complementarity between population and development and that the article the scientific and the content of information and statistics, results and proposals are increased the rich to the government at the stage of implementation of the plan eleventh five-year, which adopted the principle of integrating the population factor in the development process.
Hamad: report (the case of the Syrian population 2010) issued by the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs is part of a series of functions, the agency issued every two years
In turn, said Dr. semi-Hamad, head of the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs, that the report (the case of the Syrian population 2010) is devoted to discuss the issue of openness of the demographic window is a continuation of the report of the first national population (the case of the Syrian population 2008) issued by the Authority, which is part of a series of population and development that the Commission on issued every two years.
She added that the report is the first person the population issue in its three dimensions of the high population growth rate is among the highest in the world and dislocations in the geographical distribution of population and low characteristics of quality of laying the base of analysis of the status of the population of the various aspects of recommending the issuance of quality reports in depth on each side of the aspects addressed by the .
And showed Dr. fairness to the series of reports on the status of the population in Syria aims to provide the scientific knowledge of the relationship between demographic changes taking place and the development process and to enable policy makers and decision makers to develop strategies, policies and plans in the light of understanding the dynamics of these changes, trends and Maatmthelh of new opportunities for the development process.
The Chair, the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs to provide such a knowledge base on population and development, develop and periodically update is part of the functions of the body that has issued so far in size regardless of the reports, surveys and various studies in the field of work, pointing to the current report focuses on the problems and issues of emergence indicators opening window demographic and motivating strategies, policies and plans to transform the large and growing increase in the volume of annual manpower and the labor force across demographic gift to resolve the matter elements of the Syrian population in the development framework integrating the issues of population and development at the same influence and exchange between them.
Straw: It is expected to increase the size of the Syrian population of 6.2 million people in 2010 to 2.42 million in 2050
Dr. Muhammad Akram straw Dean of Higher Institute of Population Studies and Research through the presentation of the report that the population problem in Syria of high population growth rate and imbalance in the geographical distribution of population and poor qualitative characteristics to accept the solution only at the level of relations of human development in all dimensions of comprehensive and integrated and that the manifestations of misalignment stands out in all levels of economic, social, cultural, political, albeit to varying degrees, pointing out that the basic elements of the population problem will remain in place during the next four decades, especially during the next two decades unless they are addressed the process of policy development interventions based on the interaction between policies and people and transform this problem from the stage of secretion of crises and bottlenecks to stage solutions that allow integration of the entire population in the development cycle, without exclusion or marginalization.
And Dr. straw that Syria still occupies position 23 in the world in terms of the level of high population growth rate, explaining that despite the decline in the rate of population growth in Syria from 3.3 percent in the eighties of the last century to about 3.2 percent currently, the average size of the annual increase for the population of Syria rose from about 250 thousand people in the eighties of the last century to more than 450 thousand people per year and will continue to increase the size of the average annual population in Syria to escalate during the next two decades to reach more than 560 thousand people per year.
He indicated that it expected to increase the size of the Syrian population of 6.2 million people in 2010 to 2.42 million in 2050 according to the imposition of high and to 3.4 million people, according to the imposition of the medium and to 4.38 million people, according to the imposition of low-ie, that the size of Syria's population will double in the next four decades due to dynamics of population momentum, which continues to decline even with functioning pre-and post-expected rate of population growth.
He said the increase you get in the age group which is located in the working age between 15 to 64 years of any in the category of manpower and that during the coming decades will increase the relative size of the population within the human power of 4.59 percent in 2010 to about 3.66 percent in 2050, an increase from 13 to 15 million people, warning that the visions, strategies and development policies must start from the principle of converting human power to the work force and reduce the gaps between them in the light of the merger between the concept of the labor force reserve and the concept of human power which can turn into a task force and the integration of certain groups or part of them was considered out of force work in the development process to take advantage of technological advances in the development of business that help this integration.
Dr. straw in the end of the show that the opportunity to benefit from the opening of the demographic window unconditional pursuing a population policy development interventions do not guarantee since 2010 to get to the gift demographic, but by building the capacity of human power flowing into the labor market and provide a development environment and economic able to absorb, adding that this requires policies institutional achieve integration between the supply provided by the opening of the demographic window and the application which is supposed to represent vital markets, economic growth and equitable distribution of income and the involvement of young people and women especially in the development efforts by enabling them and ensure that the fruits of development to them as shareholders and partners in the effort and the result together.
Attended by publicity, display and ministers of education and higher education, health, culture and the Chief of Planning and International Cooperation and President of Damascus University and a number of members of parliament and representatives of international organizations in Syria, organizations and associations in addition to academics, researchers and university professors.
December 15, 2011 01:29 AM
By Emma Farge
Reuters
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Business/Middle-East/2011/Dec-15/156898-syria-oil-sanctions-will-fail-gulfsands.ashx
LONDON: Sanctions on Syria's oil sector are squeezing the country in the short term but production and exports are likely to resume once Syrian oil companies find new Asian partners to buy their oil, a Gulfsands executive told Reuters.
Gulfsands, which sources over 90 percent of its output from Syria, has shut down production there along with oil major Royal Dutch Shell and Canada's Suncor Energy due to the latest set of EU sanctions.
"If I could find an angle to sue the British government and the European Union, I would do it. Sanctions do not work – look at Iran, look at Iraq," Gulfsands' President Mahdi Sajjad said in an interview this week.
The company declared force majeure earlier this week after the EU added Syrian state-owned firms such as GPC to a blacklist, although the company continues its exploration activities. Gulfsands' share price hit a three-month low Monday when the company announced its withdrawal.
Sajjad said that Syrian companies will likely resume pumping oil from joint sites without the presence of foreign partners in a move which he said would allow oil revenues to keep flowing to President Bashar Assad's embattled government.
"They [sanctions] have partly succeeded as Syrians have struggled to export oil but I think they are going to try to find a way to keep producing.
There are companies in India, South Korea, Russia and China interested in buying the oil and they will make it possible to ship oil east of the Mediterranean," he said.
Syria is a relatively small producer, pumping less than 1 percent of daily global production but this accounts for a vital portion of government earnings, which Western powers say could be used by the government to crackdown on opposition."
Sajjad, a founding member of Gulfsands who helped lead the firm into Syria in the early 2000s, said that the company is seeking to buy regional production assets in the next two-three months, adding that likely targets are in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Oman.
"We need to be a bit aggressive. Our strategy is to try to find some assets through acquisition or merger," he said adding that he expects to buy in the next two-three months.
He said the fact that the company had no debt meant it would be able to raise enough capital to buy assets worth over $100 million.
In the long term, Sajjad said Gulfsands would remain interested in Syria because of offshore exploration blocks and because of its potential as a future corridor for Iraqi oil. OPEC member Iraq has an official goal to ramp up production capacity to 12 million bpd by 2017 as it rebuilds after years of war and economic sanctions.
"Iraq will always have to look to Syria as a future transit point to deliver to Europe. There's too much risk to the region for it all to go through the Straits of Hormuz," he said.
مقاولو حلب و إدلب يشتكون من أوضاعهم بسبب الظروف التي تمر بها البلاد ويطالبون الجهات المعنية بـ "حلول" !
Aleppo and Idlib contractors complain about their situation because of the circumstances experienced by the country concerned and want to "solutions"!
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_articles&id=9022f3d8dd4e12e0d4f3c4059354602d&h=%CD%E1%C8&ar=552079363
Thursday - December 15 - 2011 - 16:21:41
Complained a number of contractors of Aleppo and Idlib of the difficult situation that they have achieved because of the circumstances of the country, which hinder a lot of projects that have contracts on them.
After six months on a number of complaints, published through Aks al-Ser and a lot of newspapers, which are submitted to a number of stakeholders, they say they did not obtain justice after.
"Muhammad Fawwaz Ajouz" (contractor in Aleppo): "The security conditions prevented us, and our workers barred from access to project sites, and not being able to have the material necessary for the implementation of the business."
"Ajouz" to the circumstances that led to the increase in prices (materials, labor) and up to a hundred percent.
"The diesel fuel is the main nerve in our work, and diesel fuel is not abundant."
The Contractors in their complaint that "the Arab and Turkish ban unfair led to the loss of the materials described in our projects in local markets."
As an example, said contractors in the complaint they made to the Director-General of the General Organization for Housing, "a reference to the contracts concluded with them, according to the books of the conditions and statements discretion, it is stated item Turkish marble in most of the flooring/paving (Alabaster Insert - Alabaster Habsat - alabaster tables fields - tiles in Turkish share - Turkish Ahv and overalls). "
And continued: "Due to the lack of these materials in the local markets and, if so, their prices have doubled contract price as a result of the unjust embargo on Syria, and to increase tariffs by 30% from the Syrian side, and 30% of the Turkish side."
And went on: "In addition to transportation costs, which increased ｂｙ 200 percent."
According to contractors largely reflected the situation on all projects, and were forced to stop working, and pay their workers, which led to the displacement of many families to work for them.
Another contractor and said: "We can no longer cover the huge losses we incur, which was started months ago, knowing that we have resisted and endured to some extent out of our control after we lost and we lost a lot."
And contractors appealed to the concerned authorities to kindly study their situations, and in particular to justify the length of time from the date of 03.15.2011 and the date that work was like in the projects is down for reasons beyond their control (force majeure), as stipulated in the contract law / 51 / of 2004.
Similarly the treatment of private sector contractors with the public sector of the differences in prices and increase in salaries and wages, and develop a mechanism to indemnify us for price differences consistent with actual prices in the market, knowing that we are ready to contribute our time and effort and expertise without profit or loss of service to our country Syria.
States that among the contractors who have complained over Aks al-Ser "Muhammad Fawaz Ajouz, Zaki Saadiq, Abdel-Moneim Ghazzaal, Muhammad Zuhair Qattaa', Ahmad al-Hasan, Khalaf al-Hasan, Basil Abu Dan, Khalil Muhammad Mustafa, Faa'iz Mousa, Radwan Jankhi, Mustafa Shaar."
قريباً في الاستثمار .. مشروع لإنتاج الأدوية السرطانية بدرعا بكلفة مليار ليرة
Soon in the investment .. Project to produce cancer drugs in Daraa cost of one billion pounds
http://www.aksalser.com/index.php?page=view_news&id=c89e5477c7d9eef40f2ed72e09abd247&ar=158167641
Thursday - December 15 - 2011 - 13:26:59
Eng "Qasim Znich" Branch Manager Syrian Investment Agency in Daraa Maintaining attracted many investment projects, and will be completed soon, the draft includes drugs and cancer, which is the first of its kind in the country and the region, which was built in the motto north of the province and an area of 44 thousand square meters., with a total cost of more than one billion pounds and provides a hundred jobs and is one of the important projects due to the nature of humanitarian and medical.
According to the newspaper, the "al-Thawrah", he noted, "Znich" that the number of investment projects ongoing according to the investment law for the current year amounted to six projects, industrial, agricultural, and cost a 120 million SL, and secure more than 200 jobs in addition to several important projects have been invested to maintain such a laboratory drive laser and a project to generate electricity using wind power project for the production of iron armed, which reached the value of projects ongoing to about 33.734 billion pounds reached the 52 agricultural and industrial projects, service.
And included other projects related to the transport sector, including five projects include the transport of passengers and tour groups, goods and livestock inside and outside Syria, and arrived in capital of 275 million SL, in addition to agricultural projects included the cattle breeding and milk production and cultivation of fodder crops and projects to invest rock basalt is available in the province.
The branch manager investment in Daraa that work was underway to attract many of the Arab capital and investment to maintain, and there are currently two projects, one for Kuwaiti investors, including food products and juices, tomatoes, at a cost of half a billion pounds, in addition to the project for the company in Syria Saudi Arabia include the breeding birds of falsehoods and feed production up cost about 450 million pounds and the percentage of implementation of the project 85%.
الهيئة العامة للثروة السمكية باللاذقية: مشروعات لتحسين الإنتاجية وتطوير الاستزراع السمكي
General Authority for Fish Wealth in Lattakia: Projects to improve productivity and the development of aquaculture
http://www.sana.sy/ara/7/2011/12/15/388454.htm
December 15, .2011
Lattakia, (SANA) -
The Organization of Fisheries in Latakia on the completion of a number of projects that will improve fish production in Syria and wealth preservation and development of fish and reduce their prices and the fight against illegal fishing, which drains the wealth.
It is part of the establishment of nature reserves to aquatic and lay the foundations of management to ensure the conservation of biodiversity in freshwater, marine and controls to plant fisheries open and closed, testing and propagation of fish species for the reconstruction of local fisheries.
And Muhammad Zinedine Director-General of the General Board of Fisheries that the Authority is developing plans and programs to maintain aquaculture, resource development and the development of fish farming in fresh water and sea to ensure the sustainability of productive activity and the search for areas of expansion in fish farming and the preparation of estimates of the energies expected to find the appropriate way to employ them in this area, in coordination with the concerned authorities.
The Zinedine that the authority is working on the preparation of draft laws and regulations for the protection of aquatic life in general and fisheries in particular and the organization of seasons hunting and follow up the implementation of laws and regulations and regulate the investment of public water in the education and the rationalization of fishing in which to ensure the sustainability of fisheries resources in addition to the supervision of fishing activity and safety of its means.
The manager of the Authority that the Authority is working to register Chidiat on the coast and inland waters and to encourage the introduction of the methods and modern technologies in fishing and leasing of fishing rights in inland waters not designated for drinking purposes or utilized optimally in line and ensure technical safety and environmental facilities, water and irrigation projects built on the facilities and the granting of fishing licenses of all kinds.
(omitted)
التقرير الوطني الثاني حول حالة سكان سورية2010.. عدد سكان سورية سيتضاعف خلال العقود الأربعة القادمة
The second national report on the state's population Syria 2010 .. Syria's population will double in the next four decades
http://www.sana.sy/ara/2/2011/12/15/388553.htm
December 15, .2011
Damascus, (SANA) -
Ochehrt the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs on the second national report on the status of the population entitled Syria 2010 (opening of the window .. demographic challenges and opportunities) at the center Rida Said Conference at the University of Damascus.
Based on (a status report the population of Syria 2010) reference to the first national report of the population in 2008, depending the type of condensation when the methodological framework analytical theme of the president, a demographic window and analyze the demographic impact of the positive to the decline in population growth rate despite the limitations of a relatively open window demographics and the impact of opening up the last of the apparent increase the proportion of working-age population according to the supply mechanisms of demographic and economic demand as an opportunity as a necessity for the use of this increase in higher rates of economic growth.
The report focuses on the issue of supply demographic in terms of the growing size of the population on the one hand and the change in age structure of the community population in Syria, and implications on the structure of tenure of the population trends of positive demographic perspective also report focuses on the relationship between education associated with the offer demographic and employment associated with the offer of economic and identifying the core benefit the rising volume of manpower and transferred to the work force and (demographic gift).
The report pointed out that the rate of celibacy population 15 years and older rose from 33 percent in 1970 to about 43 percent in 2000 and then back down to 2.41 percent in 2001 and to 4.38 in 2009 and the report that the rate of participation of women in the labor force increased during the period from 1970 to 1995 nearly doubled from 7.10 percent to 8.19 percent, but declined in the recent period to (Editorial note: population growth rate) 8.15 percent in 2010 and the report pointed out that studies indicate that the unemployment rate was stable, did not fall below 8 percent.
The report noted that the relationship of population growth to education imposes an annual need of the people and to open new schools in addition to preparing educational cadres and a new administrative task for the advancement of education and care of new citizens who are more numerous than their peers in the previous year.
The report states that according to projected population increases will increase government spending on health each year, including more than 1200 million Syrian pounds to 1600 million Syrian pounds, which means that the current budget of the Ministry of Health should increase this amount annually to maintain the current level of spending.
Habib: The government has adopted in the framework of the comprehensive development process witnessed by Syria's approach to the solution of the issue of population development
Dr. Radwan Habib, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour said that perception and reality of the population issue is one of the most prominent perceptions of government as a prerequisite to identify the nature of this issue and its problems and know the limits and methods and mechanisms for review, adding that the government has adopted in the context of the overall development of its economic, cultural and social taking place in Syria under the leadership of Mr. President Bashar al-Assad's approach to the solution of the issue of development and the population moved from the field of pressure recognition of this issue to the adoption of curriculum development trends in the resolution and encourage the work to develop population policies that correspond to those directions.
He added that the first of a higher committee of the population was formed in 1985, a parcel with the exposure of the manifestations of the population problem resulting from high population growth and the disruption of demographics and continued the case with the government and the follow-up, where she called to the First National Conference on Population in 2001 and has worked to promote national dialogue on this issue and support the for Family Affairs to assume the responsibilities of support and information analytical research on this issue down to the one considered most important players in this regard.
The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor that a translation of the government to the principles of the transition to social market economy meets fully with the issues raised by the first national report of the population in Syria, which represents an authoritative report also meet with the ideas proposed with the effects and proposed second national report on the openness of the demographic window and turn it a policy to grant demographic.
He noted that the government has supported all the policies can benefit from the donation of demographic and hired reproductive health programs and legislation the labor market and stimulate economic growth and diversification of sources and work on the flexibility of the market in this direction from that man is the goal of development and the merits and performance at the same time indicating convergence Government's vision to fully with this report to resolve the issue of development of the Syrian population, linking demographic programs at the level of the supply and development programs at the level of demand.
The minister said the government would continue programs of institutional reform, which was deemed the report one of the key issues in the area of the growing size of the working-age population and the labor-power market, noting that the government's plans and programs adopted to support the gift of demographic potential and preparation for the receiving of them grace and prevent to be a curse because the government is aware This work, which is located in the heart of government responsibilities and that he collected in the collective responsibility of all parties to address their development process, explaining that the Government encourages the principle of participatory and interactive between all components of society to discuss the issues of population and development. He concluded the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs that the government gives the experience, integrity and a serious national researchers all the attention is the report of plant quality in national discussions of the relationship of complementarity between population and development and that the article the scientific and the content of information and statistics, results and proposals are increased the rich to the government at the stage of implementation of the plan eleventh five-year, which adopted the principle of integrating the population factor in the development process.
Hamad: report (the case of the Syrian population 2010) issued by the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs is part of a series of functions, the agency issued every two years
In turn, said Dr. semi-Hamad, head of the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs, that the report (the case of the Syrian population 2010) is devoted to discuss the issue of openness of the demographic window is a continuation of the report of the first national population (the case of the Syrian population 2008) issued by the Authority, which is part of a series of population and development that the Commission on issued every two years.
She added that the report is the first person the population issue in its three dimensions of the high population growth rate is among the highest in the world and dislocations in the geographical distribution of population and low characteristics of quality of laying the base of analysis of the status of the population of the various aspects of recommending the issuance of quality reports in depth on each side of the aspects addressed by the .
And showed Dr. fairness to the series of reports on the status of the population in Syria aims to provide the scientific knowledge of the relationship between demographic changes taking place and the development process and to enable policy makers and decision makers to develop strategies, policies and plans in the light of understanding the dynamics of these changes, trends and Maatmthelh of new opportunities for the development process.
The Chair, the Syrian Commission for Family Affairs to provide such a knowledge base on population and development, develop and periodically update is part of the functions of the body that has issued so far in size regardless of the reports, surveys and various studies in the field of work, pointing to the current report focuses on the problems and issues of emergence indicators opening window demographic and motivating strategies, policies and plans to transform the large and growing increase in the volume of annual manpower and the labor force across demographic gift to resolve the matter elements of the Syrian population in the development framework integrating the issues of population and development at the same influence and exchange between them.
Straw: It is expected to increase the size of the Syrian population of 6.2 million people in 2010 to 2.42 million in 2050
Dr. Muhammad Akram straw Dean of Higher Institute of Population Studies and Research through the presentation of the report that the population problem in Syria of high population growth rate and imbalance in the geographical distribution of population and poor qualitative characteristics to accept the solution only at the level of relations of human development in all dimensions of comprehensive and integrated and that the manifestations of misalignment stands out in all levels of economic, social, cultural, political, albeit to varying degrees, pointing out that the basic elements of the population problem will remain in place during the next four decades, especially during the next two decades unless they are addressed the process of policy development interventions based on the interaction between policies and people and transform this problem from the stage of secretion of crises and bottlenecks to stage solutions that allow integration of the entire population in the development cycle, without exclusion or marginalization.
And Dr. straw that Syria still occupies position 23 in the world in terms of the level of high population growth rate, explaining that despite the decline in the rate of population growth in Syria from 3.3 percent in the eighties of the last century to about 3.2 percent currently, the average size of the annual increase for the population of Syria rose from about 250 thousand people in the eighties of the last century to more than 450 thousand people per year and will continue to increase the size of the average annual population in Syria to escalate during the next two decades to reach more than 560 thousand people per year.
He indicated that it expected to increase the size of the Syrian population of 6.2 million people in 2010 to 2.42 million in 2050 according to the imposition of high and to 3.4 million people, according to the imposition of the medium and to 4.38 million people, according to the imposition of low-ie, that the size of Syria's population will double in the next four decades due to dynamics of population momentum, which continues to decline even with functioning pre-and post-expected rate of population growth.
He said the increase you get in the age group which is located in the working age between 15 to 64 years of any in the category of manpower and that during the coming decades will increase the relative size of the population within the human power of 4.59 percent in 2010 to about 3.66 percent in 2050, an increase from 13 to 15 million people, warning that the visions, strategies and development policies must start from the principle of converting human power to the work force and reduce the gaps between them in the light of the merger between the concept of the labor force reserve and the concept of human power which can turn into a task force and the integration of certain groups or part of them was considered out of force work in the development process to take advantage of technological advances in the development of business that help this integration.
Dr. straw in the end of the show that the opportunity to benefit from the opening of the demographic window unconditional pursuing a population policy development interventions do not guarantee since 2010 to get to the gift demographic, but by building the capacity of human power flowing into the labor market and provide a development environment and economic able to absorb, adding that this requires policies institutional achieve integration between the supply provided by the opening of the demographic window and the application which is supposed to represent vital markets, economic growth and equitable distribution of income and the involvement of young people and women especially in the development efforts by enabling them and ensure that the fruits of development to them as shareholders and partners in the effort and the result together.
Attended by publicity, display and ministers of education and higher education, health, culture and the Chief of Planning and International Cooperation and President of Damascus University and a number of members of parliament and representatives of international organizations in Syria, organizations and associations in addition to academics, researchers and university professors.
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