Friday, 15 March 2013
Media Release
Kiwi Syrians Commemorating The 2nd Anniversary Of The Syrian Revolution
Friday the 15th of March 2013 marks the 2nd anniversary of the Syrian Revolution. Two years have passed since the
Syrians have decided to stand up against the brutal regime that has been controlling their lives and resources for about
half a century.
The regime's first response to the peoples peaceful demands was deploying snipers to kill those who dare to participate
in such demonstrations. Soon after that the regime started indiscriminately shelling and bombarding entire suburbs,
towns and villages.
Syrians persisted with peaceful demonstrations for abouta year, demanding freedom and dignity. However the Syrian regime
continued with it's brutal assault on the civilian population resulting in many of the Syrian regimes own armed forces
defecting. These defectors then got together and decided to protect the innocent civilians who were being shelled and
bombarded for no reason. These defectors along with other volunteers later came to be known as the Free Syrian Army
(FSA).
The regime allies including Russia and Iran continue to support the regime wholeheartedly not only politically and
financially but also by supplying the regime with arms, weapons and military personnel. On the other hand, those who
claim to be on the Syrian People's side including the US are also supporting the regime by blocking access of much
needed heavy arms from the FSA.
Despite the above the FSA today controls massive geographical areas and many strategic military bases and airports. They
continue to make advancements on a daily basis. On the other hand, the death and casualty toll continues to be even more
horrifying. Whole suburbs, towns and villages have been destroyed by the indiscriminate shelling and bombardment by the
regime forces leaving thousands of dead, injured, homeless and orphaned.
The Syrian People will continue their struggle to claim their dignity and freedom back. It is indeed the responsibility
of the International community including the US and Russia to step up to their responsibilities and stop the ongoing
genocide taking place in Syria.
Kiwi Syrians have indeed been massively affected by what has been taking place in Syria. "Some of us have lost siblings,
uncles or aunties while others have gone through the grief of having a loved one imprisoned and tortured or at lease
displaced or robbed." says Ali Akil, the spokes person of Syrian Solidarity New Zealand.
We highly urge the NZ public and government to take action to help support the people of Syria in these tough times.
Syrian Solidarity New Zealand calls upon New Zealander's, wishing to help, to donate to the New Zealand lead Baby Milk
Powder Appeal which is raising funds to ship a container of baby milk powder from New Zealand to Syria. Please donate
generously and be sure that together we can make a difference.
Donations can be made to:
Bank Account Name: Syrian Solidarity New Zealand
Bank Account Number: 03-0296-0364718-000
"Syrian Solidarity also calls on the New Zealand Government to consider offering refuge to some of the millions
currently displaced in refugee camps or stranded outside their homeland due to the sustained humanitarian crisis.
Officially there are over a million refugees with figures expected to escalate over the next few months, putting a large
strain on neighboring countries."
"As a kiwi Syrian I am looking forward towards building bridges from my two home lands. At the moment it may be a one
way lane of support going to Syria, but once Syria is blessed with the democracy it deserves I am sure lots of the
Syrian goodness can be enjoyed in NZ." Says Ali.
ENDS