Menu
06/10/2003
UN condemns Israeli air raid on Syria
The UN Security Council has denounced Israel for launching an air raid against Syria – in response to a suicide bomb attack in Haifa on Saturday in which 19 people died.
The council has urged a "just and comprehensive peace" during a meeting which heard from more than two dozen participants. The council was convened at the request of Syria's Ambassador to the UN, Fayssal Mekdad, who asked the council to discuss the "violations of Syrian and Lebanese airspace committed by the Israeli air force".
The Syrians described the attack a "flagrant violation of the principles of international law" marking "a new and dangerous escalation".
The Syrian ambassador claimed that the missile attack targeted the village of Ain Al Sahib – a civilian site situated inside Syrian territory.
However, the Israelis have said that they targeted a "terrorist training camp" used by Islamic Jihad.
Israel's UN representative, Dan Gillerman, described the attack in Haifa as the latest of more than 40 terrorist atrocities committed by Islamic Jihad in the past few years.
He further accused Syria of "encouraging, harbouring, training, funding and supporting a variety of notorious terrorist organizations", including Islamic Jihad.
Syria, he said, had itself directed acts of terrorism, with coordination and briefings by phone and Internet, and by summoning activists to Damascus for briefings.
The Israeli strike is the first on Syrian territory for 20 years – previous punitive air strikes were sent against Syrian army positions in southern Lebanon.
The UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that he "strongly deplored" the Israeli air strike on Syrian territory, warning that it could inflame violence in the troubled region.
Twenty-fours previously, Mr Annan had also "strongly condemned" the Haifa atrocity.
(gmcg)
The council has urged a "just and comprehensive peace" during a meeting which heard from more than two dozen participants. The council was convened at the request of Syria's Ambassador to the UN, Fayssal Mekdad, who asked the council to discuss the "violations of Syrian and Lebanese airspace committed by the Israeli air force".
The Syrians described the attack a "flagrant violation of the principles of international law" marking "a new and dangerous escalation".
The Syrian ambassador claimed that the missile attack targeted the village of Ain Al Sahib – a civilian site situated inside Syrian territory.
However, the Israelis have said that they targeted a "terrorist training camp" used by Islamic Jihad.
Israel's UN representative, Dan Gillerman, described the attack in Haifa as the latest of more than 40 terrorist atrocities committed by Islamic Jihad in the past few years.
He further accused Syria of "encouraging, harbouring, training, funding and supporting a variety of notorious terrorist organizations", including Islamic Jihad.
Syria, he said, had itself directed acts of terrorism, with coordination and briefings by phone and Internet, and by summoning activists to Damascus for briefings.
The Israeli strike is the first on Syrian territory for 20 years – previous punitive air strikes were sent against Syrian army positions in southern Lebanon.
The UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that he "strongly deplored" the Israeli air strike on Syrian territory, warning that it could inflame violence in the troubled region.
Twenty-fours previously, Mr Annan had also "strongly condemned" the Haifa atrocity.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 April 2011
Syrian's Royal Wedding Invite Withdrawn
Foreign Secretary William Hague has decided that the presence of the Syrian Ambassador at the Royal Wedding would be unacceptable and that he should not attend.
Syrian's Royal Wedding Invite Withdrawn
Foreign Secretary William Hague has decided that the presence of the Syrian Ambassador at the Royal Wedding would be unacceptable and that he should not attend.
28 April 2014
MoD Names Five Service Personnel Killed In Helicopter Crash
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed the names of the five service personnel who lost their lives following the crash of a Lynx helicopter in southern Afghanistan on 26 April 2014.
MoD Names Five Service Personnel Killed In Helicopter Crash
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed the names of the five service personnel who lost their lives following the crash of a Lynx helicopter in southern Afghanistan on 26 April 2014.
08 March 2005
Pro-Syrian protest held in Beirut
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the Lebanese capital of Beirut to protest about the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the country. The protest, organised by Shi'ite Muslim group, Hizbollah, attracted thousands of pro-Syrian protestors to the city.
Pro-Syrian protest held in Beirut
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the Lebanese capital of Beirut to protest about the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the country. The protest, organised by Shi'ite Muslim group, Hizbollah, attracted thousands of pro-Syrian protestors to the city.
04 September 2015
UK To Accept 'Thousands' Of Refugees
Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed the UK is to accept "thousands" more refugees from Syria, in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis. Mr Cameron has previously said that accepting more people was not the "simple answer" to the problem.
UK To Accept 'Thousands' Of Refugees
Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed the UK is to accept "thousands" more refugees from Syria, in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis. Mr Cameron has previously said that accepting more people was not the "simple answer" to the problem.
07 November 2012
Cameron Visits Syrian Refugees
David Cameron has met with Syrian refugees at a camp on the Jordanian border. The PM has described the suffering of refugees caught up in the conflict as "horrendous". He said he wanted to bring Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to justice to give the country a brighter future.
Cameron Visits Syrian Refugees
David Cameron has met with Syrian refugees at a camp on the Jordanian border. The PM has described the suffering of refugees caught up in the conflict as "horrendous". He said he wanted to bring Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to justice to give the country a brighter future.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
