midnight in moscow i match reza good to have you with us here on r.t. our top story around forty people have been killed more than one hundred wounded in double suicide bombings in the syrian capital the regime laying blame for the attack on al qaida it's the first indy incident of its kind in damascus since the uprising started in march and it comes against the backdrop of the first batch of arab league visitors arriving to implement a peace deal russia supports the mission and the u.s. and its allies have blocked a u.n. security council statement supporting the observers moscow's envoy to the un expressed regret over the west refusal to cooperate this is straightforward text got his men to a commendation and support and appreciation of the efforts of the to be. a pretty straight forward to the expression of attention to it will help to build them to islands unfortunately i can tell you that the number of members of the security

council objected to hold up this is a little strange one of the difficulties we encounter working with the security council because i would try to do something positive but will inevitably emit with all sorts of concerns about balance why didn't you do this why didn't you could that and it brings us to do to square one in the entire conversation the arab league observer mission to damascus follows the wake of the organization suspending syria's membership and slamming president assad but jordan professor and journalist abraham aleutian thinks the league shouldn't be lecturing another arab country in the first place. talking about reforms in syria especially when this kind of talk is coming from out of go states where you have even a constitution of brutality of freedom of the media or that are the right to organize and political parties or organizations so this is this is just nonsense i

mean when when someone who lacks the very basic tenets of democracy is preaching to syria or other arab states that dependent or somewhat untie imperialist democracy well this doesn't come across to the on the subset of what i was honestly it's just simply a double standard that should not even stand i mean this out of gulf states they don't have a multi-party system they don't have free press they don't have free elections so what are they complaining about exactly what that's what the senators room has said we are going along with all or forms on our agenda and dollars time and we we need to see what those states have in the way over to form before they start preaching to us about reform this is obviously. an sos and see that has been instigated by a night so and it's cronies and the. syrian government troops allegedly gunned down

hundreds of civilians this week the west wants the crackdown to stop but refuses to acknowledge that the opposition is arming this despite a legion of army deserves now fighting against the assad regime as r.t. sara furthest reported from damascus international monitors will have their hands full trying to put a peace plan into action. but the advanced arab league team is now in damascus day here of course to pave the way for the observer mission is expected at the end of the month they're going to be looking at the government's promises to implement that peace plan now of course many people here in the country extremely skeptical about whether or not any real change is going to come from that arab league observers mission entering here a big concern is whether they're going to be able to cover enough ground to get to the places where the coltan trait of conflict is actually happening now that's been a real problem here in the country was we've been here for the past week actually

getting to these areas accessing these people that are on the ground where the armed conflict is breaking out has proven extremely difficult in fact getting accurate information and verifying it full stop has been a major challenge we visited the city of homs and there you could hear the gunfire ringing out in the distance but ahead of the arab league team arriving here in the country we've heard very harrowing reports the violence breaking out of civilian deaths in fact they seemed if anything to be increasing of course putting around two hundred people having been killed in the past few days as the conflict continues what we are seeing is this becoming all both sides seemingly increasingly armed increasingly bloody is certainly that theme of observers are really going to have their work cut out for the everyone is going to be very much are you paying this some form of change can now be a force about that this is going to be an important step in the right direction but

do remember it is of course just one step the many many more that are going to need to be taken before you see the situation here in syria coming down. the stay with us here on r t still to come this hour the latest in our special feature series really focusing on two thousand and eleven artie's shawn thomas this time talking about the extreme grief and pain he witnessed while covering the jaroslava plane crash that killed the entire lokomotiv hockey team. i remember we were out of the scene when it was pouring down rain it was in the middle of the day we saw this one player in new jersey walking along with two of his friends in this moment of shock in this very rare and very roll moment and that was very special that he shared some of his feelings and his thoughts with us in a time when he was just processing what was going on. with this is. to history in the making. testimony. ten stories that shapes two thousand

and eleven on our team. iraqi government is plunging deeper into crisis with leaders in gauging in a blame game after a wave of bombings that rocked the country thursday the atrocity comes only a few days after the pullout of u.s. troops it was the worst attack in months at least seventy two people killed nearly two hundred injured in a series of blasts across the capital crisis talks between the country's political leaders were called off on friday after a dispute in which iraqi prime minister nuri al maliki was blamed for the opposition by the opposition for the violence the us administration insists it left behind a stable country nine years after launching the invasion but joseph to shore a writer for the world socialist web site thinks the latest flare ups in the region are a byproduct of the occupation. this was not about you know securing iraq and giving it freedom it was about securing resources and in the process.

so sectarian tensions devastated the entire society and this is really the product of that you have different factions of the iraqi elite who are battling over power over control over resources including particular oil contracts and it threatens to unravel into a civil war that conflict the violence in iraq is very much a product of the occupation itself and you know that's really the source of the crisis facing iraqi politics and iraqi society i mean look at what what this occupation has produced over one million people killed by some estimates thirty five percent of iraqi children. living now is orphans destination of infrastructure the entire society has been scarred by this occupation by this war time to take a look back at some of the major events that shaped the year through the eyes of

our correspondents who cover that today we focus on the fatal plane crash that wiped out the entire locomotive yaroslavl ice hockey team in russia sean thomas share some of the thoughts and memories that didn't make it into his reports. you were hearing it on the radio in fact in the taxi on the way to work you know they were they were listening to it when everybody was it was just hitting them the gravity of what had happened. this was much bigger than a plane crash it was much bigger than russia it was a worldwide event. as you got to tell you felt that the personal connection of everyone in the town to the team. there was anger there was frustration there was sadness there were tears. and the

outpouring of support from everyone in the town coming to place flowers and pictures and jerseys and stuffed animals and light candles in front of the stadium where the locomotive practice it was just amazing to see such an outpouring of support. i haven't missed a single much since i've been living and you know. i go every season and that's why it's painful. i remember we were out at the scene when it was pouring down rain it was in the middle of the day my glasses were just. fogged up with the rain thousands of people came to pay their final respects to the team members and as soon as we finished our live shot we saw this one player in jersey walking with two of his friends in this moment of shock in this very rare and very well moment that was very special that he shared some of his feelings and his thoughts with us in

a time when he was just processing what was going on. the entire community rallied around this team and speaking to the individual members of the community the fans the people who really felt like they knew every single one of these players. it's the most serious loss of my life like losing family. they were like family the graphic images in covering this story there's images of the plane still on fire images of them pulling the bodies from the actual crash site one of the survivors who survived the crash in chile who is one of the stars of the team and then later to find out that he passed away just taking the hope away from this entire community. the desire in the willingness for this team to go forward to the team itself and the players and the young players really rallied and were on the ice the very next day. after the plane crash while there were funeral services and

while there were rallies there were players on the ice ready to rebuild the jaroslava locomotive team so that there could be a team in the future and that was an inspiration. remember every day relating right up to the new year will bring you more personal reflections from our correspondents looking back at the year's biggest stories and if you can't wait to see it here you can also find them on our website our team dot com. turkey has now accused france of genocide during its colonial occupation of algeria this after the lower house of the french parliament approved legislation making it a crime to deny any genocide including the mass killings by turks of armenians in the early twentieth century the bill imposes a fine of forty five thousand euros a year in jail for offenders but still needs to be approved by the senate turkish protesters took to the streets of on her and istanbul expressing their anger over the law turkey's already recalled its ambassador from france and halted military

ties but paris more than fifteen countries recognize the slaughter of about one of the half million armenians but turkey denies accusations of genocide p.r. get elaine a professor of political science at paris western university thinks the french move is just a way to score domestic political points. because it will you have to. is that it's a build good thing through the lower house that are meant and then it has to go to the senate most probably it would not go to the senate before the presidential election and maybe it would die out because all the ins with so little political game is played by various political parties. there is historical debate genocide is not written down there was a genocide and there's also the political games being played by various parties together you know armenian vote in the french elections every nation has to investigate its crimes in the past but establishing historical truth is the work of

historians it is not something that should be done and established by law finally in this news block better watch what you say especially if you're set to ride an oxford taxi authorities in the british city plan to install audio and video surveillance systems in every cab by two thousand and fifteen campaigners of call the city council decision a staggering invasion of privacy and claim people's rights will be violated artie's laura smith has more. in oxford surveillance cameras everywhere and now in the city council scheme taxis will become the latest targets of state bugging operations over the next few years license caps will be required to install equipment monitoring both driver and passenger it's a fact of life in towns and cities across the u.k. that you're being watched wherever you go on the high street in shops on public transport the surveillance along this stretch of street will only record images but the systems in taxis will record sound to effectively eavesdropping on the

conversations of private citizens who fear for their security late at night or reassured others see it as a staggering invasion of privacy i think it's good idea i think it will make people feel a bit safer it's amazing the privacy as i sit here talking taxes just like you know we can't you can't. put a lot of pressure on people who behave. innocent version. sort of a day and night recording will stop when the car engine switched on and and thirty minutes after it's turned off the council says footage will only be available to police for ongoing investigations i don't believe that it will be this let's remember this is not someone's front room this is not some of these bedroom this is the back of a taxi with a driver in the front seat who will be

a able to overhear any conversation but you're having with a passenger or someone on fire previously campaigners on the other hand can't understand how the council can justify this and accuse them of refusing to hand over statistics on taxi related crime council of coy threats which exist that requires them to record not just video but also the conversation of. passengers we simply don't accept that the first is greater toward every part of the conversation being recorded indiscriminately rather the for example a panic button system being how it treats everybody as potential criminals. treating everybody as a law abiding citizen and while the council says it has the support of cap is many at this local firm object to the blanket approach if people used. the car as well. as in the i was not working is a camera still going to be because. family and friends filmed well the puzzle being

what it was. whoa that is you know for them. they may question why are we monitored there is always a sort of fear that you know. this stuff is like a prison oxford city council doesn't think it's going to have any trouble pushing this measure through but previously campaigners see it differently they're launching a complaint with an independent data protection body to try and stop what they see as the further creeping encroachments of the state's prying eyes and is into innocent people's lives laura smith oxford. so the news looks those are we back with the headlines in about ten minutes but first santa claus is coming to town the moscow team takes an inside look at the viola getting ready for a unique christmas in the russian capital stay with.

us. hello welcome merry christmas. take a look at some final preparations for the christmas holidays it's

a long celebration here but still some people leave everything. including that one crucial traditional the good old festive. other year has flown by and the new year period is here again when it comes to buying trees and this happens much later as christmas in the country's most widely celebrated on january the seventh the orthodox calendar new year's day january the first precedes the russian christmas celebration as a more important holiday and as the day when the shoes generally give presents. it was sure about. fifteen years ago. almost celebrated christmas day. became fresh and both in. the old school a lot of catholics here soul. expecting a lot of customers here on christmas day. you buy

a tree the choice and online companies shops and dog he sent his temporary warehouses full greenhouses like this one for the summer demand. when it comes to choosing a christmas or new year's tree as it's called in russia people are increasingly divided between those who opt for convenience official trait of those who prefer to have to genuine one each has its own advantages and trade is much cheaper i could be wheeled out. needles on the floor. from trees are in fact dangerous be used to decorate streets offices. when you play such an. it might really some dangerous chemicals while authentic pine inferred trees produce natural antibacterial substances which can help kill cold and flu is real for trees if grown especially christmas environmentally friendly choosing a tree can be a great fun family occasion coming in all shapes and sizes no two little ones are

of the same the problem now is transporting it back home and great work out and then comes the fun part the decoration. time for christmas shopping now and there are hundreds of last minute places to shop in moscow for markets to discount stores full price ranges covered however if you want a grand christmas experience take a look at this next location the do department store. the spectacular fountain centerpiece has been covered by a huge model of a christmas carousel the cherry on top of the cake is a gigantic slide which children of all ages can enjoy. everywhere you look all decorations christmas trees impressive gardens festive silhouettes and sparkling lights. but

talk about the makeup of this place that's felt sick in the run up to christmas and the spirit of a good ascetic all the all the stops we got in the decorations this year situated right next to red square it was the best place to get into the festive mood that's something all simply the watts and there's even a christmas bands the people at spain's. d.c. band members dress in a typical because she was that represent the russian father christmas rose playing out soviet era. and international christmas hits he creates a wonderful atmosphere and visual feast to shop as he passes by. way of all game will perform use it from various countries here at groom to create a special festive atmosphere for all shoppers we want to wish everyone happiness

health and wealth in the new year. is certainly one of the most glamorous stores in russia what else can you expect from a mall that stands right next to the kremlin known for its expensive shops this year a display of decorated trees is also being set up the she's been designed by luxury a popular brand such as christian dior over quito it's very interesting how a festive ornament can look so different there are some great designs here. shopping for the ones you love is a great thrill although not for your wallets. bags in hand i'm full of the festive mood moscow during the holiday season never fails to impress if it's a real winter wonderland experience you want this is the place to come. moving on and what made you festive activities or occasions i was mentioning in the russian capital. one of the most sought after productions in the country is the

performance of the not kaka ballet at the bolshoi theatre. britain at the end of the nineteenth century by the outstanding wishing composer peer through tchaikovsky the ballet has been performed in the bolshoi stage for decades tickets for the show on the as eve are sold out months in advance and prices on the black market could be as high as thousands of dollars a true new year's treat. for those who are not lucky to get tickets to the bolshoi for the thirty first december there is another quite popular way into the new year . in fact celebrating the holiday with family and friends at home is a widely followed tradition in russia several. hours before the clock strikes midnight people start creating various dishes with salad being among the highlights the president addresses the nation on t.v. everyone raises a glass of champagne and makes a wish of a criminal charge. while

some prefer to watch fireworks and celebrations on and others prefer to venture to moscow's red square full of thousands of excited muscovites tourists and this is its application to meet in the new year right in the heart of the russian capital. there are various films around the world that have become associated with the festive season in russia is the romantic nineteen seventy five comedy called the irony of fate or enjoy your bath not title yes the plot is based on the similarity of houses in the soviet times how many people across the country lived in similar blocks main character travels from moscow to simply by mistake and finds his true love just like the sound of musical made poppins in the west millions of russians watched this film on new year's eve after decades. of. arriving at our final location although moscow's ever changing restaurant scene is busy throughout the whole year it's clear things are certainly stepped up for the

various holiday periods special fiends night's festivities celebrity gatherings elite parties and decorations. and at the top of smolinski a new restaurant called white rabbit seems to be the highest flier in the new flock of moscow restaurants that have taken to the skies. you know one thing i love about living in moscow a swanky developing restaurant scene seriously is now one of the best in the world and over the past six years that i've lived here a whole range of spectacular eateries have opened and closed and now it seems that many of them are battling it out against each other to become the highest and most glamorous entire city. location on the sixteenth floor provides wonderful views of the capitol skyline offering incredible images of high rises to god a moon rose in the distance kremlin. impressive to say the least and sky high views of course mean sky high prices but it's christmas so why not. celebrate in

style in the restaurant's casual yet elegant atmosphere for all those who don't fancy cooking their christmas or new year's dinner at home white rabbit here is the ideal substitute but you never complain as part of our special christmas menu for cold starters i've created a turkey parte with hazelnut and cognac it's very tasty an aromatic is served with fig and that test. appetizer suggests carpaccio penny bun mushrooms with cheesy cream crunchy parsley and white truffle oil. christmassy mush and the u.s.s.r. was not publicly celebrated join much of the twentieth century but now with the festivities why december twenty fifth the thirty first of january the seventh it's clear the whole country is now geared up for one huge party and whether you rejoice at a christmas moment or not the russian capital is one of the leading cultural hot spots in the world will always serve up

a fantastic choice of events and attractions if you knew the experience and also called the christmas in moscow the city the hot. incredible sensational food from a beautiful restaurant well unfortunately that's that's how we have left on this week's program i'll see you again at the same time next week until then for me and the rest of the crew goodbye and a very merry christmas. to those. down the official. antti up location on the phone only pulled touch from the.

lights on the. video on demand on t's mine old girls. are in a sense feed now in the palm of your. pushing on the dot com. oh these. are called.

twelve thirty am in moscow these here are t. headlines dozens killed in syria's capital in the first suicide bombing since the uprising in the country began in march this is arab league observers get down to business of an effort to mediate a peace deal there are. tensions running high in iraq after more than seventy people killed in a new bombing atrocity only days after u.s. troops pull out of the country this against the backdrop of a political crisis with government leaders putting the blame for the surge in violence on the opposition.