The Late President Hafez Al-Assad's Address to the Parliament on taking the Constitutional Oath for a Fifth Presidential Term on March 11,1999

 President Hafez Al-Assad, the builder of modern Syria, delivered the following speech at the People’s Assembly on the occasion of taking the constitutional oath of office for a fifth constitutional term, March 11, 1999. This speech, according to different analyses and readings, can be considered as the beginning of the Syrian March on the way of the 1970- Correction Movement, as to initiate the process of Reform and Modernization, masterfully masterminded and led now - notwithstanding the unjust pressures put on Syria by some countries-  by His Excellency, President Bashar Hafez Al-Assad:

I congratulate you on the confidence that has been entrusted in you by the people. It is precious confidence and a heavy responsibility to bear. I do not doubt that this great task of serving the people will require you all taking part in legislation and supervision. It also pleases me that your People’s Assembly (PA) will be a true representation of the various social strata in our country. Its members empathize with various social, cultural and economic groups. I, also in particular, express satisfaction regarding the increase in the number of women in this legislative session. I am hopeful that this increase will continue to grow, to allow women to seriously participate in formulating life in our country. A worthy participation. It also pleases me to meet you, after our people granted me their unanimous confidence which comes as a marvellous manifestation of our national unity and internal strength.

  “We have moved from a position of weakness into a state of power and dignity. Syria has become able to carry out her national role and preserve national independence.”

Renewing the constitutional term of office on the 10th of last February was mutual pledge between me and our people, who have entrusted in me their confidence, love and support. The past three decades have been filled with successful work and prosperous hope. We face up to difficulties and then we eliminate them. We have achieved tremendous achievements and now we are enjoying them. We have moved from a position of weakness into a state of power and dignity. Syria has become able to carry out her national role and preserve national independence.I pledge, in my capacity as leader of this country to be the keeper of this precious confidence. And to this forum, I once again extend my thanks and love to every citizen stressing determination to continue the struggle in order to meet the ambitions of our people and the continued struggle for the rights of the Arab nation.

 The house of Al-Saud is indeed responsible not only for distorting the real human, peaceful and tolerant face of Islam  and all humanity. The Wahabbi Al-Saud family imposed by force  on the people of Arabian Peninsula   by the colonial greedy forces of exploitation and colonialization are indeed not only stupid, ignorant but even work as to impose their deformed vision and paralysis upon all Arabs.

Petrodollar can buy terrorists, slaughter, means of destruction and slaughter ; but never can buy humanity, pride, honor, nor amity and fraternity! Petrodollar might buy a businessman, make business deal, but never possess others' sovereignty, integrity and self-determination. Al least, when it comes to Syria, petrodollar cost the Syrians part of their infrastructure, some of their beloved and cements!

 The dirty Saudi  petrodollar can in way dispose the Syrians from their history, civilization, and deep roots. The Saudi petrodollar can bribe the entire globe of today but never the owners of  the rights! The Saudi Wahabbi petrodollar can make another 11^th September against America, can bribe US authorities and others; but can never bring back a single lost innocent life.

The fire to be set ablaze by Mr. Trump-businessman current visit are sure to burn the arsonists before all others! If in the past the good-hearted gave pieces of advices to the blind as to spare life, who knows if there would remain such pieces of advice for the coming! With this in mind, it is suffice to recall Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard reaction to the arms deal with immediate condemnation.

Gabbard, a Democrat, blasted the deal – which she said includes an additional $350 billion over the next 10 years – saying Saudi Arabia is “a country with a devastating record of human rights violations at home and abroad, and a long history of providing support to terrorist organizations that threaten the American people.”

“Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest sponsor and propagator of the extremist Wahhabi Salafist ideology that fuels terrorist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda,” a media release from Rep. Gabbard stated. “Based on Saudi Arabia’s history and track record, there is a significant likelihood these weapons will be used against innocent civilians or end up in the hands of terrorist groups.”

“Saudi Arabia has spent hundreds of billions of dollars spreading their extreme Wahhabi Salafist ideology around the world, creating fertile ground for terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda to recruit, while simultaneously providing direct support to terrorist groups who pose a direct threat to US interests and who are fighting to overthrow the Syrian government. The hypocrisy in the Trump administration’s actions toward Saudi Arabia began in February 2017 with the newly-appointed CIA Director Mike Pompeo presenting Saudi Crown Prince bin Nayef with the George Tenet Award in recognition of Prince bin Nayef’s ‘excellent intelligence performance, in the domain of counter-terrorism and his unbound contribution to realise world security and peace.’' Underscored Senator  Tulsi Gabbard.

''This hypocrisy continues now as the Trump administration talks tough against ISIS and terrorism, while selling weapons to, supporting, and praising a country that beheads dissidents, oppresses women, persecutes religious minorities, atheists, and LGBT people, and is the greatest supporter of terror groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS in the world today. This arms deal will enable Saudi Arabia to use U.S.-made weapons in their war crimes against Yemeni civilians in a brutal civil war, and continue perpetuating human rights atrocities at home and abroad,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

The arms deal runs contrary proposed bipartisan legislation supported by Gabbard: H.R. 608, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act, which Gabbard says “would prohibit any Federal agency from using taxpayer dollars to provide weapons, cash, intelligence, or any support to armed militants who are allied with al-Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups, and it will prohibit the U.S. government from funneling money and weapons through other countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar who are directly or indirectly supporting terrorists.”

Dr. Mohammad Abdo Al-Ibrahim

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 "Mother! Is there still more space in the sky to host Syrian Martyrs? Ali Hwija, the 5-year old child asked his mother, Lawhiz Ramadan, our colleague at Syria Times. My child is sad for his friend's father, and many others, martyred and carried to the sky, who have been martyred during the ongoing international war of terrorism against Syrians. Be sure dear Ali, for the Syrians, the sky is indeed NOT the limited nor the space!

The majority among the still living Syrian Martyrs are more steadfast and determined  to pursue the glorious path of their passing- even living in hearts, memory and spirit- martyrs. Syria\s long and rich history is intertwined with endless tales and epics of sacrifices and martyrdom. More recently, the brothers, sisters and comrades in arms in defense of  life, purity and humanity are ever shining enlightening the way before a united and one-family Syria.

Our martyrs do belong to the entire humanity, civilization and enlightenment. Martyrdom in defense of the homeland, humanity, and civilization has indeed been across ages the noble and sublime objective. Martyrs Day Anniversary comes this year with more joy and pride! The Syrians are even more steadfast in their Resistance against oppression, foreign interference, sinister schemes and are, further, stronger in their fight against multi-national terrorists from all the globe!

For the Syrians, as ever, it is the sacred duty of all to defend civilization, dignity, territory and the oppressed. This years' Anniversary is decorated with the colors and flags of all those who stand for truth and humanity against all those terrorists and their backers and inventers.

The sacred blood of the Syrian  hero martyrs has indeed been mixed with the sacred soil of Syria  and with the sacred  blood of our brothers  in the defense of humanity, justice and goodness against barbarity, oppression and evil.

The Syrians have been faced with an endless tsunami of foreign-backed and hired terrorists! The Syrians, messengers of peace and humanity, are encountering an influx of  cannibals, moderates who eat flesh with bones, and non-moderates  who eat meat and use bones as knifes to chop  heads !

The Syrians pay their all respects to their martyrs. Many worldwide do pay their respect too.  The sacrifices of the Syrian valiant Army and their allied with forces enlighten, illuminate and guide humanity, but to justice, peace and stability. History is written and recorded but by the sacred blood of martyrs.

H.E. President Al-Assad pledged on Martyrs Day Anniversary, May 6, 2015,  that the Syrian Arab Army is to break the siege imposed on the soldiers, who are determined to flush out every terrorist from the Syrian sacred territories.

On Syrian Martyrs Day, H.E. President Bashar Al-Assad, underscored that he feels immense pleasure to celebrate this occasion and be with the sons and daughters of the martyrs who sacrificed their souls during the war launched against Syria.

 In the global village of today, we all are living in the same big house! In Syria, this tiny , geographically speaking, land is indeed perfumed with civilization, history, amity and fraternity. Syria's Celebration of today's Easter is filled with bitter-sweet   feelings. The bitterness is in part the result of Syrians long suffering from Al-Qaeda Wahabbi affiliates, backed by some Western countries, US and Gulf puppets!

Sweetness is once Syrians have such a US peace-activist, Janice Kortkamp, along with scores of distinguished persons from around the globe, touring Syria. The writings and memories of my close friend, Janice, is indeed a sigh of relief for many Syrians as the beautiful ringing  of Churches sinking deeply into the depth of our soul and conscience.

The Syriatimes Online takes pride in publishing some of Janice Kortkamp personal reflections registered on her facebook page:

  Ma'aloula, Syria

A dear, humble man with the most beautiful smile sang the Lord's Prayer for us in Aramaic on Good Friday.

Ma'aloula has been a Christian village since there were such things.

But it was almost gone.

America's "moderate rebels" of the Free Syrian Army attacked it with a vengeance alongside Al Qaeda...as they always do.

Our "moderates" executed many who would not convert to their fake, twisted, violent, completely intolerant version of "Islam".

The local men who had formed a militia to protect their homes were able to hold off the terrorists with the help of Hezbollah fighters until they could get almost all of the women and children out via ancient sewer tunnels.

Then US "moderate" terrorists ransacked the place, looted and vandalized the the homes, businesses, churches, and orphanage.

They stole the priceless, ancient, unique icons and sold them to Israel, Europe, and Gulf countries.

After six months the Syrian armed forces and allies finalized the liberation out of Ma'aloula. So many Muslims died defending that Christian village that is held precious by Syrians of all faiths and people groups.

When we visited they were honoring the second anniversary of that liberation.

So much is destroyed but they are rebuilding. President Assad made the restoration of Ma'aloula a top priority. The Syrian Army protects the people who have moved back. Since I first visited one year ago I can see great progress already in spite of the terrible war in their country.

Its hard for me this morning, to write in such a way as to build bridges with Americans who have been lied to incessantly by our government, war-profiteering media, and NGOs masking themselves as humanitarian organizations while existing only to further political agendas...because I am filled with rage as I write this.

After the lies and horrors of Iraq and Libya are so obvious and so exposed now...why oh why do Americans continue their blind, ignorant and often arrogant support for the US war machine?

Oh, and Happy Easter

The Christians Protected

Damascus, April 12, 2017

Woke up to the sounds of war. Big booms, think they're outgoing and if so may God guide them to wipe out the terrorists that are less than 1 km from where I write.

Big war booms competed for ear-share last week with the marching band drums of the local churches, as they practiced for their Easter Holy Week parades.

Palm Sunday a few days ago, had all the Christians out in their best Sunday outfits. The ladies were so beautiful...the streets were full of gorgeous women decked out and little girls in bright dresses. Little boys looking like small gentlemen in suit coats, vests and ties and their handsome fathers too.

Spent the afternoon talking with Christians in a local cafe. When asked what they thought of Trump's attack on their army they universally denounced it as an attack on them personally. They asked me why America seems so bent on destroying Christianity and civilization in the Middle East, in their Syria especially. I said I knew why ... for Israel of course ... and they agreed, surprised an American understood.

One lady, the matriarch of the family, was in tears, she appreciated so much my recent interview here that she had seen. We hugged each other in deep sadness.

The Christians were protected from the terrorists-next-store by Muslims of the Syrian Arab Army, men ... and women ... who sacrifice everything to preserve and protect the religious diversity here. To protect the empowerment of women here. To protect their homeland. Above all to protect their own families.

To protect all that from the US backed mercenary terrorists who want it all gone.

I have no respect for Americans who support the insanity of the US war machine and the swaths of death and destruction it leaves behind. After 14 years of this rampage we've been on, the total disasters we've created ... there is no excuse now.

Ivanka Trump will probably not cry for these victims of John McCain's "moderate rebels"; US backed Ahrar al Sham terrorist group has claimed responsibility. They had a suicide bomber take out nine buses of evacuees. McCain made sure the monsters who did this have advanced US weapons including TOW anti tank missiles.

Appears that 118 people died today in this monsters' massacre but...

...no wars will start for these children. No main stream media newscaster will demand action.

Trump will probably just eat another piece of cake. Well let him eat cake in hell for supporting the "moderate" demons in Syria.

Took a long, lovely walk around Old Damascus yesterday evening. There was an overcast sky and the temperature of the air was so ... perfectly neutral ... that the combination of the two made for a difficult-to-describe environment. Not sensory deprivation chamber, more like a cocoon ... safe, serene.

Visited the ancient church of St. Ananias, two flights of stairs down ... street level, actually above street level 2,000 years ago. This is the spot preserved thru time where the Apostle Paul became a Christian according to the Book of Acts.

Plus more random scenes of this beautiful unique place where mosques and churches, bars and shops sit comfortably side by side. I love sharing it with you.

I don't want to talk about the war now or the possible impending destruction of the place at the hands of reckless American war mongers.

There's a reason why Damascus is the world's oldest continually inhabited capital city...

...she's weathered many such storms. Just hope this one will be over soon."

Janice Kortkamp

 A message to President Trump

US Peace Activist, Janice Kortkamp, Speaks to the Syriatimes Online

This is what it is!

War on Syria was an unlawful war of aggression

Senator Richard Black: attacks on Syria are war crimes

Another Page of Glory

https://youtu.be/YFojnwq1ltI

Syria: Defender of the World

Journey into the Heart of Reality

 Dr. Mohammad Abdo Al-Ibrahim

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ARCHIVE: Russian military inspect suspected chemical weapons workshop in Aleppo © Ruptly

The Syrian Air Force has destroyed a warehouse in Idlib province where chemical weapons were being produced and stockpiled before being shipped to Iraq, Russia’s Defense Ministry spokesman said.

The strike, which was launched midday Tuesday, targeted a major rebel ammunition depot east of the town of Khan Sheikhoun, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major-General Igor Konashenkov said in a statement, according to RT..

The warehouse was used to both produce

and store shells containing toxic gas, Konashenkov said. The shells were delivered to Iraq and repeatedly used there, he added, pointing out that both Iraq and international organizations have confirmed the use of such weapons by militants.

The same chemical munitions were used by militants in Aleppo, where Russian military experts took samples in late 2016, Konashenkov said.

The Defense Ministry has confirmed this information as “fully objective and verified,” Konashenkov added.

According to the statement, Khan Sheikhoun civilians, who recently suffered a chemical attack, displayed identical symptoms to those of Aleppo chemical attack victims.

At least 58 people, including 11 children, reportedly died and scores were injured after a hospital in Khan Sheikhoun was targeted in a suspected gas attack on Tuesday morning, Reuters reported, citing medics and rebel activists. Soon after a missile allegedly hit the facility, people started showing symptoms of chemical poisoning, such as choking and fainting.

"We deny completely the use of any chemical or toxic material in Khan Sheikhoun town today and the army has not used nor will use in any place or time, neither in past or in future," the Syrian army said in a statement.

The Russian military stated it did not carry out any airstrike in the area either.
However, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini, commenting on the incident, was quick to point to the Syrian government as a culprit, saying that it bears responsibility for the “awful” attack.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson echoed Mogherini, accusing the Syrian government of perpetrating the attack calling it “brutal, unabashed barbarism.” He argued, that besides the Syrian authorities, Iran and Russia should also bear “moral responsibility” for it.