Singer Sabah Fakhry's death denied

The news of the death of iconic Syrian singer Sabah Fakhry, which has been circulating on Arab websites over the last few hours, has been officially denied. A news page on Facebook, the Allepo News Network, issued the following statement: "The news that the great singer Sabah Fakhry has been murdered by opposition fighters is totally untrue. Mr Fakhry is safe and in a good health." Lebanon-based website Annashra contacted Fakhry by telephone, who -- according to Annashra's editor, Hossam Labash -- has denied the rumours. "I heard this news but I don't know who reported it,” Fakhry was quoted as saying. “Since I'm speaking to you, you can understand that I'm still alive and nothing of this news is true.” Fakhry was unavailable for comment when Arabstoday contacted him. Nevertheless, sources close to the singer confirmed his good health and that he is staying at home in Damascus.