http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Robert Ford) en-us Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:18:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/syrian-government-expels-absent-foreign-diplomats?start=0 Syria barred a string of foreign diplomats Tuesday, as the country plunged into its most profound international isolation in decades. A US State Department spokesman said, "In almost every respect this is an empty gesture." Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:18:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/syrian-government-expels-absent-foreign-diplomats Houla massacre, Syrian Civil War, Syria, International isolation, Bashar al-Assad, Diplomacy, Kofi Annan peace plan for Syria, United States, US Ambassador to Syria, Europe Syria barred a string of US and European diplomats Tuesday, saying they were "no longer welcome" as the country plunged into its most profound international isolation in decades. US State Department spokesman Mark Toner said, "In almost every respect this is an empty gesture." http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030212?start=450 The US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, and Deputy Undersecretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime is under tremendous pressure, IBA reports. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-030212 United States, Syrian Civil War, Anti-Americanism, Iran, Syria, Washington, D.C., Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syrian people, Iranian legislative election, 2012 Presenter, Female #1 Staying with Syria, where the United States remains convinced that the Assad regime is doomed to failure. Washington's ambassador to Damascus, Robert Ford, and Deputy Undersecretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Assad is under tremendous pressure, and that the Syrian people have demonstrated great courage in the face of brutal oppression. Guest, Male #1 (Jeffrey Feltman, Deputy Undersecretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs) I'm humble enough to say that we don't know for sure when the tipping point, the breaking point, will come in Syria. But it will come. The demise of the Assad regime is inevitable. It's important that the tipping point for the regime be reached quickly, because the longer the Syrian regime assaults the Syrian people, the greater the chances of all-out war and a failed state. Guest, Male #2 (Robert Ford, US Ambassador to Syria) The Assad regime is under greater stress now, I think, than it was even two or three months ago. This is in part because the military is more challenged. There has been a steady stream of desertions. The military has so far retained its cohesion; the security services have retained their cohesion, but they are under significantly more stress now, the first quarter of 2012, than they were, say, even as recently as three or four months ago. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020612?start=1002 BBC Arabic reports that the US ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, left the country and announced the suspension of the embassy's operations after Syrian authorities rejected the embassy's request to shut down the street on which it is located. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-020612 Israel, Iran, United States, Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Syrian Civil War, Iran-Israel relations, Nuclear program of Iran, Palestinians, Syria, Barack Obama Presenter, Female #1 The US embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus informed other diplomatic delegations that it closed down its doors and suspended its mission. The American ambassador to Damascus, Robert Ford, left the country, announcing the suspension of all the embassy's operations. The US embassy requested the Syrian authorities shut down the street on which the embassy is located, between the squares of Malki and Rawda, out of security concerns. Damascus rejected the request, prompting the US administration to threaten to shut down its embassy, which was finally done today. This comes as US President Barack Obama vowed to implement sanctions and intensify the pressure on President Bashar al-Assad's government to step down. However, he said it is possible to resolve the Syrian crisis without foreign military intervention. The US president expressed his belief that it is imperative to try to find a solution without resorting to foreign military intervention. He added that it is possible to do so. Obama made these statements in an interview aired today by the American NBC network. The Syrian Revolution's General Commission said the death toll in Syria rose to 67 people, including women and children; most were killed in Homs. Regime forces shelled a number of neighborhoods in Homs with artilleries and rockets, including Bab Amr, al-Inshaat and al-Khalidiya. For its part, Syria's state-run TV said what it referred to as terrorist groups bombed a gas pipeline that passes through the Talbisa region near Homs. Reporter, Male #1 Activists say the neighborhoods of Homs, including Bab Amr, al-Khalidiya, al-Inshaat, Bab al-Sibaa and Bab Dreeb, are enduring the most violent shelling they have witnessed since the uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime began 11 months ago. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, dozens were killed in the city this morning and many more were wounded, some are in critical condition. Activists say artillery and rocket shelling struck the field hospital and aimed to kill the largest number of people. Guest, Male #2 (Omar Idlibi, Local Coordination Committees Spokesman) They used rocket launchers and mortar shells; snipers are heavily stationed in most of the neighborhoods, targeting any moving object. The city has in fact turned into a ghost town. Neighborhoods such as Karm al-Zaytoun were shelled. The shelling was also concentrated in the neighborhoods of al-Bayada, al-Khalidiya, Deir Ba'albi, Bab Dreeb, as well as the town of Taldaw in al-Hawla city. Dozens of martyrs were killed in the city. Reporter, Male #1 As far as the besieged city of al-Zabadani in the countryside of Damascus, it witnessed shelling that led to a number of deaths and massive damage to its buildings. Regime forces have been attempting to storm the city for several days. However, the fierce resistance by the defectors prevented them from entering the city. Guest, Male #3 (Rami Abdul Rahman, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights) For days, they have been trying to storm the city. Defected soldiers were fending them off, disrupting their attack and destroying their armored vehicles, inflicting many casualties on the Syrian regime's army, which hindered their attempt to storm the city. However, today they started storming the city from the eastern mountain. Until this moment, we don't know the extent of resistance they are facing. Reporter, Male #1 Not far from al-Zabadani, specifically in the town of Darya, tanks violently stormed and shelled the town. Clashes between members of what is known as the Free Syrian Army and the regime's army can still be heard in these areas, which seems to be a main platform for battles aimed at taking control of the region near the capital. In this context, Brigadier-General Mustafa al-Sheikh, who defected from the regime's army, announced the formation of what he named the "Higher Revolutionary Military Council" to liberate Syria. Guest, Male #4 (Colonel Malik Kurdi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief) Brigadier-General Mustafa al-Sheikh has defected from the Syrian Arab Army, however, he has not declared he will join the Free Syrian Army. We do not share his vision in terms of the formation of the council. He did not consult us on the matter either. Reporter, Male #1 This comes as Damascus asserts the storming of the city was carried out by infantrymen without the use of artilleries with the aim of cleansing the areas of what Damascus referred to as members of armed terrorist groups. Supporters of Damascus say these terrorists are directly responsible for the shelling. Guest, Male #4 (Sharif Shahadah, Writer and Political Analyst in Damascus) The Syrian people no longer want to remain silent about these armed groups that have violated all religions, sects, customs and traditions. Therefore, the Syrian government acted with its soldiers, but only with the infantrymen, not through shelling. Reporter, Male #1 Meanwhile, Syria's state-run TV reported an explosion took place when those it referred to as terrorists were preparing explosive devices in a building in al-Khalidiya neighborhood of Homs, killing a number of them. Hayyan Aqoub, BBC. Presenter, Female #1 French President Nicolas Sarkozy said France and Germany cannot accept the blocking of the international community's resolution on Syria after Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution at the Security Council that condemns the repression in Syria. Sarkozy said at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that he would make phone calls to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev this afternoon to inform him of his and Merkel's position. The German chancellor called on Moscow to carefully assess the consequences of its decisions. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102411?start=695 The US State Department has pulled its ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, due to new threats against his personal safety. Ford has been attacked by Syrian regime loyalists while approaching protest sites or meeting with opposition members. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-102411 Palestinian prisoners in Israel, Palestinian National Authority, Gilad Shalit, Mahmoud Abbas, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Fatah, Prisoner exchange, Hamas, Israeli–Palestinian conflict Presenter, Female # 1 The US State Department confirmed it has pulled its ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford, due to new threats against his personal safety in Syria. State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said Ford's return depends on the security situation on the ground. Ford has numerously been attacked by Syrian regime loyalists while approaching protest sites or meeting with opposition members, which Damascus considers interference in its internal affairs. Reporter, Male #1 The US State Department stated that "credible threats against his personal safety in Syria" was the reason for recalling its ambassador from Damascus. The US State Department spokesman did not specify a timeframe for the ambassador's return but confirmed it depends on the security situation in Syria. Ambassador Robert Ford presented his credentials to Damascus in January, 2011 after a five year absence of a US ambassador from Damascus. But he quickly angered the Syrian regime for publicly visiting Syrian cities swept by the protest movement and violence, and for meeting with demonstrators and opposition members. This led Damascus to accuse him of fueling violence in the country. Guest, Male # 2 The British ambassador did not go, nor did the German, Austrian, Swiss ambassadors, nor any others. This is a special case related to the American policy towards us and especially this person's charisma because he began interfering and making all citizens feel like he was insulting the Syrian street. Reporter, Male # 1 At the time, protestors loyal to the Syrian president attacked the American embassy and burned the American flag. On September 6, 2011, Ford strongly attacked the Syrian regime on Facebook, condemning the pretexts used by Syrian authorities to crack down on protestors. He seemed to be supporting the opposition and opposing the regime. At the end of September, President Bashar al-Assad's loyalists gathered in front of a Syrian opposition bureau in Damascus that Ford was visiting. They threw tomatoes and eggs at the US embassy car, leading Washington to accuse the regime in Damascus of incitement against Ambassador Ford. The ambassador also led a group of ambassadors to the mourning ceremony of Ghiath Matar in Daraya. Matar was an activist who was arrested and tortured to death after giving flowers to members of the Syrian army; it seems his actions provoked Damascus. Guest, Male # 2 The American story is that the US is leading a very dangerous project, and according to well-known statements, they are done with Libya and now it is Syria's turn. This is very dangerous and for this reason, we can say that the Syrian reaction has been minimal. Reporter, Male #1 The US and other Western countries have called on Assad to resign after loosing his "legitimacy as Syria's president." They tried to impose harsh sanctions on him at the Security Council but China and Russia's interference prevented them from doing so. Pulling the US ambassador from Damascus at this particular moment could mean other American measures are being planned against Bashar al-Assad's regime. Other ambassadors could also later be recalled under different pretexts. The situation in Syria presents the world with difficult challenges, between keeping quiet on the events in Syria or supporting the street demanding freedom, justice, and democracy. Hayan Yaaqoub, BBC. Presenter, Female # 1 On the ground, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that five civilians were killed in Homs in the center of the country by the security forces' gunfire. The Observatory said dozens of armored vehicles headed to the Baba Amr neighborhood in Homs and fired heavily. Dissenters reported soldiers are encircling a southern town near Daraa, which has been witnessing a strike for days. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071511?start=306 <p>Jordanian police attack protestors demanding reforms, Syria marks "freedom for prisoners" day, Egyptians send final warning to the military, Tunisians demand new revolution, and more.</p> Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071511 Protest, Palestinian state, Palestinians, Israel, East Jerusalem, Middle East Peace Process, Benjamin Netanyahu, Friday prayers, Middle East Quartet, Syria Presenter, Female #1 Syrians held demonstrations in a number of cities on the "Friday of Freedom for Prisoners." Syrian TV asserted that civilians and security forces were killed and wounded by gunmen. In addition, the American ambassador in Damascus warned of the possibility of the downfall of the regime by the Syrian street. Reporter, Female #2 Just as every Friday since March 15 when anti-government protests began in Syria, this Friday was given its own name. It was called the "Friday of Freedom for Prisoners" in order to honor political prisoners. The opposition's websites confirm they are still detained in Syrian prisons. This is yet another Friday during which people are killed and injured, among both civilians and security forces, especially in the neighborhoods of al-Qaboun and Rukn al-Din in Damascus. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said two people were killed and dozens were injured by gunfire, while the Syrian television announced that one civilian and two security forces were wounded by the gunfire of armed men. According to the opposition's websites, almost 150,000 people protested in Hama, while Syrian TV said the city witnessed a limited gathering during which the participants demanded authorities combat corruption, adding that the rally ended without witnessing any security issues. Syrian state media SANA said civilians were killed by gunmen in Idlib. It said two members of the security forces were wounded by gunmen in Jobar and one policeman was killed. In addition, it stated that eight policemen were injured by gunmen in al-Khalidiya in Homs, where a number of neighborhoods witnessed protests. According to the Syrian Observatory and as shown in images posted on the opposition's websites, protests swept across a number of cities, especially in Deir ez-Zour, where hundreds of thousands of people took to the street. Demonstrations also took place in Daraa, and according to the Human Rights Association of Syria they led to casualties. Dozens protested in Amouda in al-Hasakah province, while thousands gathered in Ein al-Arab of Aleppo. Dozens also rallied in Zabadani, Latakia and a number of neighborhoods in Damascus such as al-Barza and Midan after Friday prayers. Meanwhile, the American ambassador in Damascus, Robert Ford, who had visited Hama, warned that the street may topple the regime if it does not begin to reform immediately. He said he did not see any tangible sign on the ground that indicates that the Syrian government is ready to begin the reforms demanded by the protesters anytime soon. He called on President Bashar al-Assad to make the difficult decision, believing that Damascus should begin a real transitional period instead of settling for words and promises. In an interview with Foreign Policy magazine, Ford confirmed that he would not stop touring various parts of the country to meet with Syrians. This came as a response to the strong criticism he received from the Syrian regime after his visit to Hama. A movement that calls itself the Free Officers of Syria Movement announced through its official spokesman Hussein Harmush, a colonel who defected, that the movement decided to form its own leadership and demanded the Syrian army to determine its position on the regime. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071411-world-news-from-the-middle-east?start=234 Afghan civilian death toll hits record high, Syrian security crackdown targets artists and intellectuals, the Yemeni people accuse Saudi Arabia of sowing chaos in their country, and more.<br /> Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071411-world-news-from-the-middle-east Syria, UN General Assembly, Sudan, Israel, Syrian Civil War, Damascus, Deir az-Zour, Afghanistan, Yemen, Bahrain From Syria, Syrian tribes have warned against any visit by the US ambassador to Damascus, to eastern city of Deir al-Zour. The tribes have said in a statement that Robert Ford has plans to visit Deir al-Zour in an effort to ignite strife and divisions among the people. They have warned that the US administration is responsible for the ambassador's life if he presses ahead with his plan. Last week, Ford visited the central city of Hama. The visit prompted anti-US demonstrations in several Syrian cities. Syria accused the US ambassador of meeting with what it called saboteurs. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071211-world-news-from-the-middle-east?start=337 <p>Egyptians extend their protest despite the military's warning, Syria slams Washington's "provocative" comments, Israel passes "boycott bill" criminalizing opposition to the occupation, and more.</p> Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071211-world-news-from-the-middle-east Israel, Middle East Peace Process, Palestinian National Authority, Egypt, Middle East Quartet, West Bank, Protest, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli settlement, Negotiation Presenter, Female # 1 The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's comments on President al-Assad. The ministry stated that Clinton's remarks are provocative and constitute an interference in Syrian affairs. Clinton said al-Assad lost his legitimacy after a group of pro-Assad loyalists attacked the American and French embassies in Damascus. Reporter, Female # 2 For the first time since the outbreak of protests in Syria four months ago, the diplomatic tone between Damascus and Washington is noticeably tense. Also for the first time, Washington directly said that President al-Assad has lost his legitimacy and that those who believe him to be indispensible are wrong. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's comments came following the attack on the American and French embassies in Damascus. The Syrian response was swift and described Clinton's remarks as a provocative action that prolongs "internal aggravation." The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement confirming that the legitimacy of the country's political leadership is not based on the US or others but is derived from the will of the Syrian people. The statement added that relations between countries are based on the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Damascus demanded that Washington and its envoys abide by that principle and refrain from any acts that could provoke the Syrian people's emotions. This is not the first instance in which Damascus uses "provocation" as a descriptor for American action. On Friday, the American ambassador to Syria visited the city of Hama as massive protests against the dialogue were taking place. In response, Syrian authorities said that Ford met with a number of saboteurs and his actions further destabilized the country. The scene is further complicated as Paris escalated its reaction to the events in Syria with attempts to take action against al-Assad's regime following its failure to protect diplomatic facilities on its territory. Guest, Male # 2 We need international authorization to interfere but the necessary conditions are not available for the UN Security Council to take a stand on the Syrian crisis. We are working for that aim at the Security Council. We are trying in particular to convince the Russians that it's not acceptable for the Security Council to let what's happening in Syria take place without reacting. Presenter, Female # 1 These protestors across Syrian cities wait to see if these efforts will actually result in a UN resolution condemning acts described by activists as grave human rights violations. Sali Nabil, BBC. Presenter, Female # 1 In Damascus, the consultative meeting that included a number of political and academic figures concluded. Its final statement indicated that dialogue is the only way to end the crisis rocking the country. The meeting recommended the establishment of a committee to look into redrafting the constitution and demanded the release of political detainees who have not committed any crimes. The statement also called for the establishment of a state of right, law, citizenship, pluralism and democracy. These recommendations will be discussed at the national dialogue conference. The Syrian opposition refused to participate in the meeting. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071111-world-news-from-the-middle-east?start=927 <p>Tension prevails over Abyei as newly-independent South Sudan celebrates, anger persists in Tunisia six months after the revolution, Lebanon warns Israel it will protect its resources, and more.</p> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-071111-world-news-from-the-middle-east Protest, Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Maritime boundary, Yemen, Territorial dispute, Border, Embassy Presenter, Female # 1 Syrian citizens surrounded the embassies of Washington and Paris in Damascus to condemn the ambassadors' interference in the events in Syria. Our correspondent Nidal Hameidi reports from the Syrian capital. Reporter, Male # 1 Over 4,000 protestors gathered in front of the French and American embassies in Damascus. They expressed their fury and outrage at Paris and Washington's positions, viewed by Syrians as new colonialism, represented by the visit of the two ambassadors to Hama on Friday. Guest, Male # 2 I would like to address France in general, Sarkozy and the ambassador who interfered in our affairs by going to Hama without the authorization of the Syrian Foreign Ministry. This is wrong; both the French and American ambassadors are at fault. We managed to bring down the American flag at the embassy and replaced it with the homeland's flag. Here as well, at the French embassy, we will bring down its flag and place the Syrian flag instead. Yes, we had some injuries and one young man was martyred. Reporter, Male # 1 The protestors broke the windows and wrote angry messages on the two embassies' walls. They confirmed that they threw tomatoes and eggs, and held banners condemning the French and Americans ambassadors' violation of diplomatic norms. However, security at the French embassy fired at the demonstrators, leading to the injury of two people. Guest, Female # 2 Human rights organizations should come see how they threw acid water at us. They fired live bullets at us. Where are our human rights? These are their human rights? Let them come see. They should not talk about something they don't have. Reporter, Male # 1 The Syrian people hauled down the American and French flags from the embassies and replaced them with the Syrian flag to express their rejection of French and American intervention in Syrian affairs. Nidal Hameidi, New TV, Damascus. Presenter, Female # 1 The consultative conference concluded today, paving the way for a national dialogue. Participants confirmed the dialogue will include all sides. Meanwhile, raids continue in Homs as protestors express their rejection of the dialogue. Reporter, Female # 3 The consultative conference in Syria concluded today, paving the way for a national dialogue that aims to establish a pluralistic state. The sessions centered on the role the national dialogue is to play in order to resolve the political, economic and social issues related to the crisis in the country. Amendments to the constitution were also on the agenda, including Article 8, which deals with the ruling Baath Party. In addition, proposed new laws on political parties, elections, local administration and the press were discussed. Participants insisted on the necessity to hold a dialogue with all sides, without excluding any party, and on the importance of radical constitutional amendments. The meeting comes as the Reuters news agency quoted the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights saying Syrian forces killed at least one civilian in night raids in the city of Homs. It indicated that 20 people were injured by the security forces' gunfire. Activists expressed fear of military operations in the city's Bab al-Sibai, which also witnessed gunfire. Opposition websites posted images of protests that took place in a number of cities, including Hama, Homs, Deir el-Zour, and Aleppo. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070811-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video?start=538 <p>"Flytilla" activists demand the right to visit Palestine, Yemenis condemn foreign meddling while Syrians reject Assad's dialogue, Egyptians renew their commitment to put the "revolution first," and more.</p> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070811-world-news-from-the-middle-east-video Protest, Gaza, Israel, Egypt, Gaza blockade, Palestinians, Egyptian Revolution, Yemen, Rafah Border Crossing, Jordan Presenter, Male # 1 In Syria, eight civilians were killed and a number of others were injured on what anti-regime activists called the "no dialogue Friday," as the American and French ambassadors visited Hama, and Damascus accused the US of inciting further aggression. Reporter, Female # 1 The surprise of the "no dialogue Friday" came when the US ambassador joined anti-Syrian regime protestors. Robert Ford's visit dominated the news in Hama Thursday night. The next morning, he woke up in a city ignited by masses that demanded vengeance for what they described as Assad senior's 1982 oppression, rejecting dialogue with the son. The US State Department confirmed that the visit of its ambassador to Hama was in support of the Syrian people, while the Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned Ford's violation of diplomatic norms. The Syrian ministry said he met "a number of the saboteurs in Hama and incited them to engage in more violence and protest, and to refuse dialogue." The Syrian president's advisor, Bouthaina Shaaban, saw in Ford's visit evidence of the West's attempt to incite a few people in Syria. Guest, Female # 2 (Bouthaina Shaaban Syrian president's advisor) Never before did an ambassador visit a city with a problem, like the case of Hama, without, first of all, a statement; and most important is the fact that the US State Department issued a statement saying the ambassador is in the city of Hama and intends to stay until the next day. What is more important than all of this is that the US Ambassador arrived to Hama at a time when a meeting was being held between the residents, mosque imams, and the civil authorities in the city of Hama. The meeting aimed at finding a solution to the problem. This means that his arrival is an attempt to prevent solving the problem. I wonder how the American ambassador was able to reach Hama as roads are being blocked by saboteurs, rioters, and gunmen. Who helped him reach al-Sreijeh Mosque in Hama at 6 pm? How did he not encounter one of the gunmen in the streets who have blocked employees in Hama from reaching their jobs for the fourth day in a row? Reporter, Female # 1 The French ambassador to Syria, Eric Chevallier, visited one of the largest hospitals in the city of Hama on Thursday and expressed France's commitment to standing by the victims. In parallel to al-Assi Square in Hama, many other Syrian regions witnessed massive demonstrations. Protestors held banners rejecting dialogue with the regime and demanded the resignation of the president. In addition, protestors chanted against Hezbollah.