Syrian Press Accuse U.N. Chief of 'Encouraging Terrorists'

Official Syrian newspapers accused U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Saturday of "encouraging terrorists" and U.N.-Arab envoy Kofi Annan of failing to deliver on his promises.

At the same time, Arab and other countries were denounced for ignoring bombings in Syria, which the regime attributes to "terrorists" and the opposition to the government itself.

State newspaper Ath-Thawra wrote that "Kofi Annan boasts of the reports of his observers, and Ban Ki-Moon can invent any accusation he has been told to, but will they respect their promises and obligations?"

"Why don't they request the withdrawal of these terrorists? Why not mention their presence, their role and their supporters and financiers? And the killers who made them and allowed them to infiltrate our streets and exist among us?"

It said that those Arab countries "supported from abroad" do not want Annan's six-point peace plan to succeed.

"Groups and individuals were quick to declare (the plan's) failure ... with the alternatives being blood and terror and systematic killing and assassination."

Government newspaper Tishrin wrote in an editorial that "the secretary general avoids talking about abuses by armed groups and focuses his blame solely on Syria, as usual. He encourages these groups to continue to commit more crimes and terrorist acts, which at the end of the day, the Syrian citizen pays for with his life, blood and security."

The paper asserted that a Damascus suicide bombing on Friday proves that "armed terrorist groups" are continuing their aggression in violation of the U.N. ceasefire and in spite of the arrival of the international observers.

"Arab and international silence regarding the terrorist bombings in Syria (and) encourages the terrorists to repeat their crimes amid applause from countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey."

The Baath newspaper, mouthpiece of the ruling party, accused the Saudis and Qataris of a "comprehensive escalation of crime" because it is the only way left "to derail the Annan plan."

The Syrian accusations contrast with widespread international condemnation, including from Ban and Annan, of the Syrian regime for not complying with its commitments under the plan. These include a ceasefire and a withdrawal of troops and heavy weapons from flashpoint cities.

Activists say more than 300 people, mostly civilians; have been killed since a putative ceasefire technically went into effect on April 12.