Veteran Norwegian reaches Syria as head of UN observer

As the UN-brokered peace deal not able to contain violence in Syria, and the relation between Syria and UN touching almost an all-time low, the arrival of Major General Robert Mood as the Chief UN observer in Damascus on Sunday couldn’t have been at a more difficult time. As the Chief UN observer, Major General Robert Mood understands the complexity of the task he has on hand. He is confident that his 300-unarmed observers would carry out their role and “make a difference” in Syria. He would be helped immediately by 30 ground observers. The number is expected to double in the coming week and the rest would join in a phased manner.

The city of Homs, which has borne the worst of the violence since the beginning of uprising, reported less violence on Sunday. Rebel forces have attributed this to the arrival of UN observers in Syria.  However, there were reports of gunfire and explosions in Damascus. The Central Bank building in the capital was hit by a grenade attack on Sunday and shown some damage.

Authorities in Damascus have claimed death of 2600 security personnel at the hands of rebel forces since the beginning of Syria uprising. A day before, Damascus has criticized the United Nations Chief Ban Ki-Moon for not telling the true picture and for turning a blind eye to Syria’s problems. On the other hand, the Bashaar-Al-Asaad government have been accused of killing 9000 people by the United Nations.

Syria bound arms ship held in Lebanon

A Syria-bound ship, Lutfallah II, carrying a huge consignment of weapons has been intercepted by the Lebanese army in north Lebanon on Friday. The weapons, that range from heavy, medium to light arms and ammunitions, were found to be loaded in three separate containers on the ship. It is hinted that the consignment of goods was meant for Syrian rebels who are fighting a bloody battle against the militia in order to uproot the Bashar-Al-Asaad regime.

Lutfallah II reportedly started its voyage from Libya, then via the Egyptian port of Alexandria it reached the Tripoli port in north Lebanon, where it was supposed to unload, but instead detained. At the moment, both the ship and its crew members are reported to be in Selaata port of Lebanon for detailed investigation.

In the recent years, Tripoli in Lebanon has turned into a strong support base for the Syrian rebels. Damascus authorities have reportedly complained about their land (Tripoli) being used by the Syrian rebels for smuggling weapons into Syria.

The owner of the ship, who is a Syrian citizen, denied any knowledge of weapons being transported this way other than it was for general cargo. He claimed to be under the impression that his ship was carrying engine oil. On further probe, it was found out that the original order was for 12 containers of consignments, but after a delay of three days it came down to only three containers.

Osama Bin Laden family packed off to Saudi Arabia

After days of house arrest in Islamabad, the family of slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden is all set to fly off to Saudi Arabia, the country of their choice, Friday early morning. The chartered plane from Saudi Arabia meant to carry the family of the infamous leader is reportedly has onboard Saudi officials of foreign ministry level to personally receive them. Among the deportees are Bin Laden’s three wives; two Saudi nationals and one Yemeni, eight children and a grandchild. The plane is expected to leave for Jeddah any time as soon as the documentation formalities are over.

A Bin Laden family counsel in Pakistan has confirmed receiving of NOCs (no objection certificates) issued both by the Pakistan foreign ministry and the interior ministry. However, the conditions on which the 14-member deportees (of Bin laden family) were issued NOCs are not known. Although the ministry of interior in Pakistan has confirmed that they are being deported as per the court orders.

Earlier, the wives of Osama Bin Laden and two daughters were prosecuted and subjected to 45 days of detention on charges of trespassing and residing in Pakistan. The Bin Laden family have completed the sentence on Tuesday.

UN Secretary General set to visit Myanmar

Ban ki-moon, the secretary general of United Nations, is scheduled for an official visit to Myanmar at the end of this week. He would be in Myanmar at the invitation of President Thein Sein to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Aung San Sui Kyi as the opposition leader. This would be his third visit to the country which has seen sweeping victory of the pro-democracy leader Aung San Sui Kyi in the recently concluded by-elections. His last two visits were in 2008 and 2009. Ban ki-Moon is expected to reach Myanmar capital Yangon on Sunday and stay there for a few days.

As the United Nations chief, Ban is hopeful of Myanmar’s transition to democracy and has assured full cooperation from the UN. Ban has also welcomed the move taken by the United States and European Union to lift sanctions against the country. In fact, the European Union has already declared that it would lift most of the sanctions against Myanmar.

While the nation is awaiting the swearing-in ceremony of Aung San Sui Kyi, a disagreement has erupted between Sui Kyi’s National League for Democracy and the ruling party over wording of the oath that she and her party (elected) members are going to take. This has postponed the much-awaited event. However, Ban is hopeful that the leaders would iron out the difference and soon begin to work together for nation building.