Introduction to the evening news 17-07-2012

Five key developments marked the Syrian scene today:  

First, the White House warned the Syrian government on Tuesday that it would be held accountable for safeguarding any chemical weapons it possessed.    

The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appears to be quietly shifting some chemical weapons from storage sites, Western and Israeli officials have said, but it is not clear whether the operation is merely a security precaution amid Syria's escalating internal conflict, or something more.  

Second, Israel's military intelligence chief on Tuesday warned that global jihadists have moved into Syrian territory bordering the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights and could soon use the area to stage attacks on the Jewish state.  

Third, Iraq's government called Tuesday for all its citizens living in Syria to return home immediately to escape the escalating civil war after the recent killing of two Iraqi journalists covering the conflict.     

Fourth, Syrian rebels said they had shot down an army helicopter over the Damascus district of Qaboun on Tuesday, the third day of fierce fighting in the capital between forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and his opponents.     

Fifth, General Munaf TLass broke his silence, announcing that he is currently in Paris and hoping for constructive transitional phase in Syria.                 

Separately, while the issue of Lebanese hostages was the focus of President Michel Sleiman’s talks in Turkey, Al-Jazeera aired a video featuring some of the abductees. The abductors confirmed that two hostages will be released.      

As for the political scene, it was loaded with different issues and cases:    

The EDL contract workers are still positioned outside the company while EDL director general warned that the situation “has become dangerous”.    

The FPM supporters have been on the streets since last night to show solidarity with the army especially since the officers in the Kweikhat case were rearrested for further investigation.   

Public sector employees had also their share of the protests, calling for a wage adjustment.     

On a separate note, the cabinet will hold an ordinary session tomorrow.

For the full introduction, watch the video above