Daily Newsletter – 17/01/2014

Syrian Coalition: We will not accept the Reproduction of the Assad Regime in Geneva II

Abdel Basset Sida, member of the Syrian Coalition, condemns statements made by the regime’s minister of National Reconciliation Ali Haider that described the systematic killing and destruction by Assad’s forces as a military victory. “It’s strange how such statements can be made by the so-called minister of National Reconciliation. These remarks reveal the criminal nature of the Assad regime, belie its endorsement of a political solution and reflects utter disregard for international norms and laws,” Sida was responding…Read more

Saleh: Russia and Iran Are Partners in the Killing of Civilians in Syria
Khalid Saleh, head of the media office, said that Russia and Iran are responsible for “the continuation of violence and bloodshed of the innocent people over the…Read more

Jarba Hails Opening Of Hariri Assassination Trial The Hague
The Syrian Coalition chief Ahmad Jarba commended the opening of the trial over the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. “I hope justice is achieved…Read more

ACU Reveals the Results of the First Round of Anti-Polio Campaign
ACU’s anti- polio team held a press conference in the city of Gaziantep yesterday to announce the results of the first round of the vaccination campaign against polio. Dr. Mohammad Noor Abdul Rahman highlighted difficulties that accompanied the campaign, especially being done from “house-to-house” in refugee camps and Syrian cities. He said that this campaign is one of the most successful campaigns. Dr Bashir Tajuddin, a team member, submitted a detailed report on the results of the first round of the vaccination campaign, in which 1,220,375 Syrian children were given vaccines against the disease which constitutes 87.17 % of the children living in the liberated areas. He also said that out of the total number of children, 12.81 % of them received the vaccine for the first time. Faisal Delmazm the Turkish governor, thanked the team for the efforts they have been making since the discovery of the epidemic, pointing to the importance of cooperation and coordination between all organizations which has led to the success of campaign. It should be noted that the vaccination 8500-strong team is composed of eight local and international organizations as well the Local Councils. (Source: Syrian Coalition)

Death Toll: 39 People Killed Today, 69 Yesterday
Local Coordination Committees documented 69 people killed in yesterday, while 39 people were killed as of 6:00 pm of today, including a child. Deaths were cited as: 18 in Damascus, 11 in Dara’a, 5 in Aleppo, 4 in Hama and one in Homs. (Source: LCC)

13 Civilians Killed By Regime Shelling On Madiyara in Rural Damascus
Regime forces shelled the town of Madiyara with rocket launchers, killing 13 civilians and injuring dozens. Assad’s warplanes also bombed the towns of Hazzah and Kafr Batna in Eastern Ghouta. Regime forces also shelled the towns of Dariya, Yabrood, Zabadani and Arbin, causing civilians casualties. The Free Syrian Army clashed with regime forces in Yarmouk camp, alongside missile shelling by regime forces. Demonstrations were held in other parts of the camp protesting the blockade imposed by regime forces on Damascus’s southern Suburbs. (Source: Syrian Coalition + LCC)

Seven People Killed In Tariq Al Sadd In Dara’a
Assad’s air force bombed Tariq al Sadd in Dara’a, killing seven local activists. Regime forces also pounded Dara’a camp, with reports of civilian casualties. Meanwhile violent clashes erupted between the Free Syrian Army and regime forces stationed at a checkpoint near the National Hospital. Assad’s warplanes bombed civilian neighborhoods in Sheikh Misqin. (Source: Syrian Coalition + LCC)

Islamist Factions Take Over Regiment No. 46 West of Aleppo
Fighters of Mujahideen Army and the Islamic Front took over Regiment No.46 west of Aleppo following violent clashes with ISIS fighters. The Free Syrian Army ambushed regime forces in Sheikh Saeed in Aleppo, killing 20 members of regime soldiers and wounding dozens. Meanwhile, the Free Syrian Army blocked attempts by regime forces to break into Magharat al Alertik and Rasm Assan southeast of Aleppo. ISIS adopted a car bomb explosion near a mosque in the neighborhood of Zaidi of Aleppo. (Source: Syrian Coalition + LCC)

FSA Retakes Saraqeb, Syrians Protest Siege of Cities and Towns
The Free Syrian Army retook Saraqeb east of Idlib, after violent clashes with ISIS fighters in the town. Many anti-regime and anti-ISIS demonstrations came out across Syrian cities today in a Friday called “Palestinians and Syrians Starving.” In the meantime, regime forces shelled town in al Arbin Mount. (Source: Syrian Coalition + LCC)

• Ban Ki- moon: Priority in Geneva II is for political transition.
• Kerry: The world will not be deceived by Assad in Geneva 2.
• Lebanese president calls for protection of border Lebanese towns.
• Pillay warns of ISIS violations of human rights.
• Lavrov: Assad regime is ready for a series of humanitarian measures.
• Japan pledges $20 million USD to Syrian refugees in Lebanon.