Over 200 militants have given up in Hama. They will be pardoned in connection with Independence Day. About 800 people have given up since the cease-fire agreement was reached on April 12. The law enforcers promised release for everyone who gives up voluntarily and committed no murders of civilians. Damascus has marked the 66th anniversary of withdrawal of British and French troops with a statement calling Syria an impenetrable citadel for those planning a conspiracy against Arab peoples, ITAR-TASS reports.
UN Director General Ban Ki-moon said in Luxembourg that Syria still has outbreaks of violence happening from time to time. He urged the government to be conserved and follow the plan of Kofi Annan, special representative of the UN and LAS.
Vladimir Yevseyev, Director of the Russian Center for Socio-Political Studies, told Vestnik Kavkaza that both sides of conflict approve Annan’s plan, while radicals would do their best to prevent stabilization in the country. The expert reminded that Syria will have parliamentary polls on May 7. The US has eased its pressure against Syria.
Yevseyev noted that Moscow played a significant role in helping President Bashar al-Assad at power. Russia held negotiations with the Turkish authorities and reduced anti-Syrian activities. It protected Syria at the UN Security Council, attempted to start a dialogue of the Syrian government and opposition.
A group of 30 international observers has arrived in Syria to monitor the peace process. The UN will establish a group of 250 observers.
The EU is providing technical means for the monitoring mission and is preparing new sanctions against Damascys, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said in Brussels today.
The EU has passed 13 packages of sanctions against Syria. Its blacklist includes 162 people. LAS Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi urged all sides to support Annan’s mission.
Press secretary of the White House Jay Carney says that Damascus has not started fulfilling the plan.
Catherine Ashton said in Strasburg that Russia and China must play the key role in settling the conflict.
Paris calls for a boycott of Syria. The Friends of Syria Group says that the Syrian government still receives financial and military aid, especially from Russia. Lebanon and Iraq did not attend the council.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a meeting with the Syrian National Coordinating Council in Moscow. He emphasized the need to support the positive peace tendencies.
