Introduction to the evening news 26-08-2012

Daraya’s massacre, the worst since the outbreak of the revolt, claimed the lives of 300 people. The Syrian observatory for Human Rights confirmed on-the-field execution while SANA reassured Daraya’s residents, or the survivors among them, that the army has “purged” the country of “terrorist” groups that committed the crimes.     

In the wake of the massacre, and a few days ahead of Iran’s nonaligned summit, head of Iran's national security commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi said during his Damascus’ visit, “Syria’s security hinges on Iran’s; and on that basis we had and still will side with our Syrian brothers”.     

However, no country sided with Daraya and its residents who discovered after their death how lonely they were when alive and how lonely they have become when dead.     

During his meeting with Boroujerdi, Syrian President Bashar Assad reiterated that Syria is currently witnessing a plot concocted by foreign countries to target Syria. In turn, the foreign minister said that Syria's regime will only look at negotiating with the opposition after "purging" rebels from the country.    

However, the great surprise was marked by Syrian Vice President Farouk Al-Sharaa first public appearance in several weeks on Sunday, ending rumors that he had defected.

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