Tensions running high in a Syria feeling "isolated and encircled"
Damascus (AsiaNews) Tensions are running high in Damascus after the text of United Nations Security Council resolution 1636 was released. State-controlled newspapers have attacked the UN decision, reiterating Syria's willingness to fully cooperate with the UN investigation, but have failed to publish the text of the document that was unanimously endorsed by the Security Council members.
Faced with international pressure, Syrians are reacting with fear over a possible "blood bath" similar to what has happened in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein.
But despite such pessimism, Syrian authorities continue to express their readiness to cooperate with the international commission of inquiry, "stressing the firm desire of the Syrian government to find the truth about the Hariri assassination".
They pledge to impose the "due sentence on those responsible for this heinous crime", but criticise the "unjust" attitude of the UN vis-à-vis Syria, claiming no Syrian was involved in the Hariri murder. Instead, they point their finger at Israel, held responsible for all the problems of the region.
The vote in the Security Council for resolution 1636 also came in for criticism; the fact that it was unanimous is proof that "the US rules the UN". Resolution 1636, it is claimed, does nothing more than repeat what is in the Mehlis report, and constitutes a black mark on the UN".
For the Syrian press, accusations that Syria was not sincere and honest in its cooperation with Detlev Mehlis are lies. Newspapers go on to repeat that Syrian authorities are prepared to give their full and total cooperation "according to the norms of international law". However, None of them mentioned the full content of resolution 1636, especially as it relates to chapter VI of the United Nations Charter. In light of a joint statementthe Damascus declarationmade by five outlawed Syrian parties in October calling for the overthrow of the Baathist regime led by al-Assad family since the 1960s, speaking about it might create internal problems to the regime.
In today's editorial page, Fayez al-Sayegh, director of al-Thawra (The Revolution) daily, continued its anti-UN campaign, claiming that "it is not the first time that Syria is subjected to strong pressures. In previous years we also faced difficulties that we were able to overcome. This time we shall be able to do the same despite the difficulties created by the coalition of powers set against us. Even though we are aware of the current pressures, we are certain that Syria will overcome and no one will be able force the Syrian people to buckle".
In today's edition, the other state-owned newspaper, Tichrine (October) reiterated the need to warn citizens about the dangers of "being offered on the platter of international compromises and regional interests". The paper also criticises "the silence of the Arabs, who are witnesses to an international conspiracy without lifting a finger". This was in reference to the failed mission of Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Walid al-Mouallem who just returned from visiting Persian Gulf states.
In the meantime, demonstrations and sit-ins continue in front of the US Embassy in Damascus. In central al-Rawdah (Paradise) Square, more than 10,000 demonstrators shouted anti-Us and anti-UN slogans such as "We didn't hide anything, we are innocent"; "America, America, the night won't last long"; "Attacked by American poison". A Syrian organisation provided tents and mattresses to protesters. Some young demonstrators even tried to storm the US Embassy but were pushed back by Syrian security.
In many Syrian provinces sit-ins and similar events have been taking place against UN pressures in the presence of Muslim and Christian leaders.
Archimandrite Paul, rector of St Anne Church urged all "Syrians to take to the streets to defend the country, show Syria's innocence and denounce the injustice of the Americans". Imam Hassan, who is in charge of Homs's main mosque, pleaded for divine mercy so that at this time of the year when Ramadan is coming to an end, all dangers to the country may be kept at bay, ensuring that Almighty God does not abandon Syria and Lebanon.
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