Syrian Opposition Supporters Hoist Flags at Embassies Abroad

A man photographs the opposition's Syrian flag, which is also displayed on the building in Psychiko, Greece, 08 December 2024. (EPA)
A man photographs the opposition's Syrian flag, which is also displayed on the building in Psychiko, Greece, 08 December 2024. (EPA)
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Syrian Opposition Supporters Hoist Flags at Embassies Abroad

A man photographs the opposition's Syrian flag, which is also displayed on the building in Psychiko, Greece, 08 December 2024. (EPA)
A man photographs the opposition's Syrian flag, which is also displayed on the building in Psychiko, Greece, 08 December 2024. (EPA)

Supporters of opposition forces who ousted President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday have entered some Syrian embassies abroad to hoist their flag, while fighters also entered the Italian envoy's residence in Damascus.

Following are incidents at several embassies:

SPAIN

About 150 people cheered and shouted "Freedom!" as a man at the Syrian embassy in Madrid threw the Assad government's flag to the ground and hoisted the black, green and white flag with three stars used by the opposition.

"This is a memorable day for the whole Syrian people. The 8th of December 2024. We are going to create a free country for all the Syrian people," Bilal Kutaini, 32, a dentist, said outside the embassy.

GREECE

Supporters of the opposition entered the Syrian embassy in Athens and hoisted their flag from the rooftop. Police entered and detained four people, but left the flag flying.

"Our joy is indescribable, 55 years of horrible dictatorship has finally ended," said Alompeint Marouf, 59, among people celebrating outside.

Protesters also tore down Assad’s portrait in the embassy, Greek media said.

ITALY

Opposition fighters entered the residence of Italy's ambassador in Damascus to search for pro-Assad troops or relevant documents and fired a few shots against a wall, but did not harm him or security staff, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.

"They took away only three cars and that was it," he said.

SERBIA

Several supporters of the Syrian opposition laughed and hugged each other in front of the embassy in the capital Belgrade and raised the revolution flag on a pole in the courtyard.

SWEDEN

At the Syrian embassy in Stockholm, the three-starred "Syrian revolution flag" was raised, broadcaster TV4 said.

SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Syria's Foreign Ministry said its diplomatic missions abroad will serve all citizens in a "new page" of national history that would unite people without one opinion dominating.

INDONESIA

The Indonesian embassy in Damascus said it had taken steps to ensure the safety of its citizens, including preparing for potential evacuation.

HUNGARY

Hungary's embassy in Damascus is temporarily closed with citizens being attended by its mission in Beirut, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.



Trump Says Plans to Rename Gulf of Mexico as 'Gulf of America'

 President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP)
President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP)
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Trump Says Plans to Rename Gulf of Mexico as 'Gulf of America'

 President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP)
President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP)

Incoming US president Donald Trump said Tuesday he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" in his latest eye-catching plan as he prepares to take office later this month.

"We're going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring," he told reporters.

"It's appropriate. And Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country."