JEDDAH: Syrian opposition fighters’ morale is high, and they are defending their people and trying to lift the siege imposed on the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta by the regime and Iranian militias, opposition spokesman Yahya Al-Aridi told Arab News on Tuesday. His remarks followed reports of fighting inside a military installation near the Damascus suburb of Harasta. Syria-based activist Mazen Al-Shami said the regime brought in reinforcements overnight and is trying to reach soldiers trapped in the installation.
An official with the Ahrar Al-Sham opposition group said the regime is negotiating the passage of its trapped fighters. Al-Aridi termed it “a big blow” to the regime that belies “its claims that it’s in control of the country.” He added: “The regime is nothing more than a tool used by Iran and Russia to further their goals at the expense of Syrians’ safety and future.”
Al-Aridi said Tuesday’s Cabinet reshuffle “is a reflection of frustration with the corruption of the regime’s men and the state of chaos it’s in. This regime is in a state of disarray.” President Bashar Assad replaced his defense minister for the first time since 2012, appointing Gen. Ali Abdullah Ayoub, 65. The industry and information ministers were also replaced.
The UN says regime forces are besieging nearly 400,000 people in Eastern Ghouta. “The UN keeps saying it’s trying (to alleviate their suffering), but the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” said Al-Aridi. “We urge the international community to apply necessary pressure on the regime to save civilians.” Asked what steps can be taken, he said: “Implement UN Security Council resolutions, especially regarding a political transition that would rid Syria of tyranny and dictatorship.”
Syrian opposition fighters’ morale high amid Damascus battle, spokesman tells Arab News
Syrian opposition fighters’ morale high amid Damascus battle, spokesman tells Arab News
Iran, UK foreign ministers in rare direct contact
- A UK government source said Cooper “emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear program and raised a number of other issues”
TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has spoken by phone with his British counterpart Yvette Cooper, an Iranian foreign ministry statement said on Saturday, in a rare case of direct contact between the two countries.
The ministry said that in Friday’s call the ministers “stressed the need to continue consultations at various levels to strengthen mutual understanding and pursue issues of mutual interest.”
A UK government source said Cooper “emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear program and raised a number of other issues.”
The source in London said Cooper raised the case of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran for nearly a year on suspicion of espionage.
The Iranian ministry statement did not mention the case of the two Britons.
It said Araghchi criticized “the irresponsible approach of the three European countries toward the Iranian nuclear issue,” referring to Britain, France and Germany.
The three countries at the end of September initiated the
reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran because of its nuclear program.
The Foremans, both in their early fifties, were seized in January as they passed through Kerman, in central Iran, while on a round-the-world motorbike trip.
Iran accuses the couple of entering the country pretending to be tourists so as to gather information for foreign intelligence services, an allegation the couple’s family rejects.
Before Friday’s call, the last exchange between the two ministers was in October.
