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Syria: top-level defection reported - Thursday 5 July 2012 Syria: top-level defection reported - Thursday 5 July 2012
(7 days later)
5.21pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:5.21pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• Manaf Tlass, a brigadier-general in the republican guard and a son of former defence minister Mustafa Tlass, has reportedly fled to Turkey. A Damascus-based website claims to have confirmation from "a highly placed source in intelligence". If true, the defection will be a major blow to the Assad regime.• Manaf Tlass, a brigadier-general in the republican guard and a son of former defence minister Mustafa Tlass, has reportedly fled to Turkey. A Damascus-based website claims to have confirmation from "a highly placed source in intelligence". If true, the defection will be a major blow to the Assad regime.
• Turkey says the bodies of the two pilots shot down by Syria last month were recovered from the seabed today (see 4.01pm)• Turkey says the bodies of the two pilots shot down by Syria last month were recovered from the seabed today (see 4.01pm)
• The whistleblowing website WikiLeaks has begun publishing what it claims are more than two million emails involving the Assad regime's inner circle from August 2006 to March 2012 (see 12.18pm).• The whistleblowing website WikiLeaks has begun publishing what it claims are more than two million emails involving the Assad regime's inner circle from August 2006 to March 2012 (see 12.18pm).
• President Bashar al-Assad has accused foreign governments of financing the uprising against him by paying people to protest.• President Bashar al-Assad has accused foreign governments of financing the uprising against him by paying people to protest.
• The UN's suspended supervision mission in Syria is to be restructured to focus on fewer areas, General Robert Mood, the head of the mission, has announced (see 10.09am).• The UN's suspended supervision mission in Syria is to be restructured to focus on fewer areas, General Robert Mood, the head of the mission, has announced (see 10.09am).
• Switzerland has frozen arms exports to the UAE after grenades sold to the Gulf state were discovered in the hands of Syrian rebels (see 10.26am).• Switzerland has frozen arms exports to the UAE after grenades sold to the Gulf state were discovered in the hands of Syrian rebels (see 10.26am).
LibyaLibya
• Libyan authorities say they cannot confirm a report by al-Arabiya that Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi has been extradited to Libya from Mauritania (see 10.37am).• Libyan authorities say they cannot confirm a report by al-Arabiya that Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi has been extradited to Libya from Mauritania (see 10.37am).
EgyptEgypt
• Senior judge Tahani al-Gebali claims she plans to sue the New York Times after it quoted her saying that she advised the military council to delay handing over power civilian authority until a constitution, the Egypt Independent reports. • Senior judge Tahani al-Gebali claims she plans to sue the New York Times after it quoted her saying that she advised the military council to delay handing over power civilian authority until a constitution, the Egypt Independent reports.
KuwaitKuwait
• Kuwait's head of state reappointed the outgoing prime minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah in a move that may help ease political deadlock, Reuters reports.• Kuwait's head of state reappointed the outgoing prime minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah in a move that may help ease political deadlock, Reuters reports.
5.01pm: Syria: Joshua Landis, a veteran Syria-watcher appears to believe the reports that Manaf Tlass has defected to Turkey. He notes that the Syria Steps website (in Arabic) is claiming to have confirmation from "a highly placed source in intelligence".5.01pm: Syria: Joshua Landis, a veteran Syria-watcher appears to believe the reports that Manaf Tlass has defected to Turkey. He notes that the Syria Steps website (in Arabic) is claiming to have confirmation from "a highly placed source in intelligence".
Landis's blog post leaves no doubt about Manaf's importance: "If he has indeed fled the country, the regime will be thrown back on its heels." Landis continues:Landis's blog post leaves no doubt about Manaf's importance: "If he has indeed fled the country, the regime will be thrown back on its heels." Landis continues:
Manaf Tlass was a close confidant of Bashar from his earliest days and part of his inner circle or "shille", which included people, such as his cousins Rami and Hafiz Makhlouf, Mudar al-Assad (son of Rifaat), Nader Qala'i (ex-CEO of Syriatel and business partner to Rami) Yazan Aslan (son of Ali Aslan, Chief of Staff).Manaf Tlass was a close confidant of Bashar from his earliest days and part of his inner circle or "shille", which included people, such as his cousins Rami and Hafiz Makhlouf, Mudar al-Assad (son of Rifaat), Nader Qala'i (ex-CEO of Syriatel and business partner to Rami) Yazan Aslan (son of Ali Aslan, Chief of Staff).
He also offers a possible reason for the defection (if eventually confirmed):He also offers a possible reason for the defection (if eventually confirmed):
The word is that Manaf had been told to solve the Harasta and Duma problems (the growing uprising on the outskirts of Damascus). He did a good job by negotiating with the opposition leaders in both suburbs, agreeing that both government forces and opposition would pull back.The word is that Manaf had been told to solve the Harasta and Duma problems (the growing uprising on the outskirts of Damascus). He did a good job by negotiating with the opposition leaders in both suburbs, agreeing that both government forces and opposition would pull back.
The Alawi leadership said "no, that is not how we are going to do this." They pushed him aside and came down like a ton of bricks on the opposition in both neighborhoods, in an effort to assert state authority and crush the uprising through military means.The Alawi leadership said "no, that is not how we are going to do this." They pushed him aside and came down like a ton of bricks on the opposition in both neighborhoods, in an effort to assert state authority and crush the uprising through military means.
Manaf supported a policy of negotiation, flexibility and compromise. He was overruled by the military leadership and has since looked for a way out.Manaf supported a policy of negotiation, flexibility and compromise. He was overruled by the military leadership and has since looked for a way out.
4.42pm: Syria: A note on the reported – but unconfirmed – defection of Manaf Tlass. Last March, his father Mustapha (the former defence minister) and his businessman brother Firas travelled to Paris, sparking false rumours that they had defected.4.42pm: Syria: A note on the reported – but unconfirmed – defection of Manaf Tlass. Last March, his father Mustapha (the former defence minister) and his businessman brother Firas travelled to Paris, sparking false rumours that they had defected.
Syria watcher Joshua Landis commented at the time:Syria watcher Joshua Landis commented at the time:
The Tlass family has long been one of the highest placed Sunni families of the Assad regime ... Firas Tlass has been flirting with the opposition since the uprising began. He frequently writes on the Facebook sites of "friends" who are opposition members, congratulating them on their stands. Most people laughed at this sort of thing because the Tlasses are considered to be pillars of the regime and always trying to play all sides.The Tlass family has long been one of the highest placed Sunni families of the Assad regime ... Firas Tlass has been flirting with the opposition since the uprising began. He frequently writes on the Facebook sites of "friends" who are opposition members, congratulating them on their stands. Most people laughed at this sort of thing because the Tlasses are considered to be pillars of the regime and always trying to play all sides.
4.17pm: Syria: There are unconfirmed reports of a potentially big defection from Assad's inner circle.4.17pm: Syria: There are unconfirmed reports of a potentially big defection from Assad's inner circle.
Al-Arabiya claims that Manaf Tlass a brigadier general in the Republican guard and son of the former defence minister Mustafa Tlass, has fled to Turkey.Al-Arabiya claims that Manaf Tlass a brigadier general in the Republican guard and son of the former defence minister Mustafa Tlass, has fled to Turkey.
Al-Arabiya: Manaf Tlass, son of former Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlass, defects and flees to TurkeyAl-Arabiya: Manaf Tlass, son of former Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlass, defects and flees to Turkey
— NOW Syria (@NOW_Syria) July 5, 2012— NOW Syria (@NOW_Syria) July 5, 2012
The BBC's Kim Ghattas points out there has been no confirmation from Turkey.The BBC's Kim Ghattas points out there has been no confirmation from Turkey.
Reports of defection to Turkey of Manaf Tlass, Brigadier General in Syria Republican Guard cud be key dvelpmnt. No cfmation yet from TurkeyReports of defection to Turkey of Manaf Tlass, Brigadier General in Syria Republican Guard cud be key dvelpmnt. No cfmation yet from Turkey
— Kim Ghattas (@BBCKimGhattas) July 5, 2012— Kim Ghattas (@BBCKimGhattas) July 5, 2012
A BBC profile of Manaf Tlass says:A BBC profile of Manaf Tlass says:
He reportedly introduced the president to members of the Sunni Muslim merchant class in an apparent attempt to broaden his base of support. His brother, Firas, is a prominent businessman.He reportedly introduced the president to members of the Sunni Muslim merchant class in an apparent attempt to broaden his base of support. His brother, Firas, is a prominent businessman.
In 2005, he told the Washington Post that Syria needed reform, but cautioned: "You need time. You need years. There's a generation you have to push forward." He argued that President Assad was still the reformers' best hope. The opposition dismissed his comments as a lie.In 2005, he told the Washington Post that Syria needed reform, but cautioned: "You need time. You need years. There's a generation you have to push forward." He argued that President Assad was still the reformers' best hope. The opposition dismissed his comments as a lie.
Tlass reportedly held unsuccessful talks with opposition leaders following the outbreak of anti-government unrest in March 2011.Tlass reportedly held unsuccessful talks with opposition leaders following the outbreak of anti-government unrest in March 2011.
4.01pm: Syria/Turkey: The bodies of the two Turkish pilots shot down by Syria have been recovered from the seabed today, AP reports.4.01pm: Syria/Turkey: The bodies of the two Turkish pilots shot down by Syria have been recovered from the seabed today, AP reports.
A Turkish official said US ocean explorer Robert Ballard, aboard his deep-sea exploration vessel R/V Nautilus, found the bodies yesterday 8.6 nautical miles off the Syrian coast after the Turkish navy had pinpointed the area.A Turkish official said US ocean explorer Robert Ballard, aboard his deep-sea exploration vessel R/V Nautilus, found the bodies yesterday 8.6 nautical miles off the Syrian coast after the Turkish navy had pinpointed the area.
Turkey's military said in a statement on its website that the bodies were taken to the base in the southern city of Malatya where their plane had originally taken off. It did not say how and by whom the bodies were recovered. A funeral ceremony was scheduled for Friday.Turkey's military said in a statement on its website that the bodies were taken to the base in the southern city of Malatya where their plane had originally taken off. It did not say how and by whom the bodies were recovered. A funeral ceremony was scheduled for Friday.
The military said the R/V Nautilus is continuing to search for more pieces of the plane's wreckage.The military said the R/V Nautilus is continuing to search for more pieces of the plane's wreckage.
This suggests that the wreckage fell into the sea within Syrian territorial waters, as previously claimed by Syria. (Territorial waters normally extend for 12 nautical miles from the coast.)This suggests that the wreckage fell into the sea within Syrian territorial waters, as previously claimed by Syria. (Territorial waters normally extend for 12 nautical miles from the coast.)
In his interview with Cumhuriyet newspaper, President Assad said the plane was shot down by anti-aircraft guns with a range a between two and two-and-a-half kilometres – implying that it was much closer to land when hit.In his interview with Cumhuriyet newspaper, President Assad said the plane was shot down by anti-aircraft guns with a range a between two and two-and-a-half kilometres – implying that it was much closer to land when hit.
3.55pm: Syria/Turkey: Five Turkish trucks have been attacked by Syrian troops in the Azez district of Aleppo, according to Turkish media.3.55pm: Syria/Turkey: Five Turkish trucks have been attacked by Syrian troops in the Azez district of Aleppo, according to Turkish media.
The incident reportedly took place yesterday. Today's Zaman quotes one of the drivers as saying that the Syrian military suddenly started shooting at their trucks and that all five vehicles were now unusable. "The man added that a group of FSA fighters helped them escape safely and escorted them to the Turkish border".The incident reportedly took place yesterday. Today's Zaman quotes one of the drivers as saying that the Syrian military suddenly started shooting at their trucks and that all five vehicles were now unusable. "The man added that a group of FSA fighters helped them escape safely and escorted them to the Turkish border".
The paper also has a lengthy interview with the drivers (in Turkish).The paper also has a lengthy interview with the drivers (in Turkish).
3.32pm: Syria: Robert Mood, the head of UN's suspended monitoring mission has given more details of how he plans to restructure the mission.3.32pm: Syria: Robert Mood, the head of UN's suspended monitoring mission has given more details of how he plans to restructure the mission.
As we mentioned earlier (see 10.09am) Mood said he wanted to focus observers in the worst hit areas.As we mentioned earlier (see 10.09am) Mood said he wanted to focus observers in the worst hit areas.
He said he would move observers from Hama, Idlib and Tartus.He said he would move observers from Hama, Idlib and Tartus.
In a transcript of questions and answers after his statement, Mood said he would development regional sites of monitors in Homs, Aleppo, and DamascusIn a transcript of questions and answers after his statement, Mood said he would development regional sites of monitors in Homs, Aleppo, and Damascus
Plans to set up a similar monitoring centre in Deir Ezzor have been put on hold because of problems supplying the area.Plans to set up a similar monitoring centre in Deir Ezzor have been put on hold because of problems supplying the area.
He said:He said:
The main purpose of this approach that we are taking now with the regional sites is to have larger sites with civilians and military together. It will give us the opportunity to have stronger patrols go out somewhere and to stay there, do the job and then go somewhere else. So exactly that is the flexibility that we are looking for and that we are hoping to achieve to be able to implement immediately if the situation on the ground allows us to resume the mandated tasks.The main purpose of this approach that we are taking now with the regional sites is to have larger sites with civilians and military together. It will give us the opportunity to have stronger patrols go out somewhere and to stay there, do the job and then go somewhere else. So exactly that is the flexibility that we are looking for and that we are hoping to achieve to be able to implement immediately if the situation on the ground allows us to resume the mandated tasks.
Mood said he had no plans to resign, but that future of the mission was a matter for the security council.Mood said he had no plans to resign, but that future of the mission was a matter for the security council.
He said:He said:
I can tell you very firmly that none of us are in the habit of quitting, we have a mandate and the mandate expires on the 20 July. My contact expires with the mandate. Whatever comes after we will know when the security council have had their discussions and what will be the way forward with this mission, we will know all of these in the coming days.I can tell you very firmly that none of us are in the habit of quitting, we have a mandate and the mandate expires on the 20 July. My contact expires with the mandate. Whatever comes after we will know when the security council have had their discussions and what will be the way forward with this mission, we will know all of these in the coming days.
Mood also said the violence in Syria was getting worse:Mood also said the violence in Syria was getting worse:
The situation on the ground what we see from visiting hospitals and from the sites where we are is that is becoming more violent , and I am particularly concerned by the civilians that have very limited access to the humanitarian needs to health care some of them are wounded some of them have other needs. So we are seeing that civilians in Syria are suffering more and more every week. There is a continuation of violence.The situation on the ground what we see from visiting hospitals and from the sites where we are is that is becoming more violent , and I am particularly concerned by the civilians that have very limited access to the humanitarian needs to health care some of them are wounded some of them have other needs. So we are seeing that civilians in Syria are suffering more and more every week. There is a continuation of violence.
We are seeing that violence is escalating to higher level.We are seeing that violence is escalating to higher level.
2.57pm: Syria: Atlantic's Alexander Abad-Santos is daunted by the latest WikiLeaks data dump and wary about its veracity.2.57pm: Syria: Atlantic's Alexander Abad-Santos is daunted by the latest WikiLeaks data dump and wary about its veracity.
To put "The Syria Files" into perspective, the database is about 10 times the size of Wikileaks' State Department release - some 250,000 cables released between 2010 and 2011. Making parsing the documents even more difficult for most Western journalists: WikiLeaks says about 400,000 of those e-mails are in Arabic and around 68,000 are in Russian.To put "The Syria Files" into perspective, the database is about 10 times the size of Wikileaks' State Department release - some 250,000 cables released between 2010 and 2011. Making parsing the documents even more difficult for most Western journalists: WikiLeaks says about 400,000 of those e-mails are in Arabic and around 68,000 are in Russian.
So how exactly are they going to sift through all that? Well, Forbes' Andy Greenberg reports that there will be "a search tool the group has developed for the files," though we're not really sure what we're supposed to be searching for. The first scoop Greenberg mentions is one of an Italian firm offering up their communications system to Syrian and Iranian governments. And there's also a question of veracity, which WikiLeaks addressed with this odd disclaimer: "In such a large collection of information, it is not possible to verify every single email at once; however, WikiLeaks and its co-publishers have done so for all initial stories to be published. We are statistically confident that the vast majority of the data are what they purport to be." Okay...So how exactly are they going to sift through all that? Well, Forbes' Andy Greenberg reports that there will be "a search tool the group has developed for the files," though we're not really sure what we're supposed to be searching for. The first scoop Greenberg mentions is one of an Italian firm offering up their communications system to Syrian and Iranian governments. And there's also a question of veracity, which WikiLeaks addressed with this odd disclaimer: "In such a large collection of information, it is not possible to verify every single email at once; however, WikiLeaks and its co-publishers have done so for all initial stories to be published. We are statistically confident that the vast majority of the data are what they purport to be." Okay...
The British-based Syrian writer, Rana Kabbani, questions why WikiLeaks released the emails to Lebanon's al-Akhbar. Last month the American journalist Max Blumenthal announced that he will no longer be writing for al-Akhbar because of its pro-Assad coverage.The British-based Syrian writer, Rana Kabbani, questions why WikiLeaks released the emails to Lebanon's al-Akhbar. Last month the American journalist Max Blumenthal announced that he will no longer be writing for al-Akhbar because of its pro-Assad coverage.
#Wikileaks: u r right 2 expose official secrets of #US hegemony, but wrong 2 cosy up 2 #Putln or #Nasrallahtotalitarianisms! #AlAkhbar#Wikileaks: u r right 2 expose official secrets of #US hegemony, but wrong 2 cosy up 2 #Putln or #Nasrallahtotalitarianisms! #AlAkhbar
— Rana Kabbani (@RanaKabbani54) July 5, 2012— Rana Kabbani (@RanaKabbani54) July 5, 2012
If #Assange did not work 4 #RussiaToday + collaborate with #Hizballah's #AlAkhbar, he would be far more respectable as a whistleblower.If #Assange did not work 4 #RussiaToday + collaborate with #Hizballah's #AlAkhbar, he would be far more respectable as a whistleblower.
— Rana Kabbani (@RanaKabbani54) July 5, 2012— Rana Kabbani (@RanaKabbani54) July 5, 2012
2.41pm: Syria/Lebanon: Colleagues of Butros Harb, an anti-Syrian politician in Beirut, say he was the target of a failed assassination attempt. Bomb detonators were found today in the elevator of a Beirut building where Harb has an office, AP reports citing interior minister Marwan Charbel.2.41pm: Syria/Lebanon: Colleagues of Butros Harb, an anti-Syrian politician in Beirut, say he was the target of a failed assassination attempt. Bomb detonators were found today in the elevator of a Beirut building where Harb has an office, AP reports citing interior minister Marwan Charbel.
Police found the two detonators after security guards at the building wrestled with a suspicious looking man with a knife who later escaped with accomplices.Police found the two detonators after security guards at the building wrestled with a suspicious looking man with a knife who later escaped with accomplices.
The officials say the detonators were not attached to an explosive device. Harb's colleagues said in media statements that he was the target of a failed assassination attempt.The officials say the detonators were not attached to an explosive device. Harb's colleagues said in media statements that he was the target of a failed assassination attempt.
2.36pm: Syria: Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says his country is not considering offering asylum to President Assad, AP reports.2.36pm: Syria: Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says his country is not considering offering asylum to President Assad, AP reports.
Yesterday, the Russian newspaper Kommersant quoted diplomatic sources as saying that western countries are pushing Moscow to provide asylum to Assad.Yesterday, the Russian newspaper Kommersant quoted diplomatic sources as saying that western countries are pushing Moscow to provide asylum to Assad.
Lavrov said today that Russia has no such plans, and he insisted that invitations like that would not make sense because "Syrians themselves need to find common ground".Lavrov said today that Russia has no such plans, and he insisted that invitations like that would not make sense because "Syrians themselves need to find common ground".
2.23pm: Syria: Reporting on the Wikileaks release of emails linked to the Syrian uprising, Italian magazine L'Espresso says the Italian state-controlled firm Finmeccanica has supplied radios typically used by police to the Syrian government, and has continued to provide technical assistance in 2012 as the uprising expands.2.23pm: Syria: Reporting on the Wikileaks release of emails linked to the Syrian uprising, Italian magazine L'Espresso says the Italian state-controlled firm Finmeccanica has supplied radios typically used by police to the Syrian government, and has continued to provide technical assistance in 2012 as the uprising expands.
Guardian correspondent Tom Kington writes from Rome:Guardian correspondent Tom Kington writes from Rome:
The so-called Tetra radios were manufactured by Selex Elsag, a unit of Finmeccanica and sold to the Syrian Wireless Organisation, reported L'Espresso, which is Wikileaks' Italian partner publication for the release of the Syrian emails.The so-called Tetra radios were manufactured by Selex Elsag, a unit of Finmeccanica and sold to the Syrian Wireless Organisation, reported L'Espresso, which is Wikileaks' Italian partner publication for the release of the Syrian emails.
One email written in February and quoted by L'Espresso discusses the pending arrival in Damascus of Selex Elsag employees, sent to provide training for the radios, and the installation of the system on helicopters. One delivery is listed as heading to the "Muadamia police warehouse".One email written in February and quoted by L'Espresso discusses the pending arrival in Damascus of Selex Elsag employees, sent to provide training for the radios, and the installation of the system on helicopters. One delivery is listed as heading to the "Muadamia police warehouse".
The €40m contract for the radios was signed in 2008 between the Syrian Wireless Organisation, a state body, and a Syrian subsidiary of Greek company Intracom-Telecom, although the system's
manufacturer, Selex Elsag, maintained direct contacts with the Syrians.		The €40m contract for the radios was signed in 2008 between the Syrian Wireless Organisation, a state body, and a Syrian subsidiary of Greek company Intracom-Telecom, although the system's
manufacturer, Selex Elsag, maintained direct contacts with the Syrians.
At the end of May 2011, Syria asked to increase the size of the contract by 25%. Selex Elsag replied on 25 July that it would be prepared to discuss the matter with the Syrian Wirelesss Organisation, L'Espresso wrote.At the end of May 2011, Syria asked to increase the size of the contract by 25%. Selex Elsag replied on 25 July that it would be prepared to discuss the matter with the Syrian Wirelesss Organisation, L'Espresso wrote.
As the uprising escalated last summer, the Syrian government pressed Selex Elsag for the supply of encrypted versions of the radio. Given the potential military use of encryption, the firm referred the request to the Italian government, reporting that the final decision had been put off until the end of June.As the uprising escalated last summer, the Syrian government pressed Selex Elsag for the supply of encrypted versions of the radio. Given the potential military use of encryption, the firm referred the request to the Italian government, reporting that the final decision had been put off until the end of June.
When the Syrians sent radios for repair to Florence, they first wiped their memories, the weekly wrote.When the Syrians sent radios for repair to Florence, they first wiped their memories, the weekly wrote.
2.08pm: Syria: Pro-Assad internet activists have hacked into the Twitter stream of al-Jazeera's Stream programme, to accuse the Guardian of "participating in violence" in Syria.2.08pm: Syria: Pro-Assad internet activists have hacked into the Twitter stream of al-Jazeera's Stream programme, to accuse the Guardian of "participating in violence" in Syria.
Announcing the move the Syrian Electronic Army said it was "tired" of al-Jazeera's lies.Announcing the move the Syrian Electronic Army said it was "tired" of al-Jazeera's lies.
It said: "We have decided to hack on your Twitter and Facebook pages in order to convey our message in our own way in all objectivity away from the lying and falsehood which channels of Al Jazeera followed."It said: "We have decided to hack on your Twitter and Facebook pages in order to convey our message in our own way in all objectivity away from the lying and falsehood which channels of Al Jazeera followed."
One of the tweets on the hacked account said: "Do The Guardian editors know they are participating in violence in Syria?"One of the tweets on the hacked account said: "Do The Guardian editors know they are participating in violence in Syria?"
EA WorldView's Josh Shahryar urges Twitter uses not to click on the links posted by the hacked account.EA WorldView's Josh Shahryar urges Twitter uses not to click on the links posted by the hacked account.
A wide-spread attack on Al Jazeera's social media accounts by the Syrian Electronic Army. DON'T CLICK ON LINKS for now. #SyriaA wide-spread attack on Al Jazeera's social media accounts by the Syrian Electronic Army. DON'T CLICK ON LINKS for now. #Syria
— Josh Shahryar (@JShahryar) July 5, 2012— Josh Shahryar (@JShahryar) July 5, 2012
1.59pm: Libya: The main storage centre for election materials in the eastern Libyan town of Ajdabiya caught fire early today, Reuters reports.1.59pm: Libya: The main storage centre for election materials in the eastern Libyan town of Ajdabiya caught fire early today, Reuters reports.
The incident, which destroyed ballot papers and other election equipment, comes amid fears that the poll [on Saturday] could be marred by violence.The incident, which destroyed ballot papers and other election equipment, comes amid fears that the poll [on Saturday] could be marred by violence.
The security source said the fire was being investigated as suspected arson, while an official at Libya's national election commission in the capital Tripoli said any ballot slips destroyed in the incident would be replaced before Saturday.The security source said the fire was being investigated as suspected arson, while an official at Libya's national election commission in the capital Tripoli said any ballot slips destroyed in the incident would be replaced before Saturday.
The storage centre is located on the outskirts of Ajdabiya, but the main election commission headquarters in the centre of town were not affected, according to witnesses.The storage centre is located on the outskirts of Ajdabiya, but the main election commission headquarters in the centre of town were not affected, according to witnesses.
1.22pm: Here's a roundup of the main developments so far today:1.22pm: Here's a roundup of the main developments so far today:
SyriaSyria
• The whistleblowing website WikiLeaks has begun publishing what it claims are more than two million emails involving the Assad regime's inner circle from August 2006 to March 2012 (see 12.18pm).• The whistleblowing website WikiLeaks has begun publishing what it claims are more than two million emails involving the Assad regime's inner circle from August 2006 to March 2012 (see 12.18pm).
• President Bashar al-Assad has accused foreign governments of financing the uprising against him by paying people to protest.• President Bashar al-Assad has accused foreign governments of financing the uprising against him by paying people to protest.
• The UN's suspended supervision mission in Syria is to be restructured to focus on fewer areas, General Robert Mood, the head of the mission, has announced (see 10.09am).• The UN's suspended supervision mission in Syria is to be restructured to focus on fewer areas, General Robert Mood, the head of the mission, has announced (see 10.09am).
• Switzerland has frozen arms exports to the UAE after grenades sold to the Gulf state were discovered in the hands of Syrian rebels (see 10.26am).• Switzerland has frozen arms exports to the UAE after grenades sold to the Gulf state were discovered in the hands of Syrian rebels (see 10.26am).
• Three senior officers in the armed forces were assassinated last night, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (see 11.30am).• Three senior officers in the armed forces were assassinated last night, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (see 11.30am).
• Syrian artillery pounded the ghost city of Douma, north of Damascus, where residents recovered mutilated corpses after a rampage by militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reports, citing activists.• Syrian artillery pounded the ghost city of Douma, north of Damascus, where residents recovered mutilated corpses after a rampage by militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reports, citing activists.
LibyaLibya
• Libyan authorities say they cannot confirm a report by al-Arabiya that Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi has been extradited to Libya from Mauritania (see 10.37am).• Libyan authorities say they cannot confirm a report by al-Arabiya that Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi has been extradited to Libya from Mauritania (see 10.37am).
EgyptEgypt
• Senior judge Tahani al-Gebali claims she plans to sue the New York Times after it quoted her saying that she advised the military council to delay handing over power civilian authority until a constitution, the Egypt Independent reports. • Senior judge Tahani al-Gebali claims she plans to sue the New York Times after it quoted her saying that she advised the military council to delay handing over power civilian authority until a constitution, the Egypt Independent reports.
KuwaitKuwait
• Kuwait's head of state reappointed the outgoing prime minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah in a move that may help ease political deadlock, Reuters reports.• Kuwait's head of state reappointed the outgoing prime minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah in a move that may help ease political deadlock, Reuters reports.
1.00pm: Bahrain: The 11-year-old boy accused of taking part in anti-government protests will not be sent to jail but will be monitored at home by the authorities, AP reports.1.00pm: Bahrain: The 11-year-old boy accused of taking part in anti-government protests will not be sent to jail but will be monitored at home by the authorities, AP reports.
Bahraini authorities and the boy's lawyer, Shahzalan Khamis, say a court ruled today that Ali Hasan (pictured) must be monitored by a social worker for a year.Bahraini authorities and the boy's lawyer, Shahzalan Khamis, say a court ruled today that Ali Hasan (pictured) must be monitored by a social worker for a year.
Khamis says charges including participation in an illegal gathering were not dropped. Ali Hasan's case has been closely watched because he was one of the youngest demonstrators taken into custody in connection with the island nation's ongoing unrest.Khamis says charges including participation in an illegal gathering were not dropped. Ali Hasan's case has been closely watched because he was one of the youngest demonstrators taken into custody in connection with the island nation's ongoing unrest.
He was allowed to return home on June 11 after spending a month behind bars, but the final verdict in his case wasn't reached until today.He was allowed to return home on June 11 after spending a month behind bars, but the final verdict in his case wasn't reached until today.
12.48pm: Libya: The authorities have failed to break the stranglehold of militia groups, ahead of this Saturday's elections, according to a new report by Amnesty International.12.48pm: Libya: The authorities have failed to break the stranglehold of militia groups, ahead of this Saturday's elections, according to a new report by Amnesty International.
It says hundreds of armed militias are committing a string of human rights violations with impunity. Unless they are stopped Libya risks repeating the violations that led to last year's uprising against Gaddafi, it says.It says hundreds of armed militias are committing a string of human rights violations with impunity. Unless they are stopped Libya risks repeating the violations that led to last year's uprising against Gaddafi, it says.
In a video to accompany the report Libya researcher Diana Eltahawy says the militia groups are "spiralling out of control" and running a string of brutal detention centres.In a video to accompany the report Libya researcher Diana Eltahawy says the militia groups are "spiralling out of control" and running a string of brutal detention centres.
12.37pm: Syria: Iraq says it has solid information that al-Qaida militants are crossing from Iraq into Syria to carry out attacks, Reuters reports.12.37pm: Syria: Iraq says it has solid information that al-Qaida militants are crossing from Iraq into Syria to carry out attacks, Reuters reports.
"We have solid information and intelligence that members of al Qaida terrorist networks have gone in the other direction, to Syria, to help, to liaise, to carry out terrorist attacks," Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari told a news conference in Baghdad."We have solid information and intelligence that members of al Qaida terrorist networks have gone in the other direction, to Syria, to help, to liaise, to carry out terrorist attacks," Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari told a news conference in Baghdad.
Earlier this week the shadowy al-Nusra front claimed responsibility for an attack on pro-Assad TV station that killed seven people last week.Earlier this week the shadowy al-Nusra front claimed responsibility for an attack on pro-Assad TV station that killed seven people last week.
12.30pm: Syria: So far Syrian activists are frustrated and underwhelmed by the release of the Syria emails.12.30pm: Syria: So far Syrian activists are frustrated and underwhelmed by the release of the Syria emails.
As usual Wikileaks will do the stupid thing where they release only a few emails per day, so it will take months and months to read it.As usual Wikileaks will do the stupid thing where they release only a few emails per day, so it will take months and months to read it.
— Sami al-Hamwi (@HamaEcho) July 5, 2012— Sami al-Hamwi (@HamaEcho) July 5, 2012
No really interesting info on the wikileaks about #Syria so far. Please share any when it comes out on the Tag #LeaksSyNo really interesting info on the wikileaks about #Syria so far. Please share any when it comes out on the Tag #LeaksSy
— Ḱ@яℯℯм ℒαḯł@н (@KareemLailah) July 5, 2012— Ḱ@яℯℯм ℒαḯł@н (@KareemLailah) July 5, 2012
12.18pm: Syria: The first batch of emails to be released by WikiLeaks relate to the Italian firm Finmeccanica and its subsidiary Selex which sold technology to the Syrian police.12.18pm: Syria: The first batch of emails to be released by WikiLeaks relate to the Italian firm Finmeccanica and its subsidiary Selex which sold technology to the Syrian police.
A WikiLeaks spokeswoman said: "In the database there are emails demonstrating that Selex sold a technology called Tetra to the Syrian government. This technology allows police forces to communicate in a secure and reliable manner. The database demonstrates that selling assistance and training by Selex continued through to this year."A WikiLeaks spokeswoman said: "In the database there are emails demonstrating that Selex sold a technology called Tetra to the Syrian government. This technology allows police forces to communicate in a secure and reliable manner. The database demonstrates that selling assistance and training by Selex continued through to this year."
She added that future stories would be revealed over the course of the next two months. "This is a large dataset. It will take time for all of these stories to come out," she told a press conference at the Frontline club.She added that future stories would be revealed over the course of the next two months. "This is a large dataset. It will take time for all of these stories to come out," she told a press conference at the Frontline club.
The leaked documents include emails from the ministries of presidential affairs, finance, information transport and culture, the spokeswoman said.The leaked documents include emails from the ministries of presidential affairs, finance, information transport and culture, the spokeswoman said.
11.57am: Syria: Some first reactions to the release of Syria files by WikiLeaks:11.57am: Syria: Some first reactions to the release of Syria files by WikiLeaks:
Syria has TETRA network but TETRA encryption broken and gets intercepted by NSA! tetra.osmocom.org/trac/ wikileaks.org/syria-files/do…Syria has TETRA network but TETRA encryption broken and gets intercepted by NSA! tetra.osmocom.org/trac/ wikileaks.org/syria-files/do…
— WikiLeaks Press (@wlpress) July 5, 2012— WikiLeaks Press (@wlpress) July 5, 2012
@wikileaks releases the #Syria files- "It is only through understanding this conflict that we can hope to resolve it": wikileaks.org/syria-files/@wikileaks releases the #Syria files- "It is only through understanding this conflict that we can hope to resolve it": wikileaks.org/syria-files/
— Jen Robinson (@suigenerisjen) July 5, 2012— Jen Robinson (@suigenerisjen) July 5, 2012
Selex Elsag, part of Finmeccanica (Italy), has until 2012 sold surveillance technology + training to Syria #wikileaks bit.ly/M77zf3Selex Elsag, part of Finmeccanica (Italy), has until 2012 sold surveillance technology + training to Syria #wikileaks bit.ly/M77zf3
— Anne Roth (@Anne_Roth) July 5, 2012— Anne Roth (@Anne_Roth) July 5, 2012
11.51am: Syria: William Hague, Britain's foreign secretary, is currently answering questions from the public on Twitter.11.51am: Syria: William Hague, Britain's foreign secretary, is currently answering questions from the public on Twitter.
Asked about the possibility of establishing a humanitarian corridor in Syria, he did not totally rule out the idea, but suggested it could be difficult:Asked about the possibility of establishing a humanitarian corridor in Syria, he did not totally rule out the idea, but suggested it could be difficult:
.@AlOraibi humanitarian corridors wld need strong support from neighbouring countries & large scale military force #AskFS #Syria.@AlOraibi humanitarian corridors wld need strong support from neighbouring countries & large scale military force #AskFS #Syria
— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) July 5, 2012— William Hague (@WilliamJHague) July 5, 2012
11.46am: Syria: WikiLeaks is holding a press conference at the Frontline club on the Syria emails.11.46am: Syria: WikiLeaks is holding a press conference at the Frontline club on the Syria emails.
The event is being broadcast on Ustream.The event is being broadcast on Ustream.
11.30am: Syria: Three senior officers in the armed forces were assassinated last night, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.11.30am: Syria: Three senior officers in the armed forces were assassinated last night, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
It says a brigadier-general was targeted and killed on the Damascus-Suweida road, a colonel was killed in Hama province and the third officer, a major, was assassinated on the road to Aleppo.It says a brigadier-general was targeted and killed on the Damascus-Suweida road, a colonel was killed in Hama province and the third officer, a major, was assassinated on the road to Aleppo.
11.11am: Syria: The whistle blowing website WikiLeaks has begun publishing what it claims are more than two million emails from the Assad regime's inner circle from August 2006 to March 2012.11.11am: Syria: The whistle blowing website WikiLeaks has begun publishing what it claims are more than two million emails from the Assad regime's inner circle from August 2006 to March 2012.
The emails will be shared over the next two months with seven media partners including Lebanon's Al Akhbar; Egypt's Al Masry Al Youm, and the Associated Press.The emails will be shared over the next two months with seven media partners including Lebanon's Al Akhbar; Egypt's Al Masry Al Youm, and the Associated Press.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said: "The material is embarrassing to Syria, but it is also embarrassing to Syria's opponents. It helps us not merely to criticise one group or another, but to understand their interests, actions and thoughts. It is only through understanding this conflict that we can hope to resolve it."WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said: "The material is embarrassing to Syria, but it is also embarrassing to Syria's opponents. It helps us not merely to criticise one group or another, but to understand their interests, actions and thoughts. It is only through understanding this conflict that we can hope to resolve it."
10.55am: Libya: Al-Jazeera's cameras have been allowed into the luxurious new $40m courthouse-and-jail complex near Tajura. Paul Brennan reports:10.55am: Libya: Al-Jazeera's cameras have been allowed into the luxurious new $40m courthouse-and-jail complex near Tajura. Paul Brennan reports:
The gleaming new court building, with its polished marble steps and elegant metalwork, sits next to a brand new prison building with facilities, which would rival many hotels.The gleaming new court building, with its polished marble steps and elegant metalwork, sits next to a brand new prison building with facilities, which would rival many hotels.
There is a modern sports hall. Medical facilities. The 156 cells are spacious. There are even four "family apartments", within the perimeter walls, where inmates will have conjugal visits from their families.There is a modern sports hall. Medical facilities. The 156 cells are spacious. There are even four "family apartments", within the perimeter walls, where inmates will have conjugal visits from their families.
The video above shows inspections of the premises by the US ambassador at large and prime minister Abdurrahim al-Keib.The video above shows inspections of the premises by the US ambassador at large and prime minister Abdurrahim al-Keib.
There are suggestions that the jail will eventually house senior figures from the Gaddafi regime. When journalist Chris Stephen visited the jail for the Observer in March, staff indicated that they were waiting for the arrival of Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam.There are suggestions that the jail will eventually house senior figures from the Gaddafi regime. When journalist Chris Stephen visited the jail for the Observer in March, staff indicated that they were waiting for the arrival of Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam.
10.37am: Libya: The authorities in Libya cannot confirm al-Arabiya's claim that Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah Senussi has been extradited from Mauritania.10.37am: Libya: The authorities in Libya cannot confirm al-Arabiya's claim that Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah Senussi has been extradited from Mauritania.
Chris Stephen emails:Chris Stephen emails:
The government press office told me they know nothing about it. The prime minister is in Mauritania trying to secure his transfer, but there was no indication last night that he had succeeded.The government press office told me they know nothing about it. The prime minister is in Mauritania trying to secure his transfer, but there was no indication last night that he had succeeded.
10.26am: Syria: Weapons made in Switzerland and sold to the United Arab Emirates appear to be ending up in the hands of opposition fighters in Syria.10.26am: Syria: Weapons made in Switzerland and sold to the United Arab Emirates appear to be ending up in the hands of opposition fighters in Syria.
The Swiss newspaper Sonntag Zeitung reported on Sunday that a journalist accompanying rebels in the town of Marea photographed grenades with markings that showed they were manufactured between 1992 and 2005 by the state-owned RUAG company in Bern.The Swiss newspaper Sonntag Zeitung reported on Sunday that a journalist accompanying rebels in the town of Marea photographed grenades with markings that showed they were manufactured between 1992 and 2005 by the state-owned RUAG company in Bern.
Initial investigations by the Swiss government suggest the grenades were part of a consignment of 225,162 grenades shipped to the UAE in 2003.Initial investigations by the Swiss government suggest the grenades were part of a consignment of 225,162 grenades shipped to the UAE in 2003.
There has been no comment from the UAE government but the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) says it is "freezing all pending applications for arms exports to the UAE and demanding the return of licences which have already been issued but not yet used".There has been no comment from the UAE government but the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) says it is "freezing all pending applications for arms exports to the UAE and demanding the return of licences which have already been issued but not yet used".
10.09am: Syria: The UN's suspended supervision mission in Syria is to be restructured to focus on fewer areas, General Robert Mood, the head of the mission has announced.10.09am: Syria: The UN's suspended supervision mission in Syria is to be restructured to focus on fewer areas, General Robert Mood, the head of the mission has announced.
Speaking at a press conference in Damascus Mood said that as there was no ceasefire to monitor his observers no longer needed to be spread across the country.Speaking at a press conference in Damascus Mood said that as there was no ceasefire to monitor his observers no longer needed to be spread across the country.
We are consolidating the Mission to enable better support to the Syrian people in the coming days. We will reinforce our presence into Regional Team Sites to give us, once our operations resume, the flexibility to effectively work on facilitating political dialogue and stability projects. In the next week we will consolidate our 8 local team site locations into Regional ones. The Mission will relocate personnel and assets from Hama, Idlib and Tartus to boost our presence in other locations. This consolidation will not affect the Mission's current mandate or the total deployed personnel.We are consolidating the Mission to enable better support to the Syrian people in the coming days. We will reinforce our presence into Regional Team Sites to give us, once our operations resume, the flexibility to effectively work on facilitating political dialogue and stability projects. In the next week we will consolidate our 8 local team site locations into Regional ones. The Mission will relocate personnel and assets from Hama, Idlib and Tartus to boost our presence in other locations. This consolidation will not affect the Mission's current mandate or the total deployed personnel.
When the Mission was established in April, we needed to locate in cities to establish and build contacts with the local populations on the ground and to get to know the geography and social fabric of the country. This was also very useful in monitoring the ceasefire, when it was adhered to, and reporting on violations.When the Mission was established in April, we needed to locate in cities to establish and build contacts with the local populations on the ground and to get to know the geography and social fabric of the country. This was also very useful in monitoring the ceasefire, when it was adhered to, and reporting on violations.
Now, we are in a situation in which we have the contacts and knowledge, but we have no ceasefire. So it is time to stop spreading ourselves out too thin and restructure in a way that will allow us, once we resume our activities, to conduct targeted tasks that require longer periods of stay in particular area as well as larger number of observers, specialized in a variety of civilian and military affairs.Now, we are in a situation in which we have the contacts and knowledge, but we have no ceasefire. So it is time to stop spreading ourselves out too thin and restructure in a way that will allow us, once we resume our activities, to conduct targeted tasks that require longer periods of stay in particular area as well as larger number of observers, specialized in a variety of civilian and military affairs.
Yesterday Mood said the observer mission would only resume if the violence decreases. He also declined to end speculation about his own future as head of the mission, by stating that this was a matter for the security council.Yesterday Mood said the observer mission would only resume if the violence decreases. He also declined to end speculation about his own future as head of the mission, by stating that this was a matter for the security council.
9.07am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.9.07am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
Here's a roundup of the main developments:Here's a roundup of the main developments:
SyriaSyria
• President Bashar al-Assad has accused foreign governments of financing the uprising against him by paying people to protest. In the third part of his interview with the Turkish daily Cumhuriyet he said foreign intervention was more harmful than any of the regime's mistakes.• President Bashar al-Assad has accused foreign governments of financing the uprising against him by paying people to protest. In the third part of his interview with the Turkish daily Cumhuriyet he said foreign intervention was more harmful than any of the regime's mistakes.
Turkish journalist Mahir Zeynalov provides this translation of an extract from the interview:Turkish journalist Mahir Zeynalov provides this translation of an extract from the interview:
The role of foreign intervention is significant and more harmful than our mistakes. In Syria, three-staged plan has been implemented. The first one was peaceful protests, which were financed. Every protester received $10 initially, but now they are receiving $50. They wanted to take people into streets like it was in Egypt or Tunisia. But they couldn't do it.The role of foreign intervention is significant and more harmful than our mistakes. In Syria, three-staged plan has been implemented. The first one was peaceful protests, which were financed. Every protester received $10 initially, but now they are receiving $50. They wanted to take people into streets like it was in Egypt or Tunisia. But they couldn't do it.
The second stage was to militarise some territories to establish liberated areas. Like the Benghazi model in Libya. But our army didn't allow that. They are now on a new stage. Assassinations, bombing of state institutions, massacres targeting civilians and kidnappings.The second stage was to militarise some territories to establish liberated areas. Like the Benghazi model in Libya. But our army didn't allow that. They are now on a new stage. Assassinations, bombing of state institutions, massacres targeting civilians and kidnappings.
• The deputy leader of the Free Syrian Army, Colonel Malik al-Kurdi, says the rebels reject any transition government that involves in Assad and his inner circle. Speaking to the Turkish daily Zaman he said:• The deputy leader of the Free Syrian Army, Colonel Malik al-Kurdi, says the rebels reject any transition government that involves in Assad and his inner circle. Speaking to the Turkish daily Zaman he said:
We said this from the very beginning. We want the Assad regime to fall. This regime committed slaughter and murders. Therefore we don't want either Assad or his regime to remain ...We said this from the very beginning. We want the Assad regime to fall. This regime committed slaughter and murders. Therefore we don't want either Assad or his regime to remain ...
"We started off in order to defend our freedom and honor. This fire of revolution cannot be extinguished with slaughters, murders, killing our women or setting our houses on fire. The public used to ask for reform, but now the people want the regime to go because of the cruelty [by the government forces]. The people have decided to keep up the revolution."We started off in order to defend our freedom and honor. This fire of revolution cannot be extinguished with slaughters, murders, killing our women or setting our houses on fire. The public used to ask for reform, but now the people want the regime to go because of the cruelty [by the government forces]. The people have decided to keep up the revolution.
• New images have emerged showing the devastation to areas of Syria that have seen the heaviest fighting between government and rebel forces. Parts of Homs have reduced to rubble, the photographs show.• New images have emerged showing the devastation to areas of Syria that have seen the heaviest fighting between government and rebel forces. Parts of Homs have reduced to rubble, the photographs show.
• Syrian artillery pounded the ghost city of Douma, north of Damascus, where residents recovered mutilated corpses after a rampage by militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reports, citing activists. They said at least 11 people, including a six-year-old girl and an elderly man, were killed by shelling in the towns of Misraba and Rihan near Douma, and three more were shot dead.• Syrian artillery pounded the ghost city of Douma, north of Damascus, where residents recovered mutilated corpses after a rampage by militiamen loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters reports, citing activists. They said at least 11 people, including a six-year-old girl and an elderly man, were killed by shelling in the towns of Misraba and Rihan near Douma, and three more were shot dead.
Video from activists in Douma shows the physical damage to the deserted city.Video from activists in Douma shows the physical damage to the deserted city.
• An undersea explorer helped find the wreck of the Titanic help find the bodies of two Turkish pilots whose jet was shot down by Syria, the New York Times reports.• An undersea explorer helped find the wreck of the Titanic help find the bodies of two Turkish pilots whose jet was shot down by Syria, the New York Times reports.
Turkish news outlets said the efforts to locate the pilots, Gokhan Ertan and Hasan Huseyin Aksoy, were aided at Turkey's request by the Nautilus, an American deep-sea exploration vessel led by Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who discovered the wreckage of the Titanic in 1985.Turkish news outlets said the efforts to locate the pilots, Gokhan Ertan and Hasan Huseyin Aksoy, were aided at Turkey's request by the Nautilus, an American deep-sea exploration vessel led by Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who discovered the wreckage of the Titanic in 1985.
LibyaLibya
• Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi has been extradited to Libya from Mauritania, according to Al Arabiya citing sources in Libya. The international criminal court in June 2011 issued a warrant for Senussi, calling him an "indirect perpetrator of crimes against humanity, of murder and persecution based on political grounds" in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.• Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi has been extradited to Libya from Mauritania, according to Al Arabiya citing sources in Libya. The international criminal court in June 2011 issued a warrant for Senussi, calling him an "indirect perpetrator of crimes against humanity, of murder and persecution based on political grounds" in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.
• Libya's minority Amazigh community fear an Islamist takeover ahead of Saturday's elections, Luke Harding reports from the western town of Zuwara. Eissa al-Hammissi, an ethnic Amazigh documentary maker, told him:• Libya's minority Amazigh community fear an Islamist takeover ahead of Saturday's elections, Luke Harding reports from the western town of Zuwara. Eissa al-Hammissi, an ethnic Amazigh documentary maker, told him:
We helped our brothers overthrow the dictator. But now feel we are being betrayed ... Look at the map. Look to our east and west. The Islamists have taken over in Tunisia and Egypt. They are going to take over Libya too. I don't think they are going to push the country in the right direction.We helped our brothers overthrow the dictator. But now feel we are being betrayed ... Look at the map. Look to our east and west. The Islamists have taken over in Tunisia and Egypt. They are going to take over Libya too. I don't think they are going to push the country in the right direction.
EgyptEgypt
• Senior judge Tahani al-Gebali claims she plans to sue the New York Times after it quoted her saying that she advised the military council to delay handing over power civilian authority until a constitution, the Egypt Independent reports. On Wednesday the New York Times reported:• Senior judge Tahani al-Gebali claims she plans to sue the New York Times after it quoted her saying that she advised the military council to delay handing over power civilian authority until a constitution, the Egypt Independent reports. On Wednesday the New York Times reported:
From the moment the military seized control from President Hosni Mubarak, the generals "certainly" never intended to relinquish authority before supervising a new Constitution, Judge Gebali said.From the moment the military seized control from President Hosni Mubarak, the generals "certainly" never intended to relinquish authority before supervising a new Constitution, Judge Gebali said.
Gebali said she didn't speak to the paper.Gebali said she didn't speak to the paper.
KuwaitKuwait
• Kuwait's head of state reappointed the outgoing prime minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah in a move that may help ease political deadlock, Reuters reports. Sheikh Jaber must now select a 15-member cabinet, after which analysts expect Kuwait's ruler to dissolve parliament in order to allow fresh elections.• Kuwait's head of state reappointed the outgoing prime minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah in a move that may help ease political deadlock, Reuters reports. Sheikh Jaber must now select a 15-member cabinet, after which analysts expect Kuwait's ruler to dissolve parliament in order to allow fresh elections.
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