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This report is the result of extensive analytical work on social protection in Chad. During 2014 and 2015, the World Bank's Social Protection and Labor (SPL) Global Practice undertook extensive analytical work in Chad to assess the country's poverty and vulnerability profile, and the characteristics of its social safety nets system. This report, Republic of Chad – Shaping Adaptive Safety Nets to Address Vulnerability, is the result of such work and was prepared in the context of the renewed relationship between the Government of Chad and the World Bank. Such partnership includes the reengagement of the World Bank on the SPL agenda, and programming of World Bank support to Chad as part of the Systematic Country Diagnostic and the Country Partnership Framework.

This document presents the Systematic Country Diagnosis (SCD) for Mali. The SCD was prepared following a consultative process within and outside the World Bank. It identifies constraints and opportunities for achieving the twin goals of ending poverty and improving shared prosperity by 2030 while acknowledging (i) the need for selectivity in pro-poor interventions, and (ii) the many competing 'binding' reasons for poverty in Mali. The objectives of the twin goals are similar for Mali as the incidence of dollar-a-day poverty exceeds 40 percent of the population. Selectivity means the identification of principal opportunities for poverty reduction in the next 15 years, as well as the identification of binding constraints to reaping such opportunities. In the search for selectivity, there is the risk of not identifying the correct set of opportunities and constraints. However, the risk of not being selective would probably have more serious implications as it could lead the government and its development partners to disperse their resources and attention too thinly over too many competing priorities. Selectivity also implies making trade-offs between immediate and longer term objectives. In this document priority is given to the identification of poverty reduction opportunities which could deliver results before 2030, while acknowledging that efforts should not undermine the prospects for poverty reduction and shared prosperity beyond 2030. In this regard, particular attention is paid to environmental and fiscal sustainability.

The outlook for FY2011 has changed since the last macroeconomic update in October 2010.1 While gross development product (GDP) growths is still projected to be around 6.2 percent in FY11, inflationary pressures have strengthened and the external position has weakened. Rising energy and food subsidies are placing a strain on the budget, but higher-than-anticipated revenues and lower-than-budgeted Annual Development Program expenditures leave sufficient fiscal space for the government to react to these pressures. Progress on reforms is mixed, with advances made on Value Added Tax reforms, efforts to tighten liquidity and setting up a framework for public-private partnership projects. Developments on telecommunication policy, the Anticorruption Commission, and policy responses to stock market volatility are a cause for concern. The growth outlook for FY12 remains good but there are risks that need to be contained. Short-term risks include rising food and fuel prices, deteriorating remittances, an increased reserve drawdown, a growing quasi-fiscal deficit, stock market volatility and its potential impact on the banking sector. Long-term risks include the inability to sufficiently alleviate power shortages, raise public investment, and remove bottlenecks for private investment.

A decade ago, trade and investment liberalization dominated the global economic policy agenda. The World Trade Organization (WTO) had recently been created, the United States, Mexico and Canada were implementing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and much of Southeast Asia and South America were near the peak of an economic boom that was driven in part by greater openness to inflows of foreign capital. In bilateral and multilateral discussions of economic integration, global migration was often missing from the docket entirely. The growth in labor flows from low-income to high-income countries has not been greeted with universal enthusiasm, either by policy makers or academics. In theory, international migration increases economic efficiency by shifting labor from low-productivity to high-productivity environments. As workers move from Central America to the United States, North Africa to Europe, or Southeast Asia to Australia, the global labor supply shifts from labor abundant to labor-scarce economies, compressing international differences in factor prices and raising global gross domestic product (GDP). Migrants enjoy large income gains family members at home share in these gains through remittances, and non-migrating workers in the sending country enjoy higher wages thanks to a drop in local labor supply (Aydemir and Borjas, 2007).

n/a ; Timeline of key events: March 2011: Anti-government protests broke out in Deraa governorate calling for political reforms, end of emergency laws and more freedoms. After government crackdown on protestors, demonstrations were nationwide demanding the ouster of Bashar Al-Assad and his government. July 2011: Dr. Nabil Elaraby, Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS), paid his first visit to Syria, after his assumption of duties, and demanded the regime to end violence, and release detainees. August 2011: LAS Ministerial Council requested its Secretary General to present President Assad with a 13-point Arab initiative (attached) to resolve the crisis. It included cessation of violence, release of political detainees, genuine political reforms, pluralistic presidential elections, national political dialogue with all opposition factions, and the formation of a transitional national unity government, which all needed to be implemented within a fixed time frame and a team to monitor the above. - The Free Syrian Army (FSA) was formed of army defectors, led by Col. Riad al-Asaad, and backed by Arab and western powers militarily. September 2011: In light of the 13-Point Arab Initiative, LAS Secretary General's and an Arab Ministerial group visited Damascus to meet President Assad, they were assured that a series of conciliatory measures were to be taken by the Syrian government that focused on national dialogue. October 2011: An Arab Ministerial Committee on Syria was set up, including Algeria, Egypt, Oman, Sudan and LAS Secretary General, mandated to liaise with Syrian government to halt violence and commence dialogue under the auspices of the Arab League with the Syrian opposition on the implementation of political reforms that would meet the aspirations of the people. - On October 26, the Ministerial Committee held discussions in Damascus with President Assad. - The establishment of the Syrian National Council (SNC) in Istanbul, the first opposition coalition of different groups, but failed to gain international recognition because of deep divisions. November 2011: Syrian government agreed to implement a new Arab Action Plan (attached) endorsed by LAS Ministerial Council to end all acts of violence, release detainees, withdraw Syrian military and armed forces from cities, and ensure freedom of movement for journalists and observers throughout the country. -LAS Ministerial Council suspended the membership of Syria (November 16), and imposed economic sanctions (November 27) and some member states withdrew their ambassadors from Damascus, as it failed to comply with the Action Plan. December 2011: Negotiations with Damascus were resumed and an agreement is finally reached on the implementation of the Action Plan. LAS Observer Mission was deployed in Syria to monitor the implementation of the plan (December 24). - The Mission later submitted a report (attached) covering the period from 24 December 2011 to 18 January 2012 in accordance with the mandate conferred by the protocol concluded between the Syrian government and LAS. The report was divisive among the members of the Arab League, as it blamed both the regime and the opposition for the violence. January 2012: LAS Ministerial Council adopted resolution 7444 (attached) which called on the Syrian President to immediately hand over power to his deputy in order to begin the process of a political transition, which would include negotiations with the opposition, the formation of a national unity government, and the holding of elections. The resolution also, requested the Chair of the Arab Ministerial Committee and the Secretary General to brief the United Nations Security Council on the developments and get it to endorse the plan. - On January 22, Saudi Arabia withdrew its monitors, followed by the other GCC members on January 24. - On January 28, the Secretary-General of LAS announced the suspension of the activities of the observer mission, given the serious deterioration of the security situation. - On January 31, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Chair of the Arab Ministerial Committee and Dr. Nabil Elaraby, Secretary General of the League of Arab States briefed the Security Council (attached) on Arab efforts and called on the council to adopt a draft resolution submitted by Morocco, supporting Arab League resolution 7444 (which called on the Syrian President to hand over power to his deputy) February 2012: - On February 4, Russia and China vetoed a draft Security Council resolution (attached), tabled by Morocco (the Arab member of the Security Council) and others. - On February 12, the Arab League adopted its resolution 7446 (attached), practically "transferring the file" to the United Nations Security Council. - On February 16, the issue was taken to the General Assembly, which adopted its Resolution 66/253, calling-among other things- for the appointment of a Special Envoy. - On February 23, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan was appointed as the Joint Special Envoy (JSE) of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis, to facilitate a peaceful Syrian-led and inclusive political solution. - On February 24, and upon the initiative of President Sarkozy of France, the first meeting of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People was held in Tunis, with the participation of more than 60 countries and representatives from the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab Maghreb Union and the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States to discuss the worsening situation in Syria. The group noted the Arab League's request to the United Nations Security Council to issue a resolution to form a joint Arab-UN peacekeeping force following a cessation of violence by the regime, and called on LAS to convene a meeting of all disparate opposition groups to agree on a clear statement of shared principles for a transition in Syria. The meeting recognized the SNC as a legitimate representative of Syrians seeking peaceful democratic change. Text of the Conclusions of the Meeting. March 2012: The SNC formed a military council to organize and unify all armed resistance. - The JSE, Kofi Anan, submitted a six-point peace plan to the UN Security Council (which the council adopted in April in its resolution 2042), that called for commitment to a Syrian-led political process, achieve an effective United Nations supervised cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties, ensure provision of humanitarian assistance, intensify the release of arbitrarily detained persons, ensure freedom of movement for journalists and respect the freedom of demonstrating peacefully. It was later approved by the Syrian government, and the opposition remained skeptical. April 2012: United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) was established by United Nations Security Council resolution 2043 (attached) initially for a 90-day period, to monitor a cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties and to monitor and support the full implementation of the Joint Special Envoy's six-point plan on ending the conflict in Syria. June 2012: The Action Group for Syria, with the participation of the Secretary Generals of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, the Foreign Ministers of China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the European Union High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, chaired by the JSE, met in Geneva and adopted the Geneva Final Communique (attached) which called for the establishment of a transitional governing body, with full executive powers, as part of the agreed principles and guidelines for a Syrian-led political transition. July 2012: The Syrian Opposition meeting was held under the auspices of LAS in Cairo, and reached an agreement on a national compact and a detailed transition plan. The two documents complemented the guidelines and principles laid out by the Action Group in Geneva. August 2012: UNSMIS mandate came to an end owing to an intensification of armed violence and use of heavy weapons. - Prime Minister Riad Hijab defected, and US President Obama's first direct threat of force against Syria, if Assad's regime deploys or uses chemical or biological weapons, calling such action a "red line" for the US. - Joint Special Envoy, Kofi Annan announced his resignation because of the Security Council failure to reach binding resolutions; Lakhdar Brahimi succeeded Annan as the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab states for Syria (JSR). September 2012: Egypt hosted the high level preparatory meeting of the regional Quartet on Syria on September 10, which included Turkey and Saudi Arabia key backers of the Syrian Revolution, and Iran the major supporter of al-Assad regime, in an initiative to bring together regional powers to voice their positions on how to end the Syrian conflict. - On September 17, the Quartet's ministerial meeting took place in Cairo; Saudi Arabia opted out while Iran proposed a peace plan which called on all parties to cease violence and stop all financial and military support to the opposition, and suggested the deployment of observers from the quartet's nations to Syria. The participants failed to reach an agreement. October 2012: a four-day ceasefire attempt was announced towards late October, in respect to Eid al-Adha Holiday, which was breached on the first day in Homs, Aleppo and Damascus. November 2012: National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SOC) was formed in Qatar, responding to repeated calls from their Western and Arab supporters to create a cohesive and representative leadership, it excluded Islamist militias. December 2012: US, Britain, France, Turkey and Gulf states formally recognized SOC as "legitimate representative" of the Syrian people. January 2013: the Emir of Kuwait hosted the first pledging conference on Syria, international donors pledged more than $1.5bn to help civilians affected by the conflict in Syria. March 2013: LAS Ministerial Council adopted resolution 7595 (attached) to recognize SOC as the "sole legitimate representative" of the Syrian people and called on the SOC to establish an executive body to take up Syria's seat. April 2013: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State, released a recorded audio message announcing Jabhat al-Nusra as an extension of al-Qaeda in Iraq and Syria. The leader of al-Nusra, Abu Mohammad al-Joulani, refused the merger. Divisions among the jihadists emerged. - Hezbollah's involvement deepened when it led the ground assault on Al-Qusayr, a Sunni town in Homs province by the Lebanese border. August 2013: The Assad regime was accused of using chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta to kill hundreds of civilians. The government denied using chemical weapons. President Obama sought congressional authorization for the use of force. September 2013: UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2118 (attached) requiring the Syrian regime to dismantle its chemical weapons arsenal by mid-2014, and avoid military strikes. December 2013: US and Britain suspended "non-lethal" support for rebels in northern Syria after reports Islamist rebels seized some bases of Western-backed Free Syrian Army. January 2014: the Geneva II Conference on Syria was held in Montreux on January 22, and attended by 37 states, 4 organizations and both Syrian parties. Iran was invited by SG Ban Ki- Moon on January 19, the Opposition declared its refusal to attend if Iran was not excluded, the US viewed Iran's invitation "as conditioned on Iran's explicit and public support for the full implementation of the Geneva Communique"; Iran refused any preconditions to the talks, and refused to endorse the Geneva Communique specially the transitional governing body. February 2014: two rounds of negotiations to discuss: 1- ending violence and 2-combating terrorism, 3-transitional governing body, national institutions, and 4- national reconciliation and national debate. The Syrian government refused to discuss a transitional government and insisted on discussing combating terrorism. The talks came to a halt. May 2014: JSR Brahimi announced his resignation because of the lack of progress and failure to agree on an agenda. - Iran proposed a political settlement of four points; a comprehensive cease-fire at national level, forming a national unity government consisting of the regime and the internal Syrian opposition, by transferring presidential powers to the government whereby the government will enjoy wide-ranging powers in years to come, and preparation for presidential and parliamentary elections. - Syrian rebels withdrew from the Old City of Homs, under an Iranian brokered deal and facilitated by the UN, after three years of Syrian government bombardment and siege. June 2014: President Assad held presidential elections, he was re-elected for another seven-year term allegedly winning 88.7% of the votes. July 2014: UN Secretary-General announced the appointment of Staffan de Mistura as his Special Envoy for Syria (SE)- NOT as a joint envoy with LAS. August 2014: US-led coalition began its airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and expanded its strikes to Syria the following month, focusing on the city of Raqqa. September 2014: SE held his first round of consultations with concerned capitals, since taking up his office, it included his a visit to Damascus where he met with President Assad, senior officials and the tolerated internal Syrian opposition. October 2014: SE focused on establishing a series of local ceasefires, "freeze zones", starting with Aleppo, which aimed at the de-escalation of violence and allowance of the return of normalcy to it. February 2015: SE briefed the Security Council members on the 17th, announcing Syria's willingness to halt all aerial bombardment over Aleppo for a period of six weeks. It was not clear when would the freeze go into effect, reporting that a date would be announced from Damascus. June 2015: Egypt hosted the second Syrian Opposition meeting in Cairo, which excluded the National Coalition and announced a new road map to resolve the crisis which did not abolish Assad's government. July 2015: SE announced that his office would facilitate intra-Syrian working groups to generate a "Syrian-owned framework document" on the implementation of the Geneva Communiqué. Main themes of the groups were Safety and Protection for All, Political and Constitutional Issues, Military and Security Issues, and Public Institutions, Reconstruction and Development. September 2015: Russia conducted its first airstrikes against IS in Syria. The US and the Syrian Opposition claim it is targeting rebel-held areas instead. October 2015: First meeting of International Syria Support Group (ISSG) took place in Vienna, it included China, Egypt, the EU, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the United States. They agreed on a nine-point plan, but still had substantial divisions on the future of Assad. It was the first time Iran and Saudi Arabia were brought to the same table. November 2015: Second meeting of the ISSG was held in Vienna adding LAS to its members. They set a time frame to prepare for a parallel ceasefire and political process by January 2016 that would lead to credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance within six months, followed by the drafting of a constitution and elections within 18 months. Jordan was tasked to develop a list of groups and individuals identified as terrorists, and Saudi Arabia to hold a meeting to unify the Syrian opposition and prep for the talks with the government. December 2015: - Syrian political and armed opposition factions met in Riyadh, to agree on a common position to negotiate with Syrian government, and resulted in the formation of the High Negotiating Committee (HNC). The main Kurdish group was excluded, while Islamist hardliners such as Jaysh Al-Islam and Ahrar Al-Sham were present. - The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined the follow-up meeting of the ISSG in New York, Saudi Arabia and Jordan briefed the group on their tasks. There was no agreement on the list of identified terrorists, especially with Russia's insistence on adding Ahrar Al-Sham to the list, which is considered pivotal to the unified Opposition bloc. - UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2254 (attached) which reaffirmed the road map set out by the ISSG and urged the Support Group to apply pressure on the Syrian parties to put an immediate end to the indiscriminate use of weapons against civilians, and allow unimpeded access to humanitarian aid convoys. January 2016: the SE sent out invitations to the Syrian participants, in accordance with the parameters outlined in Security Council resolution 2254, to start on the 25th with proximity talks and had expected to last for six months. The HNC requested assurances of goodwill from the government as precondition to beginning of talks, such as release of prisoners or lifting of sieges. February 2016: Talks were delayed and lasted two days before they were suspended for three weeks. - The ISSG met on the margins of the Munich Security Conference and decided that humanitarian access will commence same week of meeting to besieged areas, and an ISSG task force would elaborate within one week modalities for a nationwide cessation of hostilities. - The US and Russia announced the adoption of the terms for a cessation of hostilities in Syria, and proposed that the cessation of hostilities commence at 00:00 (Damascus time) on February 27, 2016. The cessation of hostilities does not apply to "Daesh", "Jabhat al-Nusra", or other terrorist organizations designated by the UN Security Council. - The Security Council endorsed the announcement in its resolution 2268 (attached). March 2016: SE announced March 9 set as target date of resumption of talks in Geneva. On March 14, SE resumed the intra-Syrian proximity talks in Geneva, which mainly discussed procedural matters to reach a shared list of principles and relied on Security Council resolution 2254 as its agenda. - SE briefed the Security Council on the cessation of hostilities which lowered overall levels of violence and more than 238,000 people had been reached with humanitarian aid. - On the same day, President Putin announced the withdrawal of most Russian forces from Syria, after it had largely fulfilled their objectives in Syria, and SE stated that it would have a positive impact on the negotiations. - On March 17, the PYD announced the establishment of a federal system in Kobane, Afrin and Cizire cantons in northern Syria, and its Constituent Assembly of the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria-Rojava (DFNS) announced its final declaration. Both the Syrian government and other opposition affiliates denounced the plan, as well as the United States. - On March 24, the SE ended the first round by submitting a paper on the commonalities between the Syrian sides regarding the future of Syria and would help structure the next round that would address political transition. - Syrian government forces retook Palmyra from the Islamic State, with Russian air assistance. April 2016: The SE paid visits to Amman, Beirut, Damascus and Tehran ahead of the new round of talks. - The third round of proximity talks were set to start on April 13, which coincided with the parliamentary elections in the government-controlled areas in Syria. The SE met with the High Negotiations Committee delegation (Syrian Opposition) in Geneva and was expected to meet with the Syrian Government delegation within the following days. - During the 13-27 April round of negotiations, the SE developed a Mediator's Summary that identified eighteen points necessary to move forward on political transition arrangements. - on April 28, airstrikes in Aleppo on al-Quds hospital supported by both Doctors Without Borders and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which killed dozens of civilians and medical personnel. May 2016: The Security Council adopted unanimously resolution 2286 (attached) which called for the protection of civilians and medical facilities during armed conflict. - On May 4, the US-Russia brokered a 48-hour ceasefire in which helped reduce the violence, and was later extended for another 72 hours. - On May 9, France held a ministerial Friends of Syria meeting in "Paris Format", attended by the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Jordan, and issued a statement that called on the resumption of negotiations, unimpeded access of humanitarian assistance and the implementation of international law obligations to the protection of civilians. - Later on the same day, the United States and Russia issued a joint statement on Syria to reconfirm their commitment to intensify their efforts to implement a nationwide ceasefire and promote humanitarian assistance in accordance to security council resolution 2254. - On May 17, the fourth meeting of the ISSG took place in Vienna and reaffirmed its determination to strengthen the cessation of hostilities, to ensure full and sustained humanitarian access in Syria, and to ensure progress toward a peaceful political transition. Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and Spain joined the group. June 2016: The SE announced that the time is not yet right for a resumption of the intra-Syrian talks because of the escalation of violence in Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia and other rural areas around Damascus, but the intention is to begin an official third round as soon as possible. - Riad Hijab, the Coordinator of the Opposition High Negotiations Committee, proposed a nationwide truce throughout the month of Ramadan. - On June 16, Jan Egeland Advisor to the Special Envoy for Syria announced that 16 of the 18 besieged areas have been reached since the humanitarian taskforce started in late February. - On June 21, the SE briefed the United Nations General Assembly on the situation in Syria regarding the cessation of hostilities and humanitarian assistance access, as for the resumption of talks, it is yet to be decided and the OSE currently holds technical meetings with the parties on core issues. July 2016: - On July 6, the Syrian army declared a three-day nationwide "regime of calm" in respect to Eid al-Fitr holidays nonetheless pro-regime forces continued to engage in clashes and airstrikes across the country, particularly near the flashpoints of Damascus and Aleppo City. - On July 14, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss a proposal for bilateral military cooperation in the Syria; The proposal calls for the establishment of a 'Joint Implementation Group' (attached) based in Amman, Jordan to "support deliberate targeting" of Syrian Al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra and "maximize independent but synchronized efforts" against ISIS in Syria, according to a draft memorandum leaked by the Washington Post. - On July 25, Stephen O'brien, the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefed the security council (attached) on the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Aleppo due to the escalation of violence over the Castello Road, the last access route in and out of eastern Aleppo, and the continuous attacks on medical facilities. O'brien called on the security council not to allow turning Aleppo into another besieged area where 250,000 to 275,000 people reside, and called to establish a weekly, 48-hour humanitarian pause to enable humanitarian aid deliveries across borders. - On July 28, the Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu announced, right after the Syrian government announced it has cut off the Castello Road and encircled the city of Aleppo, setting up three humanitarian corridors in Aleppo City to allow in food and medical aid, and help people flee the besieged city; the fourth corridor would be established in northern Aleppo near the Castello Road to allow the withdrawal of armed insurgents, and appealed to the Syrian government to provide guarantees to the amnesty provided to rebels to lay down their weapons. - On the same day, Abu Mohammed al-Julani, Jabhat al-Nusra's Leader announced split from al- Qaeda and mentioned that its new name would be Jabhet Fateh al-Sham, in order to get the group off the terrorist list and "to remove the excuse used by the international community – spearheaded by America and Russia – to bombard and displace Muslims in the Levant: that they are targeting al-Nusra Front, which is associated with al-Qaida". - On July 29, the SE commented on the Russian initiative in a press stakeout, that it should take into consideration a few improvements such as putting the 48-hour humanitarian pause into place on a sustainable basis irrespective of the humanitarian corridors; and suggested "to actually leave the delivery of aid through corridors to the UN and its partners"; and stressed that civilians should leave voluntarily, and given the option of leaving to areas of their own choice. August 2016: - On August 1, a Russian helicopter was downed near Saraqeb, in rebel-held Idlib province, on its way back to Russia's main air base in Hmyeim in the western province of Latakia, killing the five Russian military personnel on board. The downing of the helicopter marked the single deadliest event for Russia since its air campaign began in Syria on September 29, 2015. No group claimed the shooting down of the helicopter. - Since then, Russian warplanes conducted retaliatory airstrikes against several small opposition-held areas in the vicinity of Saraqeb. Syrian rebels accuse Russia of using incendiary munitions while conducting airstrikes against Idlib City on August 7, suggesting that Russia intended to achieve punitive and deterrent effects against opposition forces in the province. - In the early weeks of August, rebel forces launched a major assault, known as the "battle for Aleppo", on government-held southwestern towns of Aleppo City, to break the siege, and control supply lines in the south connected to eastern Aleppo. They claimed breaking the siege and capturing Ramouseh Artillery Academy, parts of the cement plant and Khan Touman-Ramouseh road. Intense fighting between warring parties continues to claim control over previously lost vicinities. - On August 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan in St. Petersburg, after the Turkish President officially apologized for the downing of a Russian military aircraft on June 27, 2016, and announced during a press conference that they discussed lifting of Russia's ban on imports of Turkish products, resumption of charter flights, the Turkish Stream project, Syrian settlement, and anti-terrorism efforts. - On August 10, Lieutenant-General Sergei Rudskoi, a senior Russian Defence Ministry official, announced a daily three-hour ceasefires in Aleppo, starting August 11, to allow humanitarian convoys enter the city safely, and would run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time. - On August 16, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian aircrafts took off from Iranian airbase Hamedan to carry out airstrikes on ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra-held facilities in the provinces of Aleppo, Idlib and Deir ez-Zour. - On August 18, the SE adjourned the HTF meeting as humanitarian convoys could not reach any of the besieged towns during the month, and called for at least a 48 hour humanitarian pause in Aleppo to deliver UN humanitarian assistance, through the Castello Road, to all parts of Aleppo City. - Also, on August 18, the Syrian government forces, unprecedentedly, launched strikes against Kurdish forces in Hasakeh in Northern Syria, after pro-government National Defense Forces (NDF) were engaged in clashes with the military wing of the Kurdish Workers Party, known as Asayish. The Syrian government claimed that "Asayish had escalated their acts of provocation attacking state establishments, stealing oil and cotton, disrupting examinations, carrying out abductions, and causing a state of chaos and instability, in addition to targeting positions of the Syrian Arab Army which required a suitable response by the Army as it targeted the sources of artillery fire and the gatherings of armed elements responsible for these criminal actions." - On August 19th, while the Kurdish fighters pushed back government forces and their allies, the Pentagon threatened to shoot down Syrian government aircrafts as they pose a threat to the US Special Forces deployed in the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) area. - On August 21, it was announced that a truce agreement had been reached between YPG and NDF, through Russian mediation, to start on August 21, 2016 at 17:00, which involved evacuating the wounded and transporting them to hospitals in Qamishli, and restore the situation to how it was prior to the clashes and hold talks on August 22 to resolve the remaining unresolved issues. - On August 22, most likely the ceasefires agreement failed as fighting escalated. - On August 24, Turkey and the International Coalition Air Forces launched "Operation Euphrates Shield" offenses to support the Free Syrian Army aligned with U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces SDF against IS militants in Jarablus, in northern Syria. - On August 26, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, addressing a joint press conference after their meeting in Geneva, announced that they failed to reach a breakthrough deal on military cooperation and a nationwide cessation of hostilities in Syria, saying they still have issues to resolve before an agreement could be announced. - On August 27, Kurdish militias targeted Diyarbakir airport in southeast Turkey, near the borders with Syria. Turkey retaliated by warplanes and artillery on targets held by Kurdish-backed forces the following day, despite US pentagon's criticism of the fighting. September 2016: - On September 4, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildrim announced that Turkish military forces and Ankara-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) had successfully purged the border region, from Azaz to Jarablus, from "terrorist organizations." - On September 9, the US and Russia reached a deal which called for a nationwide ceasefire in Syria, and unimpeded humanitarian access to all besieged areas starting on September 12th. If sustained for seven continuous days, the U.S. and Russia would establish a Joint Implementation Center (JIC) in order to share intelligence and coordinate airstrikes against both ISIS and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra). - On September 21, the cessation of hostilities deal was implemented with regular violations, while the Syrian government continued to block humanitarian access to opposition-held districts of Eastern Aleppo City despite the agreement. - On September 17, the US-led coalition accidentally launched an air strike on Syrian government forces in Deir ez-Zour. - On September 19, a UN humanitarian convoy was shelled near Urum al-Kubra near Aleppo, killing 20 humanitarian aid workers and drivers, and destroying 18 out of 31 trucks. The US blamed Russia and the Syrian government for the attack; the latter declared unilaterally the end of the ceasefire agreement. - On September 20, the UN temporarily suspended its humanitarian aid to Syria after the attack, while international powers failed to reach a consensus to restore the ceasefire during an acrimonious UN Security Council Meeting on September 21st as well as two separate meetings of the International Syria Support Group on September 20 and September 22. - On September 22, the Syrian government announced a new military offensive in the rebel-held eastern Aleppo, and further escalation in a bombing campaign by Russian and Syrian airstrikes that had already intensified the day before. - On September 25, the Security Council Meeting discussed the recent escalation of violence in Aleppo after the Syrian government announced its intention to retake all of Aleppo City, and the SE called on the Security Council to "to press for a cessation of violence, and for the protection of civilians, and the civilian infrastructure; secondly to press for weekly 48-hour pauses in the fighting to ensure that the United Nations and its partners can reach eastern Aleppo, without preconditions from either the Government or the Opposition; and thirdly to press for medical evacuations of urgent cases." - On September 27, the Syrian government launched a large scale ground offensive in eastern Aleppo, and state media announced that it recaptured the central district of Al-Farafirah northwest of the Aleppo Citadel. - On September 29, the YPG set conditions to participate in operations to seize IS-held Raqqa City: the US provides arms to the YPG, recognizes its autonomy of the Federation of Northern Syria, and ensures that the Syrian Kurds are officially invited to participate in peace talks. October 2016: - On October 1, continuous airstrikes in eastern Aleppo damaged a major hospital codenamed M10, which was partially closed because of the raids. - On October 2, Stephen O'brien, the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, urged warring parties and their supporters to bring about a cessation of all hostilities, a medical evacuation system for eastern Aleppo, and regular unimpeded humanitarian access to eastern Aleppo, and he reiterated his plea to the Security Council for a 48-hours weekly humanitarian pause in fighting, at the very least. - In an official statement, the Syrian Army offered amnesty to fighters and their families to leave Aleppo under guarantee of safe passage to other rebel-held areas, after the Syrian regime forces recaptured strategic areas on the northern outskirts of the city. - On October 3, the EU announced an emergency humanitarian initiative for Aleppo, in cooperation with the United Nations and civil society organizations, in order to facilitate the urgent delivery of basic life-saving assistance to civilians in eastern Aleppo, and ensure medical evacuations with focus on women, children and the elderly. The EU has mobilized 25 million euros to support its humanitarian partners' response to cover medical, water and sanitation, and food assistance in Aleppo. The HNC issued a statement welcoming the European initiative to protect civilians in Aleppo. - The Security Council began negotiations over a draft resolution, circulated by France and Spain, which demanded all parties to the Syrian conflict "implement and ensure full implementation of cessation of hostilities, including an end to all aerial bombardments", and called on the US and Russia to "undertake joint efforts to stabilize the situation in Syria, with special measures for the Aleppo region", as well as the UN Secretary-General to propose options for a UN-supervised monitoring mechanism of the ceasefire and to "take further measures" in case of non-compliance of any party, without invoking chapter 7 of the UN Charter. The French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault headed to Moscow and Washington to push for a vote on the draft resolution. - The United States suspended talks with Russia on trying to end the violence in Syria and accused Moscow of not complying with its commitments under the ceasefire agreement and would withdraw all personnel that were dispatched to prepare for military cooperation with Russia. - On October 4, Prince Zeid Ra'ad, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned over the use of incendiary weapons in Syria, and demanded bold initiatives such as limiting the use of the veto by the permanent members of the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Russia rejected Zeid's call. - The Russian Defense Ministry declared its deployment of S-300 missile system to its Tartus naval base in Syria. - On October 6, the SE offered in a press conference to escort up to 1000 al-Nusra fighters to bring an end to the bombardment by Russian and Syrian forces to Idlib or anywhere else of their choice. While the Russian Defense Ministry announced it would shoot down US-led coalition jets if the US launches airstrikes against pro-government forces in Syria, after American officials had discussed using limited airstrikes to force government forces to halt its raids on Aleppo. - On October 7, Russia called for a Security Council emergency meeting to hear the SE's briefing (attached) on the situation in Aleppo, while the Russian Parliament ratified Moscow's deal with Syria on its "indefinite" deployment of forces. - On October 8, the Security Council held a meeting on Aleppo, and voted on the Russian-drafted resolution calling for the revival of the ceasefire deal, without mention of ending military fights in the city, and on the French-drafted resolution. The French draft received eleven votes in favor, China and Angola abstained, while Russia and Venezuela voted against. The Russian text only received four votes in favor of China, Egypt and Venezuela, Angola and Uruguay abstained, while the remaining nine council members voted against. - On October 9, France announced its intention to call the ICC for war crimes investigation in Syria, and shall contact the ICC Prosecutor on how to launch these investigations, putting into consideration that the only way is through the Security Council referral, which had been vetoed before by Russia in May 2014. - On October 13, the Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy confirmed the Syrian Government's approval of the October aid plan and for convoys to reach 25 of 29 besieged and hard-to-reach areas across Syria, but not to eastern Aleppo and three parts of the rural Damascus province. - On October 15, US Secretary of State John Kerry hosted a meeting on Syria in Lausanne, with the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and seven foreign ministers from the region, from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt, with the presence of the SE. The meeting failed to reach a joint statement on how to end the bombardment of Aleppo or on the aid delivery to the besieged towns. - On October 16, the UK's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson held a meeting with his US, French and German counterparts and "like-minded" Gulf Arab states on the Syrian conflict in London. The UK and the US announced their consideration of imposing more sanctions against Russia and the Syrian Government to halt their ongoing raids on Aleppo. - On October 17, the European Council condemned the Syrian regime and Russia for their deliberate and indiscriminate bombardment of civilians and infrastructure in Eastern Aleppo, and called for a monitored cessation of hostilities, lift of sieges, and a nationwide sustainable humanitarian access. - On October 18, the Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu announced the cease of Russian and Syrian airstrikes on Aleppo to hold an 8-hour humanitarian pause on October 20th, in order to allow civilians and medical evacuations through six humanitarian corridors, and expected militants would withdraw with their weapons through two corridors, one via the Castello Road and the other near the souq al-Hai area in the south of the city. It was later announced that the eight-hour pause will be extended to eleven hours for four days. The armed opposition groups (AOGs) rejected the proposal in a joint statement claiming that "the initiative came at the same time as forced displacement operations are being carried out by the Assad regime in the Damascus suburbs of al-Mouadamiya, Qudsiya and al-Hama, and before that in Daraya." - On October 20, in conclusion of the EU summit, the EU failed to reach an agreement on imposing sanctions on Russia for the escalation of violence in Aleppo, and stated that "the EU is considering all available options should the current atrocities continue." The unilateral ceasefire took effect, and the Syrian Army declared that it would last for three days while artillery exchanges erupted around a crossing point near the rebel-controlled Bustan al-Qasr district shortly after the pause began. The Secretary-General and the SE briefed the General Assembly in an informal session on the situation in Syria, in response to an initiative led by Canada, after the Security Council failed to take action to end the aerial bombardment on Aleppo and revive peace efforts. - On October 21, the United Nations Human Rights Council held a special session on the deteriorating situation of human rights in Aleppo, upon the request of Britain (letter attached) that was submitted on behalf of a core group of 11 Western and Arab states. The Council adopted a resolution by a 24 in favor vote, seven against and 16 abstentions. It urged "the immediate implementation of the cessation of hostilities, and demanded that the regime and its allies put an immediate end to all aerial bombardments of and military flights over Aleppo city. The Council demanded that all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities and its supporters, promptly allowed rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access, including across conflict lines and borders." The Council further "requested the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to conduct a comprehensive, independent special inquiry into the events in Aleppo, and identify all those responsible for alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law. It further requested the Commission of Inquiry to support efforts to ensure that perpetrators of alleged abuses and violations be held accountable, and to provide a full report of the findings of its special inquiry to the Human Rights Council no later than its thirty-fourth session." - On October 22, the humanitarian pause expired without any evacuations made and without further renewal despite the UN request. No medical evacuations had been made as no security guarantees had not been granted as requested by the UN. - On October 23, Turkey intensified its strikes targeting IS militants and Kurdish YPG forces in the town of al-Bab, in an attempt to sweep them away from its borders. The Turkish-backed FSA gained control over three areas of Tuways, al-Gharz and Tlatinah south of Akhtarin in northern Aleppo two days later. - On October 25, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov stated Moscow's willingness to restore the ceasefire in Aleppo and that the Western-backed opposition forces should be separated from terrorist groups in order to be able to move forward; after the UN had blamed all parties for the failure of evacuating injured people in Eastern Aleppo during the three-day ceasefires and called for "a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire so that life-saving humanitarian activities, including medical evacuations, can resume," meanwhile the Syrian Ambassador to Moscow ruled out any opportunity to restore the ceasefires. - On October 26, a school in the village of Haas, in rebel-held Idlib, was hit by a raid of airstrikes, causing the death of twenty-two children and six teachers. The UN Secretary-General called for an immediate investigation on this attack, as it could amount as war crimes if deliberate. Russia denied its responsibility and claimed that the damage was not consistent with an airstrike. - On October 27, Virginia Gamba, the head of the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism, presented the mechanism's findings to the Security Council. The report indicated that of the nine cases the JIM investigated, the Syrian regime used chlorine gas against civilians in three cases and the IS used mustard gas in one case. In the remaining five cases, the JIM investigated allegations that the government dropped chlorine bombs in rebel-held areas. While the JIM could not make a conclusive determination in three of these five cases, it was able to establish that government airstrikes had occurred and the presence of a toxic substance, but it was unable to fully determine the link between the two, or the actors responsible. Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin questioned the JIM's findings, and expressed reservations over the US-draft resolution to extend the mandate of the mechanism for another year, which would end on 31 October 2016. - The EU added ten top Syrian officials to its sanctions list who are held responsible for "violent repression against the civilian population in Syria." - On October 28, Syrian rebels relaunched Aleppo counter-attack aiming to break the siege imposed on Eastern Aleppo. The factions included the FSA and Jaish al-Fath targetting government-held Western Aleppo. - Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem met with his Russian and Iranian counterparts in Moscow to discuss counterterrorism, the cessation of hostilities and improvement of humanitarian operations, and the resumption of the intra-Syrian talks. The three ministers held a joint press conference following their meeting. - On October 30, SE condemned Syrian rebels for the indiscriminate shelling of civilian areas in Western Aleppo, raising the number of casualties in the last 48 hours. - On October 31, the Security Council extended the mandate of the UN-OPCW JIM until November 18, 2016. November 2016: - On November 1, in a teleconference with the leaders of the Russian Armed Forces, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu mentioned that Russia had halted air strikes on eastern Aleppo for 16 days, following western criticism over a Russian-Syrian government assault that killed civilians and destroyed infrastructure. - On November 2, DM Shoigu announced that it would enforce a 10-hour humanitarian pause in Aleppo on November 4, to allow civilians and fighters to exit the city through eight safe corridors. - On November 4, despite the announced unilateral ceasefire in Aleppo, there were no sign of civilians or fighters leaving the city, and opposition fighters vowed to continue fighting to break the siege. - On November 6, the SDF declared the launch of Operation "Wrath of the Euphrates" in the IS capital of Raqqa, which aimed at surrounding and isolating the city as an initial phase, in coordination with the US-led coalition airstrikes. The SDF had rejected any Turkish role to liberate the city. - On November 8, the Russian Defense Minister Shoigu announced that the first attack from the Admiral Kuznetsov, the aircraft carrier, and heavily armed escort ships were to bomb rebel positions in Aleppo. - On November 10, Jan Egeland, Advisor to the Special Envoy for Syria, declared in a press stakeout following the weekly HTF meeting that Eastern Aleppo had run out of food rations, and that the UN had proposed an initiative of four elements which included delivery of food and medical supplies, medical evacuations and access for health workers. - On November 11, the OPCW Executive Council condemned all parties for the use of chemical weapons in Syria, after voting on a US-tabled text in a closed session. The text was supported by 28 members, including Germany, France, the United States and Britain; it was opposed by Russia, China, Sudan and Iran, and there were nine abstentions. - On November 15, Russia launched its "major operation" targeting the IS and Jabhat al-Nusra's positions in Idlib and Homs provinces. Heavy airstrikes and barrel bombs pounded Eastern Aleppo after the pause declared by Russia and the Syrian Government on October 18. It is considered the first mission operated from the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. - The Third Committee of the UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution tabled by Saudi Arabia on the human rights situation in Syria, by a vote of 116 in favor, to 15 against with 49 abstentions. It called upon the Syrian regime and the IS to cease using chemical weapons, and stop their attacks on civilians. - On November 17, the UN Security Council adopted the US-draft resolution to extend the mandate of the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism to 18 November 2017. - On November 20, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem held talks with the SE in Damascus, on the latest escalation of violence, the targeting of medical facilities and infrastructure, and the humanitarian initiative in Eastern Aleppo. The UN proposal of the withdrawal of al-Nusra fighters while maintaining the opposition's local administration of Eastern Aleppo; the proposal was rejected by the Syrian Government and called it a violation of "national sovereignty". - On November 23, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Ayrault announced that France would hold a meeting on Syria early December 2016. - On November 24, Jan Egeland Advisor to the Special Envoy for Syria briefed the press on the HTF meeting and the assistance deliveries of the month of November, not being able to reach besieged areas because of the absence of government approvals for convoys to enter and the escalation of violence. Egeland stated that the UN had received written approvals of the AOGs in eastern Aleppo and Russian support of the UN four-point plan, and still waiting for the government's approval. - On November 27, the rebels in Khan al-Shih town, in the outskirts of Damascus, handed in their weapons, as part of a local agreement with the Syrian government to withdraw to rebel-held Idlib province, so as government siege would be lifted. It was the only town not under government control on a major supply route from Damascus to Quneitra, in southern Syria. - On November 29, Egypt, New Zealand and Spain put in blue their draft resolution calling to put an end to all attacks on Aleppo, and allow unimpeded humanitarian access for the period of 7-days with consideration of further extension. The draft was later vetoed on 5 December by Russia and China, Venezuela voted against, and Angola abstained. It is Russia's sixth veto on a Syria draft resolution, and China's fifth veto. - After the Acting High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Kim Won-soo briefed Council members during Syria's chemical weapons consultations; the P3 announced they would circulate a draft resolution to impose sanctions on Syria for its use of chemical weapons against its own population. - On November 30, upon the request of France and the UK to hold an emergency meeting on Aleppo, SE Staffan de Mistura, USG Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'brien and UNICEF Regional Director Geert Cappelaere briefed the Security Council on the situation in Aleppo, who agreed on the growing number of civilians fleeing eastern Aleppo and the dire need for safe humanitarian access. December 2016: - On December 1, ten AOGs announced the formation of 'Jaysh Halab' in Eastern Aleppo, in an attempt to unite their efforts to lift the siege and restore the districts where the pro-government militias took over in northeast and east Aleppo. It was led by Abu Abdul Rahman Nour, a senior commander in 'Jabhat al-Sham'. While Jan Egeland, Advisor to the Special Envoy for Syria, and the SE briefed the press on the humanitarian situation in Aleppo after the HTF meeting; they mentioned that over 400,000 IDPs are in west Aleppo, and UN convoys reached reached all towns under the Four-Towns Agreement, including Madaya, al-Foua and Kafraya, and Zabadani, and that the December Plan was yet to be approved by the Syrian government. - On December 3, the Syrian armed forces and its supporting militias advanced into east Aleppo, taking over 60 percent of the city that was once under rebel control since mid-2012. More than 80,000 civilians fled the area since the beginning of the regime's offense on November 15. - On December 7, AOGs called for a five-day ceasefire in Aleppo, and medical and civilian evacuations without mentioning the withdrawal of their fighters as demanded by Moscow and Damascus. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Germany to discuss the evacuation of opposition-held districts of Eastern Aleppo, and no agreement was reached. While leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the United States released a joint statement on the situation in Aleppo calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of political negotiations. - On December 8, the SE briefed the Security Council in closed consultations after the Russian announcement that it paused its operations in eastern Aleppo to allow the evacuation of civilians. Jan Egeland had said, after the weekly HTF meeting, that the co-chairs are "poles apart" on a united humanitarian diplomacy. IS launched a major offensive on Palmyra, seizing a number of gas fields in the north and few mountains in the south. - On December 9, the General Assembly adopted the Canadian-drafted resolution A/RES/71/130, which calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the implementation of resolutions 2268 and 2254. The resolution passed by a vote of 122 to 13, with 36 abstentions. Russia, Iran and China opposed the resolution. - On December 10, Paris hosted a meeting of "like-minded" counterparts on Syria; it brought together US Secretary of State John Kerry, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, along with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. They discussed the humanitarian situation, and called for a ceasefire and a post Aleppo plan, as Syrian government forces neared victory over rebels there. - On December 11, ISIS recaptured the city of Palmyra in Eastern Homs Province forces despite heavy air support provided by Russia. - On December 13, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon briefed the Security Council on the situation in Aleppo, the growing number of IDPs and allegations of torture and executions. Meanwhile, AOGs agreed to evacuate their remaining positions in eastern Aleppo after the Syrian government recaptured the city and following an agreement between Russia and Turkey. The evacuation was initially scheduled to take place on 14 December, but was delayed after Iran called for simultaneous evacuations from the besieged Shi'a-majority towns of Fu'ah and Kafraya in Idlib Province. - On December 15, the LAS held an emergency meeting at the level of representatives, based on Qatar's request, and adopted resolution 8105 condemning the attacks on civilians in Eastern Aleppo. - On December 19, the Security Council unanimously adopted the French-drafted resolution 2328 which demanded that the UN and other relevant agencies to carry out adequate and neutral monitoring of evacuations from eastern Aleppo, ensure the deployment of staff members for this purpose, and emphasized that the evacuations of civilians must be voluntary and to final destinations of their choice. Also, the LAS Ministerial Council welcomed resolution 8106 reiterating the necessity to establish a full cease-fire in Aleppo in accordance with the Security Council resolution 2328, and condemned terrorism in all its forms and crimes committed against civilians by ISIS, Fateh al- Sham Front, and that actions of both the Syrian regime and other militant groups may amount to war crimes. - Following the adoption of resolution 2328, the Office of the Special Envoy for Syria announced "the intention of the United Nations to convene the intra-Syrian negotiations mandated by Security Council resolution 2254 in Geneva on 8 February 2017." - On December 20th, the foreign and defense ministers of Russia, Turkey and Iran held parallel trilateral meetings in Moscow, despite the assassination of the Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov on December 19, and adopted the "Moscow Declaration" by which they agreed to act as guarantor powers for a peace accord between the Syrian government and the opposition. - On December 21, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing a mechanism to assist in the investigation of serious crimes committed in Syria since 2011. The resolution received 105 votes for, with 52 abstentions, and 15 votes against (Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Burundi, China, Cuba, DPRK, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, Russia, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe). The UN Secretary-General submitted the report of the UN Headquarters Board of Inquiry that was established to investigate the humanitarian convoy incident in Urum al-Kubra on 19 September 2016., which stated that there is no enough evidence to conclude that the convoy was deliberately attacked. - On December 22, the Syrian army announced its full control over Aleppo, after the evacuations of the remaining rebel fighters. Evacuations had faced many delays because of Iran's demands to evacuate 1500 individuals from the opposition-besieged towns of Zabadani and Madaya. On the following day, the Russian military deployed a battalion to clear the city from improvised explosive devices. - On December 23, USG Stephen O'brien briefed the Security Council, upon the request of France, "on the modalities of the evacuation of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid in East Aleppo." Meanwhile, Syrian government forces bombed the water pumping station during its raid on opposition-held Wadi Barada, disrupting water supply to Damascus. - On December 26, Kazakhstan accepted the Russian proposal to host peace negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition forces to find a solution to the Syrian crisis, in January 2017. - On December 27, the Russian and Turkish foreign ministers agreed to implement a nationwide ceasefire in Syria, separate moderate opposition groups from UN designated terrorist groups, and prepare for the Astana talks. - On December 28-30, the DFNS met in the city of Rmeilan to approve the draft constitution, known as the social contract, which was adopted on January 29, 2014 to form its administrative system and prepare for elections. Kurdish leaders voted to drop the word "Rojava" from the official name to include other ethnic and religious components in northern Syria. - On December 29, Russia and Turkey submitted the countrywide ceasefire plan to the warring parties, which had taken effect at midnight on 30 December 2016 Damascus time. - On December 31, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 2336 in support of the Russian- Turkish agreement and the meeting to be held in Astana on 23 January 2017. January 2017: - On January 2, the Russian and Turkish air raids targeted IS militants in northern Syrian city of al-Bab; while 10 rebel factions threatened they would suspend talks regarding Astana until the ceasefire is fully implemented because of "major and frequent violations" in the rebel-held areas of Wadi Barada and Eastern Ghouta near Damascus. - On January 5, the SE welcomed the nationwide ceasefire, and the Security Council resolutions on Aleppo and Astana talks, in a press briefing after the weekly HTF meeting. Jan Egeland Advisor to the Special Envoy for Syria, voiced disappointment over the government's denied aid access to 5 out 21 locations including places in Rural Damascus, Homs and Hama. - On January 6, the Russian military started to cut down on its presence in Syria, Military Chief Valery Gerasimov mentioned that the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov would be the first to withdraw from the Mediterranean. - On January 8, Syrian government airstrikes resumed on Wadi Barada after failing to reach an agreement with opposition groups to repair the damaged water springs. Later on January 14th, the retired army officer Ahmad al-Ghadban who negotiated the deal to restore the water was killed amid heavy clashes between rebels and pro-regime forces. Both sides accused each other. - On January 12, the US imposed sanctions on 18 senior Syrian officials who were connected to the development and use of chemical weapons including chlorine gas against civilians. It marked the first time the US sanctioned Syrian military officials. While Russia and Turkey signed an agreement to coordinate their airstrikes against terrorists in Syria. - On January 13, the Syrian state television accused Israel of targeting Mezzeh Airbase outside of Damascus. - On January 14, IS launched a major offensive against pro-regime forces (Hezboallah) in Deir al-Zor Province, cutting the communication between the military base and the city. - On January 16, the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini will host an international conference on the future of Syria in Brussels, which "aims to identify with regional partners common ground on the post-conflict arrangements and examine the scope for reconsciliation and reconstruction of Syria." - On January 19, an agreement was reached in Wadi Barada, allowing regime maintenance teams to enter the area to fix the water pipes and grant rebels amnesty or safe passage to opposition-held Idlib. - On January 20, IS militants destroyed Palmyra's Tetrapylon with only four of sixteen columns still standing, and the facade of its Roman Theatre. The UNESCO condemned the act as a new war crime. - Russia and Syria concluded a bilateral agreement on expanding and modernizing of the Russian Naval Facility in Tartus. The agreement extends the current lease for the next forty-nine years with automatic extensions and permits the simultaneous deployment of up to eleven warships to the port. - On January 23-24, indirect talks between the Syrian government and opposition were held in Astana; the delegations refused to sign the joint declaration issued by Russia, Turkey and Iran, on setting up a "trilateral mechanism" to monitor and enforce the ceasefire. The new US administration was invited, despite Iran's objection, and was represented by its ambassador to Kazakhstan. The UN SE was present, and hoped Astana talks would support the intra-Syrian negotiations to be held in Geneva in February. - On January 24, the Russian delegation shared its draft of the Syrian Constitution with the Syrian delegations, and advocated the creation of a Constitutional Committee consisting of members of both delegations. - On January 23-24, Finland and UN agencies hosted the Helsinki Conference on Supporting Syrians and the Region, which launched the 2017-2018 Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP). - On January 25, the US President Donald Trump called for establishing safe zones for refugees in Syria, after suspending visas for Syrians and other middle eastern states. President Trump later held telephone conversations with Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz and United Arab Emirates Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander Mohammed bin Zayed on January 29 to seek their support for his unidentified initiative. - On January 28-30, 1100 opposition fighters and 750 civilians evacuated Wadi Barada to Idlib Province, after reaching a reconciliation deal with pro-regime forces. The Syrian Forces reached Ain Fijeh spring to restore water to Damascus. - On January 30, the US delivered armored vehicles, medium and heavy weapons to SDF, in an attempt to isolate IS in al-Raqqa City. - On January 31, the SE briefed the Security Council in a closed session on the outcomes of the Astana talks and the upcoming intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, which was pushed to February 20. He mentioned if the Syrian opposition could not form an inclusive delegation by 8 February, he would select its representatives himself. The Council members welcomed the International Meeting on Syria in Astana, in a press statement. February 2017: - On February 6, high-level experts from Russia, Iran, Turkey, Jordan and the UN held their first technical meeting in Astana to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire mechanism, and cooperation on humanitarian issues; they agreed on the Concept Paper on the Joint Group. The Joint Group held its first meeting and managed to identify all areas controlled by IS and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham; the participants received two draft documents prepared by the Russians to be discussed in future Joint Group meetings, which are the Protocol to the Agreement on the mechanism to record violations of the cessation of hostilities in Syria announced on December 30, 2016 and the Procedure for imposing sanctions on violators, as well as the Regulation on Reconciled Areas. - On February 7, Amnesty International released its report (attached) on mass executions of as many as 13,000 detainees at Saydnaya Military Prison. Syrian authorities rejected the accusations. - On February 9, Russian airstrikes mistakenly kill three Turkish soldiers and injured eleven others near al-Bab city held by Turkish Armed Forces as part of Operation Euphrates Shield. Both sides agreed to strengthen their coordination. - On February 10-11, the HNC met in Riyadh and formed a delegation of 21 members, headed by Nasr al-Hariri; it included one representative each from the Cairo and Moscow groups. The HNC stated (Arabic statement attached) that the goal of the negotiations was a political transition under U.N. auspices in which Assad had no role in the future of the country. - On February 12, Turkish President Recep Erdogan stressed that the Operation Euphrates Shield aims to establish a five-thousand square kilometer 'safe zone' that includes Al-Bab, Manbij, and al-Raqqa City in Northern Syria. The safe zone would require the implementation of a no-fly zone, mentioning that he had discussed the issue with both the U.S. and Russia. - On February 13, the SE sent out invitations to the Syrian delegations for the intra-Syrian negotiations set to begin on February 23. - On February 15-16, the second round of talks took place in Astana a day later than scheduled; the opposition delegation was represented by only 9 armed groups from 14 groups which attended the first meeting; no direct meetings between the Syrian delegations were held and it ended without a final statement. The three guarantor states agreed to the Concept Paper on the Joint Group of the trilateral mechanism to observe the ceasefire, share information regarding the investigation of violations and promote confidence-building measures such as the release of detainees and abductees. - On February 17, a meeting between the "like-minded" states on Syria was held on the margins of the Bonn G20 Summit, and discussed Syria peace talks in Geneva. - On February 18, Turkey offered the US two proposals for an offensive against IS in al-Raqqa City that excludes the YPG. The preferred proposal calls for the insertion of opposition groups backed by Turkey into Tel Abyad in Northern al-Raqqa Province in order to advance against al- Raqqa City through a twelve-mile-wide corridor through terrain currently held by the SDF. The second proposal calls for opposition groups in Operation Euphrates Shield to advance more than one hundred miles from Northern Aleppo Province to Western al-Raqqa Province. - On February 21, the US CIA froze assistance to the FSA and its affiliated factions fighting in Northwestern Syria, after they came under an attack from Hay'at Tahrir al-sham HTS (successor of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham) in January. The aid included salaries, training, ammunition and in some cases guided anti-tank missiles. - On February 23, a fourth round of the intra-Syrian talks commenced in Geneva with no expectations of a breakthrough; the SE reiterated that that resolution 2254 sets the framework of the negotiations, which calls for the establishment of credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance, and sets a timeline for drafting a new constitution and holding free and fair elections within 18 months. A day before in the ISSG Ceasefire Task Force meeting (CTF), Russia had called on the Syrian Government to halt aerial bombings during the discussions. - The Opposition groups backed by the Operation Euphrates Shield fully seized al-Bab in Northern Aleppo Province, after three months of clashes. - On February 24, the SE shared a paper on procedural issues, in bilateral meetings with the Syrian parties. The HNC held the Cairo and Moscow platforms responsible for the delay of direct talks, as they participated separately. - While Iraq conducted its first cross-border airstrikes against IS in Deir ez-Zour Province on the Syrian-Iraqi Border. The F-16 airstrikes were coordinated with the Syrian Government through a joint intelligence-sharing unit in Baghdad that includes Iraq, Syria, Russia, and Iran. Also, The U.S. provided intelligence in support of the operation. - On February 25, HTS claimed responsibility of a suicide attack on the State Security and Military Intelligence Offices in Homs City, killing at least forty pro-regime officers including Military Intelligence Branch Chief Brig. Gen. Hassan Dabul, so as to undermine the ongoing peace talks. The attacks prompted heavy airstrikes on al-Waer District, the Opposition's last strong-hold in the city. The HNC condemned the terrorist attack as per the Government's ultimatum. - On February 28, the UN Security Council voted on the French-British draft resolution which sought to ban the sale or supply of helicopters to the Syrian Government, and to blacklist 10 government and related entities involved in the production of chemical weapons. Nine countries voted in favor; Bolivia voted against the text, while Ethiopia, Egypt and Kazakhstan abstained. Russia casted its sixth veto backed by China. Britain and France had circulated the text in mid- December 2016, in response to the OPCW report findings proving government use of chlorine gas in three cases of the nine investigated cases. It was put on hold to asses US policy on Syria, the US later became a co-penholder after its unilateral sanctions on 18 Syrian senior officials on January 12. March 2017: - On March 1, the Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria issued its report on the violations committed by warring parties in the last battle of eastern Aleppo, and considered the targeting of vital civilian infrastructure, withholding the distribution of humanitarian aid, and the use of civilians as human shields and forced evacuation agreements amount to war crimes. - On March 2, the Syrian forces backed by Russian airstrikes and Shi'a militias recaptured the city of Palmyra for the second time after heavy clashes. - On March 3, the fourth round of talks concluded with a political agenda for the upcoming round, which comprises of three baskets addressing the establishment of credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance, drafting a new constitution, and holding free and fair elections within 18 months. A fourth basket was added upon the request of the Syrian Government to address "strategies of counter terrorism, security, governance and also medium-term confidence building measures." - On March 6, Russia announced a ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta until March 20, despite the continuation of airstrikes and mutual shelling. - On March 7, the US-allied SDF agreed to handover six villages near Manbij, on the frontline with Turkey-backed rebels to Syrian government control, under a Russian-brokered deal, in an attempt to stop further Turkish incursion. - On March 8, the SE de Mistura briefed the Security Council on the course of the talks, which aims to address the aforementioned baskets in parallel, and concluded that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed unless the sides decide otherwise." The Syrian groups are invited to resume talks on March 23. - Meanwhile, Russian, US, Turkish high-level military officials met in Antalya to discuss additional coordination measures and "operational de-confliction of military operations" in northern Syria. - On March 13, a Russian-brokered agreement was reached to evacuate rebel fighters from Homs city, which would be carried out within six to eight weeks, between 10,000-15,000 people were expected to leave Homs in weekly batches. The neighborhood was besieged by regime forces since 2013. - On March 14, the EU unveiled its plan in Syria "in contributing to a lasting political solution under the existing UN-agreed framework and in helping to build resilience and stability in the country, as well as supporting post-agreement reconstruction once a credible political transition is underway." - On March 14-15, the third round of talks was held in Astana, even though the AOGs had called for the postponement of the meeting to assess the commitment to the declared ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta. Invitations were sent to the United Nations, the United States and Jordan. On March 14, preliminary consultations were held while a plenary meeting was due on March 15. The results of the intra-Syrian consultations were expected to be discussed. Talks failed to reach any significant agreement, and the three guarantor states issued a joint statement, and scheduled the next high-level meeting in Astana on May 3-4, 2017 and agreed to hold preliminary expert consultations on April 18-19, 2017 in Tehran. - On March 15, two suicide bombs targeted Damascus on the sixth war anniversary; one of them hit the main judicial building, and both killed 74 people and wounding a hundred other. It was later claimed by Fateh al-Sham Front. - On March 18, rebels began to evacuate al-Waer neighborhood in Homs City, to the opposition-held northern town of Jarablus on the borders with Turkey. - On March 20, the EU imposed sanctions against four Syrian high-ranked military officials related to the use of chemical weapons. The ban includes assets freeze and travel ban, and it is considered the first time the EU blacklists military officials. - On March 21, the US-led coalition dropped the SDF fighters on the southern side of the Euphrates to to cut the Aleppo - al-Raqqa Highway. the SDF launched an operation to seize the Tabqa Dam west of al-Raqqa City on March 22 with extensive support from the US. - On March 22, a US-led coalition strike on a center for displaced families in al-Mansoura town held by ISIL in northern Raqqa, killed 33 people. Earlier this month, the coalition declared that its raids in Syria and Iraq unintentionally killed at least 220 civilians. - On March 23-31, the fifth round of talks in Geneva was held despite of the escalation of fighting in Damascus and Hama; the SE shared non-papers with all Syrian sides with some political principles reached during the five rounds, and received their comments and amendments. - On March 24, Russia proposed a draft resolution on the use of chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq, that was reviewed in April 2016 and the UN Security Council did not support it. It was co-authored by China and Russia. Meanwhile, the Human Rights Council adopted a resolution condemning the indiscriminate attacks against civilians, forced displacement of populations, and called to hold all those responsible to account. - On March 27, the second phase of evacuations from al-Waer neighborhood took place, moving 466 citizens and 129 fighters. Meanwhile, the UN SE briefed the LAS Ministerial Council on the recent developments of the Geneva intra-Syrian talks and the Astana process. - On March 28, Russia condemned the US-led coalition airstrikes on the Tabqa Dam, and accused it of trying to "completely destroy critical infrastructure in Syria and complicate post-war reconstruction as much as possible." It further claimed that the coalition destroyed four bridges over the Euphrates river. - On March 29, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the annual Arab Summit, which was held in the Dead Sea, Jordan. He appealed to the Arab leaders to set aside differences and end the Syrian war. - An agreement was brokered by Iran and Qatar to swap Shi'ite citizens from the two pro-government towns of al-Foua and Kafraya, in the northwestern province of Idlib besieged by rebel fighters, with Sunni fighters and their families from the opposition-held towns of Zabadani and Madaya besieged by pro-government forces. The agreement was due to start on April 4 and would last 60 days; it included a ceasefire in the areas south of Damascus, aid deliveries, and the release of 1,500 prisoners held by the government. - On March 31, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson disclosed during his visit to Ankara that "longer-term status of President Assad will be decided by the Syrian people" and defeating ISIL is its priority, while U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said the priority was no longer "getting Assad out"; it was later reiterated by the White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer's briefing. April 2017: - On April 3, the European Foreign Affairs Council chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini took place in Luxembourg, and adopted the EU Strategy on Syria. It held the Syrian regime responsible for the violations against human rights, and reaffirmed that "there can be no lasting peace in Syria under the current regime." - On April 4-5, the EU and its co-sponsors hosted the Brussels Conference on Supporting the future of Syria and the region. The co-chairs declaration took note of UN appeals requesting $8 billion in 2017 to cover the required needs inside Syria and its neighboring countries, and announced pledges raised worth about $11 billion for humanitarian aid programs. - On April 4, an alleged chemical attack on Khan Shaykhun in the province of Idlib was carried out during a Syrian government air raid on the city, which claimed the lives of at least 72 civilians. Russia denied its responsibility and claimed that Syrian airstrikes targeted a rebel chemical weapons warehouse which leaked poisonous gas. While the implementation of the evacuation deal of 30,000 people from the four towns of Kafraya, al-Foua, Madaya and Zabadani was delayed because of reservations of their residents. All 16,000 residents of al-Foua and Kafraya are expected to leave under the deal. - On April 5, the UN Security Council was briefed on the attack by the Acting High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Kim Won-soo on the reported use of chemical weapons in Khan Shaykhun. The US, UK and France had informally circulated a draft resolution which demands that the Syrian government must provide the JIM and the FFM with flight plans and logs of April 4, the names of all helicopter squadron commanders and provide access to air bases where investigators believe chemical attacks may have been launched. Russia criticized the text, and produced its own draft; it did not condemn neither the attack nor the Syrian government, but rather expressed deep concern over the alleged "incident with chemical weapons" and called for a full-scale investigation. Later on April 6, the ten elected members (E10) of the Security Council met at ambassador level to express their frustration for not being included in the negotiating process and discussed an alternative text which would substitute language in the P3 draft on the Syrian government's obligation to provide information on its activities with agreed language from resolution 2118. Neither resolution were tabled for a vote. - On April 6, the US waged retaliatory airstrikes against al-Shayrat airbase outside of Homs, where the chemical attack was launched. 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles had hit the airfield in Syria. The missiles were aimed at Syrian fighter jets and other infrastructure. - On April 7, Bolivia called for a Security Council briefing after the US airstrikes, and Russia announced its suspension of "the Memorandum of Understanding on Prevention of Flight Safety Incidents in the course of operations in Syria signed with the US." - On April 11, the White House released a declassified report drawn up by the National Security Council which confirmed that the Assad regime used sarin gas on its own people, and accused Russia for shielding for its allies. - On April 12, the Security Council held a meeting to vote on the P3 revised draft resolution (4th draft), which incorporated the language from resolution 2118 proposed in the E10 draft; after the SE had provided the council with his monthly briefing on the assessment of the intra-Syrian talks held in Geneva. Ten members voted in favor of the text, China, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan abstained, while Bolivia joined Russia in voting against it. It is Russia's eighth veto against a Syria-related resolution. - On April 14, the evacuation of residents from the Shi'ite towns of al-Foua and Kafraya (besieged by opposition groups) began and their convoys headed towards the government-held Aleppo; meanwhile rebel fighters and their families left the town of Madaya (besieged by government forces) and headed towards Idlib. While the evacuation from Zabadani was delayed and expected to begin later the day. The four towns agreement began with the exchange of thirty prisoners and nine bodies on April 12. The evacuations resumed after a suicide attack that targeted a government loyalties convoy killing some hundred people including women, children and rebel fighters on April 15. - On April 19-20, over 2000 opposition fighters and civilians were evacuated from the besieged towns of Zabadani and Madaya in exchange for the evacuation of nearly 8000 pro-regime fighters and civilians from the besieged towns of al-Foua and Kafraya in Idlib Province. - On April 24, the US sanctioned 271 Syrians employed by the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center, related to the development of chemical weapons. The sanction froze the individuals' assets and prohibited US companies to conduct business with them. May 2017: - On May 3-4, military experts from the three guarantors held technical consultations ahead of the two-day fourth round of the Astana process, with the participation of the Director of the UN Mine Action Service Agnes Marcaillou. The SE de Mistura and Nawaf Uasfi Tel, Political Adviser to Jordan's Foreign Minister attended as observers, and the US was represented at a higher-level (for the first time) by US Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs Stuart Jones. - Despite the Syrian Opposition delegation suspended their participation in opposition to the ongoing bombardments across Syria, the three guarantors signed the Memorandum on the creation of de-escalation areas in Syria, setting up four "de-escalation zones" in Idlib, parts of Homs, Eastern Ghouta, and parts of Deraa and al-Quneitra provinces in southern Syria. The Syrian government welcomed the Russian initiative while the Opposition rejected Iran's involvement as a guarantor. - On May 5, Russia sought UN endorsement to the agreement reached in Astana, and circulated a draft resolution calling on member states to contribute to the implementation of the Memorandum on the creation of de-escalation zones in Syria. The resolution failed to pass for a vote on May 8, as western member states had reservations on the draft. - On May 6, Riad Seif was elected as the sixth president of the SOC, beating Khaled Khoja with 58 votes from the 102 member coalition. He would replace the current head Anas al-Abdeh, who was elected in March 2016. Also, Abdulrahman Mustafa and Salwa Ktaw were elected as vice presidents. - On May 8, the evacuation process of the government-besieged Damascus suburb of Barzeh began, around 1,022 people, including 568 rebels, headed towards Idlib and northern town of Jarablus near the Turkish borders; the second convoy of 700 rebels moved on May 12. While Walid al-Muallem, the Syrian Foreign Minister, rejected any international forces under UN supervision to monitor the de-escalation zones deal. Meanwhile, the White House approved providing arms to Kurdish fighters as support to their operation to retake al-Raqqa City, despite Turkey's strong opposition. - On May 16, the FFM's report confirmed the use of sulfur mustard in the attack on Aleppo on Sept. 16, 2016, and was made public. The report was raised to the UN Security Council on May 5. The FFM, also, confirmed in its report, regarding its investigation of the April 4 attack on Khan Shaykhun, the use of sarin-gas or a sarin-like substance. The FFM is only mandated for indicating whether chemical weapons were used, while the JIM is mandated to determine responsibility for the attacks. - While the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned ten additional entities for providing support to the Syrian regime. - On May 16-19, the UN SE held the sixth round of the Intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, which ended without covering the four baskets of the agenda, only focusing on the constitutional issues. The SE shared a proposal with the parties to establish "a Technical Consultative Mechanism on Constitutional and Legal Issues;" the proposal would identify "options for the process of constitutional drafting, and for the conduct of a national conference/national dialogue, and identify for review specific options for ensuring a sound constitutional and legal basis for any framework agreed in Geneva embodying a package and including providing for credible, all-inclusive, non-sectarian governance," and that is through UN-facilitated expert-level meetings with both Syrian sides. - On May 18, while the EU Parliament adopted a resolution pertaining the EU Strategy on Syria, which the European Council for Foreign Affairs had passed on 3 April 2017; the US-led coalition's airstrikes destroyed a pro-Syrian regime convoy of the Iraqi Shi'ite militia of Kata'ib Imam Ali, that advanced along the Damascus-Baghdad Highway towards al-Tanf base (where the US, UK and Jordan train fighters of Jaysh Mughawir al-Thawra against IS in Eastern Syria). - On May 20-21, the evacuation of nearly 3000 people, some 700 fighters and their families, was completed from al-Waer district, the last opposition-held district in the province of Homs. According to Talal Barazi, Governor of Homs, more than 14,000 people had left al-Waer in several phases since the "reconciliation deal" began to be implemented in March. Among them were some 3,700 rebels, allowed to leave with their light weapons. Russia later deployed 50 to 150 Military Police into the district. - On May 22, the SE briefed the Security Council on the latest developments, and on the last round of the Intra-Syrian talks. He commended the Astana process for the reduction of violence in the agreed de-escalation areas, and urged its guarantors to finalize their agreement addressing the subjects of detainees, abductees and humanitarian demining. The SE asserted that the rounds' focus on legal and constitutional issues does not rule out "the principle of parallelism" in addressing the agenda, and that a new consultative process at a technical level was introduced to discuss relevant constitutional and legal matters. - On May 25, NATO leaders agreed in Brussels to become full members of the Global Coalition against ISIS; the organization would not engage in combat operations, but would provide air refueling to the Coalition's aircrafts, capacity building through the deployment of special forces to train local partners, and would establish an intelligence information cell to ensure information-sharing on foreign fighters. - On May 29, the final convoy of fighters and their families moved from the opposition-held besieged district of Barzeh in Damascus to Idlib Province; estimately more than 4000 fighters and civilians were evacuated from Barzeh and Eastern Ghouta under the Russian-brokered deal. - On May 30, the US delivered its first shipment of arms to the Kurdish-led SDF, which had advanced against IS in the eastern outskirts of al-Raqqa, seizing eight villages and taking control over the Ba'ath Dam. - On May 31, Russia's Grigorovich-Class Frigate Admiral Essen and Kilo-Class Submarine Krasnodar launched four cruise missiles targeting IS near Palmyra; it targetted arms depots of fighters relocating from al-Raqqa to Eastern Homs. Russia had notified the US, Turkey, and Israel of the strikes-On June 2, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini met with newly-elected President of the Syrian Opposition Council (SOC), Riad Seif, and Syrian Interim Government (SIG) Prime Minister, Jawad Abou Hatab, to discuss the political process and EU support for Syrian resilience. Both parties reiterated their commitment to the UN-led Geneva process. June 2017: -On June 4, pro-government forces gained control of Maskanah city, the last remaining ISIS stronghold in Aleppo governorate. The advances brought pro-government forces within 10 km of Raqqa's provincial border. -US-backed SDF captured a hydroelectric facility (Baath Dam) from ISIS militants, securing the final of three major dams along the Euphrates river. -On June 5, pro-government forces captured the areas of al-Alb, Bir Dahlon and Sharot Dahlon in Eastern Homs governorate, reportedly capturing over 6,000 sq km of ISIS-held territory. -On June 6, US-backed SDF announced the launch of the fifth phase of the campaign to capture Raqqa, ISIS' self-declared capital, with forces advancing from the north, east and west and the US-led Coalition supporting the offensive with air and artillery strikes. - The US-led Coalition conducted airstrikes against pro-government forces advancing near al- Tanf, a de-confliction zone in southeastern Syria. This marks the second strike in the area in less than a month, amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran-backed forces over control of Syria's southeastern frontier. - On June 8, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with the UNSE de Mistura in Moscow to discuss "the consolidation of the cessation of hostilities, the fight against terrorism, the continuation of the political settlement on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254," according to the Russian Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and North Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. The consultations were held prior to the fifth round of the Astana Process, which was set to take place in June, but was later postponed till the month of July. -On June 9, during a press briefing in Geneva at the conclusion of a meeting of the humanitarian task force set up by the International Syria Support Group (ISSG), the SE declared that the time was not right to resume the UN-led intra-Syrian talks. -On June 13, the WFP delivered food to more than 80,000 displaced people in seven hard-to-reach areas in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor governorates in northern Syria, where regular deliveries of humanitarian assistance had been suspended for over three years. -On June 14, Chairman of the CoI, Paulo Pinheiro, expressed concern for the "staggering loss of civilian life" caused by US-led Coalition airstrikes as part of the Raqqa campaign, stating that airstrikes had led to the displacement of 160,000 civilians. He also stressed that the Astana agreement had led to a reduction in violence in just one of the four zones outlined in the memorandum. -On June 15, during a briefing to Council members, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, noted that "some progress" had been made in the implementation of resolution 2118 (2013) on the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria. However, she highlighted the continued lack of safe access to two above-ground stationary facilities scheduled for destruction under OPCW supervision. -Pro-government forces targeted the opposition-held neighborhoods of Jobar and Eastern Ghouta in the first major attack since the announcement of four "de-escalation zones" at the Astana talks in May. Syrian Armed Forces seized the Arak gas field in the region of Badiya, which had been captured by IS since 2015; the SAF declared that it recaptured 20 percent of the Badiya region. -On June 16, the Office of the Special Envoy for Syria declared that it had facilitated a meeting of technical experts from three opposition groups: the High Negotiating Committee, the Cairo Platform and the Moscow Platform as part of a technical consultation process announced at the end of the sixth round of intra-Syrian talks. The meetings focused on the timeline and process for drafting a new constitution. -On June 17, the SE announced that the seventh round of intra-Syrian talks would begin in Geneva on July 10, with further rounds tentatively planned for August and September. -The Syrian government declared a 48-hour ceasefire in the southern city of Daraa. The agreement, reportedly brokered by Russia, the US and Jordan, comes after an escalation in violence between pro-government forces and AOGs in Daraa. -On June 18, US-led coalition forces shot down a piloted Syrian government aircraft in southern Raqqa province. According to the Coalition statement, the aircraft was downed after it displayed hostile intent and advanced on coalition forces. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MOD) released a statement following the incident claiming that the US shot down the Syrian jet while it was conducting an offensive against ISIS, and accusing the US of failing to use the "de-confliction channel". The MOD statement announced that Russia was cutting off participation in the de-confliction channel pending an investigation and that all kinds of airborne vehicles operating in combat mission zones west of the Euphrates River would be tracked by Russia as air targets. -Iran launched several ballistic missiles targeting ISIS positions in eastern Syria, reportedly carried out in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Tehran two weeks prior. This was Iran's first missile attack abroad in 15 years and its first in the Syrian conflict, representing an escalation of its role. -On June 19, the Syria Institute and PAX published the Sixth Quarterly Siege Watch Report, covering events from February to April 2017. -On June 20, an American fighter jet downed an "Iranian-made" armed drone in southern Syria after it "displayed hostile intent" when it approached coalition forces stationed at a base located in a de-escalation zone. It marked the second time in a month that the US had shot down an armed drone near Tanf camp. -On June 21, after opening a new front to the south of Raqqa, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) came within several kilometers of fully encircling the city after having already surrounded Raqqa to the north, east and west. - Turkey deployed reinforcements to the towns of Azaz and Marea in northern Syria, held by turkey-backed Syrian opposition forces, in preparation of anticipated battles with its rival Kurdish forces. - French President Emmanuel Macron, contradicting previous French policy, that France sees "no legitimate successor" to Assad and no longer considers his departure as a precondition to resolve the ongoing conflict. On July 5, the president met with Riad Hijab, Head of the HNC, to reiterate France's support to the Syrian Opposition. -On June 22, Turkish and Russian troops were deployed to Syria's northern Idlib province as part of a de-escalation agreement brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran in May. - WFP announced that the first aid convoy had reached 15000 civilians in the city of Qamishli by land route, since it had been inaccessible in 2015, and humanitarian aid was sent through air drops instead. -On June 24, the Syrian government released 672 detainees in a move it said was aimed at bolstering the reconciliation process. -On June 27, the SE briefed the Council on the situation in Syria, expressing his readiness to facilitate direct talks between the Syrian government and opposition either at a formal or technical level. -On June 28, OPCW-JIM published its sixth report updating the SC on the status of its review of two cases identified by the FFM concerning incidents reported in Umm Hawsh in Aleppo Governorate in September 2016 and Khan Shaykhun in Idlib Governorate on April 4, 2017. -On June 29, OCHA head Stephen O'brien briefed the Council on the humanitarian situation in Syria, noting that despite a reduction in violence in some areas of the country, humanitarian convoys remained unable to reach civilians in besieged and hard-to-reach places due to bureaucratic restrictions. O'brien also detailed the Secretary-General's monthly report on the situation in Syria, released June 23, that highlighted the Astana memorandum signed by Iran, Russia and Turkey in May and the escalation of anti-ISIS operations in Syria. -The OPCW released a report on progress in the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons program, verifying the destruction of 25 of the 27 chemical weapons production facilities previously declared by the Syrian government. However, the OPCW continues to express consideration that the initial declaration was incomplete. July 2017: -On July 1, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a strike against pro-government positions near al-Baath in Quneitra governorate in response to two stray artillery shells fired from Syria that landed in the Golan Heights. This is the fifth Israeli strike on pro-government positions near the area of al-Baath within a week. -On July 3, the UNSC appointed Catherine Marchi-Uhel to head the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, the UN legal team tasked with collecting and preserving evidence of the most serious crimes committed in Syria since 2011 to be used by national courts or an international tribunal. The Mechanism was established by the General Assembly on December 21, 2016 despite fierce resistance from Russia, which had previously used its veto status to block criminal investigations into the conflict. -The Syrian Army announced the suspension of all combat operations in the southern governorates of Daraa, Suweida and Quneitra for four days ahead of upcoming peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan. It is the second unilateral ceasefire by the Syrian Army; it had announced a ceasefire in Daraa along the border with Israel on June 17. -On July 4-5, the fifth round of Astana talks co-sponsored by Russia, Iran and Turkey, convened in the Kazakh capital. The talks failed to finalize details on the boundaries and monitoring mechanisms of the four safe zones agreed to during the fourth round of Astana talks in May. In a joint statement, the guarantors welcomed the establishment of an expert-level joint working group tasked with finalizing the operational and technical parameters of the de-escalation zones, and scheduled the next Joint Working Group meeting in Tehran, on August 1-2. -On July 6, Edmond Mulet, head of the three-member leadership panel of the OPCW-JIM briefed Security Council members on the June 28 report of its investigations into the culpability for chemical attacks in Syria and urged the international community to allow the Mechanism to conduct its work in an independent and impartial manner. -On July 7, the United States, Russia and Jordan reached a ceasefire and "de-escalation" agreement for southwestern Syria to take effect July 9. The specificities of an enforcement mechanism and the precise boundaries of the ceasefire zone. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the ceasefire would cover the areas of Daraa, al-Suweida and Quneitra governorates without providing exact boundaries. The ceasefire agreement in southwestern Syria is separate from the Astana memorandum, and was reached during the meeting between US President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg. The SG welcomed the ceasefire announcement, calling it a significant step towards reducing violence and humanitarian access in Syria; while Israel voiced its objections on the deal. -On July 10, the seventh round of UN-led intra-Syrian talks convened in Geneva. The UN-sponsored talks were scheduled to focus on four points: drafting a new constitution, combating terrorism, governance and elections. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed hope that the talks would help solidify de-escalation zones created through the Astana process. The SE stated that de-escalation zones can be beneficial but must only be interim measure to avoid the partition of Syria. The Geneva talks ended July 14 with no apparent progress. Representatives of the HNC accused the Syrian government of refusing to enter into serious negotiations. The SE noted that there had been "no breakthrough, no breakdown" during the talks and expressed hope that recent international momentum would push the parties face-to-face for substantive discussions. -On July 11, SOHR reported that it had "confirmed information" that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al- Baghdadi had been killed in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor. US-led Coalition Spokesperson Colonel Ryan Dillon could not confirm the report, nor could various media sources or Iraqi or Kurdish officials. -On July 12, following the opening of a land route connecting Aleppo to Hasakah governorate, WFP announced that it had successfully delivered food aid to two locations in the Raqqa governorate for the first time in three years. -On July 13, Brett McGurk, US Special Envoy for the Global Coalition fighting ISIS, revealed that Russia had expressed willingness to deploy military police to monitor compliance and prevent violations of the recently implemented ceasefire in southwestern Syria. -On July 14, Russia's parliament approved an agreement between Russian and Syrian officials that provides for the long-term deployment of Russian aircraft and personnel to Syria. Defense Minister Nikolay Pankov said the deal will help legalize Russia's military activities in Syria "within an international framework". -France proposed the creation of a contact group comprised of permanent members of the UN Security Council and regional actors to support UN efforts to formulate a political road map after the conflict ends. -On July 17, the EU added 16 scientists and military officials to the list of those targeted by sanctions against the Syrian regime due to their suspected involvement in a chemical attack against civilians in April. - The Syrian army, backed by Iranian-militias managed to seize oil fields of Wahab, al Fahd, Dbaysan, al-Qseer, Abu al Qatat and Abu Qatash and several other villages in the southwest of Raqqa province, while Russian strikes targeted the town of Sukhna, the gateway to Deir ez-zour. - The Turkish state-run Andalou Agency exposed ten US military locations in northern Syria, giving exact numbers of US and French special forces stationed there. The US-led Coalition against ISIS condemned Turkey for "leaking sensitive military information shared between two allies." -On July 19, it was made public that President Donald Trump ended a covert CIA program that provided arms and training to Syrian rebel groups. The program was a central feature of the Obama Administration's policy in Syria. -On July 20, 150 fighters from the Turkey-backed Euphrates Shield operation had crossed from Turkey through Bab alhawa to support Ahrar al-Sham in its fight against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), dominated by the Fateh al-Sham faction formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, in Idlib. -On July 21, the SG submitted to the Security Council the forty first report on the humanitarian situation in Syria for the period from 1 to 30 June 2017, highlighting the approximately 20,000 people displaced across northeast Syria in June due to the Raqqa offensive. According to the report, the Syrian government removed medical supplies sufficient for more than 84,000 treatments. -Hezbollah and the Syrian Army launched a joint offensive against militant groups in the town of Arsal and the western Qalamoun mountain range along the Lebanon-Syrian border, an area purported to hold over 3,000 militants, including al-Qaeda-linked insurgents and members of ISIS. -On July 24, 14 heads of mission in Geneva signed a letter addressed to Security Council President, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi, raising "serious concerns" about the implementation of seven Security Council resolutions on humanitarian access and urging Liu to raise the issue at the upcoming Council meeting. The signatories include the United States, Saudi Arabia, Britain, France Turkey, Qatar, Japan, Australia, the European Union, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada and Italy. -General Sergei Rudskoi, chief of the Russian General Staff, announced the deployment of Russian military police to monitor compliance after a ceasefire, mediated by the Egyptian government, was declared in the Eastern Ghouta area of Damascus on July 22. Despite the reported ceasefire, part of the four proposed "de-escalation zones" outlined in the Astana memorandum, Syrian government forces continued to attack several towns in Eastern Ghouta. -On July 26, fighting on the Syrian-Lebanese border near the town of Arsal halted after a ceasefire agreement was reached between Hezbollah and HTS. The cessation of hostilities ended a six-day campaign to drive al-Qaeda-linked militants from the border region, which is also home to tens of thousands of refugees. The agreement included the evacuation of some 1000 HTS fighters, along with more than 6000 Syrians (in nearby refugee camps) from the Lebanese border town of Arsal to rebel-controlled Idlib province, as well as exchange of prisoners between Hezboallah, HTS and the Lebanese Armed Forces, which later took place on August 1. -On July 27, Ursula Mueller, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, briefed Council members on the humanitarian situation in Syria, noting that despite reduced violence, there had not been a noticeable increase in areas reached for aid delivery. -The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates addressed two letters to the UNSG and the Security Council calling for immediate action in the militant-besieged towns of Kefraya and al-Foua. -The US-led coalition fighting ISIS told its local Syrian allies that they must exclusively fight ISIS, a directive that prompted Shohada al-Quartyan to depart a joint coalition base in Southern Syria to carry out independent operations against Syrian regime forces. -On July 28, the OPCW released its monthly report, noting that the security situation now allows safe access to confirm the condition of the final two above-ground facilities with planning underway to verify their destruction. -On July 30, for the first time in five years, UN aid was delivered to almost 7,2000 people in besieged al-Nashabiye located in Eastern Ghouta, a rebel-held area on the outskirts of Damascus. August 2017: -On August 2, the evacuation of at least 7,000 people, including al-Qaeda-linked fighters and refugees, from Lebanese border enclave of Arsal for rebel-controlled Idlib province commenced. The transfer agreement, the largest formal repatriation of refugees to Syria since 2011, was carried out without the involvement of aid groups generating concern about the welfare of the refugees. -On August 3, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire in northern Homs and southern Hama, in what is being billed as the third of four planned ceasefires agreed to under the Astana memorandum. Russia deployed police military to several checkpoints in northern Homs, later on August 4. Opposition groups called for a guarantor role for Turkey. According to SOHR, the ceasefire, which covered territory populated by more than 147,000 people, held for the first 10 hours before experiencing repeated violations by pro-government and rebel forces. -The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria of the Human Rights Council (CoI) called on the international community to recognize the crime of genocide being committed against the Yazidis in Iraq. -On August 8, experts from the guarantor states met in Tehran to discuss ways to strengthen the de-escalation zones and determine the agenda for the upcoming sixth round of Astana talks. -On August 8-11, twenty-four FSA-affiliated groups formed new group "Liwa Tahrir Deir ez- Zour" to liberate the province of Deir ez-Zour from IS; the new faction welcomed any cooperation with local and international parties, ruling out the SDF. -On August 9, OCHA expressed concern about the safety and protection of an estimated 10,000- 25,000 people trapped inside Raqqa without access to safe drinking water for 48 days. Due to the fighting on the ground, the UN has currently no access to Raqqa city. - Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya briefed the Security Council on the progress of establishing de-escalated zones in Syria, behind closed doors, and called on the UN to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance in those areas. -On August 10, SDF US-backed forces encircled ISIS militants in central Raqqa, effectively cutting off ISIS' last remaining route to the Euphrates. -On August 12, the Syrian government captured al-Sukhna, the final ISIS stronghold in Homs governorate, as part of its multi-pronged campaign to take eastern Syria. The recent gains position the pro-government coalition 50 km (30 miles) away from Deir ez-Zour province, the last major ISIS foothold in Syria. -On August 14, approximately 300 FSA-affiliated Saraya Ahl al-Sham fighters and 3,000 refugees began evacuating the Lebanese border town of Arsal as part of a repatriation agreement brokered in early August between Lebanese and Syrian officials. Lebanon's Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, who is overseeing the transfer, said that civilians will head to the government held area of Assal al-Ward. The rebel fighters and their families are destined for the rebel-held town of al- Ruhaiba in the Eastern Qalamoun region where, according to Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV, they have been granted amnesty by the Syrian government. Their departure leaves the Islamic State as the last militant force straddling the border near Arsal. -Nearly 50,000 people remain stranded on the Jordanian border, in an area known as the berm, and are facing an increasing scarcity of food, healthcare and other basic services. The UN stressed that it will continue to support Jordanian authorities in the protection of affected Syrians. -On August 17, the UNSC adopted a presidential statement, read by Council President for August and Ambassador of Nigeria, Joy Ogwu, in support of a political transition process in Syria in accordance with the principles of the Geneva Communique. The adoption of the text signals, for the first time in two years, the consensus of the Council and its five permanent members on the need to establish a transitional government. -On August 17-20, Damascus hosted the 59th International Trade Fair, for the first time since 2011, and involved hundreds of delegations and private companies from at least forty-three states including Russia, Iran, China, and Egypt. -On August 20, President Assad announced in a speech before Syrian diplomats that Syria would not work with any Western nations until they ended their support for opposition and insurgent groups. -On August 21, UN experts launched an investigation into purported weapons deals between Syria and North Korea after two shipments to a Syrian government agency responsible for its chemical weapons program, the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), were intercepted. -Saudi-based High Negotiations Committee (HNC) met with delegations from the moderate Cairo and Moscow camps in Riyadh in an effort to establish a unified front for upcoming peace talks. Despite pressure from international allies calling for a more pragmatic approach, the HNC refused to accept a transition scenario in which Assad retained power. -On August 22, the next round of Astana talks was pushed back from late August to mid- September to allow the guarantor states to hold a technical meeting to set the meeting agenda. -On 23 August, a joint monitoring center was established in Amman for the southwestern de-escalation zone, which is located in the provinces of Daraa and Quneitra. The center is tasked with ensuring ceasefire compliance, ensuring humanitarian access and other forms of civilian assistance. -On August 24, the UN called for a humanitarian pause in US-led Coalition airstrikes on Raqqa to permit civilians to leave the city. This comes after the release of an Amnesty International report calling for greater protection efforts for the estimated 20,000 remaining civilians in Raqqa. -On August 25, the Russian army announced that it had dismantled the two remaining Syrian chemical weapons facilities targeted for destruction by OPCW. The OPCW has not confirmed the Russian report. -On August 28, hundreds of ISIS fighters and their families were evacuated from the Lebanese- Syrian border to militant-held eastern Syria following simultaneous Lebanese army and Hezbollah campaigns against ISIS positions. The transfer marks the first time ISIS agreed to a forced evacuation from territory it held in Syria. - The Secretary-General presented his monthly report on the situation in Syria, highlighting the recent efforts to reduce violence through de-escalation agreements and expressing hope that the Astana guarantors will reach an agreement on the finalization of operational and technical modalities for all de-escalation areas. -On August 30, Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura briefed the Security Council on the political path forward which includes a new round of Astana and Geneva talks. The SE highlighted the important role Syrian opposition allies stand to play in fostering cohesion and unity among the AOGs. - In his final address to the Council after two years as Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O'Brien appealed to members of the Council to take action to end the civil war in the name of common humanity, calling for a referral to the International Criminal Court. -On August 31, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, stressed that the protection and assistance of citizens must take priority before defeating the Islamic State, citing reports of heavy civilian casualties in Raqqa as evidence of the threat the remaining 20,000 civilians face. -US airstrikes stalled a convoy of 300 ISIS fighters and their families in a government-controlled part of the Syrian desert in an effort to prevent their advancement into ISIS-held territory near the Iraqi border. The convoy was traveling from the Syrian-Lebanese border to Syria's eastern province as part of an evacuation deal brokered between ISIS, Hezbollah and the Syrian Army. -Pro-government forces captured strategic al-Bishri mountain overlooking ISIS-controlled Deir Ezzor province, bringing government coalition forces within close range of ISIS positions. September 2017: On September 1, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian rejected a role for Assad in a political transition in Syria. -The Syrian Islamic Council called for Syria's AOGs to end their fragmentation and unite as one armed body under the Ministry of Defense in the Syrian Interim Government. Ahrar al-Sham, Failaq al-Sham, Liwa Ansar al-Sunnah and Jabha al-Shamiya supported the initiative. -SDF spokesperson, Jihan Ahmad, announced that the SDF had gained control over an estimated 65 percent of Raqqa city after capturing the Old City, the Great Mosque and al-Dariya neighborhood. SOHR reported that the SDF were still fighting to gain control over pockets of the Old City but added that the US-backed opposition forces held more than 90 percent of the surrounding area. -On September 2, Russian Aerospace Forces reported they had destroyed a convoy of 12 ISIS trucks carrying ammunition and weapons in Deir Ezzor province. -It was made public that the British Ministry of Defense had quietly halted its FSA training program and called back its training forces from Syria in late June 2017. -On September 3, pro-government coalition forces gained control of the remaining ISIS stronghold in Hama Governorate after capturing the town of Uqayribat and its surrounding areas. -On September 4, Syrian Interim Government Prime Minister Jawad Abu Hatab was appointed interim Defense Minister as part of a unification initiative launched by the Syrian Islamic Council in early September. Free Syrian Army factions formed a committee to select a Chief of Staff in consultation with the Prime Minister. -On September 5, the Secretary-General submitted the OPCW's forty seventh monthly report on the progress to eliminate chemical weapons in Syria to the Security Council. The report highlighted the preparations underway to confirm the status of the two remaining stationary above-ground facilities now that the security situation allows safe access and the upcoming high- level consultations with Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr. Faisal Mekdad, to clarify outstanding issues regarding the Syrian government's initial declaration. -Pro-government coalition forces reached the western perimeter of Deir Ezzor city, breaking a three-year ISIS siege of the government-held areas that had impacted 93,500 people. In support of the offensive, a Russian warship located in the Mediterranean Sea launched cruise missiles at ISIS positions near Deir Ezzor. -On September 6, SE Mistura said he expects a national ceasefire to follow shortly after ISIS has been pushed from its strongholds in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. Although he stressed that the government "cannot announce victory", he called on opposition forces to accept defeat and focus on winning the peace through negotiations in October. -The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria released a report on the major human rights and humanitarian law violations committed between March and July 2017. The Commission accused the Syrian government of using sarin gas in the April 4 Khan Sheikhoun attack and found US forces culpable of not taking "all feasible precautions" to protect civilians in the March 16 attack on al-Jinah Mosque. -According to Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, experts from Russia, Iran and Turkey made progress towards an agreement "on the parameters, configuration and methods of ensuring security in the de-escalation zone in the Idlib province" in Syria. -On September 7, Israel conducted airstrikes on the Scientific Studies and Research Center, a facility believed to house a chemical weapons manufacturing center, and a military base storing surface-to-surface missiles near government-stronghold Masyaf in Hama province. The Syrian Foreign Ministry called on the Security Council to denounce the airstrikes. -US-led coalition forces fighting ISIS announced that airstrikes had killed two ISIS leaders near Mayadin in the Deir Ezzor province on September 4, 2017. -The Head of the High Negotiations Committee, Riyad Hijab, rejected the SE Mistura's call for the opposition to accept defeat, declaring the UN mediation process a failure and calling on Syrians to demonstrate in support of the continuation of the revolution. On September 8, a convoy of 42 trucks carrying humanitarian aid for 80,000 people reached Deir Ezzor for the first time by land in three years. -US-led coalition surveillance aircraft departed its position monitoring an 11-bus convoy of ISIS fighters and their families after attempting to prevent its advance into ISIS-held territory in Deir Ezzor since August 29. The surveillance aircraft departed the airspace at the request of Russian military officials who were conducting an operation with pro-government forces close to the convoy's position. -The Syrian National Coalition (NCSRF) condemned calls from "regional and external parties" for Western-backed opposition groups Ahmed Al-Abdu and Ussoud Al-Sharqiya to cease fighting government forces in southeastern Syria and withdraw to Jordan. Both groups refused the request. -On September 9, pro-government forces broke a years-long siege of Deir Ezzor airbase and captured the Damascus-Deir Ezzor highway from ISIS. -SDF launched Operation Jazeera Storm to liberate Deir Ezzor province from ISIS. -On September 10, SDF reached the industrial zone to the east of Deir Ezzor city putting the US-backed coalition within 15 km (10 miles) of pro-government forces positioned to the west of the Euphrates river. -On September 11, the Jordanian Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, and Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, declared the ceasefire brokered by Jordan, Russia and the United States in the southern Syrian provinces of Daraa, Quneitra and Suweida on July 9 a success and reiterated their commitment to the establishment a de-escalation zone in the area as a step towards achieving a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and a political solution to the crisis. On September 12, pro-government coalition forces continued their push into ISIS-held territory in Deir Ezzor city. Russia and Syria warplanes conduct heavy bombardment in support, killing an estimated 69 people over the course of 72 hours. -Hezbollah leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, declared the war in Syria over, referring to the remaining fighting as "scattered battles". -ISIS defectors have massed in Syria's Idlib province with many planning to cross into Turkey before continuing to other parts of the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. -Iran and Syria sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in Syria's electricity sector. The arrangement, part of a series of bilateral deals formalizing Iran's role in Syria's reconstruction process, provides for the establishment of a new power generation station in Latakia and the rehabilitation of gas units and power generating plants in Damascus, Aleppo, Deir Ezzo and Homs. -On September 13, the remaining buses of the convoy of ISIS fighters and their families stranded for over two weeks in the Syrian desert reportedly reached Mayadin, in militant-held Deir Ezzor province, following the withdrawal of US surveillance aircraft on September 8 in respect of de-confliction arrangements with Russia. -The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that pro-government coalition forces controlled 85 percent of Syrian territory. SOHR disputed the claim, saying government forces held 48 percent of Syria. -Experts from Russia, Iran and Turkey met ahead of the sixth round of talks in Astana, Kazakhstan to "lay the groundwork" for negotiations on the establishment of de-escalation zone in Idlib province. -On September 14, Col. Ryan Dillon, spokesperson for the US-led coalition fighting ISIS, said SDF forces will not enter Deir Ezzor city, and will instead focus operations on areas south of the city along the Euphrates river. He also said US-backed SDF was in control of 63 percent of Raqqa city. -On September 15, Ahmad Abu Khawla, commander of the SDF-affiliated Deir Ezzor Military Council, declared that it will not allow government forces to cross to the eastern banks of the Euphrates river. -Representatives from Russia, Iran and Turkey reached an agreement on the delineation and monitoring mechanism for the implementation of a de-escalation zone in Idlib province and agreed to position observers in "safe zones". Russia circulated a draft resolution among the permanent members of the Council to welcome the outcome of the Astana talks. -On September 16, the SDF and US Coalition officials accused pro-government forces of attacking one of their positions in the industrial zone east of Deir Ezzor city, injuring 6 SDF fighters. According to US Coalition sources, Russia conducted the airstrike after the United States had denied its request to target the area. Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov rejected the allegations, saying warplanes carried out "pinpoint strikes only on Islamic State targets that have been observed and confirmed through several channels." -High-level consultations commenced between the Syrian government and the OPCW aimed at clarifying all outstanding issues regarding Syria's initial declaration of its chemical weapons facilities. -On September 17, a convoy of 80 Turkish military vehicles deployed to Turkey's southern border, close to the Bab Al-Hawa and Rihaniyah crossings with Syria's Idlib Governorate, ahead of the implementation of a de-escalation zone agreement brokered at the recent Astana talks. -On September 18, pro-government coalition forces crossed to the eastern bank of the Euphrates river to within five kilometers of SDF positions. In the first sign of direct contact between the SDF and the pro-government forces, US-led coalition spokesperson Col. Ryan Dillon said "open lines" of communication were being maintained to prevent clashes between the two forces as they converge on ISIS positions. -After capturing the Deir Ezzor Military Airporst from ISIS fighters, pro-government forces began operating combat and supply missions from the airport. -The World Food Programme (WFP) reached formerly besieged parts of Deir Ezzor city by land for the first time since May 2014. WFP has discontinued its high-altitude airdrop operations in favor of road deliveries which will allow for more affordable, sustainable humanitarian access. -In a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Members of the "Friends of Syria" Group agreed they will not support reconstruction in Syria until there is a political transition "away from Assad." -During its 36th session, the Human Rights Council held an interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria to discuss the continued targeting of civilians and the use of chemical weapons in the conflict, appealing to all parties to redouble their efforts to protect civilians and preserve civilian infrastructure. -On September 19, AOGs led by Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), the Turkistan Islamic Party and Free Syrian Army affiliates launched an offensive against pro-government forces in northern Hama province in an effort to dismantle the de-escalation zone agreement on Idlib province brokered at the recent Astana talks. The offensive sparked intense Russian and Syrian bombardment of opposition-held territory in Hama and Idlib Governorates. Syrian government forces claimed the airstrikes targeted "terrorist supply lines" but SOHR alleged the strikes hit hospitals and towns, killing civilians. -The Syrian government asserted it will not accept Turkish forces on Syrian soil, effectively contradicting

1.Introduzione Nel 2014, nell'ambito dell'Agenzia Europea Frontex, prese avvio l'operazione Triton, coordinata dall'Italia. Da quel momento e fino al 2018, tutte le persone soccorse in mare dovevano essere portate in salvo sulle coste italiane. Una volta arrivate sul territorio, queste persone dovevano essere messe nella condizione di potere avanzare una richiesta di asilo o di protezione internazionale. Il già esistente sistema di accoglienza dedicato alle persone richiedenti asilo (SPRAR) si basava sulla disponibilità volontaria degli enti locali e non era in grado di gestire l'elevato numero di persone in arrivo. Furono per questa ragione istituiti (art. 11 Dlgs. n.142/2015) i Centri di Accoglienza Straordinaria (CAS) sotto la diretta gestione degli Uffici Territoriali del Governo (Prefetture). I CAS erano quindi pensati come strutture temporanee ed emergenziali. Le azioni messe in atto dai CAS dovevano, innanzitutto, rispondere ai bisogni primari delle persone accolte, in termini di vitto, alloggio e assistenza sanitaria. Ma, a dispetto del loro carattere temporaneo, e alla stregua dello SPRAR, i CAS avevano l'obbligo di svolgere attività (apprendimento della lingua italiana, istruzione, formazione, inserimento nel mondo del lavoro e nel territorio, assistenza legale e psicosociale) finalizzate all'acquisizione di strumenti di base per favorire i migranti accolti nei processi di integrazione, di autonomia e di acquisizione di una cittadinanza consapevole. 1.1 I richiedenti asilo: L'accoglienza in Italia e una possibile traiettoria resiliente La maggior parte dei richiedenti asilo proveniva dall'Africa subsahariana o dall'Asia Meridionale (Afghanistan e Bangladesh e Pakistan) e aveva alle spalle un lungo viaggio di cui la traversata mortifera via mare o attraverso i Balcani o il Caucaso era solo l'ultima tappa. La durata media del viaggio dal paese di origine era di venti mesi, che si svolgevano quasi sempre al limite della soglia di sopravvivenza. È ormai ben documentato il fatto che la privazione di cibo, di ripari, l'affaticamento estremo, il senso di minaccia, i maltrattamenti ripetuti, i lutti dovuti alla perdita di persone care durante gli spostamenti sono condizioni che accomunavano tutti questi percorsi migratori. A queste, si aggiungeva, per la maggior parte di loro, un periodo di reclusione, che poteva superare l'anno, nei centri di detenzione della Libia dove le condizioni disumane, la pratica sistematica della tortura e della violenza sessuale sono state rese note e denunciate dalle principali organizzazioni internazionali, come Medici Senza Frontiere e Amnesty International (Fondazione Migrantes, 2018). Inoltre, l'alto potenziale traumatico di queste esperienze si aggiunge a vissuti altrettanto tragici legati alle circostanze di vita nel paese di partenza che aumentano la vulnerabilità dei migranti. Infatti, questi sono il più delle volte costretti a scappare da condizioni di instabilità politica, di gravi conflitti interni civili e di estrema povertà. È per quanto fin qui descritto che si può affermare che le persone in arrivo nei CAS sono portatrici di storie potenzialmente traumatiche e ad alta complessità psicosociale che richiedono un'attenzione particolare. Le pratiche d'accoglienza che vengono messe in atto nei centri devono tenere conto di tale complessità nel rispondere ai bisogni di ogni persona, sia nella dimensione psicologica sia in quella sociale. In questo modo, nel cercare di raggiungere l'obiettivo ultimo dell'integrazione dei richiedenti accolti, i progetti d'accoglienza potrebbero favorire la definizione di un loro processo di resilienza che li porti a vivere una condizione socialmente accettabile e di benessere. Il concetto di resilienza ha suscitato molto interesse in letteratura negli ultimi decenni. Un primo dato storico nell'evoluzione della teorizzazione di questo concetto (Cicchetti & Garmezy,1993) è lo spostamento dell'interesse dalla patologia e dalla vulnerabilità alla resilienza, che si può ricondurre alla diffusione di una prospettiva positiva e salutogena nella ricerca e nella pratica clinica e psicosociale (Bonanno & Diminitch, 2013; Bonanno, Westphal, & Mancini, 2011; Cicchetti, 2013; Cyrulnik & Malaguti,2015; Walsh, 2016). Negli anni il concetto di resilienza è stato indagato a partire da diversi approcci. Da alcuni autori (Costa & McRae, 1980) è stato studiato come un tratto di personalità, stabile e fisso, da altri (Wagnild & Young, 1993) come l'abilità di fronteggiare e adattarsi positivamente a eventi stressanti o avversivi. Cicchetti (2013), concettualizzando la resilienza come un processo, ha concentrato l'attenzione sui fattori che lo determinano, con particolare interesse a quelli genetici e neurali. Bonanno e Diminitch (2013) si sono, invece, concentrati su quei fattori di rischio o quelle condizioni esistenziali potenzialmente vulnerabili che possono determinare il processo e che gli autori (Bonanno et al., 2011) definiscono come eventi potenzialmente traumatici (EPT). Rutter (2012), da parte sua, ha teorizzato la resilienza come un concetto dinamico dato dalla continua interazione tra i fattori protettivi e di rischio, portando all'attenzione l'influenza ambientale. Tuttavia, sebbene l'autore (Rutter, 2012) abbia messo in luce la funzione dell'ambiente nel processo di resilienza, sono gli approcci più ecologici e sociali (Anaut, 2005; Cyrulnik, 2001; Cyrulnik & Malaguti, 2015; Malaguti, 2012; Walsh, 2016) che hanno enfatizzato e dato maggiore importanza ai fattori contestuali, sociali, familiari e relazionali nella definizione del processo di resilienza. In particolare, secondo Cyrulnik (2001), posti i fattori di protezione, il processo non può avvenire che nell'ambito di relazioni significative. Nello specifico, l'autore distingue tre elementi fondamentali che rendono conto, nell'insieme, del processo: 1- le esperienze pregresse nell'infanzia e nella storia personale dell'individuo, la qualità dei legami di attaccamento e la capacità di mentalizzazione; 2- il trauma e le sue caratteristiche (strutturali, contingenti ed emotive e sociali); 3- la possibilità di risignificare la tragedia avvenuta attraverso il sostegno affettivo e la relazione d'aiuto, descritta, genericamente come l'incontro con l'Altro. Secondo l'autore, la persona costruisce nel proprio passato, in particolar modo durante l'infanzia, attraverso il legame di attaccamento sufficientemente sicuro, le risorse e la capacità di mentalizzazione utili per affrontare e risignificare il trauma. È in questo spazio relazionale quindi che la persona forma una rappresentazione di Sé come persona amabile, capace di affidarsi e di costruire relazioni forti e significative anche in futuro. La capacità e la possibilità di costruire queste relazioni sono viste come le condizioni che possono aiutare la persona a riconoscere le risorse da attivare per superare la profonda ferita incisa dall'esperienza traumatica e per ristabilire un equilibrio nella propria esistenza. Nell'ultima fase della sua teoria l'autore specifica l'importanza di una figura che chiama tutore di sviluppo o di resilienza, le cui caratteristiche e funzioni sono approfonditamente delineate nella pubblicazione di Lighezzolo, Marchal, & Theis (2003). Secondo gli autori, il tutore di resilienza deve favorire un processo di autonomia e ri-strutturazione del sé, trasmettere sapere, fornire esempi e modelli che permettano e legittimino l'errore; non deve quindi ricoprire un ruolo insostituibile e onnipotente. Il tutore di resilienza, sia esso una persona adulta informale o una figura istituzionalizzata nel sistema di cura e presa in carico della persona, è una risorsa esterna che coadiuva nel processo di resilienza. In questo ultimo caso, la formazione e la definizione del ruolo dell'operatore nel processo di presa in carico contribuiranno alla costruzione di un efficace intervento sociale e clinico per la promozione della resilienza nell'assistito (Manciaux, 2001). Negli ultimi anni, una serie di rassegne internazionali (Agaibi & Wilson, 2005; Siriwardhana, Ali, Roberts, & Stewart, 2014; Sleijpen, Boeije, Kleber, & Mooren. 2016) e in Italia (Tessitore & Margherita, 2017), hanno tentato di sistematizzare i risultati degli studi sul processo di resilienza nell'esperienza potenzialmente pluritraumatica della migrazione, con particolare attenzione alla condizione esistenziale di rifugiato. I risultati evidenziano e si concentrano, soprattutto, sui principali fattori di rischio e quelli protettivi che possono intervenire nel processo di resilienza a seguito di queste esperienze pluritraumatiche. In questi lavori emerge, tuttavia, la necessità per la ricerca di individuare strategie e procedure per interventi e pratiche mirati ed efficaci a promuovere il processo di resilienza nei contesti dell'accoglienza. In particolare, rispetto al contesto italiano si riscontra che sono stati svolti pochi studi sul tema, ancora da approfondire (Tessitore & Margherita, 2017). L'analisi approfondita delle pratiche costruite e messe in atto nell'ambito dell'accoglienza negli ultimi anni in Italia risulta rilevante per una sistematizzazione di conoscenze e competenze e utili per la progettazione di interventi psicosociali efficaci. La presente ricerca si poneva l'obiettivo di studiare, se e in che misura, le pratiche dell'accoglienza e le strategie di intervento messe in atto nel sistema CAS di Parma e Provincia abbiano favorito un processo di resilienza nei richiedenti asilo accolti. Inoltre, si poneva l'obiettivo di comprendere se e in che modo l'operatore dell'accoglienza potesse svolgere una funzione di tutore di resilienza. Poiché basandosi sulla teorizzazione di Cyrulnik (2001), l'esito del processo di resilienza è dato dall'interazione dei fattori protettivi individuali, dalla qualità/intensità del trauma e/o comunque delle situazioni avverse e dall'incontro con i possibili tutori di resilienza, il progetto si è sviluppato in due fasi e ha tenuto conto sia dell'esperienza dei richiedenti asilo sia di quella degli operatori. Rispettivamente, nella prima fase l'obiettivo della ricerca si proponeva di individuare le risorse/vincoli personali presenti nella biografia dei richiedenti asilo, i vissuti emotivi e la qualità dei legami stabiliti nel passato, di individuare le risorse/vincoli messe in gioco durante il viaggio e, infine, di individuare le risorse/vincoli con funzione protettiva dal momento dell'arrivo in Italia e in particolare nel CAS di residenza e nella relazione con gli operatori. Nella seconda fase, la ricerca mirava a individuare le risorse e le competenze, rintracciabili nelle biografie degli operatori dei CAS messe in gioco nella pratica professionale e di conoscere le loro motivazioni alla base della scelta professionale, e a comprendere il significato e l'uso consapevole della relazione con i richiedenti asilo nella loro pratica professionale e, infine, a valutare la qualità della loro vita professionale tenendo conto del forte carico emotivo dovuto alla relazione con i richiedenti asilo e il loro vissuti traumatici. 2. Migrazione ed Europa: Una revisione sistematica sulla promozione della resilienza dei richiedenti asilo negli Stati membri dell'Unione Europea. La migrazione è un fenomeno complesso determinato dall'interazione di fattori di espulsione e di attrazione. L'Europa ha sempre svolto un ruolo di attrazione nei flussi migratori. Negli ultimi anni, le direttive per gli Stati membri hanno mirato a promuovere il benessere dei richiedenti asilo. È importante sviluppare la resilienza per raggiungere il benessere delle persone. L'obiettivo della revisione sistematica è stato quello di esplorare come viene studiata la resilienza nei richiedenti asilo nei paesi dell'UE. Sono stati consultati i database internazionali PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, MEDLINE, Psychology e behavioural collection. Gli articoli sono stati analizzati secondo i criteri PRISMA. Sono stati ottenuti 12 articoli. Dall'analisi qualitativa sono emersi tre approcci principali e quattro principi teorici fondamentali che potrebbero guidare lo studio della resilienza in contesti migratori. Lo studio della resilienza può essere orientato verso un approccio clinico, clinico e sociale o psicosociale. Inoltre, la ricerca ha tenuto conto della necessità di costruire una nuova narrazione di sé e della propria storia nei richiedenti asilo, di restituire agency ai richiedenti asilo, di valorizzare il proprio contesto culturale e quello del paese ospitante e di promuovere una democratizzazione del sistema istituzionale di accoglienza. Si suggeriscono implicazioni per le politiche degli Stati membri dell'UE coinvolti in prima linea nella gestione dell'accoglienza in Europa. Data la limitata letteratura sull'argomento, questa rassegna suggerisce una nuova e originale visione di presa in carico dei richiedenti asilo attraverso una maggiore implementazione di interventi focalizzati sull'individuo e sulle sue risorse. 3. Promozione della salute psicosociale nei migranti: una revisione sistematica della ricerca e degli interventi sulla resilienza nei contesti migratori. La resilienza è identificata come una capacità chiave per prosperare di fronte a esperienze avverse e dolorose e raggiungere un buono stato di salute psicosociale equilibrato. Questa revisione mirava ad indagare come la resilienza è intesa nel contesto della ricerca sul benessere dei migranti e come gli interventi psicosociali sono progettati per migliorare la resilienza dei migranti. Le domande della ricerca hanno riguardato la concettualizzazione della resilienza, le conseguenti scelte metodologiche e quali programmi di intervento sono stati indirizzati ai migranti. Nei 63 articoli inclusi, è emersa una classica dicotomia tra la resilienza concettualizzata come capacità individuale o come risultato di un processo dinamico. È anche emerso che l'importanza delle diverse esperienze migratorie non è adeguatamente considerata nella selezione dei partecipanti. Gli interventi hanno descritto la procedura ma meno la misura della loro efficacia. 4. Il sistema d'accoglienza straordinaria di Parma e provincia: soddisfazione e benessere percepito dai migranti accolti. I servizi e le progettualità messi in atto nei CAS mirano a favorire integrazione, autonomia e benessere. Questi obiettivi si strutturano sull'attivazione e promozione di risorse dei richiedenti asilo. Nello specifico, vanno ad innestarsi sulle loro abilità, sulle conoscenze, sulle competenze, sulla loro agency e sulla capacità di proiettarsi verso un futuro. Poiché i richiedenti asilo sono i principali attori e fruitori di questi servizi, la valutazione di efficacia e di raggiungimento degli obiettivi preposti deve tenere conto necessariamente del loro punto di vista. I richiedenti asilo che hanno partecipato allo studio erano circa il 20% della popolazione dei richiedenti asilo adulti presenti nel territorio di Parma e provincia. Per la stratificazione del campione si è tenuto conto della variabile del paese di origine, della collocazione sul territorio provinciale (distretto) e il tempo di permanenza nel sistema CAS. È stato costruito un questionario ad hoc che mirava ad indagare la percezione di autonomia, di benessere personale, di soddisfazione verso sé stesso, la percezione di essere rispettato nelle proprie tradizioni culturali e la soddisfazione verso il servizio. Il questionario constava di una parte introduttiva, che forniva una breve descrizione al partecipante delle finalità d'indagine, e di diverse sezioni, che indagavano e approfondivano specifiche aree (temi) di interesse. Le prime due aree hanno rilevato i dati socio-anagrafici e il viaggio dei richiedenti asilo. La terza e la quarta area hanno indagato l'accoglienza nel centro e la struttura in cui risiedeva il beneficiario. Le altre aree si sono concentrate sui servizi primari (beni e servizi di prima necessità, assistenza medica) e servizi secondari (assistenza legale, lingua italiana, sostegno psicosociale, lavoro, mediazione culturale, orientamento al territorio e tempo libero) che gli venivano offerti. Le ultime sezioni si focalizzavano sul rapporto con gli operatori, sul progetto individualizzato e sui propri piani futuri. Alla fine del questionario vi era una breve sezione che mirava ad indagare la soddisfazione generale verso l'intero processo di accoglienza in Italia e la specifica esperienza nel territorio di Parma e provincia. Sono state effettuate delle analisi ed elaborazioni statistiche descrittive tramite il software SPSS. Dal questionario è emerso un quadro complessivo dei servizi offerti e una mappatura delle pratiche messe in atto all'interno delle strutture a partire dal punto di vista dei richiedenti asilo. Questi hanno espresso una generale soddisfazione del sistema accoglienza in Italia e in particolare di quella ricevuta a Parma. Hanno riportato un senso di protezione e sicurezza e una generale percezione di capacità e autonomia raggiunta in molti dei servizi e ambiti della quotidianità. Le aree più critiche sono risultate essere l'assistenza legale, l'avviamento lavorativo, la creazione di relazioni sociali con italiani nel tempo libero, la progettazione individualizzata e in particolare il sostegno psicosociale e, infine, la progettazione futura. In queste aree i richiedenti asilo hanno espresso una bassa soddisfazione verso il servizio di sostegno ricevuto, una scarsa consapevolezza di sé e delle proprie capacità e una bassa percezione di un'autonomia conquistata dal singolo servizio e, più in generale, dalla struttura d'accoglienza. 5. Vissuti, fattori di protezione e fattori di rischio nelle biografie dei richiedenti asilo: la definizione di traiettorie di resilienza nei Centri d'Accoglienza Straordinaria. I richiedenti asilo sono portatori di storie potenzialmente traumatiche a seguito delle quali possono vivere distress psicologico e PTSD nel paese d'accoglienza. Qui vengono inseriti in programmi che mirano a favorire benessere psicologico e integrazione. Tale processo è definito resilienza, La resilienza è un processo che vede le persone impegnate a guarire da esperienze dolorose, a prendersi cura della propria vita per continuare a svilupparsi positivamente in modo socialmente accettabile. Il presente studio mira a comprendere i fattori di protezione e le risorse personali e sociali che possono favorire il superamento dei traumi e un processo di resilienza nei richiedenti asilo. Sono stati somministrati 29 test CORE-10 e questionari costruiti ad hoc per il sostegno sociale percepito e condotte altrettante interviste in profondità. Con risultati moderati e gravi di distress psicologico nei partecipanti, sono emersi fattori protettivi e risorse già nella fase pre-migratoria. I legami di accudimento sembrano svolgere una funzione protettiva anche durante l'accoglienza, favorendo la costruzione di rapporti di fiducia. Il supporto sociale della comunità d'accoglienza e quello degli operatori nei centri possono influenzare la definizione di traiettorie resilienti. Lo studio solleva implicazioni di tipo clinico e sociale. Nei suoi limiti lo studio vuole essere un'apertura a nuovi approfondimenti di ricerca. 6. La qualità della vita professionale di chi lavora con i richiedenti asilo: Compassion Staisfaction, Burnout e Secondary Traumatic Stress negli operatori dell'accoglienza In Italia negli ultimi anni sono stati strutturati Centri di Accoglienza Straordinaria per rispondere ai bisogni primari e secondari dei richiedenti asilo approdati sulle coste mediterranee. A seguito dell'apertura dei CAS, sul territorio nazionale si è formato un nuovo corpo professionale, i professionisti dell'accoglienza. Poiché inizialmente non è stata richiesta una formazione specifica in base al contesto e agli obiettivi posti, il loro profilo professionale derivava tendenzialmente dai diversi percorsi formativi e lavorativi precedenti. Considerando il mandato istituzionale del loro lavoro, quale favorire l'accoglienza e una completa presa in carico dei richiedenti asilo, i professionisti dell'accoglienza sono quotidianamente coinvolti nella relazione con gli accolti ed esposti ai racconti traumatici o ai sintomi agiti di questi. Infatti, i richiedenti asilo sono persone spesso profondamente traumatizzate dalle esperienze passate, dal viaggio, ma anche disorientate e impreparate per la complessa esperienza dell'accoglienza e dell'integrazione. Questo aspetto del lavoro con i richiedenti asilo può influenzare il clima e la qualità della vita professionale dei professionisti dell'accoglienza. Infatti, come nelle altre professioni d'aiuto continuamente esposte a eventi stressanti o traumatici, anche nel lavoro di cura e accoglienza dei richiedenti asilo è alto il rischio di sviluppare i sintomi negativi associati al burnout e al trauma vicario. Sebbene, negli ultimi venti anni, la qualità della vita professionale sia stata ampiamente approfondita in diversi settori, non risultano studi che esplorino questo tema tra i professionisti del settore dell'accoglienza. In questo studio è stato sottoposto il questionario ProQOL 5 ai professionisti dell'accoglienza dei Centri di Accoglienza Straordinaria di Parma e provincia, attivamente coinvolti nella relazione d'aiuto con i richiedenti asilo, con lo scopo di definire lo stato di benessere psicosociale rispetto alla loro qualità di vita professionale. Anche se si è dimostrato che mediamente i professionisti dell'accoglienza riportano una buona soddisfazione nello svolgere il proprio lavoro, sono emersi tre profili. Il primo gruppo sembra esprimere soprattutto Burnout, il secondo gruppo una maggiore Compassion Satisfaction e il terzo gruppo un malessere evidente sia per il Burnout che per il Secondary Traumatic Stress. I dati ottenuti permettono di colmare parzialmente un vuoto nella letteratura di settore. Inoltre, la rilevanza dei dati spinge alla riflessione sulla possibilità di incoraggiare interventi efficaci di prevenzione e management delle organizzazioni, al fine di favorire il benessere psicosociale di questo corpo professionale emergente. 7. Essere professionisti dell'accoglienza: l'importanza di un uso consapevole del Se' nella relazione d'aiuto e la funzione del tutore di resilienza. All'interno dei CAS sono stati impiegati professionisti di differenti background formativi ed esperienziali. Appannaggio degli operatori è l'attivazione dei servizi interni ed esterni e il monitoraggio di tutte le fasi del progetto di accoglienza. La presa in carico si configurerebbe come una relazione d'aiuto possibile attraverso la compresenza di diversi aspetti di Sé. Chi lavora con i richiedenti asilo deve affrontare e gestire vissuti potenzialmente traumatici che influenzano il buon esito dell'intervento clinico-sociale. Nel favorire benessere psicologico nei beneficiari, gli operatori svolgono funzioni che richiamano quelle del tutore di resilienza. In questo studio si è esplorata la rappresentazione dei professionisti dell'accoglienza e la consapevolezza di Sé a partire dal loro punto di vista. Sono stati condotti tre focus group e le trascrizioni verbatim sono state analizzate secondo l'approccio IPA. Sono emersi tre aspetti del Sé (Sé personale, Sé professionale e Sé burocrate). Il Tempo e il Contesto sociale sono risultate possibili variabili che influenzano la relazione d'aiuto. Lo studio propone implicazioni di ricerche future e di policy. 8. Conclusioni Negli anni il sistema italiano dell'accoglienza si era ormai rodato e formalizzato su due principali dispositivi: il sistema SPRAR e i cosiddetti Centri di Accoglienza Straordinaria (CAS). Tuttavia, negli ultimi due anni, con il cosiddetto decreto Salvini (D.lg. 4/19/2018 n° 113), si è assistito ad un graduale ridimensionamento dei numeri degli accolti e ad una conseguente chiusura di strutture del sistema CAS. Pertanto, assume rilevanza e importanza capitalizzare le esperienze di accoglienza e comprenderne maggiormente le potenzialità e i limiti. Con la presente ricerca e le analisi delle pratiche d'accoglienza e delle progettualità messe in atto all'interno del sistema CAS sono emersi due risultati principali. Il primo risultato emerso è che i richiedenti asilo accolti abbiano consapevolezza delle risorse e dei fattori protettivi che hanno acquisito nell'arco di vita. Inoltre, si è evidenziata una forte e imprescindibile interdipendenza tra i vissuti psicologici, i bisogni e le risorse dei richiedenti asilo e la funzione relazionale dell'operatore dell'accoglienza. Dalla ricerca è emerso che il valore di tale interdipendenza, non essendo riconosciuto formalmente e quindi esplicitamente richiamato nelle norme e regolamentazioni, era dipeso da un reciproco riconoscimento dei richiedenti asilo accolti e degli operatori. Tuttavia, questa relazione, se opportunamente strutturata e formalizzata, può favorire la definizione di traiettorie di resilienza e il raggiungimento degli obiettivi di integrazione, autonomia e benessere psicosociale. Al momento in cui è stata condotta la ricerca, questi obiettivi erano parzialmente raggiunti. Infatti, sebbene nel sistema d'accoglienza i richiedenti asilo abbiano percepito di essere in un luogo sicuro e protetto e fossero generalmente soddisfatti dei servizi offerti, hanno riportato livelli medio-alti di disagio psicologico. Il valore traumatico delle loro esperienze di vita è stato esplorato e compreso nella sua diacronicità, in quanto i vissuti traumatici sono rintracciabili non solo durante il viaggio ma già nelle esperienze pre-migratorie. Le biografie dei richiedenti asilo sono segnate da profonde ferite, che spesso risalgono a perdite, lutti o tradimenti da parte delle figure significative dell'infanzia o della comunità allargata, fino a sentirsi espulsi dalle politiche disattente degli Stati d'appartenenza. Anche l'arrivo in Italia e l'inserimento nel sistema d'accoglienza comportano sfide esistenziali, che in alcuni casi arrivano a reiterare esperienze traumatiche passate. Nonostante questo, i richiedenti asilo hanno mostrato consapevolezza delle proprie risorse e dei fattori di protezione acquisiti già durante l'infanzia, attraverso le relazioni significative e di accudimento. Queste risorse hanno svolto una funzione di protezione e sostegno nel loro sforzo psicologico di fronteggiare e sopravvivere alle avversità incontrate in tutto l'arco di vita. Nonostante la loro consapevolezza e tenuto conto della permanenza relativamente lunga nel sistema d'accoglienza, è risultato che le esperienze traumatiche non trovano uno spazio adeguato di ascolto e di ri-significazione una volta inseriti nei progetti di accoglienza. Le caratteristiche strutturali e organizzative del sistema non sembrano favorire quell'incontro con l'Altro che può garantire la rielaborazione delle esperienze passate e riattribuire senso e agency alla propria vita, anche nella quotidianità. Al contrario, i richiedenti asilo sono consapevoli di ritrovarsi in una posizione di svantaggio rispetto al potere decisionale sui loro progetti di vita. Non sono coinvolti nelle scelte progettuali e non percepiscono una crescita personale nelle competenze e nelle capacità necessarie per rendersi autonomi. Tuttavia, i richiedenti asilo riconoscono negli operatori degli interlocutori diretti che svolgono un ruolo di congiunzione con la società ospitante. Nello svolgimento del proprio ruolo, gli operatori possono aprirsi ad un ascolto attivo di tutte le parti della biografia dei richiedenti asilo per costruire un rapporto di fiducia. Al fine di favorire la costruzione di tale rapporto, è importante che gli operatori nella loro pratica quotidiana mirino a riattribuire agency ai richiedenti asilo, coinvolgendoli nella progettazione individualizzata. Ciò favorirebbe la valorizzazione e l'attivazione delle risorse dei richiedenti asilo, l'instaurarsi di relazioni di fiducia che consentano la ricostruzione di significato delle proprie esperienze traumatiche di vita e la restituzione di una rappresentazione di Sé attiva e agente. In generale, si otterrebbe una maggiore adesione al progetto d'accoglienza. Inoltre, la valorizzazione della funzione relazionale degli operatori dell'accoglienza favorirebbe una maggiore qualità di vita professionale. I professionisti avrebbero così la possibilità di riconoscere e far riconoscere il proprio ruolo, che è stato profondamente messo in discussione dalla comunità e dalle politiche degli ultimi anni. Quindi, l'ascolto attivo, la riattribuzione di agency e l'esempio nella quotidianità da parte degli operatori favorirebbero il riconoscimento del loro ruolo come tutori di resilienza e promuoverebbero la definizione di traiettorie di resilienza. In questo modo si faciliterebbe il raggiungimento di uno stato di salute psicosociale nei richiedenti asilo. La legittimazione del ruolo funzionale della relazione tra i richiedenti asilo e gli operatori dell'accoglienza da parte del contesto sociale e istituzionale diventa un fattore necessario allo sviluppo di buone pratiche d'accoglienza e alla promozione di traiettorie di resilienza. 9. 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The Situation In The Middle East Report Of The Secretary-General On The Implementation Of Security Council Resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014), 2191 (2014), 2258 (2015), 2332 (2016) And 2393 (2017) ; United Nations S/PV.8201 Security Council Seventy-third year 8201st meeting Monday, 12 March 2018, 11 a.m. New York Provisional President: Mr. Van Oosterom. . (Netherlands) Members: Bolivia (Plurinational State of). . Mr. Llorentty Solíz China. . Mr. Ma Zhaoxu Côte d'Ivoire. . Mr. Tanoh-Boutchoue Equatorial Guinea. . Mr. Ndong Mba Ethiopia. . Mr. Alemu France. . Mr. Delattre Kazakhstan. . Mr. Umarov Kuwait. . Mr. Alotaibi Peru. . Mr. Meza-Cuadra Poland. . Ms. Wronecka Russian Federation. . Mr. Nebenzia Sweden . Mr. Skoog United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . Mr. Allen United States of America. . Mrs. Haley Agenda The situation in the Middle East This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches delivered in other languages. The final text will be printed in the Official Records of the Security Council. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only. They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room U-0506 (verbatimrecords@un.org). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org). 18-06756 (E) *1806756* S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 2/23 18-06756 The meeting was called to order at 11.15 a.m. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in the Middle East The President: In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I would like to warmly welcome the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, and to give him the floor. The Secretary-General: I am here to report on the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018), which the Council adopted unanimously on 24 February. But I am keenly aware that I am doing so just as the bloodletting in Syria enters its eighth year. I would like to highlight just one stark fact on this grimmest of anniversaries, which is that in 2017, more children were killed in Syria than in any other year since the war began. I am deeply saddened by the immense loss and cascading suffering of the Syrian people. And I am deeply disappointed by all those who, year after year, by action or inaction, design or indifference, have allowed this to happen. My grief and frustration are compounded by all that I know of the people of Syria. As United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the aftermath of the Iraq war, I saw the remarkable hospitality of the Syrian people in hosting 1.5 million Iraqi refugees — not in camps, but in their communities across the country. Syria was a place where refugees could live in security as they tried to rebuild their lives and raise their families. Today, so many of those generous Syrians who shared so much have themselves been forced from their homes, becoming refugees or internally displaced. In neighbouring countries — whose enormous hospitality I have also witnessed, but who are burdened by overwhelming needs — the vast majority of Syrian refugees live below the poverty line. Many of the Syrians who journeyed even farther from home in search of safety have found the doors that they once opened to others in need shut in their faces. A country known for its ancient civilization and a people known for their rich diversity have been betrayed, and Syria is bleeding inside and out. There should be one agenda only for all of us — ending the suffering of the Syrian people and finding a political solution to the conflict. And the Council has a particular responsibility in that regard. Let me now turn to the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) and the issue of the compliance of all the relevant parties in Syria. I do so with a caveat. The United Nations is following developments closely, but we do not have the full picture, owing to our limited presence and restricted access on the ground. Resolution 2401 (2018) demands that all parties "cease hostilities without delay, and engage immediately to ensure full and comprehensive implementation . for a durable humanitarian pause for at least 30 consecutive days throughout Syria", while still countering Da'esh and other groups designated as terrorists by the Council. It is true that in some areas, such as Deir ez-Zor and Douma, where there has been a recent ceasefire that I will address later, the conflict is diminishing in intensity. Yet there has been no cessation of hostilities. Violence continues in eastern Ghouta and beyond, including in Afrin, parts of Idlib and into Damascus and its suburbs. In eastern Ghouta in particular, the air strikes, shelling and ground offensives have intensified since the resolution's adoption and have claimed hundreds of civilian lives. Some reports even put the toll at more than 1,000. The resolution further demands the enabling of "the safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and services". Despite some limited convoy deliveries, the provision of humanitarian aid and services has been neither safe, unimpeded or sustained. The resolution calls on "all parties to immediately lift the sieges of populated areas, including in eastern Ghouta, Yarmouk, Fo'ah and Kafraya". No sieges have been lifted. The resolution demands medical evacuations of the critically sick and wounded. To our knowledge, not one critically sick or wounded person has so far been evacuated. But I will come back to that later in relation to a recent announcement. The resolution reiterates its demand "reminding in particular the Syrian authorities, that all parties immediately comply with their obligations under international law, including international human rights law, as applicable, and international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians". And I remind all involved that even efforts to combat groups identified as terrorists by the Council do not supersede those obligations. Yet we 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 3/23 see egregious violations, indiscriminate attacks and a failure to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. Since the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), my Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and I have been focused on helping to create the conditions for a cessation of hostilities in eastern Ghouta, where, as I said to the Council two weeks ago, people have been living in a hell on Earth (see S/PV.8185). As the Special Envoy told the Council a few days ago, eastern Ghouta is the most urgent situation, because it is where we have the clearest potential to try to support the de-escalation in concrete ways, and because we have been concretely approached. On 26 February, the Russian Federation announced a five-hour daily humanitarian pause in eastern Ghouta. I will speak to that later in my remarks. On 27 February, the President of the Security Council and I received a letter from the Syrian National Committee conveying another letter from the three armed opposition groups in eastern Ghouta — Jaysh Al-Islam, Faylaq Al-Rahman and Ahrar Al-Sham. They expressed their commitment "to the full implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, especially resolution 2401 (2018)", and to expelling from eastern Ghouta "the armed groups of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, the Al-Nusra Front and Al-Qaida and all of those belonging to them". They also promised to ensure humanitarian access and the facilitation of the work of United Nations agencies. On receiving the letter, the Office of the Special Envoy opened channels with all three groups, inside and outside the enclave. The respective commanders issued further letters, expressing the groups' readiness to negotiate with the Russian Federation in Geneva. In parallel, both I and my Special Envoy engaged with the relevant authorities of the Russian Federation. My team on the ground did likewise, and also engaged with the Government of Syria. We offered the good offices of the United Nations to facilitate and observe any meeting between the representatives of the armed opposition groups, the Syrian Government and the Russian Federation. Despite our best efforts over the course of a few days, it was not possible to schedule any meeting. Meanwhile, on 6 March, the Syrian Government addressed a letter to me and to the President of the Security Council. That letter stated that Syria positively welcomed resolution 2401 (2018), as it "stresses firm commitment to the Syrian State's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Charter and calls for implementing a humanitarian truce across Syria to ensure a safe, sustainable and unhindered access of humanitarian aid." That same day, my Special Envoy informed the Russian Federation of his intention to invite the three armed opposition groups to a meeting with the Russian Federation in Geneva three days later. On 7 March, his interlocutors replied that they did not think a meeting in Geneva was the best option and were pursuing contacts on the ground with the relevant armed opposition groups. As those diplomatic efforts were taking place, fighting went on. The Syrian Government and its allies intensified air strikes and launched a ground offensive, progressively gaining control of parts of eastern Ghouta from about 10 per cent of the enclave on 3 March to more than 60 per cent today. The offensive initially took place in less populated areas, steadily moving to urban centres and forcing large-scale displacement. In the follow up to the efforts I have described, it was possible on 8 and 10 March to convene two meetings between Russian officials and Jaysh Al-Islam in the outskirts of eastern Ghouta, with the United Nations as an observer. In those meetings, progress was made in relation to the removal of a number of members of the Al-Nusra Front, as well as other aspects, including the potential for a ceasefire and improved humanitarian access. The first group of Al-Nusra Front fighters and their families were since evacuated from eastern Ghouta. Nevertheless, it has not been possible to facilitate contact between the Russian authorities and Faylak Al-Rahman. The group insisted that the meeting take place in Geneva. The Russian Federation insisted that the meeting take place on the ground. On 10 March, Government forces intensified their offensive, capturing the city of Misraba in a movement aiming at dividing the enclave into three separate areas. On the evening of that same day, the Russian Federation informed the United Nations that a unilateral ceasefire would take place at midnight, in relation to Jaysh Al-Islam in Douma. It was agreed that a meeting would be held on 11 March with the facilitation of the United Nations. On that day, with the ceasefire between the Government S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 4/23 18-06756 and Jaysh Al-Islam forces largely holding in Douma, the meeting took place, followed by a meeting today. As I speak to the Council now, I have not yet received a full report on the results of today's meeting. But I was informed by our people in Damascus as I was entering the Chamber that there has been progress with regard to civilian evacuations and humanitarian aid. Furthermore, I take note of a statement issued today by Jaysh Al-Islam: "[i] n the context of Security Council resolutions 2254 (2015) and 2401 (2018), an agreement was reached with the Russian side through the United Nations for a humanitarian medical evacuation of the wounded for treatment outside of eastern Ghouta." We are also hearing reports of tentative initiatives, both by tribal leaders and the Russian Federation, for contact with other groups on the ground. I wish to underscore the urgency of seeing medical evacuations, civilian protection and full, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access as soon as possible. Meanwhile, attacks on other parts of eastern Ghouta continue, with the enclave now split into three separate pockets. During this whole period, the shelling from eastern Ghouta to Damascus was also ongoing, causing dozens of civilian deaths and injuries, with some reports putting the number close to 100. My Special Envoy and I have remained apprised at each step of the diplomatic engagement, offering support and guidance to ensure the implementation in letter and spirit of the resolution. In short, as my Special Envoy has said to the Council, we are leaving no stone unturned in trying to bring all major stakeholders to the table and contribute in a concrete fashion to find a sustainable solution for the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). As the situation continues to unfold, the Turkish offensive in Afrin — pursued with armed opposition group allies — intensified with air strikes and ground advances against Partiya Yekitiya Demokrat/People's Protection Units fighters, reinforced, in turn, by elements coming from eastern Syria, where they were combating Da'esh. Pro-Syrian Government forces have also deployed inside of Afrin. The fighting resulted in significant civilian displacement, with reports of numerous casualties and damage to infrastructure. With the cooperation of Syrian armed opposition groups, Turkish forces established a so-called buffer zone inside Syrian territory, linking northern rural Aleppo and Idlib, and surrounding Afrin from three sides. The offensive is now pushing ever closer towards the city, with its large civilian population. Allow me to now turn to our efforts to address the humanitarian crisis. When resolution 2401 (2018) was adopted, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners stood ready to deliver. Plans were in place for multiple convoys each week to agreed-upon locations, in response to independently assessed needs. Unfortunately, the actual delivery did not match our plan. Let me describe what it was possible to do in the past two weeks. On 1 March, humanitarian organizations delivered assistance to some 50,000 people in the hard-to-reach areas of Afrin and Tell Rifaat, north of Aleppo. On 4 March, a convoy of 19 trucks organized by the United Nations, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and partners reached Dar Kabira, in northern Homs. It provided assistance to 33,500 people of the requested 40,250. However, the Government of Syria did not allow the delivery of life-saving medicines, such as insulin, nor key items, including solar lamps, syringes and paediatric scales. As I mentioned earlier, in eastern Ghouta, the Russian Federation unilaterally announced a daily five-hour humanitarian pause in the fighting, starting from 27 February, to prevent civilian victims and to enable civilians to leave the enclave. In reality, few civilians left. On the one hand, sufficient protection standards were not in place for voluntary movement. Moreover, armed groups prevented others from leaving. In that context, even though the five-hour window was insufficient to enable the safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and services, as demanded in the resolution, on 5 March the United Nations sent an inter-agency convoy of 46 trucks to Douma, in eastern Ghouta, with food for 27,500 people, along with health and nutrition supplies. Yet those 27,500 represented only a third of the requested beneficiaries, all in desperate need. And most of the health supplies were removed by the Syrian authorities, including basic medicines, dialysis treatments and trauma and surgical materials, such as burn dressings and adrenaline, despite the provisions of paragraph 8 of resolution 2401 (2018). According to the World Health Organization, only about 30 per cent of medical supplies in the convoy 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 5/23 were allowed in. United Nations personnel from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs accompanying the convoy were also denied access to eastern Ghouta. Violence rendered the operation extremely perilous, despite prior assurances from the parties to the conflict. The insecurity forced the team to reluctantly halt unloading and to return to Damascus with a large share of the food aid still on the trucks. On 9 March, a convoy of 13 trucks reached Douma, delivering the remaining food assistance that could not be offloaded four days earlier. Once again, shelling occurred nearby, despite assurances having been provided by all parties. In those difficult circumstances, I commend the valiant humanitarian workers risking their lives to provide assistance and protection to people in need. But we are obviously far from safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid, as demanded in resolution 2401 (2018), as well as other relevant Security Council resolutions. And so the humanitarian and human rights situation is becoming more desperate by the day. In Douma, relief workers who reached the city last week described conditions as shocking and overwhelming. People are sheltering in overcrowded basements. Access to food, water and sanitation is limited. In relation to Douma, we have a convoy ready that I hope will be allowed to proceed in the coming days, especially after the results of today's meeting. As in all conflict settings, the specific needs of women are not receiving sufficient attention, including access to safe spaces, critical health services, medicine and baby formula for their children. In eastern Ghouta, health partners on the ground advise that more than 1,000 people are in urgent need of medical evacuation. The United Nations is ready to support these medical evacuations, in cooperation with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and other partners. A prioritized list of those in greatest need, mostly children, has been shared with the Syrian authorities. I urge a positive response, hoping that today's meeting will allow these actions to take place in the immediate future. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent has announced its intention to send a relief convoy to Afrin as soon as security conditions allows. A United Nations humanitarian mission is awaiting Government authorization to immediately deploy to Raqqa for assessments of security and needs. There are also new disturbing allegations of the use of chlorine gas. Even if we cannot verify them, we cannot ignore them. I continue to urge the Council to find unity on this issue. Having said what I said, I believe that despite all the difficulties, lack of trust, mutual suspicions and cold calculations, it should be possible to implement resolution 2401 (2018). It should be possible to have a cessation of hostilities. It should be possible to deliver aid. It should be possible to evacuate the sick and wounded. It should be possible to lift the sieges. It should be possible to accelerate humanitarian mine action throughout Syria. It should also be possible to remove Security Council-listed terrorist fighters from conflict zones without massive and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. We cannot give up, for the sake of the Syrian people. I appeal to all parties to ensure the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) throughout the whole of Syrian territory. The United Nations is ready to assist in any effort to make that happen. I call on all States with influence to exercise it in support of the efforts of the United Nations and the implementation of the resolution. I hope that this week's Astana ministerial meeting, which will gather the guarantors of de-escalation, will concretely restore de-escalation arrangements, and take real steps on detainees, abductees and missing persons. The dramatic situation I have described — the calamity across the country, the rivalries, the cynicism, the cruelty — highlight the need for a political solution. My Special Envoy continues to work towards the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). On Thursday, the conflict will enter its eighth year. I refuse to lose my hope to see Syria rising from the ashes. To see a united, democratic Syria able to avoid fragmentation and sectarianism and with its sovereignty and territorial integrity respected, and to see a Syrian people able to freely decide their future and choose their political leadership. The President: I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I now give the floor to those Council members who wish to make statements. Recalling the Security Council's latest note 507 on its working methods (S/2017/507), I wish to encourage all participants, both members and non-members of the Council, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 6/23 18-06756 Mr. Alotaibi (Kuwait) (spoke in Arabic): I deliver this speech today on behalf of Kuwait and Sweden. At the outset I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting at the request of the delegations of Kuwait and Sweden, pursuant to resolution 2401 (2018). I also thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his presence here today and for his briefing about the implementation of this resolution. Fifteen days have passed since the Security Council's unanimous adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), which demands that all parties implement a 30-day ceasefire throughout Syria without delay in order to deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need and to end the siege of residential areas. It is with great regret that we continue to witness a clear failure to implement the resolution's provisions while military operations across Syria continue to prevent humanitarian and medical assistance, particularly in eastern Ghouta and specifically on the part of the Syrian authorities. This has prevented United Nations teams and their humanitarian partners from safely providing humanitarian assistance to eastern Ghouta, which has been a primary locus among Syrian areas in need of assistance ever since its siege began in 2013, and which is home to about 400,000 people. In this regard, we would like to make a number of observations, as follows. First, we have followed with deep concern the inability of the United Nations and its humanitarian partners to enter the besieged areas, and the obstacles and impediments that they have faced during their operations in some areas. In that regard, we would refer to events in Douma, eastern Ghouta, on 5 March, which proved to be the deadliest day since the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), with at least 100 people having been killed on that day alone. On that day, the hopes of civilians hinged on receiving lifesaving humanitarian aid, and we looked forward to that first positive initiative reaching 90,000 people in need of assistance in eastern Ghouta. However, what happened was that the number of beneficiaries dropped to less than half due to the Syrian authorities having removed necessary medical supplies from the convoy's load without clear justification, despite the fact that they had been given prior notification, based on standard operating procedures, of the entirety of the humanitarian convoy's content. It is also a matter of deep concern that convoys administered by the United Nations and its partners were compelled to cease their operations before completely unloading their cargo due to continued aerial bombardment on Douma. We demand that the Syrian authorities give immediate permission for two convoys per week to eastern Ghouta and other destinations, at the request of the United Nations. We call on all parties to provide appropriate security guarantees for these convoys and to permit United Nations staff to accompany the convoys. In this regard, we reaffirm the need for all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, to assume their responsibilities to protect all humanitarian workers, including United Nations agencies and their relevant partners. We welcome the entry of the remaining humanitarian convoys provided by the Red Cross and the World Food Program into Douma on 9 March to deliver the remaining food assistance. This was the second time such convoys had been allowed to enter Douma in one week. There is a need to build on this so as to increase the number of weekly convoys to eastern Ghouta in a sustainable manner. Secondly, we reiterate the Council's demand for immediate unconditional medical evacuations based on medical need, starting this week, and we call on the Syrian authorities to give permission and work with the United Nations and its implementing partners to that end. Thirdly, the continued fighting in eastern Ghouta, particularly the incessant air strikes, prompts us to again call specifically on the Syrian authorities to comply with the provisions of the resolution and of international law in order to facilitate humanitarian assistance to reach those in need. We believe that a daily five-hour truce in eastern Ghouta does not support the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). Fourthly, the United Nations has confirmed that the number of combatants associated with terrorist groups designated by the Security Council in eastern Ghouta does not exceed 350. We cannot accept continued military operations under the pretext of combating terrorism when they effectively prevent the delivery of humanitarian assistance, contrary to the requirements of the resolution. Resolution 2401 (2018), which was adopted unanimously, took effect immediately and is applicable to all parties. In that regard, we note the willingness of certain opposition groups in eastern Ghouta to abide by the provisions of the resolution and to expel terrorist groups designated by the Security Council. We express our support for the 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 7/23 efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, to operationalize this matter without delay. Fifthly, listening to the Secretary-General's briefing today on the status of the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) constitutes one of the monitoring tools included in the resolution. But the main mechanisms remain the existing ceasefire agreements between the parties to the conflict, most notably the Astana accord with Russia, Turkey and Iran as its guarantors, and the agreement supervised by the United States and the Russian Federation that emanated from the International Syria Support Group. The resolution stresses the need to activate those agreements in order to reach a 30- day ceasefire aimed at allowing sustainable access to humanitarian assistance in all regions in Syria. We call again on the parties to those agreements to redouble their efforts in order to implement the provisions of resolution 2401 (2018). The unanimous position that the Security Council conveyed to the Syrian people and to the world by adopting resolution 2401 (2018) on 24 February must be built on in a speedy and effective manner, especially as the resolution is primarily of a humanitarian nature. There is a collective responsibility on us as members of the Security Council, specifically on influential parties, to maintain our credibility before the world and work to implement the provisions of resolution 2401 (2018). We would like here to stress that the provisions of the resolution are valid even after 30 days from the date of its adoption. We affirm our full commitment to continue to closely follow the status of the implementation of the resolution in the Council monthly reports. We will spare no effort to make progress on its implementation. This month marks the beginning of the eighth year of the conflict in Syria. Sadly, there is still a need for the violence to cease, for sustained humanitarian access through weekly cross-line convoys, for medical evacuations, for the protection of civilians and hospitals and for lifting the siege. We cannot let the Syrian people down, and we will continue to strive to implement the joint demands that we have set out. Finally, we recall that the lack of a political settlement to the conflict in Syria based on resolution 2254 (2015) will lead to further deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Mrs. Haley (United States of America): I would like to congratulate the Netherlands and your team, Mr. President, on having assumed the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I also want to thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing and for all of his efforts on behalf of peace in Syria Sixteen days ago, we sat around the negotiating table with our Security Council colleagues and agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in the brutal bombardment of civilians in Syria. The negotiations were long and difficult. Every minute we delayed meant more innocent people were killed. But the Russian delegation stalled and drew out the talks. They had conditions they insisted on before they would allow the killing to stop. The United States was reluctant to accept those conditions. But, in order to stop the killing in Syria, we accepted them. We attempted to work with Russia in good faith to end the violence in Syria. As a result, 16 days ago we came to an agreement. Russia cast its vote in favour of the agreement (see S/PV.8188). With that vote Russia promised its support for a 30-day cease-fire, as did the rest of the members of the security Council. With that vote Russia said that it too wanted to create the conditions for food and medicine to reach starving Syrian families. With that vote Russia told us it would use its influence with the Syrian regime to silence the guns in Syria. It told us that the Russians would themselves honour the ceasefire they voted to demand. With that vote Russia made a commitment to us, to the Syrian people and to the world — a commitment to stop the killing in Syria. Today we know that the Russians did not keep their commitment. Today we see their actions do not match those commitments, as bombs continue dropping on the children of eastern Ghouta. Today we must ask whether Russia can no longer influence the Al-Assad regime to stop the horrific destruction of hospitals, medical clinics and ambulances and to stop dropping chemical weapons on villages. Has the situation in Syria reversed, and Russia is now the tool of Al-Assad — or worse, Iran? We must ask those questions because we know the Russians themselves have continued their own bombing. In the first four days following the ceasefire, Russian military aircraft conducted at least 20 daily bombing missions in Damascus and eastern Ghouta. The Russians negotiated the wording of the ceasefire down to the commas and the periods. They voted for the S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 8/23 18-06756 ceasefire. And they immediately disregarded it. In the past 16 days, over 500 civilians have died. Some reports put the death toll even higher. That is unacceptable. Thousands of Syrians are in desperate need of medical care. But none of the United Nations list has been evacuated. We have heard the conversations are ongoing with the regime to medically evacuate 25 people in the coming weeks. While those civilians should be rushed to medical care, we ask why it took so long. When will the more than 1,000 identified medical cases be evacuated? There have been almost no deliveries of medicine or surgical equipment, because the Al-Assad regime remove them from the United Nations humanitarian convoys. The convoy that made it to eastern Ghouta on 5 March had to navigate around constant regime airstrikes. The bombing was so severe that the United Nations could barely unload the food the trucks were carrying. And in the past 16 days, there have been three separate allegations of chlorine-gas attacks. This is no ceasefire. This is the Al-Assad regime, Iran and Russia continuing to wage war against their political opponents. And there is another reason we know the Syrians and Russians never intended to implement the ceasefire: they planned for it. Over the past two weeks, the Russian and Syrian regimes have been busy labelling every opposition group in eastern Ghouta a "terrorist group". Why? So they can exploit a provision in the ceasefire resolution (resolution 2401 (2018)) that allows for military operations against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and Al-Qaida. There are terrorists in Syria, but the Russian and Syrian regimes label anyone as terrorists who resist their absolute control. In the eyes of Russia, Iran and Al-Assad, the neighbourhoods of eastern Ghouta are full of terrorists. The hospitals are full of terrorists. The schools are full of terrorists. The Syrian and Russian regimes insist that they are targeting terrorists, but their bombs and artillery continue to fall on hospitals and schools and on innocent civilians. They have deliberately and with premeditation exploited a loophole they negotiated in the ceasefire to continue starving and pummelling hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrian civilians. They have made a mockery of this process and this institution. For the sake of the Syrian people and the integrity of the Council, we must respond and take action. During the negotiations, the United States put all parties on notice that we needed to act if the ceasefire was not honoured. Members of the Security Council agreed. Now that day has come. The ceasefire has failed. The situation of the civilians in eastern Ghouta is dire. The United States is acting. We have drafted a new ceasefire draft resolution that provides no room for evasion. It is simple, straightforward and binding. It will take effect immediately upon adoption by the Council. It contains no counter-terrorism loopholes for Al-Assad, Iran and the Russians to hide behind. And it focuses on the area the Secretary-General has identified and that the world can see holds the greatest urgency for the lives of innocent civilians, that is, Damascus city and eastern Ghouta. If Russia, Iran and Al-Assad cannot agree to stop the bombing in that limited part of Syria for that limited amount of time, they will not agree to anything that is worthwhile. If they will not keep their word once they have agreed to a ceasefire, then how can we trust them? In the end, that is what makes the work of the Council possible: trust. If we cannot count on the members of the Council to honour their agreements, we cannot accomplish anything. If we cannot act when children are dying, we have no business being here. If we cannot save families that have not seen the sun for weeks because they have been hiding underground to escape barrel bombs, then the Security Council is as impotent as its worst critics say it is. Almost a year ago in the aftermath of the Syrian regime sarin gas attack on Khan Shaykhoun, the United States offered a warning to the Council. We said that when the international community consistently fails to act, there are times when States are compelled to take their own action. The Security Council failed to act, and the United States successfully struck the air base from which Al-Assad had launched his chemical attack. We repeat that warning today. We welcome all nations that will work together to finally provide relief for the Syrian people, and we support the United Nations political process that seeks to end the war in Syria. However, we also warn that any nation that is determined to impose its will through chemical attacks and inflicting human suffering, most especially the outlaw Syrian regime, the United States remains prepared to act if we must. It is not the path we prefer, but it is a path we have demonstrated we will take. We are prepared to take it again. 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 9/23 Mr. Allen (United Kingdom): I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and, through him, may I thank all of those trying to supply the desperately needed humanitarian response on the ground. They are indeed valiant. Sixteen days ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2401 (2018). We did so because we and the world were sickened by the slaughter of innocents in Syria, particularly in eastern Ghouta. Russia used every tactic in its playbook to weaken the resolution and buy time for its ally, the Al-Assad regime, to bomb indiscriminately. But when it raises its hand in support, we hope that Russia and its clients would keep their word and implement the resolution. Sadly, as the Secretary-General's briefing has made clear, our resolution has not been implemented. What has happened? First, has there been a ceasefire? No. The violence continues and civilian deaths continue to rise. In those 16 days, 607 people have reportedly been killed, including 99 children and 79 women. The opposition armed groups committed to implementing resolution 2401 (2018) in full, but the Al-Assad regime's air strikes continue. Despite voting for a ceasefire, between 24 and 28 February, Russian military aircraft conducted 20 bombing missions in eastern Ghouta and Damascus every day. Russia has failed to confirm that it is only conducting air strikes against groups that are listed as terrorist groups by the Council. During the so-called daily humanitarian pause, over 56 air strikes hit eastern Ghouta between 27 February and 7 March, including at least six air strikes by Russian aircraft, according to monitors on the ground. Let us recall that only last year Russia declared the whole area to be a de-escalation zone. It has claimed that its bombardments are about fighting terrorists. That is manifestly not the case. There is one terrorist group recognized by the Security Council in eastern Ghouta, which accounts for less than not even 1 per cent of the population of the enclave. The other fighters are members of the opposition armed groups, which Russia has itself invited to the Astana meetings. Those groups have written stating their readiness to expel Al-Nusra Front from the enclave. Instead, Russia bombs them, undermining the political process that it is a part of. We are pleased that the members of the High Negotiations Committee of the Syrian opposition will be able to discuss the situation in Syria with Council members later today. I repeat my consistent condemnation of attacks against Damascus. What about our resolution's second demand, that is, safe, unimpeded and sustained access for humanitarian convoys, including medical and surgical supplies? Only one convoy has been able to enter besieged eastern Ghouta in the past 16 days, in two movements following shelling. They delivered supplies for 27,500 people — a fraction of the 400,000 civilians besieged in eastern Ghouta. What is stopping the aid from getting to the people that so desperately need it? Again, it is the regime. The ongoing violence that it perpetrates is an important factor, and its failure to grant access is another. On 5 March, the regime removed nearly 70 per cent of the medical supplies from a humanitarian convoy destined for 90,000 people. That happened at a time when the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is warning that malnutrition and disease are so prevalent that people will soon die from hunger and sickness even more than from air strikes. Finally, have there been any medical evacuations for the approximately 1,000 people who need them? Not a single one. Again, it is the regime that will not permit its civilians to reach urgently needed medical care. Some may point to an aid convoy or an announced pause in air strikes as a sign of improvement, and claim that those actions implement the resolution. They do not. Our resolution was clear: a ceasefire without delay, humanitarian access and medical evacuations. None have happened. Instead, the truth is that the regime will continue to pound eastern Ghouta until it has a complete military victory there, and Russia will continue to protect its ally, whatever the cost to the people of Syria and its own reputation. As we sit here, watching Al-Assad inscribing eastern Ghouta, again, on the roll call of atrocities and war crimes that he has committed over the eight years of the bloody conflict, let me say clearly that there will be future accountability for those crimes, and Russia's role, bombing alongside him and protecting him from accountability, will never be forgotten. There is still time. If Russia is able to announce a five-hour ceasefire, it can announce a full ceasefire. If it can get one aid convoy through, it can get more through. I urge Russia to give its unconditional support to resolution 2401 (2018) and a ceasefire to enable the delivery of humanitarian S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 10/23 18-06756 assistance, respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians. Mr. Delattre (France) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank the Secretary-General for his strong and particularly enlightening briefing, as well as for his personal commitment, in addition to that of the staff of the Secretariat and Mr. Staffan de Mistura, to spare no effort in implementing resolution 2401 (2018). Allow me, on behalf of France, to especially commend the United Nations teams and all the humanitarian actors working under extremely difficult conditions in Syria. Two weeks ago, we unanimously adopted a text calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities of at least 30 days, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access and medical evacuations in Syria. I would remind those present that those demands apply to the whole of Syria and all parties. We negotiated the text together for several weeks and, I repeat, unanimously adopted it. Each member of the Council around this table has therefore endorsed the content by deciding to assume responsibility. That responsibility fell particularly on Russia, as a permanent member that voted for resolution 2401 (2018), sponsor of the Astana talks and a Power engaged in the Syrian situation, as it claims to be. We had agreed to a clause to meet 15 days later to review its implementation. The Secretary-General has just provided us with a very clear picture of that. Since 24 February, civilian casualties have continued to climb into the hundreds every week. The regime is pursuing, in defiance of its people and the Council, an air and land offensive that it has never intended to halt, with the support of Russia and Iran. However, let us not be deceived that civilians are not the "collateral victims" of those military operations. Rather, they are themselves being targeted by the regime, deliberately and methodically to starve and rape, destroy their health centres, kill and sow terror and death. The hell on Earth experienced by eastern Ghouta is not just the effect of the regime's policy; it is the very purpose of the regime's murderous madness, with its daily tally of war crimes and crimes against humanity, for which the regime will have to answer. Let us call a spade a spade: Who can stop the Syrian regime? Everyone knows that, apart from a military operation, it is Russia that is in the best position to do so today. It is therefore legitimate that today, more than ever before, everyone looks expectantly towards Russia, which has so far been unwilling, or unable, to exert sufficient pressure on the regime. Two weeks after the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), we are here in the Chamber to face the facts. First, what has happened since the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018)? In the light of the inexorable worsening of the humanitarian situation in eastern Ghouta, the Security Council has rallied around a cessation of hostilities and made every effort to seek consensus, and finally did reach consensus on 24 February. We knew then, and we said so, that this result was only a precondition, and that the longest and most difficult part of the path towards a humanitarian truce was still before us. However, every day since 24 February the fighting has continued. In the days that followed, despite Russia's unilateral announcement of a daily five-hour truce — well below what resolution 2401 (2018) requires — the intensity of the fighting has increased. Since resolution 2401 (2018) was adopted, there has not been a single day when eastern Ghouta, an enclave that has been starved and besieged for months, has not been bombed by the regime and its supporters. The fight against terrorism — and this cannot be repeated enough — cannot be used as a pretext for such a bloodbath of civilians or for such contempt for international humanitarian law. Eastern Ghouta is now a textbook case of war crimes, and even of crimes against humanity. It cannot be ignored: the Syrian regime, with the support of Russia and Iran, is engaged in a war of total submission against its people. Violations of the ceasefire by the Damascus regime, with the support of Russia and Iran, have been massive and ongoing, and I would like to thank the Secretary-General for clearly exposing those violations. Let me briefly review some of these violations. Between 24 and 27 February, 72 attacks by the Syrian regime and its Russian and Iranian allies, from more than 14 locations, were reported. Between 24 and 28 February, Russian military aircraft carried out no fewer than 20 bombing missions in Damascus and eastern Ghouta. Between 27 February and 2 March, field observers documented at least 25 air strikes by the regime and Russia during the five-hour humanitarian breaks declared by Moscow. Since 18 February, more than 29 hospital have been hit, and few health facilities are still in operation. On 8 March, a health care facility in Mesraba was completely destroyed by bombardments. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as of 11 March, 607 people, including 99 children and 79 women, had been killed since the adoption of resolution 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 11/23 2401 (2018). I would repeat: 607 people have been killed. In addition to the dead, there are many injured persons, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, rapes and many other intolerable violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Finally, further credible allegations of the use of chemical weapons have been made since the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018). As the highest French authorities have pointed out, France will brook no compromise when it comes to the use of those abject weapons. The humanitarian needs are immense, yet the regime deliberately continues to block the entry of aid, despite the presence of Russian soldiers at the crossing points, as what happened to the convoy on 5 March shows. Indeed, the population continues to be deprived of relief and of any possibility of medical evacuation, even if more than 1,000 people need it. Still, we cannot give up. On behalf of France, I would like to make a new and urgent appeal to those who can make a difference on the ground, starting with Russia. France is not posing; it is taking action. My country has been and remains one of the countries most committed to the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). Right after the resolution's adoption, France stepped up its contacts and efforts at the highest level so as to contribute to the resolution's swift implementation, so that the Astana guarantors would assume their responsibilities and so that the commitments made collectively would be respected. President Macron has met with Presidents Putin, Erdoğan and Rouhani, as well as with the Secretary-General on several occasions. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visited Moscow and then Tehran. To Russia, we proposed concrete measures for implementing resolution 2401 (2018). Although our efforts aimed at reaching out have been ignored, we stand by our proposals. Let us not deceive ourselves: without an immediate implementation of resolution 2401 (2018), the worst is yet to come. After the regime has conquered the rural zones of eastern Ghouta, the worst would be a conquest — street by street, house by house — in a torrent of fire, for the urban zones of the region, which are by definition the most densely populated areas. It is of the highest urgency, therefore, for us to come together to ensure that the resolution is fully implemented before the street battles promised by the regime's military planners begin. I would like to highlight three essential elements in that regard. The first is implementing a monitoring system to ensure maximum pressure on the parties. The main reason resolution 2401 (2018) has not been not implemented is that the Syrian regime has been engaged in its murderous folly and the regime's supporters have been unable or unwilling to stop it and prevent a worsening of the humanitarian situation. But the failure to implement resolution 2401 (2018) is also the result of our not being able to put in place a sufficiently targeted follow-up mechanism to the resolution in the Council. This must be our priority, and I am convinced that it is our only chance to compel the Syrian regime to comply with its international obligations. France therefore calls for appropriate decisions to be taken in the coming days. It is essential and urgent that humanitarian convoys reach eastern Ghouta in adequate security conditions and carry out their delivery of aid, and that medical evacuations be allowed. For that to happen, the truce must be sustainable and flexible in order to take into account delays in the delivery, discharge and distribution of aid. Medical authorizations must not only be delivered in an expedited manner; they must also come with all the security guarantees needed by patients, their families and the humanitarian actors who assist them. Indeed, the protection due them under international humanitarian law must be unconditionally guaranteed. The second element I would like to highlight is the departure of terrorist fighters from Ghouta as proposed by armed groups. In their letter to the Security Council, the three armed groups in eastern Ghouta, upon the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), indicated their commitment to upholding the resolution, made concrete proposals for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities and committed themselves to taking combatant members of their groups out of Ghouta. The United Nations offered its assistance in those exchanges and carried out important work along those lines, to which the Secretary General just referred. I call on Russia today to conclude and implement the relevant agreements without delay. This is one of the keys to implementing the resolution. The third element is political negotiation. A lasting cessation of hostilities in Syria requires a political process consistent with the terms of resolution 2254 (2015), our shared road map for ending the conflict. Staffan de Mistura has our full support in bringing this mission to a successful conclusion and swiftly convening negotiations in Geneva, which is the only legitimate forum for a credible solution. In order to S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 12/23 18-06756 achieve results, United Nations mediation requires that necessary pressure be exerted on the parties. We therefore call once again on Russia, as well as Iran, to fulfil their responsibilities, as we are fulfilling our own. Collectively we have the capacity, if we so wish, to stop the endless descent into the abyss that characterizes the Syrian tragedy, and finally create a real political dynamic. On behalf of France, I therefore call once again for all members of the Council to finally rally their words and action in the service of this shared objective, which matches to our interests and responsibilities. It is never too late to save lives, and it is our responsibility — if we accept it — to end the tragedy of Syria, on which our generation, and the credibility of the Security Council, will be judged. Mr. Nebenzia (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We would like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and his detailed information on what we asked for. We particularly appreciated his words when he said that there should be only one agenda for all of us — ending this crisis. Russia supported the Security Council's adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), guided by the priority of improving the humanitarian situation in various parts of Syria. We not only believe that its effective implementation is extremely important, we have also proposed concrete ways of achieving that, something that was discussed in today's briefing. And that is unlike various capitals whose representatives have settled comfortably for doing nothing while vilifying the Syrian regime, as they call it, and making endless accusations about Russia. In out last meeting on the subject (see S/PV.8188), I promised to count the number of times that Ambassador Haley mentioned Russia in the next meeting. The answer is 22. France came second, with 16 mentions, and the United Kingdom was third, with 12. This matters not just for the record but for the context in which it occurs. What is going on is a political policy, and it does not have to do merely — indeed, not much at all — with concern for Syrians' humanitarian needs. It is important that everyone understands that resolution 2401 (2018) is not about an immediate ceasefire, which is a utopian notion, but a preliminary agreement between the parties as a condition for achieving sustainable de-escalation in all the contested areas of Syria, not just eastern Ghouta. That is the only realistic way. The resolution contains an unequivocal demand in that regard, and we are trying to make that happen. The Council has heard about that today and will hear more. The authorities in Damascus have expressed their satisfaction with the resolution and their willingness to implement its provisions. However, they have also rightly demanded an immediate cessation of attacks on the capital and of all infringements on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The counter-terrorist operation that the Syrian armed forces are conducting does not contradict resolution 2401 (2018). The Government of Syria has every right to work to end threats to its citizens' security. The Damascus suburbs cannot continue to be a breeding ground for terrorists. It is the terrorists' persistent attempts to disrupt the ceasefire that serve to maintain the tensions in Syria, and of course the most problematic area is in eastern Ghouta. The July 2017 Cairo agreements on the eastern Ghouta de-escalation zone gave the militants a chance to be included in the political settlement. They did not take advantage of it and have still not dissociated themselves from the terrorists. Even now the groups' activities are coordinated from the joint headquarters run by Jabhat Al-Nusra. We have reliable information that they are in active radio contact, discussing plans for shelling the humanitarian corridors, among other things. Why are they only now talking about being willing to drive Al-Nusra's members out of eastern Ghouta? And why are we the only ones asking that question? We have answered it a number of times ourselves when we have spoken about suspicions that Al-Nusra is being preserved for particular political purposes, in this case to maintain a dangerous hotbed of armed resistance in the immediate vicinity of Syria's capital. Even now they continue to lull us with fairy stories about how few terrorists there are in eastern Ghouta. And who is going to monitor the armed groups' implementation of the resolution? Who will be responsible for that? Just please do not keep saying the so-called regime, and Russia, and Iran. Such ideological attitudes are simply not serious in the context of the professional discussions that we conduct in the Security Council. What responsibility will the members of the Council take for the implementation of the resolution? How will they implement it? How will they influence the militias they support? 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 13/23 Following the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), with Russia's participation, daily five-hour humanitarian pauses were established and the Muhayam-Al-Wafedin checkpoint was opened for use by both civilians and militants with families. They were guaranteed security, transportation and protection along the entire route. The Syrian authorities then opened another checkpoint, Jisreen-Mleha, in the southern area of eastern Ghouta. Medical posts have been set up, distribution points organized for hot meals, buses are standing by. However, the insurgents continued to subject the central areas of Damascus and its outskirts to massive shelling. Dozens of mines have been laid for days, resulting in deaths and injuries as well as major damage. Since the day the resolution was adopted more than 100 people have died, and many more been injured, as a result of the shelling in the capital. The Tishrin and Al-Biruni hospitals and a medical centre in Al-Rihan have been hit more than once. These are real hospitals, not the militants' field offices that are frequently disguised as hospitals. They are making active use of snipers. We know this for a fact. It is a tragedy when any civilians die during an armed conflict. But my delegation has always been interested in the origin of the statistical information being used in the United Nations. In a highly politicized situation this subject is extremely important. Frequent assessments are pronounced about civilian losses in eastern Ghouta. We hope that future reports will be required to indicate where their data is from, how reliable it is and who exactly is meant by "reliable sources on the ground". Every day that has passed, the extremists have forbidden civilians to leave the areas they have blocked and have severely suppressed attempts to resist arbitrary action, including through exemplary executions. We have reliable information about that too. Strikes on corridors and exit checkpoints are constant, including during the humanitarian pauses. On 9 March a convoy of refugees was shelled, once again disrupting an evacuation. Tunnels are being used for attacks on the Syrian army, and the exits from underground installations are located in neighbourhoods where there are public institutions, mainly mosques, hospitals and markets. They have inflated food prices and at the same time have been taking away the people's food, water, medicines and mobile phones. They are setting up firing positions in residential buildings and using people as human shields. They are laying mines in neighbourhoods that are adjacent to the line of contact. They are conducting searches and confiscating permit papers distributed by Government forces. The residents are trying to resist this repression, organizing spontaneous rallies and clashing with the militias. On 1 March, in north-eastern Douma, Al-Nusra terrorists shot four people who participated in such a demonstration. Today there was a major protest in Kafr Batna. The first major exodus of civilians took place on the night of 11 March, when 52 people, 26 of them children, left the village of Misraba with the assistance of the Russian Centre for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides and the Syrian army. There are also militants who want to leave eastern Ghouta, but their field commanders threaten potential defectors with reprisals. For the first time, on 9 March, after long and tense negotiations, with the participation of officers from the Russian Centre for Reconciliation, 13 militants were evacuated from the enclave through the humanitarian corridor at their own request. Talks have been held with Jaysh Al-Islam on reaching an agreement on the withdrawal of a second group of fighters. A meeting was also held with the leaders of Faylaq Al-Rahman, at which it was demanded that they dissociate themselves from Jabhat Al-Nusra immediately. However, according to information received, the militants of the group decided to continue their armed resistance, forcibly recruiting ordinary citizens into their ranks. To turn to the subject of the humanitarian convoy entering Douma on 5 March, the convoy received comprehensive support from the Syrian Government and the Russian military. A humanitarian corridor was established, security ensured for its passage and the situation was monitored. However, there was a great deal of evidence of disorganized activity on the part of the humanitarian actors. According to our information, United Nations staff needlessly delayed the convoy operations, creating real security risks. While the convoy was being put together, they attempted to load it with undeclared medical supplies — and the fact that not all of them were declared was mentioned today — and wasted around two hours in a meeting with the leaders of the so-called local councils. They spread unreliable information about aerial strikes in the trucks' unloading area, and today some delegations seized on that joyfully, although what actually occurred was one instance of mortar fire from the armed groups' positions. They did not respond to local residents' S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 14/23 18-06756 request to help them leave the enclave. Nonetheless, 13 people, five of them children, were evacuated. Afterwards, it was curious to read a report that one of Ahrar Al-Sham's field commanders had, in a tone of irony, expressed his appreciation for the humanitarian pause on 5 March, which enabled the militias to regroup, recover their strength and a number of lost positions and prepare ambushes for the Syrian military. A 9 March action was successfully carried out with the Russian military providing a truck convoy with safe conduct. However, the scope of resolution 2401 (2018) is not limited to eastern Ghouta. We should note that in the past two weeks, the terrorists of Al-Nusra and associated militia groups have repeatedly shelled villages in Hamah province. As a result of new strikes there are been deaths and injuries in blockaded Fo'ah and Kafraya in Idlib. Armed clashes between illegal groups in that province have led to threats of a number of medical facilities being closed. Al-Nusra has become more active in the southern de-escalation zone, which could be related to the fact that they continue to be supplied with weapons from outside. The situation in Afrin remains very difficult. The Syrian authorities have given permission for humanitarian aid to be delivered to the residents of Rukban camp, in the area illegally held by the Americans around the Al-Tanf military base. We would like to know what the United Nations is doing about that. Needless to say, we assume that the distribution of humanitarian assistance will be undertaken by a trustworthy entity such as the International Committee of the Red Cross or the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. We are also awaiting the speedy dispatch of a United Nations humanitarian needs assessment mission to Raqqa, which was bombed out by the coalition. There should be no pointless delays with this, so I would like to ask the United Nations when that mission will take place. We understand very well the unspoken motives for the current disinformation campaign, whose aim is to create a public perception that the Syrian authorities use toxic substances. In fact, both we and the Syrians have well-founded fears that provocations are being planned with the aim of accusing the Syrian authorities of carrying out chemical attacks. According to information received, Al-Nusra used a chlorine-based substance in eastern Ghouta on 5 March, affecting more than 30 local residents. This is all being done in order to prepare the ground for unilateral acts of force against sovereign Syria. We heard hints of that in the statements made by some delegations today. Essentially, steps are being considered that could deliver yet another heavy blow to regional stability. Meanwhile, on territory formerly controlled by illegal armed groups, there have been more new discoveries of stores of chemicals, but the relevant bodies of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have been very slow to react to the appeals of the Syrian authorities. Russia will continue its efforts to implement resolution 2401 (2018), but we demand that some of our colleagues do their part and exert genuine pressure on the groups that they support or sponsor, instead of constantly calling on Russia and creating the false impression that the resolution applies only to us. In conclusion, I would like to say that this afternoon four Security Council will be holding an unofficial Arria Formula meeting with the declared intention of making opposition voices heard on the humanitarian issue in Syria. This is going to be widely covered in the media. First and foremost, we want to point out the fact that is unacceptable to use United Nations resources for politicized purposes, and that is certainly not what Arria Formula meetings were conceived for. This event conceals the desire of its organizers to exert informational pressure on the Syrian Government and those who are helping it fight terrorism. In our view, to get the full picture, it would not be a bad idea to listen to the residents of Raqqa and Rukban camp, not to mention eastern Ghouta, where there are quite a few people who would be glad of the opportunity to appeal for their deliverance from the presence of extremists. Mr. Ma Zhaoxu (China) (spoke in Chinese): I should like at the outset to thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his briefing. China appreciates the positive efforts made by the United Nations and the Secretary- General to alleviate the humanitarian situation in the Syrian regions affected. China sympathizes with the suffering of the Syrian people and has consistently been working hard to help them. Last month we channelled assistance through the International Committee of the Red Cross, sending water, food, medical services and shelter to internally displaced persons in Syria. We are extremely concerned at the fact that the people of Syria are suffering from the conflict. No act 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 15/23 of violence against innocent civilians can be tolerated. This situation must end. On 24 February, the members of the Security Council, leaving aside their differences, unanimously adopted resolution 2401 (2018). This upheld the unity of the Council and provided a rare opportunity for a ceasefire, halting the violence and easing the suffering of the Syrian people. After the resolution was adopted, we saw that United Nations humanitarian relief convoys had overcome difficulties of all kinds and entered eastern Ghouta, delivering much-needed assistance to the people there. With Russia announcing the implementation of the temporary ceasefire, a humanitarian corridor was opened for the Syrian people. We saw that some civilians, including children, had already entered the safe area through the humanitarian corridor and received relief and assistance. It has also come to our attention that the parties to the conflict continue to attack each other and that owing to the shelling the humanitarian corridor has not been able to serve its full purpose. We urge all parties concerned to make joint efforts, exert their influence and ensure that resolution 2401 (2018) is effectively and earnestly implemented. All members of the Security Council should maintain their unity and jointly stay on track to find a political solution to the Syrian issue, support the early resumption of the Geneva peace talks and urge all parties in Syria to achieve a solution acceptable to all as soon as possible, through a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, in order to ease the suffering of the Syrian people. China will continue to make unremitting efforts to that end. Mr. Umarov (Kazakhstan): I join others in thanking Secretary-General António Guterres for his briefing. We welcome the efforts of the United Nations, its system and the International Committee of the Red Cross to render immediate life-saving services, conduct hundreds of medical evacuations and send convoys to the besieged and hard-to-reach areas, especially eastern Ghouta, despite the potential danger to the lives of their personnel. We therefore urge the members of the Security Council to assist the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in operationalizing those emergency programmes and to ensure the protection of medical and humanitarian workers. Likewise, we also urge the parties to support United Nations structures in fulfilling their mandates. We echo the United Nations calls to all parties to facilitate unconditional, unimpeded and sustained access to all people in need throughout the country and to take the necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools and medical facilities, as required by international law and human rights standards. Kazakhstan considers that it is equally important to further promote the Syrian settlement and believes that the Astana process has great potential for guiding intra-Syrian talks towards long-term peace. In that context, we propose that all sides, including stakeholders, provide all-round assistance, making use of the positive developments to improve the humanitarian situation on the ground. Astana continues to support resolution 2254 (2015), as it always has, and repeatedly calls on the International Syria Support Group and other countries to help the conflicting parties to implement the measures stipulated in the Geneva communiqué (S/2012/522, annex) and the Vienna statements. We express concern over the existing difficulties in Syria, which seriously impede the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018), and we call on the international community to influence the conflicting parties to cooperate with the United Nations. The only way to truly resolve the crisis is through negotiations, predicated on mutual trust and understanding, together with confidence-building measures. In practical terms, we are convinced that expelling terrorist groups from eastern Ghouta may calm the situation in that sector. Let us be frank: removing the Al-Nusra Front and other affiliated terrorist groups from the area, as stated in a letter from three parties, must be pursued in order to end hostilities. The implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) is a collective responsibility, with each Council member playing a significant role. Finally, Kazakhstan supports solutions in Syria on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communiqué, as well as the agreements on the de-escalation zones reached during the Astana process. Mr. Meza-Cuadra (Peru) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting and to welcome the presence of Secretary-General António Guterres, who reminded us of the responsibilities of the international community, S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 16/23 18-06756 in particular the Council, given the serious and terrible developments in Syria. Peru follows with great concern the humanitarian situation in that country. We must express our sorrow and solidarity to the victims of the conflict, most of whom are children. We deeply regret that, two weeks after the ceasefire was unanimously adopted by the Council through resolution 2401 (2018), there has not been sufficient progress in its implementation. As the Secretary-General noted, a sustained cessation of hostilities has not materialized. The conflict continues to claim civilian victims. The much-needed humanitarian assistance has been provided in a very limited way. International law and international humanitarian law continue to be violated with impunity. The bleak outlook requires us to redouble our efforts. The Security Council must remain united in its responsibility to protect the Syrian population by promoting all actions conducive to ensuring the full and immediate implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). The responsibility to act is clearly greater for the countries with the greatest capacity for influence in the field, in particular the guarantors of the de-escalation zones agreed in Astana. The situation is particularly serious in eastern Ghouta, where, among other emergencies, more than 1,000 people need to be evacuated for medical reasons. It is also serious in Idlib, Afrin, Rukban and Raqqa, among other places. We need to remember that the ceasefire must cover the entire Syrian territory and allow humanitarian assistance in a sustained, safe and unhindered way. The Syrian Government must comply with the ceasefire immediately and fulfil its responsibility to protect the population and its obligation to cooperate with the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). The fight against terrorism cannot be used as an excuse to violate human rights and international humanitarian law. Peru supports the proposal of Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura to promote dialogue with the opposition groups that have expressed their willingness to comply with the ceasefire and to expel members of terrorist organizations linked to the Al-Nusra Front from eastern Ghouta. Peru remains committed to achieving a political solution to the conflict that ends the ongoing humanitarian disaster, ensures accountability for the atrocious crimes committed in that country, including the use of chemical weapons, supports regional stability and achieves sustainable peace in Syria. We would like to conclude by expressing our support for the Secretary-General in his call for the immediate implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) and for his tireless efforts and those of his team on the ground. We also wish to highlight the professionalism, the courage and the sense of duty of the United Nations humanitarian personnel and of the humanitarian agencies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, among others deployed in Syria. Mr. Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude to Secretary-General António Guterres for his informative briefing. I also thank him for his leadership and all his support, in particular his tremendous efforts, as well as those of his Special Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, and of the entire United Nations team, to achieve the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) and a definitive resolution of the Syrian conflict. Today's meeting should be another milestone in the international response to the humanitarian crisis prevailing in Syria. However, unfortunately, that is not the case. As the Secretary-General underscored in his briefing, in recent weeks, the parties involved at all levels have intensified their fighting in eastern Ghouta despite the humanitarian ceasefire agreed through the unanimous adoption of resolution 2401 (2018) exactly 16 days ago. Nevertheless, we welcome with satisfaction reports that the United Nations and Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy was finally able to reach eastern Ghouta last Friday to complete the delivery of food that could not be unloaded on 5 March for security reasons. However, the delivery of all necessary humanitarian supplies, including the medical and health-care supplies that were seized in the first attempt by convoys to the besieged areas, continues to be urgent and must be carried out without delay. We also welcome the news that the Secretary- General has just provided to us with regard to some improvements in the situation on the ground in eastern Ghouta. We hope that today's meeting will lead to greater improvement or a definitive resolution of the situation in that part of Syria. 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 17/23 We read the letter dated 9 March that the co-penholders — France, the United Kingdom and the United States — addressed to the Secretary-General and the Council. We have also read very carefully the many letters that the Syrian Government has addressed to the members of the Security Council through its Permanent Representative. Basically, we note in those letters the repeated mutual accusations that have been a characteristic of this long conflict since its beginning. We are talking about a 30-day ceasefire, and time is gradually running out. We have had enough of mutual recrimination. The only collective task that we should focus on is finding a coherent peace mechanism to stop this endless and heinous war. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea remains deeply concerned about the developments in the situation in Syria. We reiterate the urgent need for Council members who have influence over the national parties to the conflict to redouble their diplomatic initiatives with a view to reaching a common understanding on how to find a political solution to the tragic crisis in Syria, the effects of which are a threat to the region and the international community, in particular because of the humanitarian implications posed by the millions of Syrians who are currently being displaced within the country or seeking asylum and because of the security risks caused by the expansion of Da'esh, the Al-Nusra Front and other terrorist entities. We also express our deep indignation at the continuing fighting in the province of Idlib, which, for seven consecutive days, has been subject to attacks and rocket fire from Islamic factions in areas of the cities of Kafraya and Fo'ah. Those events, like many others, demonstrate the need for a common front that will expel from Syria the Islamic State, Al-Qaida, the Al-Nusra Front and all other associated entities that threaten peace and security in the region. In conclusion, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea calls on the guarantors of the Astana process — Russia, Iran and Turkey — to ensure that the rounds of negotiations to be held on 15 and 16 March — to which the Special Envoy of the United Nations for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, was invited — serve not only to plan future actions and strategies, but also to give genuine impetus to finding a solution to the Syrian crisis once and for all. During my statement after the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), I said that we had partially spared ourselves from embarrassment (see S/PV.8188). However, since 16 days have passed since the adoption of the resolution without it being implemented. I think we remain completely shamed. Ms. Wronecka (Poland): Let me thank the Secretary­General for his comprehensive, but again very worrying and alarming, update. Like many around this table, we share a sense of urgency, especially following the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018). We also see how difficult it is to implement resolution 2401 (2018) on the ground. Small steps, such as sending an aid convoy to eastern Ghouta last Monday, are still mere drops in the ocean of people's needs. Even with a unanimously adopted resolution, we are still lacking any substantial change on the ground and the fighting is far from being over. We therefore call for the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). We understand that the solution is not entirely in our hands, but still we should try to do our utmost to find possible ways to ensure that the life-saving aid convoys might reach those in need and medical evacuations might begin. Unfortunately, the situation in eastern Ghouta, but also in Idlib and Aleppo provinces, does not allow the suffering of ordinary Syrians to be alleviated. Let me once again stress our full support for the Secretary-General, as well as his Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura, in finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis. A political solution to the conflict remains the only viable way to end the suffering of Syrian people. Let me also underline that the role of the Security Council remains crucial, but it is up to the Syrian people to decide their own future. We agree that fighting against terrorist groups designated as such by the Security Council is crucial, but, at the same time, such designations cannot justify the attacks on innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure, including health facilities. Those attacks must stop and parties to the conflict must strictly comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. In that context, let me once again strongly underline that any response to violence should be proportionate. We need full compliance with the ceasefire agreed in resolution 2401 (2018). The Russian proposal for a daily five-hour pause is simply not enough to allow humanitarian workers to deliver aid and to evacuate those who cannot be treated on the ground. The international community, and especially the Council, S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 18/23 18-06756 bear a huge responsibility to protect civilians. Allow me to share a couple of concrete ideas, which I hope will be useful, on how to improve the situation on the ground. As the Security Council, we should demand United Nations access in order to monitor designated de-escalation zones to ensure the well-being of civilians. All States Members of the United Nations should fully cooperate with the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism set up last year and facilitate its work. Parties engaged in the conflict must cease enabling the crimes on the ground and withhold all their support to armed groups that target civilians. Parties conducting air strikes against terrorist groups must ensure that all necessary precautionary measures are taken into consideration in order to avoid civilian casualties and that all military operations are fully consistent with international law. All potential violations, including possible war crimes, must be investigated, and the perpetrators must be held accountable. In conclusion, let me underline that, from our perspective, we in New York sometimes lack feedback on our actions. With regard to actions taken at Headquarters, it is for the Syrian people themselves to tell us what would be the most effective way to support them. Mr. Tanoh-Boutchoue (Côte d'Ivoire) (spoke in French): My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his briefing on the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018), on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Two weeks after its unanimous adoption by members of the Security Council, resolution 2401 (2018), which had inspired a great deal of hope, has not been implemented as planned, much to our regret. The requirement of an immediate cessation of hostilities for a period of at least 30 days, provided for by resolution 2401 (2018), to enable the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and services and medical evacuation of the critically sick and wounded, in accordance with applicable international humanitarian law, has not yet gone into effect. The humanitarian and security situation remains worrisome because it is impossible for humanitarian convoys that endure indiscriminate attacks and bombings perpetrated by various hostile groups to reach besieged areas. In addition, attacks are carried out against medical and humanitarian personnel and health-care infrastructure. According to the World Health Organization, such attacks are on the rise. The deterioration of the humanitarian situation within Syria's borders due to increased fighting makes for dangerous living conditions for thousands of internally displaced persons and obliterates the hope of restoring security and dignity to millions of refugees in neighbouring countries living in extremely difficult conditions. Given the dire situation, Côte d'Ivoire hopes that the second international conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region, to be held in Brussels on 24 and 25 April at the initiative of the European Union, will result in pledges of increased humanitarian aid and development support. In accordance with the provisions of resolution 2401 (2018), Côte d'Ivoire again calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities in order to enable the safe, sustained and unimpeded access of humanitarian convoys delivering basic necessities to hundreds of people in dire need in eastern Ghouta and other areas of the country. My delegation welcomes reports that, for a few days, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent was able once again to enter the city of Douma in eastern Ghouta to deliver the aid necessary, including food and non-food items. My delegation encourages all Syrian stakeholders to create conditions that would allow the United Nations to make scheduled deliveries in eastern Ghouta, throughout the entire country and on Syrian borders. Côte d'Ivoire reiterates its belief that the humanitarian situation will not improve without significant progress on the political landscape because the two issues are inextricably linked. Therefore, it invites hostile groups and all stakeholders to engage in political dialogue in order to achieve a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria. In that regard, it welcomes the holding of a meeting in Geneva between the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. De Mistura, and the three Astana guarantors — Iran, the Russian Federation and Turkey — with a view to relaunching the Syrian political process. The delegation of Côte d'Ivoire hopes that the next meeting to be held in Astana, at the initiative of the three guarantors of the Astana process, will enable us to reach a lasting ceasefire in Syria and to calmly resume the intra-Syrian peace talks pursuant to resolution 2254 (2015). 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 19/23 Mr. Llorentty Solíz (Plurinational State of Bolivia) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation would like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing on the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). Once again we take this opportunity to pay tribute to humanitarian workers who risk their lives daily as they carry out their duties. We join other colleagues in congratulating the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, on his efforts to find a political solution to the serious situation in Syria, which, as the Secretary-General recalled, is in its eighth year. Bolivia deplores the challenges to the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) that the Secretary-General outlined in his briefing today. We condemn all deliberate attacks on civilians and demand respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We call on the parties involved to focus primarily on protecting hospitals, medical facilities, schools and civilian residences, and the personnel of the various agencies and humanitarian assistance organizations whose employees put their own lives at risk as they carry out their work on the ground. We call on the parties to cooperate and enhance coordination efforts with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, provide unhindered humanitarian access and allow urgent medical evacuations to be carried out, in particular in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. We call upon the parties to work together to achieve the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) throughout Syria as soon as possible and in accordance with agreements reached in the Astana process and on the de-escalation zones. We underscore the importance of unity within the Security Council when implementing resolution 2401 (2018). Such unity must be present if our goal is to fully implement it. We also call on the members of the Council and all parties involved to depoliticize the humanitarian situation in the Syrian Arab Republic and ensure that its actions are in line with international law. We highlight a few forums for dialogue that could assist with reaching consensus on a definitive cessation of hostilities, such as the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi, whose outcome is geared towards strengthening the political process in Geneva. We hope that that forum will allow for the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) as soon as possible. In conclusion, we reiterate that there is no military solution to the crisis. The only solution is through an inclusive political dialogue ordered and led by and for the Syrian people. We extend our best hopes for the outcome of the next meeting to be held in Astana. Mr. Alemu (Ethiopia): We thank the Secretary- General for his comprehensive, up-to-date and very useful briefing on the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). Two weeks after the adoption of that resolution, the humanitarian situation in Syria continues to cause serious concern. The United Nations and its humanitarian partners have failed to ensure safe, sufficient, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access for populations in need of life-saving assistance due ongoing fighting, in particular in eastern Ghouta. Nonetheless, we are mindful of the fact that resolution 2401 (2018) applies to all parts of Syria. We note that the Secretary-General did not overlook that aspect of the resolution in his briefing. We had all emphasized the importance of the effective implementation of the resolution in order to make positive changes on the ground and alleviate the humanitarian tragedy in Syria. Given the increasingly complex situation on the ground, we knew that it would not be an easy task. After the Council adopted resolution 2401 (2018), we recognized that the United Nations and its humanitarian partners could deliver aid to eastern Ghouta and other affected areas. No doubt, there remain serious challenges to ensuring the full implementation of the resolution. Although it demands the cessation of hostilities without delay for at least 30 consecutive days throughout Syria, with the immediate engagement of all parties to ensure safe, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, there have been ongoing military activities resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian facilities. Here, one should also not overlook the damage being caused by the shelling of Damascus. Therefore, it is clear that much more remains to be done and all parties should be committed to the full implementation of the resolution. As the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are ready to deliver more aid to all Syrians throughout the country, it is absolutely critical that all the parties provide them safe, unfettered and sustained humanitarian access. In that regard, all those who have influence over the parties S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 20/23 18-06756 should exert the necessary pressure to contribute to saving lives. It is also imperative to use all existing arrangements to facilitate the implementation of the resolution, particularly the cessation of hostilities. In that connection, we look forward to the Astana meeting, scheduled to take place on 15 and 16 March, which we hope will contribute to the full implementation of the resolution. Finally, as the Secretary-General stated, we are entering into the eighth year since the start of the Syrian crisis. While we look forward to seeing the Syrian people, as a sovereign State, find a comprehensive political solution based on resolution 2254 (2015), the Council also has a responsibility and an indispensable role in resolving the Syrian crisis. Therefore, we hope that the spirit of cooperation and consensus that the Council demonstrated during the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018) will be sustained not only to respond to the humanitarian tragedy, but also to ensure progress in the political track with a view to finding a lasting solution to the crisis. Most importantly, the cooperation of relevant countries that have influence is key. Without those countries, there will be no solution in sight. The President: I will now make a statement in my capacity as representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I would like to thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. Through him, I would also like to thank all United Nations and other humanitarian personnel on the ground. They work under extreme circumstances. Sixteen days ago (see S/PV.8188), the Security Council showed a rare example of unity regarding Syria when it adopted resolution 2401 (2018) . I recall the glimmer of hope that day in the Chamber. All of us agreed that all parties to the Syrian conflict must cease hostilities in order to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the evacuation of the critically sick and wounded. Yet one day after the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), the Syrian regime, supported by Russia and Iran, launched a most violent ground offensive to conquer the enclave of eastern Ghouta. That offensive came on top of a relentless air campaign that had started one month ago. Resolution 2401 (2018) calls for a cessation of hostilities, without delay. Unfortunately, it is the military offensive that continues without delay. Elsewhere in Syria, including in Idlib and Afrin, violence continues to threaten the civilian population as well. The Council must do everything in its power to advance the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). In that regard, I would like to stress the importance of humanitarian aid, the monitoring of the cessation of hostilities and accountability. With regard to my first point, the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, last week we were deeply shocked to hear reports that medical supplies, including surgical supplies, insulin and even trauma kits, had been removed from convoys by the Syrian regime. Medical supplies save lives and provide relief to the inhumane suffering that too many Syrians are going through. Medical supplies cannot be used as weapons by terrorists. There is no justification for denying medicine and medical supplies to the wounded and sick. The first humanitarian convoy that received authorization from the Syrian regime to deliver aid to eastern Ghouta was not able to fully unload because of resumed fighting. The convoy that arrived last Friday was finally able to deliver aid, including medical supplies, for 27,500 people. However, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is still waiting for authorization to complete the delivery to Douma for all 70,000 people, as initially approved by the Syrian authorities. We call on all parties to immediately allow sustained and unimpeded access to deliver supplies to people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. That applies to eastern Ghouta and to all in need throughout the country. On my second point, the cessation of hostilities and the need for monitoring, resolution 2401 (2018) calls for an immediate nationwide cessation of hostilities. A strong monitoring mechanism is needed urgently in order to ensure implementation. We agree with the French proposal in that regard. Since the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), air strikes have continued, even increased, especially on eastern Ghouta. We hear the Russian Federation say that those strikes are targeted at terrorists. However, we underline once more that the exemption to the ceasefire for attacks directed at United Nations-listed terrorist groups does not provide an excuse to ignore the basic principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. According to the latest report of the Commission of Inquiry, the siege of eastern Ghouta continues to be characterized by the use of prohibited weapons and attacks against civilian and protected objects, which we condemn in the strongest terms. 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 21/23 We also condemn the shelling of Damascus from eastern Ghouta. We call upon all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law at all times. Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura should facilitate negotiations between armed opposition groups, the Syrian regime and Russia in order to advance the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). One concrete and helpful step is to evacuate United Nations-listed terrorist groups from eastern Ghouta. A first evacuation of 13 imprisoned terrorist fighters reportedly took place last Friday. It is crucial that any evacuation of armed fighters take place in a safe and orderly fashion. We call on the United Nations to prepare for putting in place the necessary monitoring mechanisms in that regard. We call on Russia to accept the offer of the Special Envoy to facilitate further evacuation of United Nations-listed terrorist groups from eastern Ghouta. Civilians should never be forced to leave against their will. Forced displacement may constitute a war crime. On my third point, the credibility and accountability of the Council, despite the unanimous adoption of resolution 2401 (2018) we have seen no cessation of hostilities. We have seen no significant improvement in the humanitarian situation on the ground in Syria. This also has a negative impact on the credibility of the Council. It is vital for the functioning of the rules-based international order that decisions of the Council be respected and implemented. As a Council, we have a collective responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. However, we should not forget that the responsibility and, indeed, the obligation to execute its decisions lies with individual Member States. The human suffering in Syria, especially in eastern Ghouta, must end now. We need a full cessation of hostilities in all of Syria, including eastern Ghouta, Idlib and Afrin. And we call on the Russian Federation in particular to use its influence and to do its utmost to achieve that, thereby also upholding the Council's credibility. In conclusion, the siege of eastern Ghouta is entering its fifth year. The war in Syria will enter its eighth year later this week, on 15 March, as others have noted. One wonders how the Syrian regime thinks to ever achieve the legitimacy to govern the people it now pounds into submission or death. As the High Commissioner for Human Rights stated during the thirty-seventh session of the Human Rights Council, "what we are seeing in eastern Ghouta are likely war crimes and potentially crimes against humanity". The perpetrators of these crimes must know they are being identified, that dossiers are being built up with a view to their prosecution, and that they will be held accountable for what they have done. We thank the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic for its important work to date. We recall the resolution of the Human Rights Council of 5 March, which calls on the Commission to investigate the situation in eastern Ghouta. We call on all Council members to support the referral of the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria to the International Criminal Court. We also urge all States to increase their support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for the Syrian Arab Republic. For now, however, our common efforts should be directed at securing immediate relief for those millions in Syria in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. For that, we need the cessation of hostilities to be implemented immediately and in a sustained manner. We need a continuous pause in the fighting of 30 days, as demanded by resolution 2401 (2018). If its implementation continues to fail, that will require a response from the Council that goes beyond where we stand now. We thank the Secretary-General for his perseverance and endless efforts to uphold the norms and values of the Charter of the United Nations, international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as to promote compliance with resolution 2401 (2018). We call on all Council members to follow his example. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I wish to again remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than five minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. Mr. Ja'afari (Syrian Arab Republic) (spoke in Arabic): I will not begin by commenting on the procedural point that you have raised, Mr. President, but rather I will focus on the essential issues that S/PV.8201 The situation in the Middle East 12/03/2018 22/23 18-06756 are supposed to be of interest to the members of the Security Council. I welcome the Secretary-General and note the statement at the outset of his briefing that the Secretariat does not have all the necessary information to carefully access the situation on the ground because the United Nations does not have a presence in all areas. The Secretariat humbly and politely said those words, noting that it does not have full, relevant information pertaining to the Syrian situation, although the United Nations has a branch of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Damascus and there are dozens of United Nations agencies operating in Syria, in addition to 13 international non-governmental organizations also operating there. However, some of our colleagues in the Security Council, who have shut down their embassies in Damascus and are now completely disconnected from credible information, instead rely on information from what is known as open sources. They have provided a vast amount of information that would never serve the interests of the Syrian people or of those present in such an important and significant discussion. That information is misleading and could poison the atmosphere and fuel sedition regarding the role of the Security Council, which is mandated to maintain international peace and security. The Syrian Government stands ready to engage seriously with positive international initiatives that serve the interests of the Syrian people, especially in ending the bloodshed throughout Syria, as stated in resolution 2401 (2018). My country has expressed its satisfaction with resolution 2401 (2018), particularly the positive provisions contained therein. In that regard, my country confirms that it has taken all the following procedures to relieve the suffering of our people in eastern Ghouta. First, immediately after the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018), hostilities were ceased on a daily basis from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m, Damascus local time, and remain so to this very moment, with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid and ensuring the unimpeded and safe exit of civilians from the areas controlled by terrorist groups. Secondly, two safe humanitarian corridors have been opened for civilians wishing to exit the area. Thirdly, two joint United Nations-International Committee of the Red Cross convoys, in collaboration with the Syrian Red Crescent, were sent to eastern Ghouta on 5 and 9 March. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all those procedures have been countered by the terror of armed organizations present in Ghouta. Incited by their masters — some of them, unfortunately, members of the Security Council — these organizations have targeted civilians in Damascus since the beginning of the year, firing more than 2,499 missiles and mortars that have claimed the lives of 70 civilian martyrs and injured 556 people. Those organizations have prevented our people in eastern Ghouta from leaving in order to continue to use them as human shields and material for humanitarian and media blackmail. They have even targeted those who managed to escape towards the two corridors by firing bullets and missiles. The latest incident in Syria occurred on 8 March, when the so-called Faylaq Al-Rahman — one of the terrorist arms of the petty State of Qatar in Syria — targeted a civilian convoy heading towards one of the corridors, leading to high casualties among civilians. By the way, that terrorist organization, Faylaq Al-Rahman, has been hailed by some of those present because of its readiness to implement resolution 2401 (2018). They presented it as a part of the moderate Syrian opposition, and distributed a letter signed by that and other terrorist organizations, addressed to the Secretary-General. That is the modus operandi of the Security Council with terrorist groups. The procedures taken by the Syrian Government are not limited to eastern Ghouta. Over the past few days, the Government has undertaken a number of other procedures. First, we have requested that the United Nations and a number of humanitarian organizations immediately send a mission to investigate the humanitarian situation in Raqqa, which was destroyed by the International Coalition led by the United States of America. Secondly, we have requested approval to send humanitarian convoys to the Rukban camp, provided that the aid is delivered and distributed by the Syrian Red Crescent and the Red Cross exclusively, and not by the United States occupation authorities or the terrorist groups in Rukban camp and Tanaf area. Thirdly, two days ago the Syrian Red Crescent obtained Government approval to send convoys to Ghouta, Raqqa, Afrin and Rukban. To date, it has not sent the convoys to Rukban and Afrin because the United Nations failed to ensure the necessary safeguards from the United States and Turkish occupation forces. That is the reason. 12/03/2018 The situation in the Middle East S/PV.8201 18-06756 23/23 With every advance by the Syrian Army against terrorist groups in any given area, the States sponsoring terrorism launch heated disinformation campaigns to distract the world from the terrorism, aggression and occupation against Syria. The inference is that those countries have never been keen to protec the lives of civilians, but prefer to protect their investments in terrorism after they have spent billions of dollars on it, as was said by the previous Prime Minister of Qatar, in order to recycle terrorism elsewhere in Syria. The behaviour that I have mentioned is not limited to State-sponsored terrorism, unfortunately. It has even been demonstrated by some senior officials of the Secretariat. We had hoped that the Secretariat, especially in the light of the second preambular paragraph of resolution 2401 (2018), would provide an unequivocal legal description of the crimes committed by the so-called International Coalition led by the United States against our Syrian people in Raqqa and other places, and the procedures to ensure the end of that aggression. We had also hoped that the Secretariat would provide us with an unequivocal legal description of the acts of invasion by Turkish forces of a precious part of our national territory, especially against our civilian people in Afrin, and the procedures to ensure the end of the Turkish aggression. We had also hoped for an unequivocal legal description of the presence of the United States forces on Syrian territory without the approval of the Syrian Government and the procedures to ensure the end of that occupation. The government of my country affirms its right to defend its citizens and combat terrorism in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions, especially the second preambular paragraph of resolution 2401 (2018); fight all those who practice, fund and support terrorism; work towards restoring security stability and peace; and rebuild all that has been destroyed by terrorists and their masters. Finally, I have listened to my colleague the representative of the United States, who levels charges again and again against my country before all who are present and says that her country will take military actions against my country outside the legitimacy of the Council if chemical substances are used, just as its administration in Washington, D.C., did when it bombarded Al-Shayrat air base in my country last year. These irresponsible and provocative statements, which run counter to the Charter of the United Nations, are direct incitement to terrorist groups to use chemical weapons and fabricate anew all the evidence needed to accuse the Syrian Army, as they have done in previous times. I remind the representative of the United States that the former Joint Investigative Mechanism refused to take samples from Al-Shayrat air base because if it had done so it would have been categorically proved that the Syrian Government is not responsible for the incident in Khan Shaykhun. In fact, what the United States perpetrated against that Syrian air base was a full-fledged aggression. I call on the representatives of the United States, the United Kingdom and France to put an end to their violations of Security Council resolutions related to fighting terrorism, and on their Governments to stop supporting the terrorist groups in my country and cease providing them with a political umbrella to pursue their crimes against the Syrian people. It is high time that the United States Administration learn from its mistakes and stop repeating them. Is it not enough what they have done in Viet Nam, Iraq, Libya, Somalia and Yemen, invoking very cheap lies that have already been condemned and denounced by international public opinion? In this regard, I recall the words of Naguib Mahfouz, the Nobel laureate: "They are liars, they know they are liars, and they know that we know that they are liars. However, they still lie, and very loudly so." In conclusion, the Russian Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in the Syrian Arab Republic issued a statement a few minutes ago that street battles have begun in Ghouta, following the demands for the separation of the aforementioned Faylaq Al-Rahman and Jabhat Al-Nusra. This current street fighting impedes the evacuation of civilians who are forced to find safe haven underground in Ghouta. The President: There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 1.20 p.m.

W artykule przyglądam się temu, jaką edukację polityczną warto rozwijać we współczesnej polskiej szkole i wszędzie tam, gdzie buduje się w ludziach zdolność do wspólnej i niewyalienowanej pracy. Kierunek rozważań wyznaczyła konieczność ustosunkowania się myśli pedagogicznej – i równoległego dostosowania praktyk wychowawczych – do zmian w sposobie koordynacji społeczeństwa, które dokonują się w atmosferze groźby wybuchu wojny. Rozważania te buduję na dotychczasowych badaniach własnych z obszaru uczenia się w ruchach społecznych, analizując trzy porządki zapewniające koordynację społeczeństw (neoliberalizm, nacjonalizm, militaryzm) w kontekście wykluczanych przez nie wartości: dobra wspólnego, samorządu i pokoju. Rezultatem pracy jest matryca przyporządkowująca te kontrwartości różnym typom współpracy (koordynacji, kooperacji i kolaboracji). Matryca pozwala identyfikować specyfikę konkretnych przykładów mobilizacji społecznej, jak i rozpoznawać luki w kształceniu kolektywnych umiejętności współdziałania. Rezultaty analizy pozwalają zoperacjonalizować praktyki oporu pod kątem celów wychowania i stawiają w nowym świetle problemy powiązań i nawarstwiania się wrogich szkole ideologii neoliberalizmu, nacjonalizmu i militaryzmu. ; The paper analyses types of political education worth developing in contemporary Polish schools and in other places dedicated to building human capacity to work together in a non-alienated way. The analysis is based on my own research from the area of learning in social movements. I analyze three orders ensuring social coordination (neoliberalism, nationalism, and militarism) in the context of the values they exclude: the common good, self-government and peace. The result of the work is a matrix assigning these counter-values, accordingly, to coordination, cooperation and collaboration. 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Para más información:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/19/content_16635919.htmhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/17/actualidad/137150 2103_091990.html Crece la violencia en Turquía por enfrentamientos entre manifestantes y la policía. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/18/actualidad/1371555410 _756638.htmlhttp://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2013/06/10/en-turquie-le-processus-de-pai x-kurde-a-l-epreuve-des-manifestations_3426986_3214.htmlhttp://www.lanacion.com.ar/1590256-advertencia-de-erdogan-a-los-manifestanteshttp://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/08/world/pakistan-drones/index.html?hpt=wo_c2http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-police-clash-with-protester s-in-istanbul-20130611,0,6189707.storyhttp://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/82969.htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22790635http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/08/content_16594833.htm http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/primeiro-ministro-turco-aceita-receber-manifestant es-8646402http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21579005-protests-against-recep-tayyip- erdogan-and-his-ham-fisted-response-have-shaken-his-rule-and Alemanes y checos vivan las consecuencias de las devastadoras inundaciones. Para más información:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/10/world/europe/10iht-flood10.html?ref=worldhttp://www.lanacion.com.ar/1590680-parte-de-alemania-bajo-el-agua#comentarwww.lemonde.fr/europe/video/2013/06/10/la-police-reprime-les-manifestants-a-ankara_3427273_3214.html La centroizquierda italiana logró un triunfo contundente en las municipales. Para más información:http://oglobo.globo.com/mundo/centro-esquerda-recupera-roma-nas-urnas-8647380http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1590681-la-centroizquierda-italiana-logro-un-triunfo-co ntundente-en-las-municipales Suiza se encierra en sus miedos y endurece su ley de asilo. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/07/actualidad/137063251 4_643009.htmlhttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/ley-de-asilo-en-suiza_12860089-4http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/09/actualidad/1370806897_ 177919.html Los programas electorales muestran que los partidos alemanes coinciden en los recortes. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/08/actualidad/1370722970_ 157146.html Putin apoyará prohibición de adopción a parejas homosexuales en Rusia. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/prohibicin-de-adopcin-a-parejas-ho mosexuales-en-rusia_12844610-4http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/09/world/europe/trial-sendss.html?ref=wo rld&_r=0 París se plantea disolver los grupos violentos de extrema derecha tras asesinato de militante comprometido en la defensa de los homosexuales. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/pars-se-plantea-disolver-los-grupos -violentos-de-extrema-derecha_12850632-4 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/06/actualidad/1370547 423_977824.htmlhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/06/actualidad/13704794 17_014580.html El Asad advierte a Europa de que pagará las consecuencias si arma a los rebeldes. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/18/actualidad/13 71546210_225136.html "El País" de España analiza: "Ni Grexit ni Grecovery". Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/09/actualidad/1370799 092_688308.html ASIA- PACÍFICO/ MEDIO ORIENTE Elecciones en Irán: apatía y lucha de poder. Para más información:http://www.economist.com/blogs/pomegranate/2013/06/iran-s-electionhttp://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/15/world/meast/iran-rouhani-profile/inde x.html?hpt=wo_c2http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/relaciones-iran-con-estados -unidos_12875543-4http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/08/content_16591014.htmhttp://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/09/world/meast/iran-nuclear-reactor/index. html?hpt=wo_bn11http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/middleeast/la-fg-iran-elections-20130611,0,3357264.story http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/middleeast/la-fg- iran-elections-20130611,0,3357264.storyCumbre del G8 sin acuerdo sobre guerra en Siria. Para más información:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/world/europe/g-8-meeting-ends-wit h-cordial-stalemate-on-syria.html?ref=world&gwh=325D51A100831D8E95 A7CDA8915C9A27http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/cumbre-del-g8-evalua-conflicto-en- siria_12877428-4 Continúa la escalada de violencia en Siria. Para más información:http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21579055-fall-qusayr -boost-regime-far-decisive-turning-pointhttp://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/10/18883427-reuters-us-wei ghs-arming-syria-rebels?litehttp://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/visuel/2013/05/23/iran-portraits-de-candidats_3386947_3218.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/09/world/middleeast/syria-opposition-won t-attend-talks-unless-rebels-get-arms-commander-says.html?ref=worldhttp://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/30/3425004/syrias-assad-pledges-to -attend.html#storylink=cpyhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22852957Mueren 46 personas en atentado contra un funeral en Pakistán. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/asia/atentado-contra-un-funeral-en-pakis tn_12878029-4 Son más de 511000 sirios refugiados en el Líbano. Para más información:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/09/content_16600893.htm La ONU pide 3920 millones para ayudar a las víctimas de la guerra en Siria. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/07/actualidad/137060 4074_343489.html La premio Nobel de la Paz Suu Kyi reconoce su deseo de ser presidenta de Myanmar. Para más información:http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/06/world/asia/myanmar-suu-kyi-presidential-aspiration/index.html?hpt=wo_c2http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/06/actualidad/13705097 70_497091.html Tras largas conversaciones las dos Coreas acuerdan encuentro. Para más información:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/10/content_16602536.htmhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/10/world/asia/north-and-south-korea-to-di scuss-restoring-economic-and-other-ties.html?ref=worldhttp://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-north-korea-changes- course-20130606,0,2868588.storyhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/09/actualidad/137074 4334_514863.htmlhttp://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/08/world/asia/koreas-tensions/index.html?hp t=wo_c2 Ataque suicida en el aeropuerto de Kabul. Para más información:http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2013/06/10/afghanistan-attaque- suicide-d-insurges-pres-de-l-aeroport-de-kaboul_3426919_3216.htmlhttp://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghan-bombs-201306 04,0,2665212.storyhttp://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/10/content_16603337.htmhttp://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/09/world/asia/attacker-in-afghanistan-hid -bomb-in-his-body.html?ref=world&gwh=A020FB85D7BBAF85C119B695F4D126F9 Crisis en Irak: ataques dejan docenas de muertos por día. Para más información:http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/10/18887438-day-long-attack s-kill-more-than-70-in-iraq?litehttp://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-iraq-deadly-bomb-a ttacks-20130610,0,2919168.story La oposición india aprende de sus errores. Para más información:http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2013/06/india-s-oppositionwww.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2013/06/10/inde-un-nationaliste-hin dou-a-la-tete-de-l-opposition_3426921_3216.htmlhttp://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-split-indian-opp osition-party-20130610,0,7283558.storyhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-22851915 Austria retirará a sus 380 cascos azules de la zona desmilitarizada en el Golán. Para más información:http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/06/actualidad/1370503 365_774581.htmlhttp://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-syria-golan-un-mission-20130606,0,6454723.story Palestina inaugura gobierno en un momento crítico para el proceso de paz. Para más información:http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/middleeast/la-fg-palestin ian-premier-20130603,0,549411.storyhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/09/actualidad/1370 781086_914560.html ÁFRICA Salud de Mandela mantiene al mundo en vilo. Para más información:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/11/content_16606127.htmhttp://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2013/06/10/inquietudes-sur-l-etat-de -sante-de-nelson-mandela_3427099_3212.html Reino Unido compensará con 23 millones de euros a los Mau Mau de Kenia. Para más información:http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-britain-kenya-compensate-20130607,0,2322515.storyhttp://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/africa/reino-unido-pagar-23-millones-de-euros- a-los-mau-mau-de-kenia_12849864-4 Aumenta la presencia de Al Qaeda en África Sahariana. Para más información:http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/28/3420983/ap-exclusive-rise-of-al- qaida.html Libia vive violentas protestas. Para más información:http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/10/world/africa/libyan-violence-threatens-t o-undercut-power-of-militias.html?ref=world Tensión entre Sudán y Sudán del Sur. Para más información:http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/08/world/africa/sudan-oil/index.html?hpt=wo _bn10+http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/17/content_16628556.htm OTRAS NOTICIAS El G8 apoya medidas de transparencia financiera y contra la evasión fiscal. Para más información:http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/18/content_16631685.htmhttp://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2013/06/18/actualidad/1371568829 _378574.htmlhttp://www.economist.com/news/international/21579452-britains-leader -envisages-world-tax-compliance-and-clear-corporate-ownership Fin de pobreza extrema debe ser nuevo objetivo mundial para 2030: ONU. Para más información:http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/la-onu-dice-que-el-fin-de-l a-pobreza-extrema-debe-ser-nuevo-objetivo-mundial-para-2030_12845943-4 "Los Angeles Times" presenta portal sobre el crecimiento de la población mundial. Para más información:http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/population/ "The Economist" presenta su informe semanal: "Business this week". Para más información:http://www.economist.com/news/world-week/21579066-business-week

1TUGAS DAN TANGGUNG JAWAB BADAN PENANGGULANGAN BENCANA BERDASARKAN PERATURAN DAERAH NOMOR 3 TAHUN 2010 TENTANG PENANGGULANGAN BENCANA DI KABUPATEN PESISIR SELATAN JURNAL Diajukan Guna Melengkapi Sebagian Persyaratan Untuk Mencapai Gelar Sarjana HukumOleh: RULLY INDRA PERMANA NPM: 0810013111031 FAKULTAS HUKUM UNIVERSITAS BUNG HATTA PADANG20132FAKULTAS HUKUM UNIVERSITAS BUNG HATTA PERSETUJUAN JURNAL Nama : RULLY INDRA PERMANA Nomor Pokok Mahasiswa : 0810012111031 Program Kekhususan : Hukum Tata Negara Judul Skripsi : Tugas Dan Tanggung Jawab Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Berdasarkan Peraturan Daerah Nomor 3 Tahun 2010 Tentang Penanggulangan Bencana Di Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan Telah disetujui pada hari Selasa tanggal Tiga Bulan September tahun Dua Ribu Tiga Belas untuk dipertahankan dihadapan Tim Penguji.1. Nurbeti, S.H., M.H. (Pembimbing I)2. Dr .Sanidjar Pebriharihati R, S.H., M.H. (Pembimbing II)1TUGAS DAN TANGGUNG JAWAB BADAN PENANGGULANGAN BENCANA BERDASARKAN PERATURAN DAERAH NOMOR 3 TAHUN 2010 TENTANG PENANGGULANGAN BENCANA DI KABUPATEN PESISIR SELATAN Rully Indra Permana 1), Nurbeti 2), Sanidjar pebrihariati.R 2)1) Mahasiswa Program Kekhususan Hukum Tata Negara2) Dosen Program Kekhususan Hukum Tata Negara , Fakultas Keguruan Hukum Universitas Bung HattaEmail : indrapermana99@Gmail.com ABSTRACT Indonesian culture and life in the midst of things that smell renewal claiming more advanced and civilized in terms of thinking, working and acting compared with indigenous peoples in ancient times. The issues contained in this paper is 1) What forms of environmental damage that causes natural disasters? 2) What sort of responsibility for disaster management in the South Coastal District?. Authors use the juridical sociological research methods research approach that examines the look and Regulation Legislation issues and connecting with the reality on the ground. Data sources of primary data and secondary data, namely primary data obtained from interviews and secondary data obtained from the study of documents, then the data is processed using qualitative data analysis. Based on these results we can conclude 1. Other forms of environmental degradation in the South Coastal District, 2.forms responsibility for disaster response and responsibilities of local governments in disaster management set out in Article 8, namely: (1) Guarantee the fulfillment of rights and refugee communities affected, (2) protection of society from the impact of disasters, (3) integration of disaster risk reduction and disaster risk reduction, (4) the allocation of disaster relief funds. Keywords:Environment,disaster prevention,non-governmental.PENDAHULUANA. Latar Belakang MasalahIndonesia sebagai negara kepulauan yang secara geografis terletak di daerah khatulistiwa, di antara Benua Asia dan Australia serta di antara Samudera Pasifik dan Hindia, berada pada pertemuan tiga lempeng tektonik utama dunia merupakan wilayah teritorial yang sangat rawan terhadap bencana alam.Posisi geografis dan geodinamik Indonesia telah menempatkan Indonesia sebagai salah satu wilayah yang rawan bencana alam (natural disaster prone region). Indonesia merupakan negara kepulauan tempat dimana tiga lempeng besar dunia bertemu, yaitu lempeng Indo-Australia, lempeng Eurasia, dan lempeng Pasifik. Interaksi antar lempeng-lempeng tersebut lebih lanjut menempatkan Indonesia sebagai wilayah yang memiliki aktivitas kegunungapian dan kegempaan yang cukup tinggi. Lebih dari itu, proses dinamika lempeng yang cukup intensif juga telah membentuk relief permukaan bumi yang khas dan sangat bervariasi, dari wilayah pegunungan dengan lereng-lerengnya yang curam dan seakan menyiratkan potensi2longsor yang tinggi hingga wilayah yang landai sepanjang pantai dengan potensi ancaman banjir, penurunan tanah dan tsunaminya. Lingkungan hidup merupakan anugerah Tuhan Yang Maha Esa yang wajib dilestarikan dan dikembangkan kemampuannya agar tetap dapat menjadi sumber penunjang hidup bagi manusia dan makhluk hidup lainnya demi kelangsungan dan peningkatan kualitas hidup itu sendiri. Lingkungan hidup adalah ruang yang ditempati oleh manusia bersama makhluk hidup lainnya. Manusia dan makhluk hidup lainnya tentu tidak berdiri sendiri dalam proses kehidupan, saling berinteraksi, dan membutuhkan satu sama lainnya. Kehidupan yang ditandai dengan interaksi dan saling ketergantungan secara teratur merupakan tatanan ekosistem yang di dalamnya mengandung esensi penting, dimana lingkungan hidup sebagai satu kesatuan yang tidak dapat dibicarakan secara terpisah. Maka dari itu penulis tertarik untuk membahas dan mengkaji persoalan lingkungan dan menuangkannya ke dalam sebuah tulisan ilmiah yang berjudul: "Tugas Dan Tanggung Jawab Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Di Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan Berdasarkan Perda Nomor 30 Tahun 2010 Tentang Penanggulangan Bencana".Metodologi Metode penelitian merupakan hal yang sangat penting dalam penelitian skripsi ini, karena metode penelitian dapat menentukan langkah-langkah dari suatu penulisan, baik mengenai pendekatan masalah, teknik pengumpulan data dan sumber data maupun analisis datanya. Oleh karena itu, demi mencapai tujuan dari penulisan ini, maka metode penelitian yang dipakai sebagai dasar penulisan ini, yaitu sebagai berikut:1. Pendekatan MasalahPenelitian ini menggunakan metode Pendekatan Yuridis Sosiologis yaitu berdasarkan pada peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku dikaitkan dengan apa yang terjadi di lapangan (pelaksanaan), sehingga dalam penelitian ini peneliti menggunakan bahan hukum.a. Sumber data1) Data PrimerData primer merupakan sumber data yang diperoleh secara langsung dari informan. Di dalam penelitian ini yang akan menjadi informan adalah pejabat Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan.2) Data SekunderData yang diperoleh peneliti dari Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah3(BPBD) Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan. Selain itu penulis juga menggunakan data sebagai berikut:a. Bahan Hukum Primer yaitu mempelajari peraturan perundang-undangan tentang Penanggulangan Bencana dan Peraturan-peraturan lainnya yang terkait yaitu:1) Undang-Undang No 32 Tahun 2009 tentang Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup (UUPPLH),2) Undang-Undang No 24 Tahun 2007 tentang Penanggulangan Bencana,3) Peraturan Presiden Republik Indonesia No 8 Tahun 2008 tentang Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana,4) Peraturan Daerah No 3 Tahun 2010 tentang Penanggulangan Bencana.b. Bahan Hukum Sekunder, yaitu mempelajari berbagai literatur (buku-buku, makalah, laporan penelitian, jurnal) yang berkaitan dengan masalah Penanggulangan Bencana serta kerusakan lingkungan.2. Teknik Pengumpulan dataa. Studi dokumen adalah dengan melakukan pengambilan objek dokumen-dokumen hasil monitoring atau objek surat dankliping Koran yang relevan dengan penelitian ini.b. Wawancara yaitu dengan melakukan wawancara bebas dengan para informan yaitu para pejabat Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan.3. Pengolahan dan Analisis DataMengumpulkan data dengan mengadakan pencatatan yang diambil dari dokumen, buku laporan dan buku catatan lainnya yang berhubungan dengan materi yang ditulis. Pengolahan data yang diperoleh untuk kemudian diolah lebih lanjut secara kualitatif dan dirumuskan secara sistematis dan dikaitkan dengan apa yang terjadi dalam pelaksanaannya di dalam kenyataan lalu setelah itu dikaitkan dengan pokok-pokok permasalahan dalam penulisan ini. Hasil Penelitian dan Pembahasan Pembahasan hasil penelitian ini berdasarkan pada hasil analisis data yang diperoleh, bahwa:A. Bentuk-Bentuk Kerusakan Lingkungan Yang Menyebabkan Bencana Alam di Kabupaten Pesisir SelatanSecara geografis dengan strategi bencana daerah kabupaten pesisir selatan berada disekitar 0059'-228' LS dan 10018' yang merupakan wilayah4administrasi dengan luas 5749,89 m2. Secara khusus kabupaten pesisir selatan memiliki topografi wilayah berbukit-bukit dengan ketinggian berkisar 0-1000m dari permukaan laut,memiliki 57 pulau serta dialiri sebanyak 18 sungai dengan 11 sungai besar dan 7 sungai kecil. Pesisir selatan merupakan iklim tropis dengan temperatur bervariasi antara 230C hingga 320C disiang hari dan 20 C 280C dimalam hari dengan curah hujan rata-rata 224,63 mm perbulan. Kondisi permukaan lahan kabupaten pesisir selatan dewasa ini adalah sebagai besar lahan hutan yaitu 70,54% hutan lebat dan 13,37% hutan belukar,lahan sawah 6,07%,perkebunan, 2,30% dan sisanya adalah perkampunga, kebun campuran dan kebun rakyat lainnya: 1 Bentuk-bentuk bencana Alam di Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan. berikut ini:a) TsunamiGelombang air laut yang membawa material baik berupa sisa-sisa bangunan, tumbuhan dan material lainnya menghempas segala sesuatu yang berdiri di dataran pantai dengan kekuatan dahsyat. Bangunan yang mempunyai dimensi lebar dinding sejajar dengan garis pantai atau tegak lurus dengan arah datangnya gelombang akan mendapat tekanan yang paling kuat sehingga akan mengalamikerusakan yang paling parah. Gelombang air ini juga akan menggerus pondasi dan menyeret apapun yang berdiri lepas di pemukiman dataran pantai dan dibawa ke laut. Contoh di wilayah pesisir selatan di kecamatan linggo sari baganti pada tahun 2007 terjadi tsunami yang berakibat rusaknya pemukiman tempat tinggal penduduk setempat dan hancurnya kapal-kapal nelayan setempat.b) Gempa BumiGempa bumi adalah getaran yang ditimbulkan karena adanya gerakan endogen. Semakin besar kekuatan gempa, maka akan menimbulkan kerusakan yang semakin parah di muka bumi. Gempa bumi menyebabkan bangunan-bangunan retak atau hancur, struktur batuan rusak, aliran-aliran sungai bawah tanah terputus, jaringan pipa dan saluran bawah tanah rusak, dan sebagainya. Jika kekuatan gempa bumi melanda lautan, maka akan menimbulkan tsunami, yaitu arus gelombang pasang air laut yang menghempas daratan dengan kecepatan yang sangat tinggi.5Contoh yang paling nyata adalah pada tahun 2007 di kecamatan lunang silaut terjadi gempa bumi dengan kekutan 6,9 skala richter yang mengakibatkan kerusakan -kerusakan bangunan dan menimbulkan banyak kerugian secara materil dan spritual.c) BanjirBanjir merupakan salah satu bentuk fenomena alam yang unik. Dikatakan unik karena banjir dapat terjadi karena murni gejala alam dan dapat juga karena dampak dari ulah manusia sendiri. Banjir dikatakan sebagai gejala alam murni jika kondisi alam memang memengaruhi terjadinya banjir, misalnya hujan yang turun terus menerus, terjadi di daerah basin, dataran rendah, atau di lembah-lembah sungai. Selain itu, banjir dapat juga disebabkan karena ulah manusia, misalnya karena penggundulan hutan di kawasan resapan, timbunan sampah yang menyumbat aliran air, ataupun karena rusaknya dan atau pintu pengendali aliran air. Kerugian yang ditimbulkan akibat banjir, antara lain, hilangnya lapisan permukaan tanah yang subur karena tererosi aliran air, rusaknya tanaman, dan rusaknya berbagai bangunan hasil budidaya manusia. Bencana banjir bandang merupakan salah satu bencana alam yang hampir setiap musim penghujan melanda di beberapa wilayah di Wilayah Pesisir Selatan Kecamatan Lengayang pada Tahun 2011 yang mengakibatkan hilangnya korban jiwa berjumlah 6 orang.d) Tanah LongsorKarakteristik tanah longsor hampir sama dengan karakteristik banjir. Bencana alam ini dapat terjadi karena proses alam ataupun karena dampak kecerobohan manusia. Bencana alam ini dapat merusak struktur tanah, merusak lahan pertanian, pemukiman, sarana dan prasarana penduduk serta berbagai bangunan lainnya. Peristiwa tanah longsor pada umumnya melanda beberapa wilayah Indonesia yang memiliki topografi agak miring atau berlereng curam. Di wilayah Pesisir Selatan dibeberapa Wilayah Kecamatan Tarusan, Kecamatan Bayang, IV jurai, Batang Kapas, sutera dan ranah pesisir yang selama musim hujan terjadi banyak titik rawan longsor6yang mengakibatkan kerusakan bangunan atau tempat tinggal penduduk setempat, terputusnya jalur transportasi darat, dan rusaknya areal pertanian dan perkebunan.e) Badai/Angin TopanAngin topan terjadi karena perbedaan tekanan udara yang sangat mencolok di suatu daerah sehingga menyebabkan angin bertiup lebih kencang. Di beberapa belahan dunia, bahkan sering terjadi pusaran angin. Bencana alam ini pada umumnya merusakkan berbagai tumbuhan, memorakporandakan berbagai bangunan, sarana infrastruktur dan dapat membahayakan penerbangan. Salah satu contohnya adalah di wilayah Pesisir Selatan Kecamatan IV Jurai, Sutera, dan Lengayang yang mengakibat kerusakan tempat tinggal penduduk dan kerusakan fasilitas umum .B. Bentuk Tanggung Jawab Pemerintah Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan terhadap Penanggulangan Bencana Alam di Kabupaten Pesisir Selatana. Tanggung Jawab Pemerintah Daerah:Tanggung jawab Pemerintah Daerah dalam Penanggulangan Bencana yaitu:1. Penjaminan pemenuhan hak masyarakat dan pengungsi yang terkena bencana sesuai dengan standar pelayanan minimum;2. Perlindungan masyarakat dari dampak bencana;3. Pengurangan risiko bencana dan pemaduan pengurangan risiko bencana dengan program pembangunan; dan4. Pengalokasian dana penanggulangan bencana dalam anggaran pendapatan belanja daerah yang memadai.b. Wewenang Pemerintah Daerah:Wewenang pemerintah daerah dalam penanggulangan bencana yaitu:1. Penetapan kebijakan penanggulangan bencana pada wilayahnya selaras dengan kebijakan pembangunan daerah;2. Pembuatan perencanaan pembangunan yang memasukkan unsur-unsur kebijakan penanggulangan bencana;3. Pelaksanaan kebijakan kerja sama dalam penanggulangan bencana dengan provinsi dan/atau kabupaten/kota lain;4. Pengaturan penggunaan teknologi yang berpotensi sebagai sumber ancaman atau bahaya bencana pada wilayahnya;75. Perumusan kebijakan pencegahan penguasaan dan pengurasan sumber daya alam yang melebihi kemampuan alam pada wilayahnya; dan6. Pengendalian pengumpulan dan penyaluran uang atau barang pada wilayahnya (pengawasan terhadap penyelenggaraan pengumpulan uang atau barang berskala provinsi, kabupaten/kota yang diselenggarakan oleh masyarakat, termasuk pemberian ijin yang menjadi kewenangan gubernur/bupati/walikota sesuai dengan kewenangannya)Berdasarkan Peraturan Daerah Nomor 3 Tahun 2010 tentang penanggulangan bencana yaitu:(1) Pemerintah daerah menjadi penanggung jawab dalam penyelenggaraan penanggulangan bencana(2) Dalam melaksanakan tanggung jawab penanggulangan bencana pemerintah daerah melimpahkan tugas pokok dan fungsinya kepada BPBD(3) Tugas pokok dan fungsi sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (2) yang bersifat sangat teknis dilaksanakan oleh BPBD(4) BPBD dalam melaksanakan tugas dan fungsinya dapat melibatkan unsur-unsur antara lain masyarakat,lembaga kemasyarakatan, lembaga usaha, lembaga internasional.Adapun tugas dan BPBD yaitu:1. Menetapkan pedoman dan pengarahan sesuai dengan kebijakan pemerintah daerah dan badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana terhadap usaha penanggulangan bencana yang mencakup pencegahan bencana, penanganan darurat, rehabilitasi serta rekonstruksi secara adil dan setara.2. Menetapkan standarisasi serta kebutuhan penyelenggaraan penanggulangan bencana berdasarkan peraturan perundang undangan.3. Menyusun, menetapkan dan menginformasikan peta rawan bencana.4. Menyusun dan menetapkan prosedur tetap penanganan bencana.5. Melaksanakan penyelenggaraan penanggulangan bencana pada wilayahnya.6. Melaporkan penyelenggaraan penanggulangan bencana kepada daerah setiap sebulan sekali dalam kondisi normal dan setiap saat dalam kondisi darurat bencana.7. Mengendalikan pengumpulan dan penyaluran uang dan barang.8. Mempertanggungjawabkan penggunaan anggaran yang diterima8dari anggaran pendapatan dan belanja daerah.Melaksanakan kewajiban lain sesuai dengan peraturan perundang undangan. Kesimpulan Dari hasil penelitian yang telah peneliti lakukan, maka dapat diambil kesimpulan, Bentuk-bentuk kerusakan lingkungan yang menyebabkan bencana alam di Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan yaitu kerusakan lingkungan akibat proses alam seperti tsunami, gempa bumi, banjir, tanah longsor, dan badai angin topan,serta Bentuk tanggung jawab pemerintah Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan terhadap penanggulangan bencana alam di Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan yaitu Tanggung jawab Pemerintah Daerah dalam Penanggulangan Bencana Ucapan Terima Kasih Pada kesempatan ini penulis mengucapkan terima kasih banyak kepada pihak-pihak yang sudah membantu penulis selama menyelesaikan skripsi. Pihak-pihak yang dengan sabar membimbing dan selalu memotivasi penulis dalam menyelesaikan skripsi.Pihak tersebut adalah: (1) Ibu Nurbeti, S.H., M.H, selaku Pembimbing I dan Wakil Dekan Fakultas Hukum (2) Ibu Dr. Sanidjar Pebrihariati. R, S.H., M.H, selaku Pembimbing II (3) Bapak Suamperi, S.H., M.H selaku Ketua bagian Hukum Tata Negara Fakultas Hukum. (4) Keluarga tercinta yang selalu memberi dukungan moril maupun materi. (5) Adik-adik penulis, (6) kekasih penulis, (7) serta Teman-teman seperjuangan. Daftar PustakaA. Buku-bukuAsrul Pramudya, 2008. Kajian Pengelolaan Daratan Pesisir Berbasis Zonasi di Provinsi Jambi, Semarang: Thesis Pasca Sarjana Magister Teknik Sipil Universitas Diponegoro. Arsan Andi, I Made, 2007. Batas Maritim Antar Negara Sebuah Tinjauan Teknis dan Yuridis, Yogyakarta : Gadjah Mada Univ. Press. Faried Ali, 1996. Hukum Tata Pemerintahan dan Proses Legislatif Indonesia, Jakarta: Raja Grafindo Persada. Huala Adolf, 1996. Aspek-aspek Negara Dalam Hukum Internasional, Jakarta: Raja Grafindo Persada. Jimly Asshiddiqie, 2007. Pokok-pokok Hukum Tata Negara Indonesia Pasca Reformasi, Jakarta : Bhuana Ilmu Populer. Melda Kamil, 2007. Adriano Hukum Internasional Hukum yang Hidup, Jakarta: Diadit Media. Mukhtasor, 2007. Pencemaran Pesisir dan Laut, Jakarta; Pradnya Paramita. Soerjono Soekanto dan Sri Mamudji, 1990. Penelitian Hukum Suatu Tinjauan Singkat, Rajawali Pers. Jakarta. Syamsuharya Bethan, 2008. Penerapan Prinsip Hukum Pelestarian Fungsi Lingkungan Hidup dalam Aktifitas Industri Nasional (Sebuah Upaya Penyelamatan Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehidupan Antar Generasi), Bandung: Alumni.9Zainuddin Ali, 2010. Metode Penelitian Hukum, Sinar Grafika, Jakarta.B. Karya IlmiahBadan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Departemen Luar Negeri, 1986. Perjuangan Indonesia di Bidang Hukum Laut, Jakarta : Deplu, 1986 Samsul Arifin, Permasalahan Lingkungan Hidup di Sumut, materi perkuliahan disampaikan pada perkuliahan Hukum Lingkungan Administrasi pada tanggal 4/10/2010 di kelas regular A, Program Pasca Sarjana Magister Ilmu Hukum.C. Perundang-undanganUndang-Undang No 24 Tahun 2007 tentang Penanggulangan Bencana, Undang-Undang No 32 Tahun 2009 tentang Perlindungan dan Pengelolaan Lingkungan Hidup (UUPPLH) Peraturan Presiden Republik Indonesia No 8 Tahun 2008 tentang Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana Peraturan Daerah No 3 Tahun 2010 tentang Penanggulangan Bencana di Kabupaten Pesisir selatan

AMÉRICA LATINA Ortega es electo por tercera vez como presidente de Nicaragua.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45136266/ns/world_news/#.TrpQhHKwA90 http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/75079.html http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-guatemala-nicaragua-elections-20111107,0,2266003.story http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/ojal-ortega-asuma-otra-actitud-frente-a-nuestro-pas_10718645 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/07/actualidad/1320696526_815889.htmlhttp://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/world/americas/nicaragua-elections/index.htmlOposición denuncia fraude en elecciones presidenciales en Nicaragua.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/elecciones-presidenciales-en-nicaragua-daniel-ortega_10716504-4El militar retirado Otto Pérez Molina llega a la presidencia de Guatemala.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/world/americas/guatemala-elections/index.html http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/06/actualidad/1320606679_168640.htmlhttp://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/06/world/americas/guatemala-elections/index.html http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/presidente-guatemala-otto-prez_10718084-4"The Economist" analiza las elecciones presidenciales en Nicaragua y Guatemala.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/blogs/americasview/2011/11/presidential-elections-nicaragua-and-guatemalaFuerte sismo de 5,8 grados sacude el Pacífico de Nicaragua.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/sismo-de-58-grados-sacude-a-nicaragua_10720764-4 Desplazamientos de tierras en Colombia dejan al menos 38 muertos.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/world/americas/colombia-landslide/index.html?hpt=wo_bn8 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45194110/ns/weather/#.TrpQfXKwA90Funes acepta la dimisión del ministro de Seguridad de El Salvador.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/08/actualidad/1320781556_793854.htmlEjército colombiano mató a Alfonso Cano, ex líder de las FARC.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45172967/ns/world_news-americas/#.TrpQh3KwA90 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/05/actualidad/1320503011_623990.htmlhttp://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-colombia-farc-20111106,0,1321152.storyLa UNESCO tiene en la mira propuestas de México, Colombia y Perú.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/mxico-colombia-y-per-cerca-de-convertirse-en-patrimonio-inmaterial_10724246-4Asesinados cuarto cibernautas por denunciar narcotraficantes en México.Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-soldiers-shooting-20111105,0,7865498.story http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/narcos-en-mexico-homicidio-de-cibernauta_10732724-4 Nuevo titular asume el Ministerio de Defensa cubano.Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/09/internacional/internacional/noticias/938CA9EB-662F-44F3-9C6B-1EF1E108A84D.htm?id={938CA9EB-662F-44F3-9C6B-1EF1E108A84D}Nueva etapa en la relación diplomática entre Bolivia y Estados Unidos.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/americas/us-bolivia-relations/index.htmlHumala invita a dimitir a su vicepresidente investigado por corrupción.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/07/actualidad/1320674493_073853.htmlhttp://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/09/internacional/_portada/noticias/3E642E52-F806-40FD-8453-7C1C2CD8DC3E.htm?id={3E642E52-F806-40FD-8453-7C1C2CD8DC3E}El presidente venezolano, Hugo Chávez, elogia al 'Chacal'.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/el-presidente-venezolano-hugo-chvez-elogia-al-chacal_10728644-4Víctimas de cólera en Haití demandarán compensaciones a la ONU.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/americas/haiti-cholera-lawsuit/index.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15648110Haitianos temen creciente influencia de duvalieristas. Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/09/internacional/internacional/noticias/C622DDC9-5392-49DC-B8AD-B6B447D41380.htm?id={C622DDC9-5392-49DC-B8AD-B6B447D41380}China devora las materias primas de Latinoamérica.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/10/17/actualidad/1318844584_652292.htmlOtro ministro brasileño es acusado de corrupción.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/americas/brazil-corruption allegations/index.html?hpt=wo_bn8 http://www.economist.com/node/21536570Son utilizados satélites para proteger la Amazonia.Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/09/internacional/internacional/noticias/325AD834-443E-4E54-80CD-C1D885ED1E5E.htm?id={325AD834-443E-4E54-80CD-C1D885ED1E5E}México captura a figura clave del narcotráfico en Tijuana.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45192297/ns/world_news-americas/#.TrpQinKwA90Hackearon sitios gubernamentales de El Salvador.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45214010/ns/technology_and_science-security/#.TrpQd3KwA90 ESTADOS UNIDOS / CANADÁEstados Unidos impondría nuevas sanciones contra Irán.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/us/white-house-quiet-on-report-about-irans-nuclear-efforts.html?ref=world&gwh=5406F951F5F281F30CBA7B2A7D729D45 http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/estados-unidos-se-plantea-la-imposicin-de-nuevas-sanciones-contra-irn_10728556-4 http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2011/11/09/quand-l-armee-americaine-maltraite-ses-soldats-tombes-au-combat_1600846_3222.htmlEstados Unidos tiene cinco comandos antidroga operativos en Latinoamérica.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/08/actualidad/1320728173_644511.htmlLos casos de acoso sexual ponen en peligro la campaña del republicano Cain.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/node/21536610 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/08/actualidad/1320707818_975816.htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15641636Terremoto en Oklahoma causa daños en carreteras y viviendas estadounidenses.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/terremoto-en-oklahoma-causa-daos-en-carreteras_10715125-4Estados Unidos se plantea un rápido traspaso de la soberanía en Afganistán.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/04/actualidad/1320418493_554854.html Estados Unidos: crecen las iniciativas para criminalizar el aborto.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15642138 http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1421660-eeuu-crecen-las-iniciativas-para-criminalizar-el-aborto#comentar http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/estados-unidos/los-ciudadanos-de-misisipi-rechazan-la-criminalizacin-del-aborto_10729804-4Clinton le da su receta a Obama para que Estados Unidos salga de la crisis. Para más información: http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/09/internacional/_portada/noticias/9B70CF51-1ABD-4B52-AAFB-5B7D4FB77503.htm?id={9B70CF51-1ABD-4B52-AAFB-5B7D4FB77503}El fiscal de Estados Unidos califica de fracaso una operación de tráfico de armas a México.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/08/actualidad/1320778074_167649.htmlhttp://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/09/internacional/internacional/noticias/84C00F78-B039-4ECA-9E7F-BDD46BC4A6DD.htm?id={84C00F78-B039-4ECA-9E7F-BDD46BC4A6DD}Estados Unidos destituye a un general por criticar al Gobierno de Karzai. Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/05/actualidad/1320485534_345966.htmlEUROPABerlusconi dimitirá cuando Congreso apruebe ajuste económico.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/11/silvio-berlusconi http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15650842 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45203707/ns/world_news-europe/#.TrpQYnKwA90 http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/807415.html http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/berlusconi-dimitira-cuando-congreso-apruebe-ajuste-economico_10722045-4 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/09/internacional/_portada/noticias/B44FD86D-0452-47BE-A94E-A837F2640C4F.htm?id={B44FD86D-0452-47BE-A94E-A837F2640C4F} http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/09/actualidad/1320825633_539885.htmlhttp://www.lanacion.com.ar/1421664-berlusconi-me-han-traicionado-los-que-durante-toda-una-vida-he-llevado-en-mi-corazon#comentar http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/09/content_14060401.htm http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2011/11/08/le-gouvernement-berlusconi-en-jeu-les-marches-pesent-sur-la-dette-italienne_1600309_3214.htmlLas bolsas sufren fuertes caídas por Italia y la deuda.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/world/europe/support-for-berlusconi-ebbs-before-crucial-vote.html?ref=world http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1421669-las-bolsas-europeas-sufren-fuertes-caidas-por-italia-y-la-deuda#comentarGrecia tendrá un nuevo gobierno y seguirá en la zona Euro.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/09/content_14066950.htm http://www.lemonde.fr/europe/article/2011/11/08/grece-papandreou-demande-la-demission-de-ses-ministres_1600663_3214.html http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/europe/greece-main/index.html?hpt=wo_c2 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/world/europe/in-turmoil-greece-and-italy-deepen-euro-crisis.html?ref=world&gwh=175EB73A0389F6DE34A3D6B9D9171FD7 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/09/internacional/internacional/noticias/CC0FF9E6-A01D-43BC-B4BB-55F2F0A0AF8C.htm?id={CC0FF9E6-A01D-43BC-B4BB-55F2F0A0AF8C} http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-greece-talks-20111107,0,6522649.story http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/08/actualidad/1320762261_709044.htmlhttp://www.lanacion.com.ar/1421711-grecia-tendra-un-nuevo-gobierno-y-seguira-en-la-zona-euro#comentar http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-greece-referendum-20111104,0,2245598.storyMasiva marcha estudiantil en Londres.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15646709 http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1421680-masiva-marcha-estudiantil-en-londres#comentar http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45211711/ns/world_news-europe/#.TrpQXnKwA90El nacionalismo avanza en Rusia.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/04/actualidad/1320432867_413034.htmlInauguran el nuevo gasoducto que une a Rusia con Europa.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1421643-inaguran-el-nuevo-gasoducto-que-une-a-rusia-con-europa#comentar http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/08/actualidad/1320737968_046710.htmlDecepción con políticos impulsa a la ultraderecha europea en Internet.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/ultraderecha-europea-en-internet_10719524-4El acusado de ataque terrorista, 'El Chacal', irá a juicio en Francia.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/el-chacal-elogia-a-chavez_10730325-4 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-france-jackal-trial-20111108,0,2772050.story http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/world/europe/france-carlos-jackal-trial/index.html?hpt=wo_bn9Medvédev busca el apoyo de la iglesia ortodoxa rusa.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/06/actualidad/1320617795_508143.htmlCrece oleada de crímenes en las principales ciudades europeas.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/09/content_14060492.htmETA dice que el cese es definitivo; filósofo español analiza veracidad.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/europa/eta-deja-las-armas_10729225-4ASIA- PACÍFICO/ MEDIO ORIENTEEl balance de la represión en Siria supera los 3.500 muertos desde el pasado marzo.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2011/11/syrias-uprising http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15635867 http://diario.elmercurio.com/2011/11/09/internacional/internacional/noticias/22116B1C-CCF8-4C85-A8B6-49A08F3F30C4.htm?id={22116B1C-CCF8-4C85-A8B6-49A08F3F30C4} http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/08/actualidad/1320752638_459858.htmlhttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/world/middleeast/syria-lays-siege-to-a-city-homs-that-puts-up-a-fight.html?ref=world&gwh=48549C4CB10D521AAD3981DC99E0791A http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/11/08/selon-les-etats-unis-la-syrie-commence-a-ressentir-les-effets-des-sanction_1600272_3218.html http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-syria-un-toll-20111109,0,7411419.storyONU afirma que Irán puede estar desarrollando armas nucleares.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/world/meast/iran-iaea-report/index.html?hpt=wo_bn11 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/world/middleeast/irans-defense-of-nuclear-program-may-be-complicated-by-report.html?ref=world&gwh=9DCBAA603073BA7F5BFBB79625504B1F http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/07/actualidad/1320694291_231272.htmlhttp://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2011/11/08/l-evolution-du-programme-nucleaire-iranien-depuis-1953_1600671_3218.html http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/irn-puede-estar-desarrollando-armas-nucleares_10726506-4 http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/meast/iran-nuclear/index.html?hpt=wo_c2 http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-nuclear-report-20111108,0,7655106.story http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/75078.htmlIrán descarta cambios en su plan nuclear.Para más información: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1421665-iran-amenaza-con-destruir-a-israel-y-descarta-hacer-cambios-a-su-plan-nuclear#comentar http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/plan-nuclear-de-iran_10729924-4 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/09/actualidad/1320827355_200562.htmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15643460Preocupación por significativo avance del programa nuclear iraní.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/preocupacin-por-programa-nuclear-iran_10722004-4 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/08/actualidad/1320778399_374159.htmlIndia: al menos 16 muertos en estampida durante fiesta religiosa.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/asia/india-al-menos-16-muertos-en-estampida-durante-fiesta-religiosa_10724806-4 http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/807104.html http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/08/content_14060209.htm http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/asia/india-stampede/index.html?hpt=wo_c2Más de 60 talibanes abatidos por la OTAN y tropas afganas.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/medio-oriente/talibanes-y-ataques-de-la-otan_10730027-4 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45219238/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/#.TrpQWnKwA90Corea del Sur aprueba plan de ayuda médica a su vecina del Norte.Para más información: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/world/asia/south-korea-approves-sending-medical-aid-to-north.html?ref=world&gwh=9F97DE3D00FDFB5841A851CD98B1BCB9Bomba explota en el exterior de una mezquita en Afganistán dejando 7 muertos.Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-afghanistan-bombing-20111107,0,2459362.story http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html?hpt=wo_bn7 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/world/asia/roadside-bomb-kills--in-western-afghanistan.html?ref=world&gwh=B0A9271B74F555F589292B51640A1C0DNepal integra 6,500 ex rebeldes maoístas a su ejército.Para más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-nepal-maoists-deal-20111103,0,3578041.storyDenuncian el asesinato de desertor norcoreano en la frontera con China.Para más información: http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/asia/denuncian-el-asesinato-de-desertor-norcoreano-en-la-frontera-con-china_10718466-4Beijing lucha contra su contaminación ambiental.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-15649829Las inundaciones en Tailandia dejaron como resultado 529 muertos.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/09/content_14065334.htmBomba explota en mercado en Bagdad dejando 8 muertos.Para más información: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45181415/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/#.TrpQr3KwA90Terremoto amenaza la región japonesa de Okinawa.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/world/asia/japan-offshore-earthquake/index.html?hpt=wo_bn7Miles de seguidores donan dinero en apoyo a disidente chino Ai Weiwei.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/asia/ai-weiwei-tax-donations/index.html?hpt=wo_c2http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/07/actualidad/1320662348_309424.htmlEl Pentágono teme un resurgimiento de Al Qaeda en Irak.Para más información: http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/06/actualidad/1320617076_434111.htmlAFRICAAtaques con explosivos dejan unos 150 muertos en Nigeria.Para más información: http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2011/11/attacks-nigiera http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/africa/ataques-dejan-63-muertos-en-nigeria_10711204-4 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45163412/ns/world_news-africa/#.TrpQdXKwA90Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf favorita para ganar las elecciones en Liberia.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/08/world/africa/liberia-election/index.html?hpt=wo_bn10 http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/11/08/actualidad/1320770240_066908.htmlhttp://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2011/11/08/les-liberiens-appeles-aux-urnes-pour-elire-leur-president_1600266_3212.html http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45190391/ns/world_news-africa/#.TrpQb3KwA90 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15633697 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/world/africa/liberia-tense-as-presidential-runoff-vote-starts.html?ref=world&gwh=64205D9C672942ADEB702AA291B0F8C4Musulmanes celebran la festividad Eid al-Adha.Para más información: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/08/content_14054706.htmCrece la tensión entre Kenia y SomaliaPara más información: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-kenya-somalia-refugees-20111105,0,2584657.story http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011-11/08/content_14054695.htmProducción de aceite aumento considerablemente desde la independencia de Sudán del Sur.Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15652524Funcionario de la ONU es muerto en ataque en Darfur.Para más información: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/07/world/africa/sudan-peacekeepers-killed/index.html?hpt=wo_bn10OTRAS NOTICIASFMI amenaza con una "década perdida" en la economía global. Para más información: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15649985 http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1421672-advierten-que-la-economia-mundial-esta-en-una-fase-peligrosa-e-incierta#comentar"El Universal" presenta su portal dedicado al cambio climático.Para más información: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/coberturas/cobertura3.html"The Economist" presenta su informe semanal: "Business this week".Para más información: http://www.economist.com/node/21533461

El Huracán Gustav se formó en el Caribe la mañana del 25 de agosto al sureste de Puerto Príncipe, Haití. Rápidamente se intensificó en una tormenta tropical esa misma tarde y en un huracán en las primeras horas del día siguiente. Con su paso afectó gravemente a poblaciones de Haití, Republica Dominicana, Jamaica y esta última semana, Cuba y los Estados Unidos. Varios medios informan sobre este suceso y sus repercusiones en diferentes ámbitos: "MSNBC": "Cuba digs out after Gustav's winds hit 212 mph: Homes destroyed and flooded, but no deaths; hurricane set wind record":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26486029/"New Orleans mayor: Don't come home yet: Nagin says it's too early to return after massive hurricane evacuation":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26501363/"MSNBC" presenta sitio con links a noticias relacionadas al paso del huracán: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22886841#22886841"Gustav may trigger $10B in insurance claims: 'More of a wind event, than a flood event,' says insurance spokesman": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26510099/"Le Monde":"L'ouragan Hanna fait 10 morts à Haïti, déjà frappé par Gustav":http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2008/09/02/l-ouragan-hanna-fait-10-morts-a-haiti-deja-frappe-par-gustav_1090770_3222.html#ens_id=1088297"A Lafayette, en Louisiane, "rien n'a changé depuis Katrina"":http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2008/09/02/a-lafayette-en-louisiane-rien-n-a-change-depuis-katrina_1090733_3222.html#ens_id=1088297"El Mercurio" de Chile: "Fueron canceladas todas las actividades políticas: Republicanos dedican su primera jornada de convención a los afectados por el huracán":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/09/02/internacional/_portada/noticias/3D183F6E-D62D-469D-892E-8DFD8DA361E1.htm?id={3D183F6E-D62D-469D-892E-8DFD8DA361E1}"Gustav pierde fuerza, pero deja siete muertos al golpear a Nueva Orleáns":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/09/02/internacional/_portada/noticias/4AC9C805-D662-43B7-BDCF-9E76B1708AB5.htm?id={4AC9C805-D662-43B7-BDCF-9E76B1708AB5}"Miami Herald":"Hurricane Gustav largely spares New Orleans, floods parts of La., Miss.":http://www.miamiherald.com/569/story/668225.html"Los Angeles Times":"After Gustav, Louisiana begins process of recovering":http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gustav3-2008sep03,0,3455205.story"New Orleans levees hold against Hurricane Gustav":http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gustav2-2008sep02,0,2668771.story"Republicans scale back convention due to Hurricane Gustav":http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gop1-2008sep01,0,1600658.story"Hurricane Gustav bears down on empty New Orleáns: Thousands have taken to the highways before the storm, expected to make landfall today as a Category 3.":http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gustav1-2008sep01,0,1882337.story"The Economist": "Half-empty streets: New Orleans is recovering its energy, but not its people":http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12009922"The trailers that smelt bad: After the storm, the poisoning"http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12009914"New York Times":"Powerful Hurricane Lashes Gulf Coast":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/us/02gustav.html?ref=us"Party's Plans Are Unsettled; McCain Visits Gulf":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/01/us/politics/01repubs.html?ref=us"CNN":"CNN" presenta sitio con links a noticias relacionadas al paso del huracán: http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/news/hurricane.gustav/"Oil prices fall sharply as hurricane weakens":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/09/01/oil.prices.ap/index.html"Gustav hits U.S. economy: Storm is weaker than Katrina three years ago. But it hits an economy that is at greater risk.":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/09/01/gustav/index.htmlAMERICA LATINA"CNN" informa: "Bolivia's Morales visits Iran":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/01/bolivia.iran/index.html"La Nación" informa: "Bolivia: sorpresivo giro de la Corte Electoral contra Evo Morales: El organismo rechazó realizar el referéndum constitucional porque "no fue convocado por ley sino sólo por un decreto"":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045579"New York Times" informa: "Chávez Threatens to Expel American Ambassador": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/01/world/americas/01venez.html?ref=world"El Mercurio" de Chile anuncia: "Chávez podría controlar los blogs y sitios de internet como Facebook": http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/09/02/internacional/_portada/noticias/981BC888-A155-4AAB-8EE8-0ACA5CC4D76D.htm?id={981BC888-A155-4AAB-8EE8-0ACA5CC4D76D}New York Times" anuncia: "Drug Violence Alters the Flow of Life in Mexico": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/world/americas/31mexico.html?ref=world"El País" de Madrid publica: "'Marcha blanca' contra el crimen en México: Cientos de miles de ciudadanos reclaman más seguridad ante la imparable ola de violencia": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Marcha/blanca/crimen/Mexico/elpepiint/20080901elpepiint_7/Tes"Los Angeles Times" anuncia: "Calderon presents Mexico's annual report in written form: A new law allows President Felipe Calderon to give his state of the nation report without having to appear before Congress, a move that avoids disturbances.":http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-informe2-2008sep02,0,772815.story"La Nación" informa: "Un coche bomba dejó cuatro muertos en Cali: El gobierno de Uribe atribuyó el atentado a las FARC": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045503"El País" de Madrid informa: "Un coche bomba mata a cinco personas en Colombia: La explosión se produce cerca del Palacio de Justicia de Cali.- La Policía sospecha de las FARC": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/exodo/Nueva/Orleans/paraliza/campana/EE/UU/elpepuint/20080901elpepiint_1/Tes"La Nación" publica: "Betancourt reclamó un espacio político para las FARC: Sin embargo le pidió a la guerrilla que deje de actuar en forma "terrorista"":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045634"La Nación" informa: "Ingrid Betancourt, con el Papa": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045502"El País" de Madrid publica: "Un caso de espionaje agita de nuevo las instituciones de Brasil: Lula promete investigar un escándalo de escuchas telefónicas ilegales al presidente del Supremo y a un senador": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/caso/espionaje/agita/nuevo/instituciones/Brasil/elpepuint/20080901elpepuint_10/Tes"MSNBC" analiza: "Brazil's spy chief removed over bugging scandal: Wiretaps found on phones of Supreme Court justice, senior politicians": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26505995/"The Economist" analiza: "Brazil: A funny kind of reward. Just when production from Petrobras's big new oilfields gets going, the government ponders changing the rules on oil exploration": http://www.economist.com/world/americas/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12009864"CCN": "Cuban musician guilty of public disorder":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/08/29/cuba.punkrocker.ap/index.html"La Nación": "Advirtió Lugo sobre un plan golpista liderado por Oviedo: Involucró también a Duarte Frutos": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045500"El Mercurio" de Chile informa: "Fernando Lugo denuncia conspiración golpista":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/09/02/internacional/internacional/noticias/335949BE-6966-42F4-8C2A-4FEB762D4672.htm?id={335949BE-6966-42F4-8C2A-4FEB762D4672}"Le Monde" publica: "L'Argentine va rembourser sa dette au Club de Paris": http://www.lemonde.fr/ameriques/article/2008/09/02/l-argentine-va-rembourser-sa-dette-au-club-de-paris_1090779_3222.html#ens_id=1090782"La Nación"analiza: "Primera jugada fuerte de Cristina: el Gobierno cancela la deuda con el Club de París con reservas del BCRA: Como ocurrió con el FMI, la Presidenta afirmó que saldará los compromisos de 6700 millones de dólares con fondos del Banco Central ; "esto reafirma una vez más la voluntad de pago de la Argentina", señaló; justificó que este pasivo "no es de carácter financiero" y dijo que el país "necesita confianza"":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045593"El País" informa sobre gira de Vázquez : "Corea del Sur pidió más apoyo a sus inversiones":http://www.elpais.com.uy/08/09/01/ultmo_367240.aspEl Portal de "Terra" publica: "Vázquez impulsa la exportación de carne a Corea del Sur":http://actualidad.terra.es/nacional/articulo/vazquez-corea-sur-2715888.htESTADOS UNIDOS / CANADA"The Economist" analiza: "John McCain: No surrender. The gnarled maverick outpolls his party and might even beat Barack Obama. But what sort of president would he be?": http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12001775"The Economist" informa. "The Democratic convention: Flags, cheers, discipline and doubt. Barack Obama struggled this week to unite his party": http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12010827"Time" presenta sitio con links a artículos sobre las elecciones estadounidenses: http://thepage.time.com/"Time" anuncia: "Day One at the Republican National Convention": http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1838049,00.html"El Universal" de México publica: "Reanudan Convención Republicana con mensaje de Bush: El presidente Bush, hablará desde la Casa Blanca en una videoconferencia que se transmitirá en el Xcel Energy Center de esta capital de Minnesota": http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/534973.html"BBC" informa: "Republican convention to resume": http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7594149.stm"Le Monde" informa: "Après un faux départ, la convention républicaine revient au premier plan": http://www.lemonde.fr/elections-americaines/article/2008/09/02/apres-un-faux-depart-la-convention-republicaine-revient-au-premier-plan_1090781_829254.html#ens_id=1089564"La Nación" publica: "Inesperado giro en la campaña republicana: Palin reveló que su hija adolescente está embarazada": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045463"MSNBC" anuncia: "Palin disclosures raise questions about vetting: Alaskans say no one from McCain camp asked them about eventual VP pick": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26501863/"El País" de Madrid publica: "La convención demócrata no ayuda a Obama en las encuestas: Un sondeo realizado por CNN al finalizar la reunión de Denver revela que mantiene el empate con el republicano John McCain en las preferencias": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/convencion/democrata/ayuda/Obama/encuestas/elpepuint/20080901elpepuint_18/TesEUROPAVarios medios informan sobre desarrollo del conflicto entre Rusia y Georgia: "New York Times": "E.U. Meets on Georgia Crisis Response": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/world/europe/02georgia.html?ref=world"El País" de Madrid: "La UE presiona a Rusia para que retire sus tropas de Georgia a niveles previos a la guerra: Sarkozy, Solana y Barroso viajarán a Moscú y Tbilisi la próxima semana para verificar el cumplimiento del acuerdo de alto el fuego.- Medvédev avisa que no dará marcha atrás sobre el reconocimiento de Osetia del Sur y Abjazia": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/UE/condiciona/nuevas/negociaciones/asociacion/Rusia/retiro/efectivo/tropas/Georgia/elpepuint/20080901elpepuint_11/Tes"La UE busca una posición común frente a Rusia: Brown advierte que "ningún país puede tener el dominio energético de Europa"": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/UE/busca/posicion/comun/frente/Rusia/elpepuint/20080901elpepiint_5/Tes"CNN":"EU warns Russia against isolation": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/09/01/russia.georgia.summit.sanctions/index.html"La Nación": "Las inversiones europeas en Rusia alejan las sanciones: Alemania, Italia y Francia se oponen a cualquier castigo y abogan por un incremento del diálogo con el Kremlin":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045585"Cumbre europea: Dividida, la UE evita sancionar a Rusia. Le exigió que se retirara de Georgia":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045504"MSNBC":"Putin vows 'an answer' to NATO ships: Russia has repeatedly complained of Black Sea build-up after Georgia war":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26508298/"EU delays economic, political talks with Russia: Sarkozy says Moscow needs to pull its troops back from Georgia, first": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26497101/"Time""Putin Vows 'Answer' to NATO Ships":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1837975,00.html"EU Talks Tough on Russia": http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1837863,00.html"China Daily":"Georgia formally breaks ties with Russia":http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-09/02/content_6991967.htm"The Economist" "Russia and Georgia: Put out even more flags: Russia's recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia will reverberate for a long time—not least at home": http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12009856"Time" informa: "Italy Pays Reparations to Libya":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1838014,00.html"La Nación" informa: "Pronostican una recesión en Gran Bretaña: La OCDE que el crecimiento será negativo en los dos últimos trimestres del año, pero indicó que será positivo en 2009; lanzan un paquete para adquirir la primera vivienda": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045588ASIA – PACÍFICO /MEDIO ORIENTE"New York Times" informa: "Japan's Prime Minister Resigns":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/world/asia/02japan.html?ref=world"EL País" de Madrid publica: "Dimite el primer ministro de Japón: Yasuo Fukuda, que atravesaba una grave crisis de popularidad, considera que es lo mejor para el país": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Dimite/primer/ministro/Japon/elpepuint/20080901elpepuint_13/Tes"MSNBC" anuncia: "Japan's unpopular prime minister resigns: Move throws world's second-largest economy into political confusion": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26495149/"Time" informa: "In Japan, A Strategic Resignation": http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1837919,00.html"CNN" anuncia: "Beleaguered Japanese PM resigns":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/09/01/japan.pm/index.html"La Nación" publica: "Presentó su dimisión el premier de Japón: Yasuo Fukuda era resistido por el Senado": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045465"New York Times" publica: "Thai Protesters Target Utilities": http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/02/world/asia/02thailand.html?ref=world"MSNBC" informa: "Violence sparks Bangkok state of emergency: Thai premier bans gatherings of more than 5 people after deadly protests": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26498577/"La Nación" informa: "Tailandia: declaran el estado de emergencia por la ola de violencia: La crisis política, que derivó en los fuertes enfrentamientos entre oficialistas y opositores, se cobró su primera víctima; el ejército tomó el control de las calles": http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1045580"The Economist" publica: "Thailand: No compromise: A three-year political conflict grinds on, as protesters besiege the government": http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12009966"Los Angeles Times" anuncia: "Thai army takes to streets": http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-thai2-2008sep02,0,2452625.story"Time" informa: "Thai PM Refuses to Step Down":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1837805,00.html"CNN" informa: "Indian flood leaves 3 million needing help":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/09/01/india.floods.relief.dead/index.html"MSNBC" analiza: "Disease feared at India flood refugee camps: 250,000 in shelters now, but that could double; cholera, diarrhea feared": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26497562/"CNN" anuncia: "Dalai Lama discharged from Indian hospital": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/09/01/india.dalai.lama.ap/index.html"Time" analiza: "The Lessons of the Beijing Olympics":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1835582,00.html"China Daily" publica: "China set to raise poverty line":http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-09/03/content_6992004.htm"The Economist" analiza: "Pakistan. Man of the hour: From demented jailbird to president-in-waiting: Asif Zardari's metamorphosis": http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12010369"CNN" informa: "Iraqi troops take control of key province": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/09/01/iraq.anbar.handover.coalition/index.htmlAFRICA"New York Times" informa: "Zimbabwe Lifts Ban on Aid Groups, but Its Effects Linger":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/world/africa/30zimbabwe.html?ref=world"CNN" publica: "Police seize opposition MPs in Zimbabwe": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/08/27/zimbabwe.arrests/index.html"El País" de Madrid anuncia: "Mauritania forma su primer Gobierno tras el golpe: El nuevo Ejecutivo está formado por 28 miembros, en su mayoría tecnócratas sin experiencia política": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Mauritania/forma/primer/Gobierno/golpe/elpepuint/20080901elpepuint_8/Tes"CNN" informa: "Nigerian militants claim 29 soldiers dead; military disagrees": http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/08/30/nigeria.attack/index.html"MSNBC" anuncia: "17 feared dead after aid plane crashes in Congo: No sign of survivors as humanitarian flight operated by U.S. firm goes down": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26505815/"CNN" informa: "Sudan hijackers surrender":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/08/27/sudan.plane.hostages/index.htmlECONOMIA"The Economist" publica su informa semanal: "Business this week": http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12011210"CNN" anuncia: "Iraq signs $3 billion oil deal with China":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/BUSINESS/08/30/iraq.china.oil.deal/index.html"The Economist" informa: "The second browser war: Google's new web browser is its most direct attack on Microsoft yet": http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12039759&source=features_box_main"MSNBC" publica: "Oil industry tallies the damage from Gustav: Early indications that storm caused little damage to Gulf's facilities":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26509771/"MSNBC" analiza: "The world's most powerful women: Business and political leaders on Forbes list control $26 trillion worldwide": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26426065/"Time" publica: "Google Enters the Browser Wars": http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1837914,00.html

Continúan las duras consecuencias del terremoto que azotó a ChinaEl número de víctimas fatales y desaparecidos por el sismo de magnitud 7,9 en la escala de Richter llega a 74.000. Las autoridades chinas ordenaron la evacuación de miles de personas en la provincia de Sichuan por miedo a que los lagos formados en los ríos bloqueados por los desprendimientos de tierra durante terremoto se desborden. Continua el trabajo de rescate, la ayuda internacional, el problema de los refugiados, el temor por posibles inundaciones y nuevos temblores. Varios medios informan al respecto:"People Dialy",diario oficial del Partido Comunista, informa: " China to allocate 70 bln yuan for reconstruction of quake-hit regions":http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/6415671.html"People Dialy",diario oficial del Partido Comunista: "China offers temporary allowance for quake victims":http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/6414922.html"China Daily :"ll rises to 41,353; donations hit $2.2B":http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-05/21/content_6701114.htm"China Daily": "Central gov't to slash spending for quake relief":http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-05/22/content_6701567.htm"China Daily": "Woman rescued nine days after quake":http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-05/21/content_6701235.htm"MSNBC": "Post-quake challenge: 5 million homeless. 3 million tents needed; Chinese authorities fear possible disease outbreak": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24732245/"El Universal" de Méjico: "China: amenazan inundaciones": http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/57771.html"El Mercurio" de Chile: "Avalanchas sepultan a más de 200 rescatistas en China": http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/05/20/internacional/_portada/noticias/B0BF9587-4285-4A8C-8D0A-89073FAF95D4.htm?id={B0BF9587-4285-4A8C-8D0A-89073FAF95D4}"The Economist": "China's earthquake.Days of disaster": http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11376935"New York Times" : "Hopes Fading in Search for Survivors of China Quake":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/19/world/asia/19quake.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin"New York Times": "Chinese Soldiers Work to Restore a Winding Lifeline":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/world/asia/18sichuan.html?ref=world"El País" de Madrid: "China eleva la cifra oficial de muertos por el seísmo a más de 32.000. Las autoridades chinas buscan más cadáveres bajo los escombros.- Los temblores no cesan y miles de personas son evacuadas": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/China/eleva/cifra/oficial/muertos/seismo/32000/elpepuint/20080518elpepuint_4/Tes"El País" de Madrid: "China evacua a miles de personas por miedo a inundaciones tras el seísmo. El Gobierno teme que los ríos taponados por el terremoto se desborden"http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/China/evacua/miles/personas/miedo/inundaciones/seismo/elpepuint/20080518elpepiint_5/Tes"Time": "The China Quake's Homeless Victims":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1807520,00.html"Time": "China's Heaviest Toll: Schoolchildren":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1807137,00.html"CNN": "China to mourn quake victims as toll mounts":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/18/china.quake/index.html"El País" de Madrid: "China investigará los edificios desplomados por el seísmo. La cifra de muertos y desaparecidos alcanza los 74.000.- Las familias de los miles de niños sepultados exigen una investigación de las construcciones derribadas":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/China/investigara/edificios/desplomados/seismo/elpepuint/20080521elpepuint_17/Tes"CNN": "Stadium becomes tent city after China quake":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/21/china.refugee.center/index.html"CNN": "Aftershock rattles China rescue efforts":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/17/china.quake/index.html"CNN": "Millions left homeless by China quake":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/16/china.quake/index.html"Times": "China works flat out to prevent dam flood":http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article3972785.ece"MSNBC": "Woman freed after 9 days under quake rubble. Survivor found in tunnel; grieving parents protest over collapsed schools":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24717558/ AMERICA LATINAMerkel se compromete a apoyar a Uribe en la lucha contra el narcotráfico. Alemania cooperará en programas para la erradicación de cultivos ilegales y para que las víctimas de los paramilitares sean indemnizadas, "El País" de Madrid publica: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Merkel/compromete/apoyar/Uribe/lucha/narcotrafico/elpepuint/20080518elpepuint_2/Tes"El Mercurio" de Méjico informa: "Karina", ex miembro de las FARC: Jefa rebelde colombiana niega haber asesinado al padre de Álvaro Uribe":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/05/20/internacional/_portada/noticias/8EB943E9-AF57-462F-976C-95E3EAB8A15D.htm?id={8EB943E9-AF57-462F-976C-95E3EAB8A15DLos presidentes de Perú y Brasil, que han mantenido una reunión bilateral posterior al encuentro del pasado viernes en Lima, acuerdan la puesta en marcha un ambicioso proyecto petroquímico, "El País" de Madrid informa: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Lula/Alan/Garcia/terminan/cumbre/tocando/cajones/elpepuint/20080518elpepuint_1/TesEl presidente dominicano Leonel Fernández, candidato del Partido de la Liberación Dominicana (PLD) obtuvo el 53.72% de los votos, en las elecciones presidenciales del viernes, con la que se convirtió en el primer gobernante en lograr la renovación de su mandato en los últimos 14 años. Nos informan al respecto:"CNN": "Dominican president wins 3rd term":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/05/17/dominican.election/index.html"El Universal" de Méjico: "Confirman triunfo de Leonel Fernández":http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/57770.html"CNN": "Dominican incumbent eyes legacy in bid for third term":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/05/15/dominican.vote/index.html"El Universal " de México publica: "Pide EU explicaciones a Chávez por supuesto apoyo a las FARC":http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/507624.html"CNN" informa: "Chavez: Interpol report a 'clown show'":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/05/15/colombia.computers/index.html"Time" publica: "The US Dilemma Over Chavez":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1807217,00.html"Time" informa:" Interpol: Chavez Has Arms Buildup":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1807161,00.html"El Universal " de México informa: "Va otra vez Correa contra Colombia":http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/57768.html"El Mercurio" de Chile publica: "De cara al referéndum revocatorio: Prensa denuncia millonaria campaña electoral de Morales":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/05/20/internacional/internacional/noticias/116F14E3-0201-4969-8E33-BCC1CE39E6EC.htm?id={116F14E3-0201-4969-8E33-BCC1CE39E6EC"El Mercurio" de Chile informa: "Huelga de sector rural en Argentina: Productores levantan paro para dialogar con gobierno":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/05/20/internacional/internacional/noticias/B78C8189-132F-4349-A92A-1BC629EAF6DD.htm?id={B78C8189-132F-4349-A92A-1BC629EAF6DD}"The Economist" publica: "Drug violence in Mexico. Can the army out-gun the drug lords?"http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11376335Violence erupts in Mexico's drugs heartland, Three-way battle between rival gangs and security forces, "MSNBC" publica:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24726572/Investigan un gran incendio en San Pablo. Una fábrica de colchones, que ocupa una manzana, arde mientras decenas de dotaciones de bomberos luchan contra las llamas; hubo temor por el choque de un avión, "La Nación" informa:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1014190ESTADOS UNIDOS/CANADÁ Bush en Medio Oriente:"New York Times" informa: "Bush Presses Arab Leaders on Reform":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/19/world/middleeast/19prexy.html?ref=world"CNN" publica: "Bush to Arab world: Give citizens more freedoms":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/05/18/bush.mideast.ap/index.htmlBush pide a Israel que "suavice las restricciones a los palestinos". La Casa Blanca filtra el discurso que el presidente de EE UU dará en el Foro Económico Mundial en Sharm el Sheij.- Bush evitó hablar del tema en Jerusalén.- También pedirá apoyos contra "las ambiciones nucleares de Irán", "El País" de Madrid publica: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Bush/pide/Israel/suavice/restricciones/palestinos/elpepuint/20080518elpepuint_5/TesVarios medios informan sobre la campaña electoral en los Estados Unidos:"Time": "Bush Starts a McCain-Obama Brawl":http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1807377,00.html"El Universal": "Prevén "encontronazo" entre Obama y McCain en Miami":http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/507619.html"El Mercurio": "Contienda demócrata por la nominación a la Casa Blanca: Obama se alista para la victoria, pero Clinton le advierte que la pelea por la candidatura todavía no ha terminado":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/05/20/internacional/_portada/noticias/542ED523-3541-4BE4-9ABF-64D8EF3B7550.htm?id={542ED523-3541-4BE4-9ABF-64D8EF3B7550}"The Economist" en su informe semanal: "On the campaign trail: Primary colour":http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11376269"The Economist" publica: "West Virginia.The phoney war continues":http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11376262"La Nación": "Clinton vencen en Kentucky y Obama espera. El senador por Illinois confía en que las primarias que se desarrollan en Oregón apuntalen su triunfo; Hillary dijo que no se baja y que peleará hasta el final":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1014077"El Universal" analiza: "La estrategia de John McCain":http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/internacional/57769.html Ted Kennedy padece un tumor cerebral.El senador estadounidense y último hermano vivo del asesinado ex presidente John F. Kennedy tiene un glioma maligno; consternación de Bush y otros políticos, "La Nación" informa:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1014167"Time" publica: "In the Senate, Ted Kennedy Still Rules":http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1807447,00.htmlEUROPA Los problemas de los inmigrantes .20.000 'sin papeles' en centros de la UE.Los inmigrantes permanecen detenidos en condiciones a veces peores que en las cárceles, analiza "El País" de Madrid: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/20000/papeles/centros/UE/elpepuint/20080518elpepiint_2/Tes"The Economist" analiza: "Gordon Brown's woes: A flimsy fightback": http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11377022"MSNBC" informa: "Noriega takes extradition fight to appeals court. France wants former Panamanian dictator on money-laundering charges":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24731070/"The Economist" analiza: "France's cost of living. Purchasing-power disparity":http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11376708La amenaza terrorista. Detienen en Francia a número uno de ETA. Se trata de Francisco Javier López Peña, alias "Thierry", a quien se lo señala como el responsable del fin de la tregua de 14 meses de la organización separatista, "La Nación" informa: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1014226Detenido el 'número uno' de ETA en Burdeos. Junto a Francisco Javier López Peña, jefe militar y político de la banda, han sido detenidos Ainhoa Ozaeta, Jon Salabarria e Igor Suberbiola, "El País" de Madrid informa: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/Detenido/numero/ETA/Burdeos/elpepuesp/20080521elpepunac_1/Tes"La Nación" publica: "Zapatero volvió a oponerse al referéndum vasco.":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1014082"MSNBC" analiza: "New leaders unlikely to ease U.S.-Russia strains: Medvedev, next U.S. president unlikely to have power, will to push change":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24677039/"La Nación" informa: "Extinguen el incendio en la Filarmónica de Berlín: más de 170 bomberos trabajaron para sofocar las llamas y desalojar un ensayo con 720 personas adentro; salvaron valiosos instrumentos y piezas de museo":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1014084"El País" de Madrid publica: "Controlado el incendio en la Filarmónica de Berlín.":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/cultura/Controlado/incendio/Filarmonica/Berlin/elpepucul/20080520elpepucul_7/TesASIA – PACÍFICO Y MEDIO ORIENTE"New York Times" informa: "Hezbollah Actions Ignite Sectarian Fuse in Lebanon":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/world/middleeast/18lebanon.html?ref=world"MSNBC" informa: "U.N. stymied in Iran nuclear investigation. A report to be released Friday will detail the lack of progress":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24735923/"El País" de Madrid informa: "Al menos 13 muertos y 22 heridos en un atentado suicida en Pakistán. El objetivo del ataque ha sido una panadería de la ciudad noroccidental de Mardan, cerca de un centro del Ejército": http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/muertos/22/heridos/atentado/suicida/Pakistan/elpepuint/20080518elpepuint_9/Tes"CNN" informa: "Myanmar's junta leader visits cyclone refugees":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/05/18/myanmar/index.htmlPresiones a junta militar en Myanmar "New York Times" publica: "International Pressure on Myanmar Junta Is Building":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/world/asia/18myanmar.html?ref=worldBan Ki-moon viajará a Myanmar para presionar a la Junta militar. La ONU pide la entrada de cooperantes extranjeros.- El presidente Than Shwe, hasta ahora impasible a la presión internacional, visita la zona más afectada dos semanas después del azote del ciclón, "El País" de Madrid informa: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Ban/Ki-moon/viajara/Myanmar/presionar/Junta/militar/elpepuint/20080518elpepuint_7/Tes"La Nación" informa: "Con una política de unificación china. Asumió el presidente de Taiwán: se trata de Ma Ying-jeou, a quien se lo ve como promotor de la cooperación con Pekín y con los EE.UU.; así terminaría con seis décadas de rivalidad":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1014049Evacuadas unas 16.000 personas en Japón por una bomba de la II Guerra Mundial. Las fuerzas de seguridad japonesas desactivan un proyectil en una ciudad al oeste de Tokio, que pudo ser lanzado por aviones de EE UUhttp://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Evacuadas/16000/personas/Japon/bomba/II/Guerra/Mundial/elpepuint/20080518elpepuint_6/TesÁFRICA"CNN" informa: "Mugabe rival fears 'assassination' plot":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/05/17/zimbabwe/index.html"CNN" publica: "Thousands remain displaced months after Kenyan violence":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/05/16/kenya.displaced/index.htmlAtaques Xenófobos en Sudáfrica: Miles de extranjeros huyeron a refugios desde que el 11 de mayo comenzó la violencia en el municipio de Alexandra. Varios extranjeros fueron quemados vivos y decenas de comercios y viviendas saqueadas. El brote xenófobo comenzó hace una semana, en el periférico barrio de Alexandra, cuando un grupo de sudafricanos atacó a varios inmigrantes de Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi y Mozambique. Diferentes medios informan al respecto:"The Economist": "Xenophobic violence rocks South Africa's biggest city":http://www.economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?story_id=11399350&source=features_box_main"La Nación": "Extreman medidas de seguridad en Sudáfrica.La policía aumentó su presencia en las calles para intentar frenar la ola de ataques xenófobos que ya causó 24 muertos; temen que afecte al turismo":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1014070"MSNBC": "Groups rush to help South Africa immigrants. Thousands chased from their homes during wave of violence": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24731834/"El País" de Madrid: "Suráfrica despliega unidades especiales de policía contra la violencia xenófoba. El Ejército, a un paso de ser movilizado.- La oposición propone la construcción de campos de refugiados para acoger a los inmigrantes atacados":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Surafrica/despliega/unidades/especiales/policia/violencia/xenofoba/elpepuint/20080520elpepuint_19/Tes"CNN": "Police patrol South Africa riot zone":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/05/20/southafrica.violence/index.html"El País" de Madrid: "La ola xenófoba de Suráfrica fuerza la huida de miles de inmigrantes.":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/ola/xenofoba/Surafrica/fuerza/huida/miles/inmigrantes/elpepuint/20080520elpepiint_11/Tes"New York Times": "South Africans Take Out Rage on Immigrants":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/20/world/africa/20safrica.html?hp"Le Monde": "En Afrique du Sud, la vague de violence xénophobe a fait au moins 42 morts":http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2008/05/21/en-afrique-du-sud-la-vague-de-violence-xenophobe-a-fait-au-moins-42-morts_1047971_3212.html#ens_id=1046651 ECONOMIA "The Economist" en su informe semanal: "Business this week":http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11377101&CFID=6367298&CFTOKEN=64782268OTRAS NOTICIAS Climate change : A moment of truth, analiza "The Economist": http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11376587"La Nación" publica: "Tras el paso devastador del ciclón Nargis, el Banco Mundial anunció que no enviará ayuda financiera a Myanmar: Reveló que "no puede legalmente desbloquear los fondos" ya que el país "acumula retrasos en los pagos desde 1998"":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1014051

Conflicto en Argentina: Campo versus Gobierno. A Casi 100 días del paro del campo, Argentina vive en una ambiente de inestabilidad dominado por una crisis de abastecimiento, piquetes, inflación, cacerolazos, actos, discursos, lucha de poder y amenaza al uso de la fuerza. "El País" de Madrid informa: "Las protestas y los bloqueos de carreteras se han repetido por todo el país en medio de un grave conflicto con el Gobierno":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/campo/argentino/amenaza/alargar/paro/dias/necesario/elpepuint/20080616elpepuint_3/Tes"CNN" publica: "Traffic snarls are latest bump in Argentine farm crisis":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/06/04/argentina.farmers/index.html"El País" de Madrid analiza: "Crisis social en Argentina: ¿Quién manda en Argentina?":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Quien/manda/Argentina/elpepuint/20080616elpepiint_3/Tes"New York Times" informa: "Argentine President Seeks to Quell Criticism":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/18/world/americas/18argentina.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin"El País" de Madrid informa: "La presidenta argentina recurre al Parlamento para aliviar la crisis con el campo: Néstor Kirchner acusa de "extorsión" al campo argentino y culpa a la prensa de alentar las protestas":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/presidenta/argentina/recurre/Parlamento/aliviar/crisis/campo/elpepuint/20080618elpepuint_6/Tes"El País" de Madrid informa: "Cacerolada masiva en Argentina contra la gestión del Gobierno de FernándezMiles de manifestantes muestran su malestar en la capital y otras ciudades del interior - La falta de combustibles agudiza el conflicto "http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Cacerolada/masiva/Argentina/gestion/Gobierno/Fernandez/elpepuint/20080617elpepuint_7/Tes"CNN" informa: "Argentina, in farm crisis, misses bonanza":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/06/08/argentina.crisis.ap/index.html "CNN" anuncia: "Fernandez defends Argentine grain export tax":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/06/17/argentina.farmers/index.html"La Nación" publica: "El Gobierno ratifica el acto y Cristina enviará un mensaje por cadena nacional. Randazzo defendió la convocatoria a Plaza de Mayo, en medio de la fuerte presión para levantarla; De Vido reiteró que "no es momento para tibios"; la Presidenta hablará a las 17; antes, lo hará Kirchner":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/nota.asp?nota_id=1022210"The Economist" analiza situación en Argentina: "Hocus-pocus: The real-world consequences of producing unreal inflation numbers":http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11546117"El Mercurio" de Chile informa: "Conflicto político-social de Argentina: Grupo de disidencia interna del PJ forma una alternativa a los Kirchner":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/06/17/internacional/_portada/noticias/6D000C85-0908-47B5-AAB4-EFCFFD89C404.htm?id={6D000C85-0908-47B5-AAB4-EFCFFD89C404}"La Nación" publica: "No cede la presión de dirigentes para diluir el conflicto: Desde el PJ piden que se desactive el acto y que se revisen las retenciones; nuevas críticas opositoras":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/nota.asp?nota_id=1022246"El Mercurio de Chile anuncia: "Mandataria argentina formuló el anuncio por cadena nacional de radio y televisión: Cristina Fernández opta por radicar discusión del impuesto al agro en el Poder Legislativo":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/06/18/internacional/_portada/noticias/EF165870-B83A-4E6B-AFBE-DF01DE842204.htm?id={EF165870-B83A-4E6B-AFBE-DF01DE842204}"La Nación publica: "El día después, en el interior. Persisten los faltantes y los cortes de ruta en varios puntos; la protesta de ayer abarcó a todas las provincias":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/nota.asp?nota_id=1022219"La Nación" publica: "No cede la presión de dirigentes para diluir el conflicto: Desde el PJ piden que se desactive el acto y que se revisen las retenciones; nuevas críticas opositoras":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/nota.asp?nota_id=1022246"CNN" publica: "Argentina farm strike turns violent":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/06/14/argentina.violence/index.html"CNN" informa: "Controversial tax to fund Argentina's social programs":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/06/10/argentina.tax/index.html"CNN" publica: "Argentina farm strike turns violent":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/06/14/argentina.violence/index.html "La Nación"analiza: "El reclamo popular, bajo la lupa de los analistas: Especialistas consultados por LANACION.com evaluaron similitudes y diferencias entre los cacerolazos de anoche y los de 2001":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/nota.asp?nota_id=1022220 "CNN" informa: "Argentine farmers renew protests":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/06/15/argentina.farmers.ap/index.html"La Nación" publica: "No cede la presión de dirigentes para diluir el conflicto: Desde el PJ piden que se desactive el acto y que se revisen las retenciones; nuevas críticas opositoras":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/nota.asp?nota_id=1022246"El Tiempo" de Colombia publica: "Cristina Kirchner cede ante el ruido de las cacerolas":http://www.eltiempo.com/internacional/latinoamerica/noticias/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-4304824.html"La Nación" publica: "El día después, en el interior. Persisten los faltantes y los cortes de ruta en varios puntos; la protesta de ayer abarcó a todas las provincias":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/politica/nota.asp?nota_id=1022219AMERICA LATINA"El País" de Madrid anuncia: "Brasil admite la falta de preparación de los controladores aéreos: Las autoridades reconocen que los técnicos no saben inglés y que esto representa un "peligro real"":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Brasil/admite/falta/preparacion/controladores/aereos/elpepuint/20080616elpepuint_1/Tes"La Nación" informa: "Matan en Venezuela a otro periodista:Pertenecía a un canal opositor":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/edicionimpresa/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022094"La Nación" publica: "Chávez llegó a Cuba para reunirse con Fidel:Afirmó que el convaleciente líder está "vivito y coleando"":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/edicionimpresa/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022161"The Economist" analiza: "Hugo Chávez: Master tactician or failing bungler?: Latin America's self-styled Bolivarian hero may be losing his populist touch":http://www.economist.com/world/la/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11541336"El Mercurio" de Chile informa: "Primera visita en 10 años de un Mandatario de ese país: Gira de Presidente uruguayo a Cuba genera malestar opositor":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/06/17/internacional/internacional/noticias/5BC2BAFE-C73D-4D2F-A73E-81618A1ECBD0.htm?id={5BC2BAFE-C73D-4D2F-A73E-81618A1ECBD0}"El Mercurio" de Chile publica: "Periodista de RCTV fue asesinado a puñaladas":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/06/17/internacional/internacional/noticias/C270F560-C362-4594-A18A-E87D4E63EB35.htm?id={C270F560-C362-4594-A18A-E87D4E63EB35}"El Universal" de México publica: "Hablan Chávez y Castro de situación mundial y crisis energética: Ambos se reunieron en privado en un encuentro de tres horas de duración en La Habana, dijeron medios estatales este martes":http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/515481.html"MSNBC" informa: "U.N.: 'Shock' rise in Colombia coca growth":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25242986/"MSNBC" analiza: "Ailing Castro makes first appearance in months: New images show former Cuban leader meeting with brother and Chavez":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25237677/"Miami Herald" informa: "Cuban TV shows new images of ailing Fidel Castro":http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/573820.htmlESTADOS UNIDOS / CANADA"Time" analiza: "Leaving Europe, Bush Eyes Legacy":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1815259,00.html"La Nación" informa: "Obama suma el apoyo de otro cacique demócrata: Al Gore":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/EdicionImpresa/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022093"El Tiempo" de Colombia publica: "Obama tiene ventaja de seis puntos sobre McCain, según encuesta publicada por The Washington Post":http://www.eltiempo.com/internacional/euycanada/noticias/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-4300123.html"El Tiempo" de Colombia informa: "24 mil evacuados por inundaciones en Iowa":http://www.eltiempo.com/internacional/euycanada/noticias/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-4284544.html"The Economist" informa: "The American election and Iraq: The war for the White House":http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11546716"The Economist" analiza: "The new Democratic establishment : Who's who in Obamaworld": http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11551686 "The Economist" analiza situación de los demócratas :"The Democrats unite: All together now":http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11551760"MSNBC" publica: "U.S., activists decry genocide in Sudan: They slam failed international efforts to stop war that's left 2 million dead":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25236102/EUROPAEL No de Irlanda: la población de Irlanda votó un NO en el referéndum sobre el Tratado de Lisboa , con el que la Unión Europea busca agilizar la toma de decisiones. Ésta se encuentra en una encrucijada: la diplomacia europea teme que la crisis abierta provoque un considerable retraso en las reformas internas, que desde hace más de cinco años pugna por adaptar sus instituciones a la nueva realidad de un bloque ampliado."El País" de Madrid informa: "Los Veintisiete instan a continuar con la ratificación del Tratado de Lisboa: La mayoría de ministros de Exteriores piden seguir adelante con el proceso pese al 'no' irlandés.- Dublín pide soluciones conjuntas.- La Presidencia eslovena cree que la UE debe "reflexionar" ":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Veintisiete/instan/continuar/ratificacion/Tratado/Lisboa/elpepuint/20080616elpepuint_7/Tes"La Nación" informa: "Pese al no irlandés, la UE avanzará con el Tratado de Lisboa: Continuará el proceso de ratificación":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/edicionimpresa/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022073"El País" de Madrid publica: "Los ministros de la UE aplazan el debate sobre las sanciones a CubaLos titulares de Exteriores se centran en el 'no' irlandés al Tratado de Lisboa y dejan la decisión para el Consejo Europeo de finales de semana":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/ministros/UE/aplazan/debate/sanciones/Cuba/elpepuint/20080616elpepuint_8/Tes"El País" de Madrid informa: "La UE arranca la semana más crítica: Irlanda pide ayuda para salvar la crisis tras el rechazo al Tratado de Lisboa - Bruselas teme que el 'no' se contagie a República Checa y Reino Unido":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/UE/arranca/semana/critica/elpepuint/20080616elpepiint_4/Tes"New York Times" informa: "Brown Says Europe Will Tighten Iran Sanctions":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/17/world/17prexy.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin"CNN" publica: "British mercenary could face execution":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/06/17/mann.trial/index.html"El País" de Madrid informa: "Londres presionará a Europa para endurecer las sanciones contra Irán: Gordon Brown y George W. Bush se reúnen en la residencia del 'premier'.- El líder británico anuncia más tropas para Afganistán y desmiente un calendario de retirada de Irak":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Londres/presionara/Europa/endurecer/sanciones/Iran/elpepuint/20080616elpepuint_9/Tes"La Nación" informa: "Anunció Brown más sanciones contra Irán":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/edicionimpresa/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022154"CNN" informa: "Osama bin Laden ally' freed in UK on bail":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/06/17/qatada.free.ap/index.html?iref=topnews"La Nación" informa: "Sarkozy imprime un drástico giro en la doctrina militar, Recortes de personal y más inteligencia":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/edicionimpresa/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022091"El Mercurio" de Chile informa: "Premier italiano tiene un proceso por soborno: El Gobierno presenta proyecto de ley que aplazaría un juicio contra Berlusconi":http://diario.elmercurio.com/2008/06/17/internacional/internacional/noticias/5BC2BAFE-C73D-4D2F-A73E-81618A1ECBD0.htm?id={5BC2BAFE-C73D-4D2F-A73E-81618A1ECBD0}"La Nación" publica: "Polémica por otra ley a medida de Berlusconi: El gobierno busca desacelerar los procesos judiciales de "cuello blanco", como los que afectan al premier":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/edicionimpresa/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022155"El País" de Madrid publica: "El drama de la inmigración clandestina se representa en las costas italianas: 123 inmigrantes han desaparecido y otros 21 han muerto al naufragar una embarcación que se dirigía a Italia; otras 454 personas han llegado a Lampedusa, donde los centros de internamiento están colapsados":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/drama/inmigracion/clandestina/representa/costas/italianas/elpepuint/20080616elpepuint_13/Tes"La popularidad de Zapatero, en su nivel más bajo por los problemas económicos: Cayó al 44%, por primera vez en cuatro años; la economía se convirtió en la mayor preocupación","La Nación" informa:http://www.lanacion.com.ar/edicionimpresa/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022152"El País" de Madrid informa: "Kosovo estrena la Constitución que lo define como Estado":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Kosovo/estrena/Constitucion/define/Estado/elpepuint/20080616elpepiint_5/Tes"New York Times" publica: "Kosovo's New Constitution Takes Effect":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/world/europe/16kosovo.html?ref=worldAsia – Pacífico /Medio OrieNTE"New York Times" publica: : "Iran's Nuclear Program":http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/iran/nuclear_program/index.html"CNN" informa: "Iraq war sends refugee numbers soaring, U.N. warns":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/17/iraq.main/index.html"Time": "Car Bomb at Baghdad Market Kills 11":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1815367,00.html"CNN" informa: " Iraqi foreign minister: Al-Sadr threats 'unacceptable'":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/15/iraq.main/index.html"El País" de Madrid informa: "La OTAN envía refuerzos a Kandahar tras la fuga de cientos de presos talibanes: Al Yazira asegura que los islamistas han tomado varias localidades y quieren recuperar la segunda ciudad del país":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/OTAN/envia/refuerzos/Kandahar/fuga/cientos/presos/talibanes/elpepuint/20080616elpepuint_11/Tes"CNN" informa: "Hamas sources say truce with Israel near":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/17/israel.hamas/index.html"El País" de Madrid publica: "El Gobierno levanta 1.300 casas más en la Jerusalén ocupada":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Gobierno/levanta/1300/casas/Jerusalen/ocupada/elpepuint/20080616elpepiint_11/Tes"MSNBC" informa: "Israel confirms six-month truce with Hamas: Cease-fire deal with militant group aims to end violence in Gaza":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25207411/`"La NAcion" publica: "Hamas e Israel acuerdan una tregua: El pacto, que prevé el cese de los ataques, entrará en vigor el jueves":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022243"El Tiempo" de Colombia informa: "Hamas confirmó que aceptó hacer tregua en ataques contra Israel a partir del jueves":http://www.eltiempo.com/internacional/orientemedio/noticias/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-4300364.html"MSNBC" publica: "Indian army wants military space program: Regional race between Asian giants could accelerate militarization of space": http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25216230/"El País" de Madrid informa: "China asegura que el ascenso de Obama confirma la división racial en EE UU: El Gobierno opina por primera vez, a través de un periódico estatal, sobre el candidato demócrata a la Casa Blanca":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/China/asegura/ascenso/Obama/confirma/division/racial/EE/UU/elpepuint/20080616elpepuint_6/Tes"Time" publica: "Olympic Torch Lands in Xinjiang":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1815245,00.html"China Daily" informa: "Vice President leaves for five-Asian-nation visit":http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-06/17/content_6766512.htm"MSNBC" publica: "China floods reportedly kill 63 this month: Soldiers scramble to shore up soggy levies with sandbags as thousands flee":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25203804/"China Daily" informa: "Floods take a toll on life, kill 171 people":http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-06/17/content_6765159.htm"Time" publica: "1 Million Homeless in China Floods":http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1815055,00.htmlAFRICA"New York Times" publica: "After 15 Years, Hints of Peace in Burundi":http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/world/africa/16burundi.html?ref=world"CNN" informa: "Plane crashes carrying Kenya minister":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/06/10/kenya.crash/index.html"The Economist" analiza: "Ethipia: Will it ever be able to stave off starvation?: Famine is once again threatening the continent's second-most-populous country and once again its government is partly to blame":http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11549764"CNN" publica: "Junta rules Zimbabwe, opposition leader says":http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/06/10/zimbabwe.junta/index.html"MSNBC" informa: "I not cede power: mbabwe president says he won't give in to Western-backed opponents":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25192724/"The Economist" analiza: "South Africa: After the storm": http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11550959 ECONOMIA"The Economist" publica su informe semanal: "Business this week":http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11556710&CFID=10091822&CFTOKEN=11995213 OTRAS NOTICIAS"El País" de Madrid informa:"300 alcaldes tienden puentes por la paz: Regidores de ciudades conflictivas de 70 países aprenden en La Haya a superar juntos sus problemas":http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/300/alcaldes/tienden/puentes/paz/elpepuint/20080616elpepiint_7/Tes"La Nación" informa: "Récord de refugiados en el mundo: Ya son 37,4 millones y representan la cifra más alta":http://www.lanacion.com.ar/exterior/nota.asp?nota_id=1022225

The citizens' relationship toward the European integration process and the European Union is a dynamic category, varying from country to country and from time to time. The changes in attitudes are affected by occurrences at the EU level, as well as processes taking place in each individual country. However, in spite of the differences and changes, there are tendencies of a more permanent character, which explain the relationship of citizens toward the processes and institutions of the united Europe. Therefore the data collected on the sample of youth and adults in Croatia at the beginning of 2004 give an insight, not only into the attitudes of that moment, which are more or less susceptible to changes, but into trends that enable us to gain scientific insights about the subject of our research. In this analysis the relationship of the participants towards European integration and the EU was investigated through numerous indicators, with emphasis on the perception of the consequences of Croatia's accession to the European Union. However, other aspects of the relationship toward Europe and the EU, which represent a wider context for the understanding of the perception of consequences of entering Europe, were also investigated. The results obtained demonstrate that most young and adult participants in Croatia actually had a neutral perception of the EU – even though there are more of those with a positive than a negative image – and it is logical to assume that this neutrality might be relatively easily changed under the influence of different factors. Nine out of ten participants even supported Croatia's integration into the European Union at the beginning of 2004. Among them, most were Euro-skeptics, that is, those who believe that too much is expected from accession. At the same time, the Euro-enthusiasts (expecting comprehensive benefits from accession) and Euro-realists (believing that integration is inevitable for the survival of small countries) were considerably less numerous. The domination of Euro-skeptics again warns of the instability of the relationship towards the EU, which can be influenced by different events both in the EU and in Croatia. However, in spite of the expressed skepticism, two thirds of participants expected that Croatia will be an equal member of the Union by 2010 at the latest. The experiences of other transitional countries also demonstrated that there are numerous obstacles on the road to a united Europe. Our participants ascribed these obstacles equally to Croatia and the EU, however, the number of young participants emphasizing the EU's responsibility increased from 1999 to 2004, while the number of those stressing Croatia's responsibility decreased. Also, to determine the relationship towards European integration and Croatia's accession to the Union, the findings about the expected positive and negative consequences, once Croatia is integrated into the EU, are most important. Again, both the young and the adults expect more advantages than undesirable consequences. However, there was a mild decrease in the expectance of positive, and an increase in the expectance of negative consequences in the five year period between the two pieces of research. In spite of all these tendencies, the expectations of youth are more positive than those of the adults. The greatest positive expectations were registered on an individual and socio-cultural level, while socio-economic enthusiasm waned. Indeed, it is because of the socio-economic unpreparedness of Croatia for joining a developed European environment, that most negative consequences are expected. An insight into the perception of the social and political consequences of Croatia' s integration into the European Union was gained with the aid of a number of indicators. Thus, research into the expected development of the EU in the coming ten years demonstrated that only the opportunity for easier travel, work, study and life in Europe is something most participants expect, where this opinion is accepted by two out of three young participants. However, they are quite afraid of the costs of integration for Croatia and the worsening of the farmers' position. The adult participants expect more social problems than the young, including a higher level of unemployment. The negative consequences for their own countries are also less perceived by the young in Croatia than was the case with their counterparts in the Union. Related to the fears from the building of a united Europe and European Union, we determined that the young in Croatia are most afraid of the abolition of the Croatian currency and an increase in crime, and least afraid of the potential loss of social privileges. The adult participants, on the other hand, are consistent in demonstrating a higher level of fear in all the examined elements. The fears of the participants from the enlarged EU are somewhat different – the greatest fear is that of employment transferring to other countries, as well as an increase in crime and the drug trade, difficulties for farmers and the price their country will have to pay due to the construction of the EU. Both the young and the adult participants in Croatia are less worried about losing their national identity, language and social privileges than the Europeans. One of the most important components of the construction of Europe and the EU is the enlargement process, although the current crisis that the European integration process is going through, may result in an intermission in its tempo and scope. All our participants emphasize the multifaceted benefits from EU enlargement, followed by the positive influence of that enlargement on Croatia, while the efforts the Croatian authorities are putting into joining the Union were evaluated quite poorly. The adults accept all these attitudes more than the young, as well as valuing Croatia qualities more. Almost two thirds of the participants from the EU candidate countries, on the other hand, gave high marks in 2002 to all the potentially positive consequences of EU enlargement, but one quarter also demonstrated a fear of the possible increase in unemployment in their countries. The potential accession of Croatia to the European Union will also signify a change in the way decisions are made, in the sense that some will be made at the national level, and some along with the EU. Our participants have in this regard turned out to be very prepared for integration, for most of them believe that four fifths of all the observed areas should be the subject of joint decision-making by Croatia and the EU. The only areas in which, according to the opinion of the young participants, Croatia should decide autonomously, are the acceptance of refugees, the judiciary, culture, agriculture and fisheries and the police. The European share a different opinion on this issue, and believe two thirds of the stated areas should be decided upon by their country along with the EU, while it should be autonomous in the fields of preventing juvenile crime, urban violence, then education, basic rules regarding the media, health and social care, as well as unemployment. The perception of the potential winners and losers of Croatia's membership in the EU is especially indicative. Different social groups were, based on the perception of the young participants, structured into the potential losers from integration (e.g. farmers, retired persons, manual workers, the unemployed), potential winners of integration (such as the inhabitants of the capital and some regions, youth and all Croatian citizens), and sure winners of integration, who are also best prepared for Croatia's accession to the EU (experts, those who speak foreign languages, the political elite, managers and large companies). Indeed, it was demonstrated that the young believe the greatest winners from EU integration are those that are today in a relatively better position in Croatian terms, and those whose existing position is not invidious and who most need a better future, were seen as potentially the weakest winners. It is encouraging that the young put themselves in the group of potential winners, meaning they believe that the existing capabilities and potentials of their generation only need optimal circumstances to be fully expressed. Since people that speak foreign languages are perceived as certain winners of joining the Union, we have particularly examined this aspect of readiness for accession. The data about the knowledge of foreign languages is less than thrilling, especially compared to the knowledge of foreign languages of the young in the EU. The first position, of course, belongs to the English language. However, unlike the European results, where the knowledge of French is next in line, in Croatia the second most common foreign language is German. The young speak both these languages more than the adult participants, while they are in a worse position regarding other foreign languages researched (Italian, French, and Russian). In this research, we also determined that approximately three quarters of our participants are proud of the fact that they are Croatian citizens, while somewhat more than half of the young and slightly fewer adults are proud to be European. The young are those with a slightly more critical attitude towards their national identity and are especially avid in the positive validation of their Europeism. However, the most interesting finding is that all the Croatian participants feel less national pride than the population of the European Union, while it is understandable that the EU participants emphasize their pride in being European more often. The answers of the participants regarding the content of the " citizen of the European Union" indicate that neither the young nor the adults have a coherent conception of citizenship in the EU. Still, the right to work, live and study in any EU member country is the key element of understanding this citizenship, with the young in Croatia, as well as youth in the Union itself. Also, both the young and the adult participants in Croatia chose as the least important the general active suffrage, regardless of elections being held for the European Parliament, the national or the local representative bodies. Only one out of four participants from Croatia believes they will have some personal benefits from Croatia's membership in the EU, while almost half of the young and a third of the adult participants have no defined opinion on this issue. This feeling is clearly very much linked to the issue of the personal meaning the European Union has for the participants, where neither the young nor the adults have a homogenous perception. Only one answer occurs in the majority of cases – the EU is a way of creating a better future for the young, while little support was given to the claim that the EU signifies a " European Government" , superior to the national states who are the Union's members. Unlike the youth in Croatia, those from the Union countries mostly emphasize the freedom of movement, while in time the concept of the " European Government" grew more pronounced in their attitudes. Like the Croatian youth, the young in the EU have an equal fear of Euro-bureaucracy, the loss of cultural diversity and the Utopianism of the European idea. Intrigued by the often publicly expressed concern about the emigration of young, especially highly educated people, to other country, we deemed it necessary to explore the readiness of our participants to spend a certain period of time or their whole life abroad. According to our data, two fifths of young people would like to spend a long period of time (working and studying) abroad, while a quarter of Croatian youth would leave forever. The desire of youth to gain certain knowledge, material wealth and experience in other countries is not in question, especially if it is taken into consideration that the young are also the most mobile and flexible segment of society. However, the information that a quarter of youth wishes to abandon this country forever (while not all of them will do so), is worrisome, seen from the point of view of human capital, which is extremely important for the survival and optimal development of a small country such as Croatia. Also, it is important to mention that the percentage of youth that would go abroad forever, with or without an adequate opportunity, increased over the five year period, which is an indicator of the unfavorable trends in the social development of Croatia. The adult participants, on the other hand, demonstrate a more conservative attitude toward the possible emigration of their children to one of the Union countries, but are still prepared to accept their studying and training in the EU, and only 14% of them would like their children to reside permanently or during their working life in one of the European Union member countries. The analysis of the differentiation of youth regarding European integration and the EU indicated the limited influence of the social attributes used. In other words, the young are relatively homogenous in their perception of a unified Europe as well as expectations from Croatia's accession to the European Union. However, there are certain differences, and they are mostly caused by party identification, socio-professional status, regional status and religiousness. The conclusion is that the most influence is exerted on the attitudes toward the European integration process by ideological-political orientations and existing social status as well as the specifics of the wider environment. It was, hence, shown that the supporters of the left of center parties, the pupils and students, the inhabitants of more developed regions and the non-religious participants are more inclined to the EU and the integration process, and emphasize the positive consequences and potential gains from Croatia's accession to the Union more than they express their fears from the negative consequences. This also applies, although to a lesser degree, to young men, the academically educated youth, with an urban background and/or domicile, while the age related differences within the young population are inconsistent. Therefore, we can say in short that the higher social competence of youth is reflected in the formation of a stable and consistent pro-European orientation. Since this group still consists of a minority of youth, it is obvious that a great effort on the part of the advocates of integration is necessary, especially the political protagonists, to attract the majority of youth that are vacillating and, thus, susceptible to influences often opposite in nature. Finally, two most important tendencies may be stressed, which are the result of the research data about the relationship of youth towards the European integration process. The first indicates that the young generation in Croatia is recognized – both by themselves and by the adults – as one of the potentially greatest winners of the European integration process and, in that context, of Croatia's accession to the European Union. The second trend demonstrates that the young, in relation to the adults, consistently demonstrate a more definite pro-European orientation. Both these tendencies suggest that the potentials of youth are a resource to be taken into serious consideration on Croatia's path to the EU, and then in its adequate development in the new circumstances that will arise. Hence, along with all the other damage, which would occur by stopping the EU enlargement process, one of the undesirable consequences would also be the weakening of the motivation and Euro-optimism of youth in Croatia. This would, therefore, additionally aggravate the negative consequences, because they might be used as one of the more important motors for the development of this country, which does not seem to be going in the right direction, in more favorable circumstances – which the assured accession of Croatia to the EU would contribute to.