Syria denounces Clinton’s remarks on Assad as “provocative”

Syria denounced on Tuesday a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in which she said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had lost legitimacy and was “not indispensable.”

“Syria strongly condemns the statements of the American foreign minister … these remarks are provocative and aim at continuing the internal tension (more…)

Aoun opposing renewal of Salameh’s term

Cabinet sources old al Liwa newspaper that Free patriotic Movement MP Michel Aoun is opposing the renewal of the term of Central Bank governor Riad Salameh and instead want Alan Bifani, director general of the Finance Ministry to replace Salameh. (more…)

Jumblatt: We must forget justice for the sake of stability

During an interview with MTV on Monday Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Walid Jumblatt denied that he has betrayed former slain Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

” The new Angels ( a possible reference to March 14 leaders) are charging me of betraying Rafik Hariri… I did not betray Rafik Hariri and will not betray him . (more…)

Cyprus Navy chief killed by Iranian munitions blast

The head of Cyprus’ navy, Andreas Ioannides, was among 12 people killed when seized containers of gunpowder exploded its main base.

The commander of the Evangelos Florakis base, Lambros Lambrou, also died. (more…)

Clinton: Assad lost legitimacy after mob attacks embassy

A mob attack on the U.S. embassy in Damascus pushed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to say Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has lost legitimacy, a pronouncement the Obama administration had been reluctant to make in four months of anti-regime protests.

“From our perspective, he has lost legitimacy. He has failed to (more…)

US summons Syrian charge d’affaires over embassy riots

The United States angrily summoned Syria’s charge d’affaires on Monday, accusing Damascus of an “outrageous” failure to meet its international obligations to protect foreign embassies. (more…)

Iraq: Sadr freezing Mahdi army even if Americans stayed, report

In a statement posted on Moqtada al-Sadr’s website on Saturday, the shiite leader said his “Promised Day Brigade” militia would remain at the forefront of the opposition to American forces remaining in Iraq beyond a scheduled pullout at the end of 2011. (more…)

3 injured in attack on French embassy by Assad loyalists

Three staff at the French embassy in Damascus were wounded Monday when a pro-regime mob tried to storm the building, forcing guards to fire three warning shots, the French foreign ministry said. (more…)

Suleiman warns Israel over maritime borders

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman warned Israel on Monday against taking any decision that violates international maritime boundary delimitation laws, the National News Agency reported. (more…)

Violent earthquake in Lebanon, Syria after STL phase 2 indictments, report

British security sources revealed to the Kuwaiti al-Seyassah newspaper that the second phase of the indictment by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon will include the names of a number of Lebanese officials closely associated with Syria as well as Syrian individuals. (more…)