Iran, Turkey discuss Syria developments

Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi (R) and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu attend a joint news conference in the Iranian capital, Tehran, July 10, 2011. (File photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/193960.html

Iran and Turkey have discussed the recent developments in the Middle East particularly the unrest in Syria as the Turkish military moves to deploy its retired officers to cities along the Syrian border.

In a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi talked about Tehran-Ankara bilateral relations as well as regional developments, particularly the unrest in Syria, IRNA reported.

The Turkish military has called up recently retired officers in anticipation of a massive influx of Syrian refugees along its border with Syria.

Veterans that have retired from the military over the past five years are to be deployed in border provinces.

More personnel have already been sent to bases and strategically important outposts, with Turkish officials stating that “17,000 Syrians are on their way,” fleeing from destabilized regions of their country.

Turkish officials say there are already over 7,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey, and no one knows what might happen if the trend continues.

Hundreds of people, including members of the security forces, have been killed in Syria since the unrest began in mid-March.

The Syrian government blames armed gangs for the violence, saying that the unrest is being orchestrated from outside the country and security forces have been given clear instructions not to harm civilians. However, the opposition says security forces are behind the violence.

NATO plans to arm Syria criminal gangs

Weapons seized from Syrian criminal armed gangs (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/193902.html

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Turkey are preparing the ground for military intervention in Syria especially through providing criminal Syrian armed gangs with weaponry.

Large caches of weapons including anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, mortar bombs and heavy machine guns will be sent via ground to major Syrian cities witnessing unrest, according to a report by Debka.

Turkey's military will protect the arms caches on their passage to Syrian rebels.

Syrian rebels have been receiving training inside Turkey to use the weapons for two weeks.

Turkey has warned that it will join any possible military action against neighboring Syria.

On Saturday, Ankara recalled its retired officers to be deployed to cities along the border with Syria. Ankara is a NATO member seeking an EU membership.

More than 1600 people have lost their lives since a wave of unrest gripped Syria five months ago.

Syrian authorities blame foreign-backed armed gangs for the killings. Damascus says as many as 500 soldiers and police officers have been killed by armed groups.

More Turkish troops sent to Syria border

Turkish troops (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/193806.html

The Turkish military has called up recently retired officers in anticipation of a massive influx of Syrian refugees along its border with Syria.

Veterans that have retired from the military over the past five years are to be deployed in border provinces, the Turkish newspaper Today's Zaman reported on Thursday.

More personnel have already been sent to bases and strategically important outposts, with Turkish officials stating that “17,000 Syrians are on their way,” fleeing from destabilized regions of their country.

There are already over 7,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey, and no one knows what might happen if the trend continues, Turkish officials say.

The Turkish government has been preparing for the massive entry of the refugees for over two months and has established a crisis coordination center that is continuously monitoring the Syria-Turkey border.

Turkey has also established an animal quarantine center to deal with any animals brought over the border by the Syrian refugees.

In addition, Turkish officials have expressed concern about the possibility of a NATO intervention in Syria, saying such a move would hurt Turkey the most and could spark a serious backlash in the Islamic world.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since mid-March, with demonstrations being held both against and in support of President Bashar al-Assad's government.

Hundreds of people have been killed in protest rallies that turned into armed clashes between alleged protesters and state security forces and in organized attacks by armed gangs targeting the Syrian security forces.

Syrian state TV has broadcast reports showing seized weapons caches and confessions by people describing how they obtained arms from foreign sources.

'Syria firmly pursuing armed gangs'

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (L) meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in the Syrian capital, Damascus, August 9, 2011.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/193156.html

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says Damascus is determined in pursuing the armed terrorist groups behind the recent unrest in Syria.

The Syrian president said on Tuesday that the acts of killing and terrorizing are perpetrated by the armed gangs against the civilians and law enforcement members, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

Assad made the remarks during a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

The Syrian president pointed to his government's determination to complete the ongoing process of comprehensive reforms in the country, saying that Syria is open to any help offered by “friendly countries” in this regard.

The Turkish foreign minister, for his part, said Turkey is keen on “Syria's security and stability.”

Davutoglu also said Syria would become “a model in the Arab world” after accomplishing the reforms. He further added that stability in Syria is the key to stability in the region.

Syria has been experiencing unrest in the past months, with demonstrations held both against and in support of the government.

Hundreds of people, including security forces, have been killed during clashes in the country since the beginning of the unrest in mid-March.

The Syrian opposition claims security forces are behind the killings, but the government blames the deadly violence on foreign-backed armed gangs.

'Turkey should stay out of Syria unrest'

Turkey's main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/193072.html

Turkey's opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu has called on Prime Minister Erdogan to stay out of Syrian unrest and not push Turkey into a possible military operation against the Arab country.

“We should take lessons from history. It [Turkey] shouldn't repeat its mistakes. Let's take democracy, freedoms to Syria and contribute to Syria to make it a more contemporary country. But we shouldn't be the pawn of Western sovereign powers,” Kilicdaroglu, leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP), said in an interview with the Hurriyet daily published on Monday.

“We shouldn't get involved in possible military action in Syria. [Western powers] will force Turkey to actively participate in action toward Syria. If a prime minister says that our patience with the situation is running out, the next step is a military operation,” he added.

The Turkish opposition leader noted, “Why would you get involved in military action? Is it because of the Western powers? Foreign policy is based on the interests of the country. Western powers, today, fight with each other, and tomorrow they shake hands. They are not a neighbor of Syria, but we are. The Syrian people don't forget betrayal. Turkey should not assume a role in a military operation.”

Bahrain on Monday recalled its ambassador to Damascus in protest over the unrest in Syria, even while the Manama regime continues its brutal crackdown on peaceful anti-regime protests in the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait also recalled their ambassadors to Damascus, with Saudi King Abdullah condemning the ongoing violence in Syria and describing the situation as unacceptable.

On Sunday, King Abdullah said, “Syria should think wisely before it's too late,” despite Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem's having announced earlier that the country would hold free and transparent parliamentary elections by the end of the year.

Hundreds of people, including members of the security forces, have been killed in Syria since the unrest began in mid-March.

Political analysts say that the decision by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait to recall their ambassadors to Damascus could be interpreted as a prelude to foreign intervention or even civil war in Syria.

The Syrian government blames armed gangs for the violence, saying that the unrest is being orchestrated from outside the country and the security forces have been given clear instructions not to harm civilians.

However, the opposition says security forces are behind the violence.

Syria promises free, fair elections

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, file photo

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/192672.html

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has announced that the country will hold free and transparent parliamentary elections by the end of the year.

“The Syrian leadership still stresses that national dialogue is the way to solve the current crisis, and in the absence of such dialogue due to the opposition's negative stances, we have no other choice but to go down the path of reforms without leaving it hostage to any hindering factor,” Muallem said on Saturday after reviewing President Bashar al-Assad's reform package.

He further said that the government is committed to implementing Assad's promised the reforms as the Syrian leadership is devoted to maintaining security and stability and to lead the country towards democracy and progress, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

Assad issued a decree on Thursday, authorizing a multi-party political system in the country.

The decree paves the way for the establishment of political parties and allows them to function alongside the country's Baath Party, which has been in power since 1963, with the constitutional status of the “leader of state and society.”

Syria has been experiencing unrest in the past months, with demonstrations held both against and in support of the Assad government. Hundreds were killed when some protest rallies turned into armed clashes between alleged protesters and state security forces as well as organized attacks by well-armed gangs against the Syrian police force and border guards in the north of the country.

The Syrian opposition accuses security forces of being behind the killings, but the government blames the deadly violence on armed gangs.

Assad issues decree on multi-party law

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/192281.html

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree which will authorize a multi-party political system in the country.

Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Thursday that the president issued Legislative Decree No. 100 for 2011 on Parties Law and Legislative Decree No. 101 for 2011 on General Election Law.

The decree paves the way for the establishment of political parties and allows them to function alongside the country's Baath Party, which has been in power since 1963 with the constitutional status of “the leader of state and society.”

Assad's decree means the law can take effect immediately without approval of the Syrian parliament.

Last month, the Syrian government adopted a draft law on multiple political organizations, which was “aimed at enriching political life, creating a new dynamic and allowing for a change in political power.”

The decree also prohibits parties founded on the basis of “religion, tribal affiliation, and regional interests.”

Syria has been experiencing unrest in past months with demonstrations held both against and in support of the government.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said security forces killed four civilians and injured dozens of others in several cities across the country on Wednesday.

The Syrian opposition accuses security forces of being behind the killings, but the government blames the deadly violence on armed gangs.

'Over 100 killed in Syria violence'

Syrian anti-government protesters (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/191655.html

Human rights activists say over 100 people have been killed and several others injured across Syria as President Bashar al-Assad vows to foil plots to divide the country.

"One hundred civilians were killed on Sunday in Hama by gunfire from security forces who accompanied the army as it stormed the city," AFP quoted Abdel Karim Rihawi, head of the Syrian League for the Defense of Human Rights as saying.

Activists further claimed that a number of other people have also been killed in several other cities.

This comes as al-Assad said in a Sunday interview to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Syrian army's foundation that Syria will thwart what he dubs a new chapter of conspiracy, which aims to divide the country as a prelude to splitting the whole region.

Meanwhile, according to the Syrian State News Agency (SANA), six military officers were killed on Sunday by armed men in the northeastern city of Deir Ezzor and central city of Hama. It has further reported that scores of gunmen have been seen on rooftops shooting at people.

Additionally, the armed gangs have attacked several police stations in both cities and set up roadblocks and barricades there.

They have also stolen weapons and ammunitions from the police stations.

Damascus says it has deployed troops in the region to hunt down the armed gangs.

Syria has been experiencing unrest over the past months, with demonstrations held both against and in support of the country's President Bashar al-Assad.

The opposition accuses security forces of being behind the deaths of those killed during the violence. But, the government blames armed gangs for the deadly violence, stressing that the unrest is being orchestrated from abroad.

Syria passes bill on multiparty law

Syria has approved a bill on a new multiparty law.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/190680.html

The Syrian government has approved a bill that paves the way for a new multiparty law as part of efforts on its declared political reform program.

The bill includes the basic principles that regulate the conditions and procedures for establishing and licensing parties, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Sunday.

The approved bill also contains legislations regarding the resources, funding, rights and duties of political parties. It allows the formation of political parties other than the ruling Ba'ath party.

Syrian Minister of Information Adnan Mahmoud said in a Monday statement that the new law will lay the legislative and legal foundations for political life and party pluralism, which are the basis of a democratic political system.

The Syrian minister added that the law will revitalize political activity and expand proper participation in running the state by establishing a suitable environment for new parties for the purpose of “alternating the possession of power.”

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has promised to carry out vast political reforms in his administration. Experts believe the reforms are a positive development in the Arab country.

Syria to embrace constitutional changes

Members of the Dialogue Committee take part in a two-day national dialogue talks in Damascus, Syria on July 10, 2011.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/188729.html

Participants in Syria's national dialogue have agreed to make a full revision of the country's constitution in an attempt to find a solution to the unrest that has plagued the Arab nation in recent months.

During the two-day roundtable meeting, which concluded on Monday in the Syrian capital of Damascus, the attendees discussed legislation and political reforms that would permit a multiparty system in Syria, a Press TV correspondent reported.

They also called for the formation of a legal committee to review the Clause 8 of the constitution, which states that the governing Ba'ath party is the sole leader of both the state and society.

They also decided to keep contacting other national figures to pave the way for another meeting.

Among those present were top government officials, including Vice President Farouq al-Shara, prominent members of the Syrian opposition, intellectuals and members of the parliament.

However, several opposition figures and activists shunned the talks.

One of the conference attendee, Manar Haroun, said the meeting was a step in the right direction.

"This meeting has allowed us to listen to different points of view, and we have discovered that dialogue is the only way to solve the problem in Syria," she said.

President Bashar al-Assad ordered a general amnesty in May for all political prisoners, with rights activists in Syria confirming the release of hundreds of detainees.

Syrian leader's orders for amnesties and reforms came following apparent efforts by foreign-backed armed gangs to incite unrest and terror in Syria by shooting at police as well as targeting protesters in scattered rallies around the country.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Syrians that crossed the country's northern border into Turkey to escape recent unrests, have returned to their homes.

Turkish officials say the number of Syrians taking refuge in tent cities in Turkey has significantly decreased.

Syrians protest US, French meddling

US embassy compound in Damascus

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/188610.html

Syrian protesters have gathered outside the US and French embassies in the capital, Damascus, damaging the buildings, witnesses and officials say.

Witnesses say anti-US demonstrators broke into the American diplomatic compound and smashed windows on Monday to protest against US interference in their country's internal affairs.

No embassy personnel were injured in the incident but there was damage to property, a US embassy official said.

Syrian protesters also gathered outside the French embassy in Damascus, where security guards fired warning shots to drive back protesters.

"Syrians demonstrated peacefully in front of the French embassy but they were faced with bullets,'' said Hiam al-Hassan, a witness.

The protests came after the US and French ambassadors visited the Syrian city of Hama, where an anti-government rally was held on Friday.

The Hama visit by US Ambassador Robert Ford and French Ambassador Eric Chevallier was a "clear evidence of the American and French intervention in Syria's internal affairs," Syria's news agency SANA quoted the foreign ministry as saying.

Syrians rally to back reforms

Thousands pour onto the streets in Syria to back government-initiated reforms and national unity.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/188536.html

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have taken to the streets in the coastal city of Latakia, raising the country's national flag and voicing support for reforms promised by the Syrian president.

The demonstrators carried what they called world's biggest national flag, 16 kilometers long and four meters wide, as a sign of support for the reform program initiated by President Bashar al-Assad and rejected foreign meddling in the country's internal affairs, Syrian Arab News Agency reported on Sunday.

The Syrian government has convened a two-day meeting in the capital city of Damascus, dubbed “national dialog,” with members of the opposition to bring to an end the months-long fatal unrest in the country.

US Ambassador Robert Ford and French Ambassador Eric Chevallier paid an unauthorized visit to the restive city of Hama on Thursday without prior arrangements with Syrian officials.

Syrians gathered outside the US Embassy in Damascus on Saturday, calling for the expulsion of the American ambassador over interfering in the country's internal affairs.

People in Aleppo, the largest city in Syria, also poured onto the streets to express their support for national unity and protest against the illegal activities by foreign officials to incite instability in the country.

Syria has been experiencing unrest in the past months, with demonstrations held both against and in support of the Bashar al-Assad government.

Hundreds have been reported killed when some protest rallies turned into armed clashes between alleged protesters and state security forces as well as organized attacks by well-armed gangs against Syrian police force and border guards in north of the country.

Syria condemns extended EU sanctions

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185794.html

The Syrian foreign minister has criticized the West's approach to the recent unrest in Syria, saying Damascus considers extended EU sanctions as a declaration of war.

Speaking during a televised news conference on Wednesday, Walid al-Muallem said that the recently-imposed EU sanctions against Damascus have not and will not affect Syria's independent will.

"We will forget that Europe is on the map and we will look east, south and toward every hand that is extended to us. The world is not just made up of Europe,'' he said.

The EU imposed sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and members of the leadership on 23 May after accusing Damascus of cracking down on protesters.

The 27-nation bloc has now extended its existing sanctions to four military-linked firms and to more Syrian officials. The US has also imposed sanctions on Syria.

The Syrian foreign minister also rejected foreign meddling in his country's internal affairs.

"We can reach consensus despite opposing points of view," Muallem said, adding that, "No one outside (Syria) can impose on us their point of view."

He said the government will present "an unprecedented example of democracy'' in the country within three months. His remarks follow Assad's promises of reforms.

"We will offer an example of democracy. There will be social justice, equality before the law and accountability," Muallem said.

The top Syrian diplomat also said that the Syrian government wants to maintain good relations with longtime ally Turkey, with which Syria shares a long border.

"We don't want to wipe away years of efforts to establish privileged ties," he said.

"I wish (Turkey) would reconsider its position."

He also strongly denied reports that Iran and Hezbollah are helping the Syrian government put down the recent unrest.

"There is Iranian and Hezbollah political support for Syria to transcend this crisis and support for the reforms announced by President Assad. But there is absolutely no military support on the ground,'' Muallem added.

Since the beginning of unrest in Syria in mid-March, hundreds of people, including security forces, have been killed.

The shadowy opposition accuses security forces of being behind the killings. But the government blames armed gangs for the deadly violence, stressing that the unrest is being orchestrated from abroad.

US threatens Syria with regime change

White House spokesman Jay Carney

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185583.html

The United States has threatened the Syrian government with regime change and told President Bashar al-Assad he must decide whether he wants to be a promoter of progress in Syria or an obstacle.

“There needs to be actual action towards political dialogue so that this transition to a more democratic Syria can take place,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said on Monday, the Associated Press reported.

“And as we have said in the past, President Assad needs to either lead that transition or get out of the way,” he added and called on the head of state to act upon his promises of political reform.

The harsh rhetoric was used, even though the Syrian president promised to hold parliamentary elections in August and complete a reform package by September meant to bring an end to months of unrest in the country.

Scores of people, including security forces, have been killed since the beginning of the unprecedented unrest in mid-March.

The Syrian government blames armed gangs for the violence, saying that the turmoil has been orchestrated from outside the country.

Shortly before the US official's comments, Assad addressed the nation and announced that he is ready to “meet directly with protesters and have a comprehensive dialogue.”

“A national dialogue committee will be formed soon,” he said.

He also expressed regret that 'destructive elements' have been exploiting the movement seeking legitimate reforms in the country.

Syria's northern neighbor Turkey, which has recently toughened its stance vis-à-vis Damascus, responded to the speech, calling it not up to par. Turkish President Abdullah Gul advised Assad to transform Syria's governing structure into a multi-party system.

Thousands of Syrians have fled the tension to Hatay Province in southern Turkey, which is located on the border with Syria.

In early June, armed groups, whose weapons reportedly came from Turkey, killed 120 Syrian policemen and other members of the security forces in the northwestern town of Jisr al-Shughour before burying them in mass graves.

During his speech, the Syrian president asserted that 'plotting' would only make the country stronger and hailed the nation's 'great vigilance.'

Assad also said that Syria has paid 'a high price' for its security and stability and expressed his condolences to the families of the 'martyrs' of the recent clashes.

Third mass grave found in Syria

This June 20 shows a mass grave containing the bodies of Syrian soldiers in the town of Jisr al-Shughour.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185564.html

A new mass grave containing the bodies of Syrian soldiers has been found near the northern town of Jisr al-Shughour, reports say.

According to the Syrian state television, it is the third mass grave discovered in the crisis-hit town over the past few days.

Syrian authorities say the grave contains the bodies of at least 29 soldiers which are decomposed and decapitated and bear marks of torture. Damascus says the soldiers were killed by armed gangs.

Syria's foreign ministry invited journalists and ambassadors from some 30 countries to see the burial site. The delegation was later taken to the local security forces headquarters where the authorities say 82 policemen were killed by armed men on June 6, AFP reported.

US Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford was among the envoys.

Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad addressed the nation on Monday and expressed regret about those killed in the protests, saying that they were a great loss to the nation and him personally.

He also said that a national dialogue committee would be formed soon to create a reform plan and another committee would be set up to examine the constitution.

The Syrian president also blamed saboteurs for the unrest in the country, saying they are trying to exploit a movement seeking legitimate reforms in the country.

Damascus has called on the people of Jisr al-Shughour to return to the town, saying security forces managed to clear the area of armed groups and that the government has restored control there.

Many Syrians fled from Jisr al-Shughour into Turkey after armed groups launched deadly attacks in the area.

At least 120 Syrian soldiers were killed and many wounded after armed groups attacked police and security stations in the town earlier this month.

Since the beginning of unrest in Syria in mid-March, hundreds of people, including security forces, have been killed.

The shadowy opposition accuses security forces of being behind the killings but, the government blames armed gangs for the deadly violence, stressing that the unrest is being orchestrated from abroad.

Assad plans major address on Syria

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185467.html

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is set to deliver a major address on current developments in the country.

According to Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the Syrian president will deliver a speech on Monday “concerning developments in Syria.”

The speech will be the Syrian president's third since the beginning of unrest in Syria in mid-March. Scores of people, including security forces, have been killed during the strife.

In a recent development, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Sunday that Moscow would not back a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the use of violence in Syria.

The shadowy opposition in Syria accuses the security forces of being behind the killings. However, the Syrian government blames armed gangs for the violence, saying that the unrest has been orchestrated from outside the crucial Middle Eastern country.

In April, the Washington Post published secret diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, which indicated that the US has conducted a long campaign to overthrow the Syrian government.

The Syrian president has vowed to bring the elements responsible for the recent killings to justice.

'Russia to oppose UN anti-Syria bid'

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185449.html

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has declared that Moscow will not back a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the use of violence in Syria.

In an interview the Financial Times, Medvedev slammed the way the UN Resolution 1973 on Libya had been interpreted by Western powers, and said he would not like “a Syrian resolution to be pulled off in a similar manner,” Reuters reported.

"What I am not ready to support is a resolution [similar to the one] on Libya because it is my deep conviction that a good resolution has been turned into a piece of paper that is being used to provide cover for a meaningless military operation," the Russian president pointed out.

"Right now, I am not sure that any resolution is needed because a resolution may say one thing but actions would be quite different. The resolution may say: 'We condemn the use of force in Syria' and after that, planes will take off into the air,” he further explained.

Since the beginning of the unrests in Syria in mid-March, scores of people, including security forces, have been killed.

The shadowy opposition accuses the security forces of being behind the killings. But the Syrian government blames armed gangs for the violence, saying that the unrest is being orchestrated from outside the Middle Eastern country.

In April, the Washington Post published secret diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, which indicated that the US has conducted a long campaign to overthrow the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian president has vowed to bring the people responsible for the killings to justice.

Syrian army enters northern border town

Syrian army forces patrol the streets in the northern city of Jisr al-Shughour

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185313.html

Syrian military forces have entered a northern town near the Turkish border after taking over a neighboring city following heavy clashes with armed men.

Syrian troops, backed by tanks and heavy machineguns, rolled into the town of Bdama on Saturday, media reports quoted witnesses as saying.

The Syrian army has stepped up efforts to restore security to the country's north, where raging violence has forced thousands of people to flee the region.

Earlier, the army took control of Jisr al-Shughour city after heavy clashes with armed groups.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people staged a rally in support of the Syrian government in the city, chanting slogans hailing President Bashar al-Assad.

The demonstrators called for national unity and demanded an end to foreign interference in the country's internal affairs.

They also gathered in the city's main square and thanked the army for restoring security and tranquility in their city.

The demonstrators further denounced acts of violence in Syria, which has been the scene of unrelenting unrest in recent months.

The opposition blames the government for the violence, which has also taken the lives of hundreds, including many security forces.

Damascus has strongly rejected the allegation and blames armed gangs and foreign infiltrators for the deadly unrest.

US asks Russia for UNSC action on Syria

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (file photo)

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185179.html

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has asked Russia to support a draft United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria.

Clinton made the call during a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, AFP reported.

"With regard to Syria, their discussion focused on action in the UN Security Council and how the US and Russia can work together to make sure that we can get to a UN Security Council resolution that supports peace and security in Syria," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said.

Russia opposes a Security Council resolution against Damascus and has called for a diplomatic solution to the unrest in Syria.

Nuland also said Washington is stepping up contacts with opposition groups both inside and outside Syria.

Moscow says the Syrians themselves should resolve their differences without any outside interference.

Since the beginning of the unrest in mid-March, hundreds of people, including security forces, have been killed.

The shadowy opposition accuses the security forces of being behind the killings. But the government blames armed gangs for the violence, saying that the unrest is being orchestrated from outside the country.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to bring the people responsible for the killings to justice.

Syrians rally in support of president Assad

Thousands of supporters of President Assad lined a highway leading to the posh residential suburb of Mezze in western Damascus on Wednesday.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/184856.html

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have poured into the streets in the capital, Damascus, to express support for President Bashar Assad.

Unfurling a 2.4 km-long Syrian flag, the demonstrators condemned foreign meddling in their country's internal affairs and called for unity under President Assad's leadership.

"The people want Bashar Assad," the demonstrators chanted.

The demonstrators also observed a moment of silence to honor the civilian and army martyrs.

"Raise with us the Biggest Syrian Flag" youth campaign had organized the rally and according to Syria's official news agency SANA, Syrians from across the country had poured into the capital to attend the rally.

Meanwhile, Damascus has called on the people of Jisr al-Shughour to return to the town, saying security forces have managed to clear the area of armed groups and that the government has restored control there.

Many Syrians fled from Jisr al-Shughour into Turkey after armed groups launched deadly attacks in the area.

At least 120 Syrian soldiers were killed after armed groups attacked police and security stations in the town earlier last week. Some 200 others were also injured in the clashes throughout the town.

Armed groups also took over parts of Jisr al-Shughour and torched a number of private and government properties in the town, prompting many residents to flee.

In another development on Wednesday, a second mass grave containing the bodies of at least 70 Syrian security forces has been found in the city of Jisr al-Shughour.

Authorities say the slain soldiers have been killed by armed gangs, a Press TV report said.

Since the beginning of unrest in Syria in mid-March, hundreds of people, including security forces, have been killed.

The shadowy opposition accuses security forces of being behind the killings. But, the government blames armed gangs for the deadly violence, stressing that the unrest is being orchestrated from abroad.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to bring those behind the killings to justice.