Syria: Political Activist Sentenced
The United States condemns the Syrian Military Court's decision to sentence political prisoner Kamal Labwani to an additional three years for allegedly insulting President Bashar al-Asad. This decision, coupled with the Syrian High Court's verdict to uphold Mr. Labwani's earlier 12-year sentence for calling for political reform, demonstrates the Syrian regime's contempt for human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. This also reflects a legal system that is characterized by politically motivated prosecutions and devoid of legitimate standards. We call on the Syrian Government to immediately release Mr. Labwani and all other political prisoners, including the 13 Damascus Declaration National Council members, as well as political activists Omar Abdullah, Anwar al-Bunni, Aref Dalila, Mahmoud Issa, and Michel Kilo who are unjustly imprisoned.
Syria: Attack on Kurdish Syrians
The United States condemns the attack on the Kurdish Syrian population by Syrian security forces that left three civilians dead and others severely injured in the northeastern city of Qamishli following the March 20 Nowruz celebrations. We call upon the Syrian government to refrain from using violent measures to repress Kurdish civilians and to open a full, independent investigation of the incident.
The United States Government's Contribution to UNRWA's 2008 General Fund and Emergency Appeal
The U.S. government pledge to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reached $148 million for 2008. This amount includes a total of $91 million ($40 million of which was announced in January) to UNRWA's General Fund supporting Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria; and $57 million to UNRWA's 2008 West Bank and Gaza emergency appeal. [more] |
