Terrorist shelling in Syria

1 Syria — Opening of the Turkish Institute

The Syrian state-run TV reported that the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants considers the decision of the Turkish authorities to open a medical college and institute at the ’Istanbul University of Medical Sciences’ in the Syrian province of Aleppo to be a ’violation of the international law’. The Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that Damascus «completely rejects the decision of the Turkish authorities to open a college and an institute, supported by the Istanbul University in the city of Ar Rai, located north of Aleppo». It was noted that the decision «is a dangerous precedent, and a gross violation of the international law, and the UN Charter». Earlier, the Turkish president, Tayyip Erdogan, issued a decree to establish a Medical College and Institute of Medical Sciences under the Istanbul University of Medical Sciences in the city of Ar Rai.

2 Syria — Checkpoint

The Russian Center for the Reconciliation of the Warring Parties has opened a checkpoint in the Syrian province of Deir ez-Zor, between the territories controlled by the Syrian government, and the Syrian Democratic Forces. This was announced by the acting head of the checkpoint, Lieutenant-Colonel Denis Khoroshev. It was noted that the checkpoint was built 3 years ago. In March 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was declared, the checkpoint was closed. The checkpoint will operate 3 times a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. At the moment, the checkpoint is still closed for the road transport — with the exception of motorcycles. The locals can cross the border on foot.

3 Syria — terrorist attacks

The Syrian news agency ’SANA’ reported that pro-Turkish terrorists have resumed their attacks on villages in Hasakah province. It was reported that they «dug in at the areas they occupied in the north of the province, and then fired rockets on the residential buildings in the villages of Tel Tawila and Karabin, north-west of Tel Tamra». It was noted that as a result of the shelling «some damage was caused to the local property and agricultural lands». There is no Information about the victims so far.

4 The EU — Aid to Syria

The EU Foreign Office spokesman, Peter Stano, announced that on 29th and 30th of March, the EU will host the 5th conference of the aid donors to Syria and the countries, hosting the Syrian refugees. The EU holds such conferences each year. In 2020, such conference raised about €7 billions of euros. The funds are directed to the support of the Syrian territories, which are not controlled by the government in Damascus, and the neighboring states that have hosted Syrian refugees. The EU doesn’t respond to the Russian initiatives to launch an international process for the return of the refugees to Syria, where the war has ended in most parts of the country. Brussels stated that there are no necessary conditions for the return of refugees back to Syria.

5 Russia — Relations with the EU

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Russia is surprised with the statements made by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, after his visit to Moscow. «We were surprised to learn about Josep Borrell’s assessments after his visit. The assessments are in a stark contrast to his own statements during a press conference in Moscow» — the TASS news agency quoted the Russian ministry. It was noted that Borrell had every opportunity to immediately give his own assessment of the visit at the final press conference with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov. “Perhaps, upon his arrival to Brussels, the head of the Euro-diplomacy was instructed how it is necessary to place the accents. If so — it only confirms how and by whom the EU policy is actually being formed” — the Russian ministry concluded. On 7th of February the head of the EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, stated in his blog that Russia isn’t interested in the improvement of the relations with the EU. He added that the EU may impose more sanctions against Russia due to the situation with Alexei Navalny. Josep Borrell was on a visit to Russia from 4th to 6th of February.

6 Myanmar — Protests

Mass protests are taking place in Myanmar for the 3rd day. The nationwide protest began on Monday, at 8 AM. The local mass media reported that in the capital city of Naypyidaw, the police used water cannons to disperse the protesters. There was no information about victims after the clashes with the police, or as a result of their use of water cannons. Footage has been posted on the social media on which several people were injured as a result of the use of water cannons by the police. Protests are being held in the country twice a day — at 8 AM and PM. Constantine Reztsov, specially for the ’ANNA NEWS’.