Although I believe it was the rain which caused the cancellation of today’s game it was the storm which caused me most concern. Football should not be played when a storm strong enough to cause structural damage is expected. Any building can be affected by a storm. While there is a tiny chance that any football stadium will be damaged, the consequences of a roof part landing on a packed stand would be severe.
There should be a clear rule on this.
The Foundation Christmas Appeal bucket collection has been postponed for two weeks. This is a critical period for all of the agencies who were due to receive funds from this appeal, I know the Foundation are working with them in the interim period. Today’s attendance would probably have been low due to the conditions, so hopefully the delay will raise more money than we would have raised had today’s game gone ahead.
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Whoops thought this was a Celtic blog,,,,,,my bad,I’ll be off then
HH
IBleed….,
when did you think the blog solely discussed Celtic, I cant remember a time when that was the case, if that what you want though there are plenty that claim to solely discuss Celtic like kerrydale street, well except when they want to discuss the moderators politics then its ok as long as you agree with them, looks perfect for you.
Today of cours eis the feast of St Ambrose, aka the Day of Misjudgement.
The SNP are systematically and methodically tearing down Scotland’s infrastructure, one piece at a time.
*Local Government Funding
*Further Education 140k places cut
*NHS – basically everything and spending %age less than NHS England
*Police – Political National Armed Guard – unable to even resopond to accidents resulting in deaths.
*Lies contained within the ‘thick’ White Paper that would have bankrupted Scotland and left us in a worst state than Greece.
*Forth Bridge – sheer incompetence – could have been remedied FIVE YEARS AGO.
*Add to this is financial corruption stories on a weekly basis.
These SNP comedians couldn’t give a damn about anything other than their stupid and economically discredited separation.
If I were the Tories I would give them their ‘Indy’ in March and let them get on with – the numpties who vote and defend them will then know what being in the shit is.
Canamalar on 7th December 2015 9:58 am
Canamalar – interesting reading – unfortunately my brain remains confused
I cannot get my head around the situation I have no idea on a solution
Without bringing up our own political issue in Northern Ireland – it was the people on both sides that made the effort to stop the situation – the only contribution I can make to the debate is that I believe Muslim communities need to take a leading role in bringing about change – there has to be a desire from within to stop the chaos
On a lighter note I hope the Bitton story does not get him on the wrong side of our support – we need to sell him because we did not qualify for the CL – and who’s fault was that ??
67ECW
I’d like to get apiece of whatever Herbo was on last night. Congrats to Winning Captains for outing the Hun Rudican’tfail last night. Guys are carded here for language, political comments or remarks deemed racist. What Rudi did imo was worse, said he attended a function 6 weeks ago where Hartson featured as a speaker. Proceeded to blacken Hartson’s Celtic credentials based on what he said and didn’t say on that night, When Winning Captains called him out and asked for date & venue and said he would get Hartson on here, Rudi disappeared, He did make a non related post after Winning Captains post, so it’s not as if he was offline.
If Rudi was lying which I have little doubt he was that type of trolling is more sinister,
I have never called for someone to be red carded from here but if Rudi was lying then I do call on Paul to kick him off the site.
Final point before I finish my rant, Hamilton Tim suggested last night that his time here might be coming to an end. Hamilton Tim is to me the epitome of everything that a Celtic Supporter should be, if he does go it will be the day The CQN music dies for me. So if you are reading this HT don’t go.
Canamalar
When I wrote my post my tongue was placed firmly in my cheek
Lighten up no need to be so confrontational,,,,I’m just a nice boy from Castlemilk who’s not used to confrontation
:-) tongue placed firmly in cheek once again lol
HH
Ibleed..,
sorry pal, there’s plenty that use the same argument that are deadly serious.
HH
Canamalar would it not have been easier/simpler to post a link to the Times interview? H H Hebcelt
Canamalar
No probs pal,,,,,water off a ducks back :-)
HH
Corky
HT won’t flounce off …. he’s a bit drama queen ;)
He’s one of the true celts on here and if we lose him and others like him the site won’t even be worth lurking
67 E..C..W..,
Your confusion is probably the result of being fed purely propaganda, the problem is we know when the MSM talk about Celtic we know there’s 95% chance its misinformation and lies, yet when we read and watch the same outlets talking about world affairs we tend to accept it. Its the cognitive dissonance.
Agreed, there will be no peace until we allow the people of Islam to have their say and we stop using them as an excuse to incite hatred.
Stop bombing their homelands with bullshit about instilling our values would probably be a good start.
Then again the most effective action would be to stop buying into the lies of warmongers.
Fill yer boots lads.
AS the countdown to Christmas continues, we’re offering 20% off everything when you shop online at celticsuperstore.co.uk for one day only.
Shop now until midnight tonight and you’ll receive a fantastic 20% discount on a whole range of great gifts for the festive season.
Better still, this exclusive discount is available online only at celticsuperstore.co.uk so you can shop from the comfort of home with a full range of festive bargains available to choose from.
There’s 20% off ALL official Celtic merchandise including:
– The new Game Changers DVD and all other Celtic DVD titles
– All books including the brand new Scott Brown book, ‘My Celtic Story’
– The full range of New Balance 2015/16 Replica Kit and Training Wear
– Onesies – as modelled by Scott Brown in the new Celtic Christmas advert
– Posters and Prints
– Homeware
– Fashion and more!
Make Christmas wishes come true this year and get 20% off a great range of gifts for the Celtic fans in your life, online only until midnight tonight.
Browse the full range and shop now at celticsuperstore.co.uk
Buy direct from Celtic. When you buy direct you’re supporting the club even more as all profits are then re-invested in Celtic furthering our chances of success.
Well done the foundation, they do great work, I tip my hat to them.
FOLLOWING on from a £3,000 donation to Yorkhill Children’s Charity on Thursday, Celtic FC Foundation are delighted to confirm that this year’s Christmas Appeal has supported its second beneficiary.
The Foundation hosted a Christmas party on Sunday at Celtic Park for 120 guests who use the services of Simon Community Scotland.
The festive carvery lunch took place in the Kerrydale Suite and was funded as a result of the magnificent generosity to date of the Celtic Family through the 2015 Christmas Appeal.
Celtic legend Tom Boyd was delighted to represent the club and spent time chatting to the guests and signing autographs.
Also in attendance were Celtic FC Foundation’s CEO, Tony Hamilton and, from Simon Community Scotland, John Matthews (Chairman), Mary Craig (Trustee) and a number of staff and volunteers.
For over four decades, the focus of Simon Community Scotland has been to combat the causes and effects of homelessness.
This service provision includes prevention of rough-sleeping, an intensive outreach programme, emergency access as well as offering education around developing life-skills and gaining accommodation.
Celtic FC Foundation CEO Tony Hamilton said, “We have a wonderful relationship with Simon Community Scotland and have assisted their efforts over a number of years.
“I’m absolutely delighted that the support of the Celtic Family has allowed us to, once again, make a positive impact this Christmas.
“I would like to thank those who have donated to our Christmas Appeal so far and those who will lend their support in the next couple of weeks. You have made a difference to those who need our help and this event proves that.”
Lorraine McGrath, Chief Executive of Simon Community Scotland said: “It’s Christmas party season again and most of us are looking forward to catching up with friends, colleagues and family at lunches, nights out and each other’s homes.
“Over 100 homeless people for who that is not usually an option enjoyed the warmth, hospitality, fun and great food that the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park has to offer at the Simon Community Christmas Lunch.
“This was only possible due to the generous backing of Celtic FC Foundation, who have supported us to bring Christmas cheer to homeless people in Glasgow for many years.
“It means an awful lot to be able to enjoy the kind of festivities that most of us take for granted at this time of year. It helps us show just how much each person matters.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who supports Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas Appeal and enables them to help us bring a little joy and comfort to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
For most of us, Christmas is a time of joy. It’s different for those facing poverty and hardship.
Through this year’s Appeal, we want to help around 200 local families provide a happy Christmas for their children. To keep the magic alive.
As well as Yorkhill Children’s Charity and Simon Community Scotland, we also want to support another eight charities who care for those experiencing homeless or other disadvantage, including Spirit Aid, Glasgow East Women’s Aid, Scottish Refugee Council, The Salvation Army, The Invisibles, Glasgow City Mission, The Wayside Club Centre and Loaves & Fishes.
But we can’t do this without you.
Please follow the Celtic Way to help us give back this Christmas.
Any support you provide will help those who need it most and there are a number of ways to get behind the Christmas Appeal 2015:
– Donate by Text – text ‘CELT07’ followed by ‘£1’, ‘£5’ or ‘£10’ to 70070
– Donate Online – HERE
– Donate via Paypal – Click HERE and simply use our email address to donate: cfcfoundation@celticfc.co.uk Quote/Ref: CA2015
– Donate in Cash – there are collection boxes located in all Celtic Stores
– Donate by Cheque – payable to ‘Celtic FC Foundation’ and sent to Celtic FC Foundation, Celtic Park, Glasgow, G40 3RE.
– Support our rearranged bucket collection on Saturday, December 19 at Celtic Park
– Take part in our Champion Challenge – HERE
– Come along to our Ghirls for Good ladies lunch on Saturday, December 12 – HERE
– Give as You Live via your Christmas shopping – HERE
Meanwhile over at the old Bloemfontein Celtic?
Former Orlando Pirates striker Bruce Ramokadi believes that the club does not need to recall Mozambican striker Helder Pelembe during the January transfer window.
Given how he has taken to life at Bloemfontein Celtic, he has reportedly made the Buccaneers consider requesting an early return from his loan spell.
But Ramokadi believes that they not need to recall him since they are already overflowing in the striking department.
“I don’t think that they need to recall him. Maybe they are just seeing that he is doing well and he is on-form in the national team and at Celtic, but even so he is not playing regularly at Celtic,” Ramokadi told Goal.
“I don’t think he will bring anything different. It won’t make any difference having him back now to when he first arrived because you see the coach (Eric Tinkler) he likes to play (Thamsanqa) Gabuza and (Kermit) Erasmus,” Ramokadi said.
He believes that the main reason that they would want him back so soon, with his loan spell far from over, would be to prepare for life after Erasmus – whom he suspects to board the ship come the end of the season.
“I think the only thing that would make them want to recall Pelembe is because of Kermit leaving. I actually see him leaving when the season ends that’s why they are (considering) recalling Pelembe,” Ramokadi said.
The 28-year-old has made only 11 appearances in all competitions thus far this season with three goals to boot.
HERBO on 7TH DECEMBER 2015 7:00 AM
‘Ajax hook nosed fkn frauds.’
########
What is that supposed to mean?
Canamalar
I visit India often and have many hindu and Muslim friends there
When I hear people say their cultures and beliefs are wrong I usually respond – compared to our great cultures and beliefs.
tonydonnelly67 on 7th December 2015 10:57 am
Thanks for some pleasant reading.
TBJ,
The imperialist attitude of bringing civilization to the savages is still very common.
We know from first hand experience that the west’s version of democracy is a lie, it is a useful tool for the rich and powerful to buy and corrupt governments.
Commercial enterprises dictate the policies of govts.
I traveled the length of India and met some of the nicest people I’ve met anywhere in the world. Helpful and courteous to a fault, rarely did I meet anyone trying to cause me harm.
Ernie..,
because they are all Romans ?
From carlukeshamrock.com in case anyone is interested.
The pies are in! Only 10 places left now!
bells
Our heartfelt thanks to the Bells Food Group who have generously donated a large batch of pies for our wintry climbers to enjoy in the hall following our climb on the 28th!
And thanks to our Michael for arranging this donation with Bells.
team-erin-winter-challenge
Only 10 seats left!
There are now only 10 seats left on the Challenge Bus!
Are you in?
Remember – Bank Holiday Monday 28th December – we’re heading out for a challenging day of fun on Tinto Hill.
We’ll be raising funds for brave, young Erin McCafferty who is well underway with her personal battle against Leukaemia.
With only a £30 entry fee, you’ll not only be raising funds for a good cause, but you’ll be testing yourself at Christmas time, and enjoying full transport, whisky tasting, soup, pies, laughs, and being filmed on the day.
To grab one of the last seats, get in touch with Michael, Brian or Richard from the club.
Can’t make it but want to help?
If you can’t make it along but want to help out, then we’ve opened a donations page – CLICK HERE – where any contribution, large or small, will be gratefully received.
Question 16: Let us talk about the role of Russia. How important has the role of Russia been? Was Syria about to fall had Russia not intervened when it did at the time?
President Assad: The Russian role is very important. It has had a significant impact on both the military and political arena in Syria. But to say that without this role, the government or the state would have collapsed, is hypothetical. Since the very beginning of the conflict in Syria, there were bets on the collapse of the government. First it was a few weeks, then it was a few months and then a few years. Every time it was the same wishful thinking. What is definite is that the Russian support to the Syrian people and government from the very beginning, along with the strong and staunch support of Iran, has played a very important part in the steadfastness of the Syrian state in the fight against terrorism.
Question 17: You mean the previous one, or the recent military intervention?
President Assad: No, the whole support; it is not only about their participation. Their support from the very beginning in all aspects: political, military and economic.
Question 18: How and why did Russian involvement come about now? And can you give us some details of the discussions between you and President Putin that brought it about? Who took the first step? Did you ask, or did they offer?
President Assad: You will have to ask the Russians why they got involved. But from our perspective, since the Western coalition started in Syria, ISIS has expanded, al-Nusra has expanded and every other extremist and terrorist group has expanded and captured new territory in Syria and Iraq. The Russians clearly saw how this posed a threat to Syria, Iraq and the region in general, as well as to Russia and the rest of the world. We can see this as a reality in Europe today. If you read and analyse what happened in Paris recently and at Charlie Hebdo, rather than view them as separate incidences, you will realize something very important. How many extremists cells now exist in Europe? How many extremists did you export from Europe to Syria? This is where the danger lies. The danger is in the incubator. The Russians can see this very clearly. They want to protect Syria, Iraq, the region, themselves and even Europe. I am not exaggerating by saying they are protecting Europe today.
And finally today’s Celtic gossip, remember, it’s just gossip.
Celtic boss wants to finish Europe League competition with a win!
Scottish giants currently are on the 4th place in Europe League group stage with only two draws and three loses on their books so far. losing their hopes to qualify after a home defeat against Ajax, it has been thought that Ronny Deila would bring his bench on the pitch.
However, despite being without a chance, Hoops boss is planning to beat Turkish side Fenerbahce and finish Euro run with the win.
“We are going to use this game to get more European experience,” the Celtic manager said.
“With good performances you get more confidence, and that is what we hope to get from this match. Hopefully, a good result too. We will see what we do with the players, but we won’t change the whole team. We would never do that. We have a duty to other teams to fight for the points.”
On the other hand, Celtic opponent Fenerbahce are in danger to lose their chance to qualify if they will be defeated by Hoops, so it won’t be easy for Ronny Deila side to register their first win.
Despite Europe League fail, Hoops can make a history this season by wining domestic treble, what they haven’t done since 2001.
Source : Scotsman
Premier League outfits keeping tabs on Celtic ace!
Premier League outfits, Swansea are keen on to strengthen their midfield options in January after a slow start the 2015/16 season. It has been reported that Garry Monk is keen on to sign Celtic ace Callum McGregor.
Welsh club are on the 15th place in Premier league table and they are in the need of a quality player to turn things around and avoid relegation.
After the 0-3 defeat on Saturday against Leicester, manager Garry Monk is under the pressure and signing of a new player who will help the team to improve could be the only way for him to keep the job.
The 22-year-old has started his career with the Bhoys, this season he also impressed Ronny Deila, especially after scoring in Europe League against Ajax last month.
This term McGregor has been the key player for Ronny Deilas team and it is understood that Swansea will have to make a solid offer for Hoops in order to land him at Liberty Stadium.
Source : HITC
Celtic receive huge boost ahead of Europe League clash!
Good news for Celtic fans ahead of Europe League clash against Fenerbahce. Turkish giants will miss out their best striker Robin Van Persie due to a thigh injury.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker will miss one of the most important games for Turkish giants as they need at least a point to guarantee their spot in the last 32.
“Robin will not travel with the squad for the game in Gaziantepspor because he is undergoing an MRI scan about an injury to his thigh.
“We expect to receive more information about his injury next week.” said Fenerbahce statement.
With this news has been reported earlier today Celtic boss Ronny Deila who is planning his first win in Euro run received a huge boost.
Question 19: So, did they come to you and say we would like to be involved? Or did you ask them: could you help us?
President Assad: It was an accumulative decision; it didn’t happen by me having this idea or them having another. As you know, our relationship with the Russians goes back more than five decades, and they have always had military staff in Syria: call them experts or by any other name. This cooperation accelerated and increased during the crisis. Their teams are here and can see the situation real-time with us. This kind of decision doesn’t start from the top down, but rather from the bottom up. There is a daily political and military discussion between our two countries. When it reached a presidential level, it was mature enough and ready for the decision to be made quickly.
Question 20: But there must have been a point when they said: we think, or with your agreement, we think that we should actually now physically get involved.
President Assad: Again, this was started at the lower levels. These officials jointly agreed that it was necessary to get involved and each party discussed it with their leaders. When it reached the stage of discussion between us, I mean between President Putin and I, we focused our discussions on the how. Of course this did not happen directly as we had not yet met and it’s impossible to discuss these issues on the phone. It was mediated through senior officials from both sides. That is what happened. In terms of procedure, I sent a letter to President Putin which included an invitation for their forces to participate.
Question 21: So you asked president Putin having been advised by your officials.
President Assad: Exactly, after we reached that point I sent President Putin a formal letter and we released a statement announcing that we had invited them to join our efforts. Let’s not forget that President Putin had already taken the step when he said he was willing to create a coalition. My response to this was that we are ready if you want to bring your forces to participate.
Flouncing before Court week ???? Ya Kidding me on HT :-)
come join the Party
put another record on …..
The old Celtic town looks the same as I step down from the plane,
and there to meet me is my gimp and Keech Jackson.
Down the road I look and there runs Jack with all my gold and rubber cheques.
It’s no good we cant touch the green, green grass of Celtic.
Yes, they’ll all come to see me, arms reaching trying to knife me deeply.
It’s no good we can`t touch the green, green, grass of Celtic.
The bigotdome is still standing, tho’ the paint is cracked and dry,
and there’s that old oak tree that I used to play on.
Down the lane I walk with big fat Jabba, another story from a walking cadaver.
It’s no good we can´t touch the green, green grass of Celtic.
Yes, they’ll all come to see me, arms reaching, trying to knife me deeply.
It’s no good we can´t touch the green, green grass of Celtic.
[spoken:]
Then I awake and look around me, at the four grey walls that surround me
and I realize, yes, I was only dreaming.
For there’s a guard and there’s a sad old padre –
arm in arm we’ll walk at daybreak.
Again I can´t touch the green, green grass of Celtic.
Yes, they’ll all come to see me in the shade of that old oak tree
as they lay me neath the green, green grass of Celtic.
HH
An interesting choice, it wouldent be dull that’s for sure :))
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Former Liverpool ace Craig Bellamy eyed as Gary Neville replacement on Sky Sports
Posted by Steven Green December 7, 2015
3
Former Liverpool ace Craig Bellamy eyed as Gary Neville replacement on Sky Sports
Former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy is believed to be one of the early frontrunners to replace Gary Neville as a pundit on Sky Sports, according to the Daily Mail.
Neville left his post with the broadcast giants last week to sign a six-month deal to take over the reigns with Spanish giants Valencia, and though there has been no replacement for the ex-Manchester United star confirmed, it is believed that Bellamy is one of the favourites to do so.
The former Wales international is said to be ‘thrilled’ at the prospect of taking on the role, though Sky are keeping their final decision about who lines up alongside Jamie Carragher for Monday night’s clash between Everton and Crystal Palace under wraps.
“Bellamy would have a lot to say,” one insider said.
“He could very entertaining and spiky.
“It would be a change for Sky, who had two “one-club” men before. When you look at Gary Neville, you think Manchester United and it’s the same with Jamie Carragher and Liverpool.
“Although he is another ex-Liverpool man “on the couch”, Craig has had more clubs than Tiger Woods, so nobody could accuse him of bias! Not even Jose Mourinho.”
Having featured for the likes of Norwich, Coventry, Newcastle, Celtic, Blackburn, Liverpool, West Ham, Manchester City and Cardiff, during a productive and colourful career, he would certainly have a lot to offer.
Always outspoken and honest, the 36-year-old could prove good value for money in terms of entertainment, though there could be fireworks if he is placed alongside former boss Graeme Souness.
Oops, sorry about the start of that last post, don’t know wtf happened there :))
Canamalar on 7th December 2015 10:45 am
Boris Johnson – this morning saying we should join forces with Syria against ISIS – now there’s a thought
For what its worth Muslim communities are in real trouble as anti Muslim word spreads
Unless there is a positive move by local people to distance themselves from ISIS the situation will only get worse
67ECW
TBJ says Wee Oscar Knox is in heaven with the angels on 7th December 2015 10:59 am
Canamalar
I visit India often and have many hindu and Muslim friends there
When I hear people say their cultures and beliefs are wrong I usually respond – compared to our great cultures and beliefs.
—————————————————————————
Mahatma Gandhi, on being asked, “What do you think of Western civilization?,” was reported to have answered, “I think it would be a good idea”.
Apparently.
67 E..C..W…,
BJ would very quickly fall into line if he had any real power, pressure from the US would subdue him.
Embdy else think the Westminster paedophile ring was a vote winner for invading Syria ?
Question 22: So, what forces have been deployed? I am talking about Russian forces. There have been reports, for example, of a thousand ground troops plus Special Forces, is this correct? Is there anytime when you think that the Russians will be involved in Syria, not just by air but with ground troops as well?
President Assad: No, so far there is no such thing. There are no ground troops except for the personnel that they send with their military staff and airplanes to guard the airbase, and that is natural. They don’t have any ground troops fighting with Syrian forces at all.
Question 23: And there is no plan for that?
President Assad: We have not discussed that yet, and I don’t think we need it now, because things are moving in the right direction. The Russians may consider it with time or under different circumstances, but for the moment, this has not been discussed.
Question 24: There was a report, or a hint, that Syria might be receiving S-300 from the Russians, and the S-300 will allow Syria to protect its airspace. Is this something, for example, that Syria will use against the US-led coalition’s air force, even if Britain was involved, since their warplanes are in Syrian skies, as you said earlier, without official or sovereign permission. As Syria will receive S-300, then will it use this to impose, if you want, protection of its skies and impose a way to tell the coalition that you have to actually directly deal with us, or coordinate with us on the ground?
We will use any means available to us to protect our airspace
President Assad: That is our right and it is only to be expected that we prevent any airplane from violating our airspace. That is completely legal. We are going to use any means available to us to protect our airspace. It is not about that armament in particular. Any air defense we have is for that reason.
Question 25: Do you have that defense at the moment?
President Assad: No. So far we don’t have it.
Question 26: If you get that defense?
President Assad: Any defense systems we are going to have are for that purpose. If we are not going to protect our airspace, then why buy such armaments in the first place? That is self-evident.
Question 27: And if you get it …
President Assad: Not at the moment; it is not our priority now. Our priority is fighting the terrorists on the ground. This is the most important danger now. Of course we are keen to protect our airspace and prevent foreign interference in our internal affairs, militarily or other. But the priority now is to defeat the terrorists. By defeating the terrorists, some of whom are Syrians, we can move further in protecting the whole country from foreigners. It is a matter of priorities.
Question 28: But I meant about the actual coalition airplanes that are actually flying over Syria. So, that is not a priority either at the moment?
President Assad: No, not at the moment. At the moment the priority is fighting terrorism.
Question 29: If Saudi Arabia were to invite you for serious discussions on the future of Syria, would you accept such an invitation? Or have relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia been severely severed that you would never consider that?
President Assad: No, there is nothing impossible in politics. It is not about whether I accept or not, but rather about the policies of each government. What are their policies towards Syria? Are they going to keep supporting the terrorists or not? Are they going to continue playing their dangerous games in Syria, Yemen and other places? If they are ready and willing to change their policies, especially with regard to Syria, we don’t have a problem meeting with them. So it is not about the meeting or whether we go or not, the issue is their approach to what is happening in Syria.
Question 30: Do you expect any results from the talks in Vienna? And what would be the shape of any possible deal that you see coming out of Vienna?
President Assad: The most important clause in the Vienna communique is that the Syrians should come together to discuss the future of Syria. Everything else is an accessory. If you don’t have that main part, the accessories are of no use. So, the only solution is for us to come together as Syrians. Vienna itself is a meeting to announce intentions; it is not the actual process of siting down and discussing the future. So, the question is not what results from Vienna, but rather what we Syrians are able to achieve when we sit down together.
Question 31: But do you realize that some of the opposition’s leaders, and I’m talking about opposition figures who have been against taking up arms and what have you, but are also afraid of coming to Syria, because the moment they land in Syria, they will be arrested by the security officers and put in prison. And it has happened to others.
President Assad: No, it has never happened. There is an opposition in Syria, and they are free to do whatever they want.
Question 32: No, I mean the external opposition. For example, somebody like Haitham Mannaa, cannot come back.
President Assad: We have clearly stated that when there is a gathering in Syria, which they want to attend, we guarantee that they will not be arrested or held. We have said this many times. We don’t have any problems in this regard.
Question 33: Now, Saudi Arabia invited 65 figures, including opposition leaders, even rebel commanders, businessmen, religious figures for a meeting in Saudi Arabia to present a united front in preparation for the January Vienna talks. Yet, the Syrian government, which is the other major element in this whole thing for the future of Syria, has not been seen to be involved with the opposition. Are you conducting any talks with the opposition? Have you reached any consensus with them?
President Assad: We have direct channels with some opposition groups; but others cannot communicate with us because they are not allowed to do so by the governments that control them. From our perspective, we are open for discussions with every peaceful opposition party. We don’t have any problems. With regards to the meeting in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi’s have been supporting terrorism directly, publically and explicitly. That meeting will not change anything on the ground. Before the meeting and after the meeting Saudi Arabia has been supporting terrorists and will continue to do so. It is not a benchmark or a critical juncture to discuss. It will not change anything.
Question 34: Do you see that anytime, in the future, that in order to protect Syria, or in order to save Syria, or to get the Syria process moving, that you might see yourself sitting with certain groups, one group, or certain groups, that perhaps now you deem terrorist, but in the future, it might be feasible that you would agree to negotiate with them because it would do well for the future?
President Assad: We already have; since the very beginning one of the pillars of our policy, was to start a dialogue with all parties involved in the conflict, whether they were in Syria or not. We negotiated with many terrorist groups, not organizations – to be very precise, who wanted to give up their armaments, and return to normal life. These negotiations led to many amnesties being issued and has proven to be very successful in several areas. Furthermore, some of these fighters have joined the Syrian Army and are now fighting with our forces. So yes, we are sitting down with those who committed illegal acts in Syria, whether political or military, to negotiate settlements on the condition that they give up their arms and return to normal life. This doesn’t mean that we negotiate with terrorist organizations like ISIS, al-Nusra and others. This is what I meant by groups, those who want out of the fight, regret their choices and want to have their lives back.
Afternoon Timland from a warm hun free mountain valley.
This is from 18 months ago, forget who is talking, just listen to what he is saying.
I found it interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFrqp1rVPgg
might as well finish it on this blog eh :)
Question 35: The rebels call them barrel bombs. You refuse to refer to them as barrel bombs. Irrespective of the name, these were indiscriminate. Do you accept that Syria used indiscriminate bombs in some areas, which resulted in the death of many civilians?
President Assad: Let us suppose that this part of the propaganda is true, which it isn’t. But for the sake of argument, let us ask the same question regarding the different attacks committed by the Americans and the British with their state-of-the-art airplanes and missiles in Afghanistan and in Iraq, not only after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, but also during the first Gulf war in 1990. How many civilians and innocent people were killed by those airstrikes with these very high precision missiles? They killed more civilians than terrorists. So, the issue is not these so-called barrel bombs and this evil president killing the good people who are fighting for freedom. This romantic image is not the case. It is about how you use your armaments, rather than the difference between so called barrel bombs and high precision missiles. It is about how you use these weapons, what kind of information you have and your intention. Do we have the will to kill innocent people? How is that possible when the state is defending them? By doing so, we are pushing them towards the terrorists. If we want to kill people, for any reason, innocent people or civilians, that will play directly into the hands of the terrorists. And this is against our interests. Are we going to shoot ourselves in the foot? That is not realistic and not logical. This propaganda cannot be sold anymore.
Question 36: Mr President, the final question. As president of the country, and you always lead the military and everything. Do you, even if by default, not bear responsibility for some of the things that happened in Syria?
President Assad: I’ve been asked this question many times especially by western media and journalists. The aim of the question is to corner me between two answers: if I were to say I was responsible, they would say look the President bears responsibility for everything that happened, if I were to say I am not responsible, they would say this is not true, you are the president, how can you not be responsible.
Question 37: Because you are the head, like in a family …
President Assad: Let me continue, that was only an introduction to my answer. It is very simple. Since the very beginning, we built our policy around two pillars, engaging in dialogue with everyone, and fighting terrorism everywhere in Syria. Now, if you want to talk about the responsibility, you have to discuss many aspects of the conflict, and the reason why we are here today in this difficult and dire situation in Syria. If I am to claim responsibility, do I also claim responsibility for asking the Qataris to pay the terrorists money? Or for the Saudis to fund their activities? Or for western governments allowing their terrorists to come to Syria? Do I claim responsibility for asking western governments to offer a political umbrella to those terrorists and label them as moderates? Or for the western embargos on the Syrian people? This is how we have to discuss it. We cannot simply say, that he takes responsibility or not. We have to talk about every part; we have to differentiate between the policy decisions and the practices, between the strategy and the tactics. So, it is very complicated to evaluate it. Additionally, if you want to evaluate who bears responsibility in Syria, it could happen at the end of the war, when you can investigate the whole story before, during and after.
Interviewer: Mr President, thank you very much.
NatKnow on 7th December 2015 11:37 am
he also said he would be a christain if it was not for the christains.
Canamalar …. Dearie me .. !!
Edinburgh HC
Case Session Date Proceedings Case Reference PF Reference Court Name
HMA v Paul CLARK 07-DEC-15 Preliminary Hearing Continued SCS/2015-116564 CO14000356 Edinburgh HC
HMA v Charles GREEN 07-DEC-15 Preliminary Hearing Continued SCS/2015-116564 CO14000356 Edinburgh HC
HMA v David GRIER 07-DEC-15 Preliminary Hearing Continued SCS/2015-116564 CO14000356 Edinburgh HC
HMA v David WHITEHOUSE 07-DEC-15 Preliminary Hearing Continued SCS/2015-116564 CO14000356 Edinburgh HC
HMA v Craig WHYTE 07-DEC-15 Preliminary Hearing Continued SCS/2015-116564 CO14000356 Edinburgh HC
HMA v Gary WITHEY 07-DEC-15 Preliminary Hearing Continued SCS/2015-116564 CO14000356 Edinburgh HC