Introduction to the evening news 11-04-2012

 “After our armed forces successfully executed their task, fought crimes committed by armed groups and extended the state’s authority over its territories, they have decided to stop its work as of Thursday morning”.

This paragraph is taken from a statement issued by an official in the Syrian Defense Ministry, announcing the end of military actions, urging us to wonder: Were the tasks really executed or have international pressures won the battle?  

How will the opposition respond? Syrian National Council spokeswoman Basma El Kadamny said that if the regime stops the killing, the opposition will resort to peaceful means. At the same time, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister declared on Twitter that Moscow took notice of Damascus’ approval to halt military operations, adding that the Syrian opposition must honor ceasefire following government pledge to do so.

Ten hours prior to the ceasefire deadline, activists reported that the Syrian army is carrying out intensive military operations in both Hama and Rastan.

On the domestic front, repercussions left by the death of Al-Jadeed TV cameraman Ali Shaaban are still being felt. Meanwhile, everyone is impatiently waiting for next week that will bring with it three parliamentary sessions starting from Tuesday as well as a ministerial one on Friday.