Syrian diplomats get marching order over Houla massacre

In a united move, as many as 12 western nations including the United States have taken the decision to expel Syrian diplomats from their countries. This is in response to the Houla massacre last week that left over hundred villagers dead in Syria. The victims of the attack were mostly women and children. Shabiha militia, paramilitary group of Bashar Al-Assad government are thought to be behind the gruesome attack.

The gruesome killing which continued for two days, Friday and Saturday, at the Taldu village in Syria has drawn International attention as images of mutilated bodies of children circulated. Even long time ally, Russia, has condemned the killings of civilians and has called for independent investigation under the supervision of United Nations in Syria. Germany, Italy, France, Britain, Spain, Canada and the United States are some of the western countries that have decided to close out Syrian diplomats.

President Bashar Al-Assad of Syria blamed outsiders for the bloodshed, while Kofi Annan, the United Nations-Arab League envoy put the onus on the Syrian President to end the bloodshed and follow the peace plan.

While Britain has given three Syrian diplomats a week’s notice to pack off to Syria, the United States has given Syrian diplomat, Zouheir Jabbour, 72 hours.

It is of the general opinion that without armed intervention, diplomatic pressure and tough talk would make little headway with the Assad government. However, the White House has ruled out military action as it may lead to more violence and killings.

Hope soars as UN peace plan unlocks Syria deadlock

In a major turnaround on Tuesday, President Bashar-Al-Assad of Syria has given his acquiescence to the six-point peace plan proposed by Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General. By agreeing to the peace proposal, President Assad is now formally bounded to end the deadly violence that has been continuing since the early days of Syria uprising. However, diplomatic circles conceded that they are doubtful about the level of commitment and sincerity Al Assad would show towards the peace plan.

In a statement issued in Geneva, it has been confirmed that the Syrian ministry has expressed their desire to accept the UN peace proposal in a letter addressed to the UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy, Kofi Annan. The acting peace Envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, is stated to have welcomed the development as an “important initial step.” He is also hopeful that it should end the relentless violence and bloodshed and create an atmosphere for political dialogue to begin in Syria and fulfill the rightful aspirations of all Syrians. Annan has, however, cautioned that the road to peace in Syria depends on the successful implementation of the UN peace proposal.

Political opponents as well as anti-government activists in Syria are rather skeptical and feel that it is the latest ploy by the Syrian government to buy some more time to stay in power. Some pointed out that Kofi Annan’s peace plan is incomplete and does not address key issues. Such as, call for Assad to step down nor does it charge the current regime with International Criminal Court proceedings.

Annan’s peace mission in Syria finds Russian support

The UN-Arab League special ambassador Kofi Annan had a high level meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Sunday about Syria. Annan is currently on an official tour to Russia and China to ramp up support for restoration of peace in Syria. While extending his full support, the Russian President acknowledged that Kofi Annan could be President Bashar-Al-Assad’s last chance to avoid a violent civil war and restore peace in the country. Kofi Annan would round off the tour with China.

To end the relentless fighting since the beginning of Syria uprising last year, Annan is trying to build consensus for immediate cease fire and unfettered entry for humanitarian aid in Syria. While President Barak Obama of the United States and Turkish PM are chewing over sending medical and communications equipments, termed as non-lethal aid, to anti-government activists in Syria, it is not yet determined the nature of Moscow’s participation in Annan’s peace mission.

Despite the latest diplomatic efforts, cities of Homs and Idlib are continued to be bombarded by Syrian forces, as claimed by Syrian opposition. Unconfirmed sources have claimed 30 deaths from all across Syria on Sunday, particularly from Homs and Idlib. While some towns like Hirak and Daraa are facing acute food shortage, others are believed to be pounded by military aircraft.

The first family of Syria faces fresh EU sanctions

In a bid to end the relentless violence in Syria, The European Union (EU) has slapped a fresh sanction on the close family members of President Bashar-Al-Assad on Friday. The ban list which already includes the President and senior officials has now his British wife, Asma Assad, and 11 other family members on it. The latest EU sanction not only forbids them to travel to any EU nations, but has also frozen their assets throughout the 27 nation block. However, this does not restrict the London-born Asma Assad, an ex-banker and a style icon, from visiting her native country, i.e. Britain.

To break the unending crackdown on people in Syria and tighten fund availability before the regime, EU has slapped Syrian currency ban last year November. Right now, as many as 150 Syrian companies and individuals are facing EU-imposed asset freeze and visa ban. Besides European Union, countries like the United States, the Arab League, Japan and such others have already sanctioned against Syria.

In spite of ongoing efforts globally to address the Syria unrest, violence is going on uninterrupted in Syria. Not less than 54 Syrians are believed to be dead on Friday. It is being claimed that heavy security forces deployed in Damascus are firing live ammunition and tear gas on people.

As many as 9000 refugees have received blankets, mattresses and food from the International Red Cross. The UN-Arab League special ambassador, Kofi Annan, is scheduled for an official visit to Beijing and Moscow this weekend to discuss on Syria crisis.

Renewed bloodshed in Homs as Syrian military launch attack

After being declared ‘secured’ by the Syrian military, violence erupted in Homs on Wednesday as it became the target of renewed bombardment and shelling. As many as 79 Syrians are believed to be dead throughout Syria out of which 42 are from Homs. It is not yet clear what caused the sudden flare up of clash between the Syrian forces and the rebels on Wednesday.

Rumor is that, military have used tanks and helicopters to kick out the rebels from their once strong hold, Homs. More and more Sunni families are abandoning their homes for fear of pro-government groups called ‘Shabiha’. It is being claimed that the Syrian armed forces have killed at least 25 people in the Khaldiya district where refugees from war-torn neighborhoods have taken shelter. It is said that families trying to flee Baba Amr are also becoming the target of attack.

For over one year Homs has been the heartland of anti-government revolution in Syria. The year-long Syrian uprising has taken the death toll to more than 8000, though unofficially it is believed to be above 10,000. The UN-Arab League special ambassador, Mr. Kofi Anna, has been trying to broker a peace plan with the Bashar-Al-Asaad government and the opposition. He is also trying to convince the present government for unfettered human-aid access.

Kofi Annan calls for unfettered peace efforts in Syria

On Friday, Kofi Annan has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to broker a deal between President Bashar-Al-Assad and the opposition to address the ongoing Syria crisis. After a supposedly close-door teleconference with the 15-nation UN council, the special UN-Arab league ambassador has stated that he is working with all stakeholders including the Syrian government and the opposition for restoration of peace in Syria. News is that the United Nations humanitarian agencies would reach Damascus this weekend to start humanitarian aid with the government of Syria.

Kofi Annan and his team are engaged to break the deadlock between the government and the opposition and end the Syria crisis. In fact, his visit to Syria last week has been to push for international monitoring, opening of political dialogue and restoration of peace.

The ex-United Nations secretary general has admitted that unlike Libya or anywhere in the Middle East, the situation in Syria is quite complex and it calls for very careful handling. He feels that any misjudgment or miscalculation could have cascading effect on the entire region. Kofi Annan has also acknowledged that till now the six-point peace proposal has not found much favor in Syria, but his team is working with the Syrian government for their approval.

Kofi Annan chosen special UN emissary to Syria

In a major development, the United Nations is reported to have nominated Kofi Annan, the ex-United Nations Secretary, to be its special envoy to address the ongoing crisis in Syria. As the United Nations facilitator, Kofi Annan’s task is clearly cut out. He would convince the Bashar-Al-Asaad regime to come to a peace agreement and prevent the country from going into an all-out civil war.

Incidentally, this is the third time the United Nations is trying to prevent President Assad of Syria from waging violent attacks on its people and make him step down from power. The previous two attempts have been unsuccessful.

It has been confirmed that the Ghanian diplomat would widely engage with prominent interlocutors both within and outside the country to diffuse Syria crisis. The UN is depending on Kofi Annan’s persuasion skill to make President Assad put a halt to ongoing bloodshed in Syria.

The United Nations, for its part, has given a lot of thought in picking Kofi Annan as special emissary to Syria. It is believed that his non-Arab background plus distinguished career gives him an edge over others. So far, an estimated 5400 deaths have been attributed to incessant killing by its security force in Syria.