10/30/2012

Qatar accuses Syria regime of genocide

The emir of Qatar described the situation in Syria as genocide Tuesday, according to state media.
The emir of Qatar described the situation in Syria as genocide Tuesday, according to state media.
  • NEW: At least 51 people died in Syria Tuesday, an opposition activist network says
  • The crisis in Syria is "a license to kill by the Syrian government," says emir of Qatar
  • Sheikh Hamad says he has confidence in U.N.-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi
  • Brahimi has met with Russia's Lavrov to discuss Syria, heads to China Tuesday

(CNN) -- Syria's government is waging "a war of extermination" against its own people, the emir of Qatar said Tuesday, according to state media, hours after a failed four-day ceasefire during a Muslim holiday left hundreds dead.

In strongly worded comments to the Al Jazeera Arabic network, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem Al Thani also accused foreign powers of standing by while President Bashar al-Assad's forces carried out a slaughter.

"What is happening in Syria is not a civil war but a genocide, a war of extermination with a license to kill by the Syrian government and the international community," he said, according to the official Qatar News Agency.

Sheikh Hamad, who's also Qatar's foreign minister, said he had confidence in U.N.-Arab League envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi -- but that his country did not trust Al-Assad's government.

Syrian cease-fire ceases
Commander Abu Sleiman looks at the pro-Syrian government forces' position prior to an attack, in Aleppo, Syria, on Saturday, October 27. The latest reports of violence saw each side accuse the other of violating the conditions of a cease-fire called over religious holiday Eid al-Adha. Click through these photos from October; also see September photos from the conflict.Commander Abu Sleiman looks at the pro-Syrian government forces' position prior to an attack, in Aleppo, Syria, on Saturday, October 27. The latest reports of violence saw each side accuse the other of violating the conditions of a cease-fire called over religious holiday Eid al-Adha. Click through these photos from October; also see September photos from the conflict.
A Syrian rebel interrogates a handcuffed and blindfolded man suspected of being a pro-regime militiaman after he was detained by the Free Syria Army in Aleppo on Friday, October 26. A Syrian rebel interrogates a handcuffed and blindfolded man suspected of being a pro-regime militiaman after he was detained by the Free Syria Army in Aleppo on Friday, October 26.
Syrian rebels take position Friday in a classroom at an empty school to observe the movement of regime forces nearby in Aleppo.Syrian rebels take position Friday in a classroom at an empty school to observe the movement of regime forces nearby in Aleppo.
Syrian rebels run to take position in the Bustan al-Basha district in Aleppo on Friday. Syrian rebels run to take position in the Bustan al-Basha district in Aleppo on Friday.
Smoke rises from a gas station following a mortar attack as Syrian women walk by on a rainy day in Aleppo on Thursday, October 25.Smoke rises from a gas station following a mortar attack as Syrian women walk by on a rainy day in Aleppo on Thursday, October 25.
A member of the Free Syrian Army watches for snipers during fighting against pro-government forces in Idlib Governorate on Thursday.A member of the Free Syrian Army watches for snipers during fighting against pro-government forces in Idlib Governorate on Thursday.
A family crosses a street flooded by heavy rains in Aleppo, Syria, on Thursday.A family crosses a street flooded by heavy rains in Aleppo, Syria, on Thursday.
Syria drivers attempt to drive through a flooded street in Aleppo, Syria on October 25. The Syrian military and the country's main rebel force have agreed to halt combat operations starting Friday morning for the Muslim holiday weekend, but both also reserved the right to respond to attacks.Syria drivers attempt to drive through a flooded street in Aleppo, Syria on October 25. The Syrian military and the country's main rebel force have agreed to halt combat operations starting Friday morning for the Muslim holiday weekend, but both also reserved the right to respond to attacks.
Members of the Free Syrian Army patrol an area under their control, as they advance on pro-government forces in Harem town, Syria on October 25. Members of the Free Syrian Army patrol an area under their control, as they advance on pro-government forces in Harem town, Syria on October 25.
People crowd around a bakery in the Salaheddin district of Aleppo, Syria, on October 25,People crowd around a bakery in the Salaheddin district of Aleppo, Syria, on October 25,
Civilians carry their belongings along a street strewn with garbage and debris following fighting between Syrian government troops and rebel fighters in the Salaheddin district of Aleppo, Syria, on October 25.Civilians carry their belongings along a street strewn with garbage and debris following fighting between Syrian government troops and rebel fighters in the Salaheddin district of Aleppo, Syria, on October 25.
The Syrian Arab News agency (SANA) reported that a car bomb in the Tadamon neighborhood of Damascus, Syria, killed six people and injured 20 on Wednesday, October 24. The Syrian Arab News agency (SANA) reported that a car bomb in the Tadamon neighborhood of Damascus, Syria, killed six people and injured 20 on Wednesday, October 24.
Cars destroyed by the car bomb explosion in Damascus on Wednesday.Cars destroyed by the car bomb explosion in Damascus on Wednesday.
Smoke rises after Syrian government forces shelled the outskirts of Atareb, Syria, on Wednesday.Smoke rises after Syrian government forces shelled the outskirts of Atareb, Syria, on Wednesday.
A family drives through Atareb, Syria, which was recently shelled by Syrian government forces, on Wednesday.A family drives through Atareb, Syria, which was recently shelled by Syrian government forces, on Wednesday.
Relatives of Syrian detainees who were arrested for participating in protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime wait in front of a police building for detainees to be released in Damascus on Wednesday. The Syrian government said it released a total of 290 prisoners who had not been involved in homicides.Relatives of Syrian detainees who were arrested for participating in protests against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime wait in front of a police building for detainees to be released in Damascus on Wednesday. The Syrian government said it released a total of 290 prisoners who had not been involved in homicides.
A Syrian woman, displaced by the ongoing violence and living along a street in Aleppo, on Tuesday, October 23.A Syrian woman, displaced by the ongoing violence and living along a street in Aleppo, on Tuesday, October 23.
A woman sits on the sidewalk of a debris strewn street in Aleppo, Syria, on October 23.A woman sits on the sidewalk of a debris strewn street in Aleppo, Syria, on October 23.
A rebel fighter looks towards the crossroads, destroyed during fighting between government and rebel forces, in the Salaheddin district of Aleppo, Syria on October 23.A rebel fighter looks towards the crossroads, destroyed during fighting between government and rebel forces, in the Salaheddin district of Aleppo, Syria on October 23.
Rebel fighters have lunch in the old sector of the northern city of Aleppo, on October 23. Violence raged across war-torn Syria, a watchdog organization said, dimming hopes of a cease-fire for this week's Muslim Eid al-Adha as proposed by UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. Rebel fighters have lunch in the old sector of the northern city of Aleppo, on October 23. Violence raged across war-torn Syria, a watchdog organization said, dimming hopes of a cease-fire for this week's Muslim Eid al-Adha as proposed by UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.
A shopkeeper clears the rubble from in front of his store in the old sector of Aleppo.A shopkeeper clears the rubble from in front of his store in the old sector of Aleppo.
 A member of the Free Syrian Army flees sniper shots from pro-government forces in Salqin, Syria, on Monday, October 22. A member of the Free Syrian Army flees sniper shots from pro-government forces in Salqin, Syria, on Monday, October 22.
Members of the Free Syrian Army celebrate on a tank that belonged to pro-government forces after they took over the site from them early Monday in Salqin.Members of the Free Syrian Army celebrate on a tank that belonged to pro-government forces after they took over the site from them early Monday in Salqin.
 A member of the Free Syrian Army celebrates on the captured tank. A member of the Free Syrian Army celebrates on the captured tank.
Syrian army soldiers run for cover during clashes with rebel fighters in the Karam al-Jabal neighborhood of Aleppo on Saturday, October 20.Syrian army soldiers run for cover during clashes with rebel fighters in the Karam al-Jabal neighborhood of Aleppo on Saturday, October 20.
Syria youths react following an airstrike by Syrian government forces in Maaret al-Numan on Thursday, October 18. Syrian regime warplanes launched a new wave of strikes on the northwestern town, seized by rebels last week, an AFP correspondent reported. Syria youths react following an airstrike by Syrian government forces in Maaret al-Numan on Thursday, October 18. Syrian regime warplanes launched a new wave of strikes on the northwestern town, seized by rebels last week, an AFP correspondent reported.
A wounded Syrian boy is carried to the hospital following Thursday's airstrike in Maaret al-Numaan.A wounded Syrian boy is carried to the hospital following Thursday's airstrike in Maaret al-Numaan.
A Syrian rebel fighter mans an anti-aircraft heavy machine gun as he heads to the frontline in al-Bab near Aleppo on Wednesday. October 17. Rebels downed a helicopter in fierce fighting Wednesday with troops seeking to retake a key Syrian town, a watchdog said.A Syrian rebel fighter mans an anti-aircraft heavy machine gun as he heads to the frontline in al-Bab near Aleppo on Wednesday. October 17. Rebels downed a helicopter in fierce fighting Wednesday with troops seeking to retake a key Syrian town, a watchdog said.
Syrian rebel fighters on Wednesday ride a motorcycle in Maaret al-Numan, an area under the control of rebel fighters in the northwestern Idlib province.Syrian rebel fighters on Wednesday ride a motorcycle in Maaret al-Numan, an area under the control of rebel fighters in the northwestern Idlib province.
A Syrian rebel fighter holds a gun as he guards a post during clashes with government forces in Aleppo on Wednesday.A Syrian rebel fighter holds a gun as he guards a post during clashes with government forces in Aleppo on Wednesday.
A handout photo from the Shaam News Network shows smoke rising after a Syrian Air Force fighter jet fired missiles at the suburbs of the northern province of Idlib, Syria, on Tuesday, October 16. Click through the gallery to view images of the war-torn country in October. See photographs from September.A handout photo from the Shaam News Network shows smoke rising after a Syrian Air Force fighter jet fired missiles at the suburbs of the northern province of Idlib, Syria, on Tuesday, October 16. Click through the gallery to view images of the war-torn country in October. See photographs from September.
Members of the Free Syrian Army check for snipers in the old part of Aleppo, Tuesday.Members of the Free Syrian Army check for snipers in the old part of Aleppo, Tuesday.
Damaged buildings are seen after they were fired upon by a Syrian government forces near the northern province of Idlib, Tuesday.Damaged buildings are seen after they were fired upon by a Syrian government forces near the northern province of Idlib, Tuesday.
A Syrian man walks past destroyed buildings following shelling by regime forces in Aleppo on Monday, October 15. A Syrian man walks past destroyed buildings following shelling by regime forces in Aleppo on Monday, October 15.
A Free Syrian Army fighter climbs under barbed wire as he trains at their camp in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib in an area under the control of rebel fighters on Monday.A Free Syrian Army fighter climbs under barbed wire as he trains at their camp in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib in an area under the control of rebel fighters on Monday.
A young fighter climbs along a rope as he trains at a Free Syrian Army camp in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib on Monday.A young fighter climbs along a rope as he trains at a Free Syrian Army camp in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib on Monday.
Syrian rebels take cover during clashes with regime forces at the historic Umayyad Mosque in the old city of Aleppo hours before the Syrian army retook control of the complex on Sunday, October 14.Syrian rebels take cover during clashes with regime forces at the historic Umayyad Mosque in the old city of Aleppo hours before the Syrian army retook control of the complex on Sunday, October 14.
A Syrian rebel walks inside a burnt section of the Umayyad Mosque. Opposition activists reported that the 12th-century mosque was set afire during heavy fighting on Saturday, October 13.A Syrian rebel walks inside a burnt section of the Umayyad Mosque. Opposition activists reported that the 12th-century mosque was set afire during heavy fighting on Saturday, October 13.
A Syrian opposition fighter stands near a post in Aleppo on Thursday, October 11.A Syrian opposition fighter stands near a post in Aleppo on Thursday, October 11.
Syrians carry a wounded girl into a hospital in Aleppo on Thursday.Syrians carry a wounded girl into a hospital in Aleppo on Thursday.
A heavily armed Syrian opposition fighter stands near a post in Aleppo on Thursday.A heavily armed Syrian opposition fighter stands near a post in Aleppo on Thursday.
A Syrian man walks through rubble in Aleppo on Thursday.A Syrian man walks through rubble in Aleppo on Thursday.
A Syrian man and boy ride a horse cart in Aleppo on Thursday.A Syrian man and boy ride a horse cart in Aleppo on Thursday.
Smoke billows from buildings following shelling by government forces in Aleppo on Thursday.Smoke billows from buildings following shelling by government forces in Aleppo on Thursday.
Syrian people carry bread as they walk in the streets of Aleppo on Thursday.Syrian people carry bread as they walk in the streets of Aleppo on Thursday.
Bodies of Syrian civilians lie in the back of a truck outside a hospital following shelling by Syrian government forces during clashes with opposition fighters in Aleppo on Thursday.Bodies of Syrian civilians lie in the back of a truck outside a hospital following shelling by Syrian government forces during clashes with opposition fighters in Aleppo on Thursday.
Syrian civilians walk in front of damaged buildings in Aleppo on Thursday.Syrian civilians walk in front of damaged buildings in Aleppo on Thursday.
Syrian opposition fighters walk in the streets of Aleppo on Thursday.Syrian opposition fighters walk in the streets of Aleppo on Thursday.
Syrian government forces take cover during clashes with rebel fighters at the Karam al-Jabal neighborhood in Aleppo on Thursday.Syrian government forces take cover during clashes with rebel fighters at the Karam al-Jabal neighborhood in Aleppo on Thursday.
A Syrian opposition fighter flashes the sign for victory as he guards a post with his comrades in Aleppo on Thursday.A Syrian opposition fighter flashes the sign for victory as he guards a post with his comrades in Aleppo on Thursday.
A Syrian man mourns the death of his father, who was killed during a government attack in Aleppo on Wednesday, October 10.A Syrian man mourns the death of his father, who was killed during a government attack in Aleppo on Wednesday, October 10.
Syrian youths walk past graffiti in the rebel-held city of Minbej on Wednesday.Syrian youths walk past graffiti in the rebel-held city of Minbej on Wednesday.
A Syrian rebel fighter holds a cigarette and prayer beads in Aleppo on Tuesday, October 9.A Syrian rebel fighter holds a cigarette and prayer beads in Aleppo on Tuesday, October 9.
A Syrian man carries the body of his 5-year-old son, Mohammed Mustafa, outside a hospital after shelling by Syrian government forces in Aleppo on Tuesday.A Syrian man carries the body of his 5-year-old son, Mohammed Mustafa, outside a hospital after shelling by Syrian government forces in Aleppo on Tuesday.
An injured Syrian woman rides to a hospital after an airstrike by regime forces in Aleppo on Tuesday.An injured Syrian woman rides to a hospital after an airstrike by regime forces in Aleppo on Tuesday.
A Syrian rebel commander prays in a damaged mosque during clashes with government forces on Tuesday in Aleppo.A Syrian rebel commander prays in a damaged mosque during clashes with government forces on Tuesday in Aleppo.
A rubble-filled street is seen during clashes between rebel fighters and Syrian government forces in the Saif al-Dawla district of Aleppo on Tuesday.A rubble-filled street is seen during clashes between rebel fighters and Syrian government forces in the Saif al-Dawla district of Aleppo on Tuesday.
Relatives wheel a injured boy outside a hospital on Tuesday in Aleppo.Relatives wheel a injured boy outside a hospital on Tuesday in Aleppo.
A Syrian rebel fighter takes position inside a house in Aleppo during clashes with government forces on Tuesday.A Syrian rebel fighter takes position inside a house in Aleppo during clashes with government forces on Tuesday.
A Syrian man watches an army fighter jet flies over Aleppo on Monday, October 8.A Syrian man watches an army fighter jet flies over Aleppo on Monday, October 8.
A Syrian army fighter jet flies over the northern city of Aleppo on Monday.A Syrian army fighter jet flies over the northern city of Aleppo on Monday.
A wounded Syrian rebel fighter holds his blood-stained hands as he receives treatment at a hospital near the frontline in the city of Aleppo on Monday, October 7.A wounded Syrian rebel fighter holds his blood-stained hands as he receives treatment at a hospital near the frontline in the city of Aleppo on Monday, October 7.
Abdul Razzak from the Aleppo News talks on a walkie talkie in Aleppo on Monday.Abdul Razzak from the Aleppo News talks on a walkie talkie in Aleppo on Monday.
Syrian rebels take up positions inside a building during clashes with government forces in Aleppo on Saturday, October 6. Syrian rebels take up positions inside a building during clashes with government forces in Aleppo on Saturday, October 6.
Syrian members of the Al-Saiqa rebel brigade clean weapons on Saturday before going to the front line in Aleppo.Syrian members of the Al-Saiqa rebel brigade clean weapons on Saturday before going to the front line in Aleppo.
A Syrian rebel runs across a heavily damaged street to dodge sniper fire during clashes on Saturday.A Syrian rebel runs across a heavily damaged street to dodge sniper fire during clashes on Saturday.
Syrian rebels patrol a neighborhood in Aleppo on Friday, October 5.Syrian rebels patrol a neighborhood in Aleppo on Friday, October 5.
A Syrian demonstrator shouts during an anti-regime protest in Aleppo on Friday. Tensions rippled across Turkey a day after Syrian shells struck a Turkish border town and killed five people. A Syrian demonstrator shouts during an anti-regime protest in Aleppo on Friday. Tensions rippled across Turkey a day after Syrian shells struck a Turkish border town and killed five people.
A Syrian rebel takes position during clashes with government forces in Aleppo on Friday.A Syrian rebel takes position during clashes with government forces in Aleppo on Friday.
An injured Free Syrian Army fighter rests after receiving treatment at Dar al Shifa hospital in Aleppo on Thursday, October 4.An injured Free Syrian Army fighter rests after receiving treatment at Dar al Shifa hospital in Aleppo on Thursday, October 4.
A child covers his wounds from a Syrian army sniper at Dar al Shifa hospital on Thursday.A child covers his wounds from a Syrian army sniper at Dar al Shifa hospital on Thursday.
A Free Syrian Army fighter cries after one of his friends was injured in fighting with government forces outside the Dar El Shifa hospital on Thursday.A Free Syrian Army fighter cries after one of his friends was injured in fighting with government forces outside the Dar El Shifa hospital on Thursday.
A Dar El Shifa worker cleans the floor outside the hospital in Aleppo on Thursday.A Dar El Shifa worker cleans the floor outside the hospital in Aleppo on Thursday.
Syrian rebel fighters look at a multirocket launcher in Tal Abyadh, a Syrian town close to the Turkish border, on Thursday.Syrian rebel fighters look at a multirocket launcher in Tal Abyadh, a Syrian town close to the Turkish border, on Thursday.
Rebels climb the stairs of a destroyed building Thursday in Tal Abyadh.Rebels climb the stairs of a destroyed building Thursday in Tal Abyadh.
Smoke rises from the explosion area after several Syrian shells crashed inside the town of Akcakale in Turkey, killing at least five people on Wednesday, October 3. It wasn't the first deadly cross-border incident between the two neighbors during the 18-month-long uprising in Syria.Smoke rises from the explosion area after several Syrian shells crashed inside the town of Akcakale in Turkey, killing at least five people on Wednesday, October 3. It wasn't the first deadly cross-border incident between the two neighbors during the 18-month-long uprising in Syria.
A police officer is injured in Wednesday's attack on Akcakale in Turkey's Sanliurfa province.A police officer is injured in Wednesday's attack on Akcakale in Turkey's Sanliurfa province.
Three car bombs destroyed the area around a military officers' club and a hotel in Aleppo, Syria, on Wednesday. At least 40 people were killed and 90 wounded, most of them soldiers, a monitoring group said.Three car bombs destroyed the area around a military officers' club and a hotel in Aleppo, Syria, on Wednesday. At least 40 people were killed and 90 wounded, most of them soldiers, a monitoring group said.
Car bomb explosions on Wednesday left a crater in the ground.Car bomb explosions on Wednesday left a crater in the ground.
A nurse helps treat a 7-year-old girl who's neck was badly wounded by shrapnel at the Dar Al Shifaa hospital in Aleppo on Monday, October 1.A nurse helps treat a 7-year-old girl who's neck was badly wounded by shrapnel at the Dar Al Shifaa hospital in Aleppo on Monday, October 1.
Friends lay a rebel fighter on a gurney after he was shot in the chest during heavy battles in the Midan neighborhood on Monday. See photographs from September.Friends lay a rebel fighter on a gurney after he was shot in the chest during heavy battles in the Midan neighborhood on Monday. See photographs from September.
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Photos: Showdown in SyriaPhotos: Showdown in Syria
Police base targeted in Syria blast
Syrian regime breaks ceasefire

Brahimi had pushed for government forces and rebels to stop fighting during Eid al-Adha, a major Muslim holiday that began Friday and ended Monday. But it soon became clear the violence was continuing almost unabated.

"When the Syrian government announced that it would comply with the truce, it also announced that its military would respond to anything that took place on the ground, and it was clear from this rhetoric that there was no truce," Sheikh Hamad said, according to QNA.

"Everyone knows what the solution is and what the Syrian people want. Everything that is happening now is a waste of time and just buying time to kill the Syrian people and to destroy the Syrian infrastructure."

Sheikh Hamad said he sensed "a bigger awakening" among Arab nations and in the wider international community over the crisis in Syria, despite moves by Russia and China to block tougher U.N. Security Council action. But, he said, a "paralysis" would prevent action until after the outcome of the U.S. elections.

A group that documents the names of those killed in Syria's conflict, the Violation Documenting Center, calculated the total number of those killed during the failed ceasefire as 407.

The report from the VDC, which works closely with the opposition Local Coordination Committees of Syria, put the total civilian toll at 32,013 over some 20 months of violence, with 2,900 government soldiers killed in the same period.

The LCC said the death toll so far Tuesday was 51. More than half the deaths were in Idlib province, where airstrikes pummeled a residential neighborhood in the city of Maarat-al-Numan Tuesday, the LCC said.

CNN cannot independently confirm reports of violence or casualties as the government has severely restricted the access of international journalists. The numbers reported by the LCC do not include deaths from security forces or the military.

In other developments:

Brahimi headed to Beijing Tuesday to meet senior Chinese officials, a day after he held talks with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for the first time on what to do about the Syrian civil war.

The state-run China Daily newspaper quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei as saying the envoy would have "in depth communication" with Chinese officials during his two-day visit.

China backs Brahimi's efforts to find a political solution to the crisis, rather than the use of force, Hong is quoted as saying.

Following Monday's meeting in Moscow, Russia accused the United Nations of double standards for failing to condemn a car bombing in a pro-Assad stronghold near the capital, Damascus.

Syria's foreign ministry also wrote to U.N Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to criticize the United Nation's failure to condemn such attacks -- an omission it said "encouraged terrorists to continue committing crimes against the Syrian people."

Lavrov said on his own Twitter feed that Russia was disappointed at the lack of support for Brahimi's call for a holiday truce, but that it appreciated his efforts to try to "find potential collaborative ways for the international community" to help stabilize Syria.

The Russian-French Security Cooperation Council will meet in Paris October 31, the foreign ministry said.

Speaking after his meeting with Lavrov, Brahimi said neither side in Syria is showing signs of backing down.

"The government says they are fighting terrorists and only terrorists, and that it is their duty to do so -- to protect their people. And the other side says we're fighting a very cruel government that is persecuting us, and we're defending ourselves," Brahimi said after the meeting.

He recalled speaking with a woman who has one son in the Syrian military and another son in the rebel Free Syrian Army. "If that is not civil war, I don't know what is," Brahimi said.

Diplomacy with Russia is a delicate dance. Russia, along with China, has repeatedly vetoed attempts at the U.N. Security Council to take stronger action against al-Assad.

Many have accused Russia of backing the Syrian government, but Russia says it just wants a political solution for Syria determined by its own people.

In Lebanon, where the violence from neighboring Syria

CNN's Saad Abedine and Laura Smith-Spark contributed to this report.

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