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Pres. Assad vows recapture of 'whole of Syria'

Friday, 12 February 2016 5:58 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 12 February 2016 5:58 PM ]

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ©AFP

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has pledged to regain control of the whole country. However, he warned that it could take a long time. Assad said the main goal of the Syrian army in Aleppo is to cut off militants’ access to the Turkish border.
The Syrian army has managed to take control of hills of Dahret Qaraa, Dahret Qandileh and all the heights of Tamoura near the town of Zahra. The new positions allow troops to target the final supply route of the militant-held eastern districts of Aleppo. The advance is part of a broader government offensive against anti-Damascus militants.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has met with the UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson in Munich. The two sides called for end to bloodshed in Syria and Yemen. They also stressed that regional countries must realize their security does not lie in creating insecurity in the region.
Anti-government protests in Bahrain have turned violent as security forces fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. The Bahrainis called for the release of political prisoners including the head of Bahrain’s main opposition party, Sheikh Ali Salman. The rallies were held ahead of the fifth anniversary of the kingdom’s popular revolution.
China has warned the United States against deploying a missile system in South Korea. Foreign Minister Wang Yi says the deployment would directly affect China’s security interests in the region. He added that the THAAD may also be used to target China.
Clashes have erupted between police and protesting farmers trying to occupy the Agriculture Ministry in Athens. The farmers have gathered from across the country in the capital city for a two-day protest against the government and its plans to impose new tax hikes and pension charges.
Germany and Poland have pledged to spare no effort to prevent Britain from leaving the European Union. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said both countries agree on supporting Britain’s EU membership. Her remarks come one week before a Brussels summit on the issue.
The last four armed occupiers of a wildlife refuge in the US state of Oregon have surrendered, ending the 41-day standoff on federal land. The end of the occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge came hours after the federal agents surrounded the group at the site.

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