Introduction to the evening news 4-04-2012

A week prior to a comprehensive ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Syrian troops from the street, as stipulated by Annan’s plan and agreed upon by Damascus, diplomatic and on the ground developments are unfolding at a rapid pace. These fast developments are not making it clear whether April 10 will be a decisive date to end violence in Syria.  

The most important statement in Annan’s plan, that was published today, is the calls for Syrian authorities to commit to the appointment of a mediator with clear prerogatives, upon the request of the international envoy. The plan also calls for the respect of freedom of association and peaceful demonstration.  

Reuters quoted analysts as saying that they predict scores of Syrians to take to the street urging Assad to step down, since the danger of armed oppression has dissipated. Regarding diplomatic efforts, the visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mouallem to Moscow on April 10 will coincide with the expected ceasefire. Mouallem is heading to the Russian capital to meet with his counterpart Serge Lavrov. A week later, a delegation from the opposition’s coordination body, a separate entity from the Syrian National Council, is expected to visit Moscow.    

Domestically, while the cabinet is on vacation until April 20th, Speaker Nabih Berri picked holes in the government’s performance.   

On the security front, Dr. Geagea announced that he was the subject of an assassination attempt today by saying: “They wished it was the final message”, accusing an internal party of having a hand in the operation.