Strasbourg, 24/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - The Syrian minister responsible for the oil industry, Soufiane Allaou, confirmed on Wednesday 23 May that his country had suffered losses of almost $4 billion due to “unfair European and US sanctions, preventing the export and import of oil and oil derivatives”. He added that new difficulties had emerged involving the country's needs in terms of oil derivatives, particularly domestic gas. He added that western measures were the cause of the crisis and that “they (the EU and the US) want to put pressure on the Syrian people by expanding the embargo”. The Syrian minister asserted that his country would overcome these difficulties. Syria imports 50% of its domestic gas (LPG) and gas oil requirements. The minister emphasised that negotiations are taking place with Russia for a long-term contract for the import of gas oil and domestic gas and announced the arrival on Monday 21 May of a Venezuelan ship containing 35,000 tonnes of gas oil and another ship that is expected to arrive soon.
According to a report by the Independent International Commission of Enquiry in Syria published on Thursday 24 May, government forces have, since March this year, killed civilians during demonstrations in many cities but the armed opposition has also killed members of the security forces and suspected informers. This independent commission is said to have evidence regarding murder, torture and violence committed by both sides. (CG/transl.fl)