Asked to identify the countries that have been arming these terrorist groups, Shaaban refused to answer the question.

CNN: Media 'inciting sectarian wars,' al-Assad adviser says

But this week, Syrian government minister Buthaina Shaaban did comment on the allegations of nuclear cooperation with North Korea.

NPR: Mystery Surrounds Israeli Strike in Syria

In any event, Ms Shaaban declares that the government has the upper hand.

ECONOMIST: The crisis in Syria: More stick than carrot | The

Meanwhile, Rami Shaaban has not played since breaking his leg last December.

BBC: Seaman's final hurrah

Shaaban reiterated a comment made by other Syrian officials, that Damascus still holds hope that the peace plan put forth by Arab League-U.N.

CNN: Media 'inciting sectarian wars,' al-Assad adviser says

Dr. BUTHAINA SHAABAN (Minister of Expatriate Affairs, Syria): Syria denies anything of the kind and condemns the Israeli attack on our land, on violation of all our airspace.

NPR: Mystery Surrounds Israeli Strike in Syria