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Friends of Syria meeting to demand ceasefire - live updates Friends of Syria meeting to demand ceasefire - live updates
(40 minutes later)
11.52am: Away from Syria for a moment ...
Soon-to-be-ex-president Saleh is flying back to Yemen from the United States via Ethiopia to attend the installation of his successor.
Voting figures from Tuesday's presidential election are still to be announced but Vice-President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi is certain of victory since he was the only candidate.
A statement today from the Yemeni electoral commission said Hadi will take the oath of office in parliament on Saturday and the inauguration will follow on Monday "in a ceremony at the presidential palace during which Ali Abdullah Saleh will officially hand over power to him."
• The Associated Press has just issued a revised version of its pronunciation guide (mainly for use by broadcasters). It advises that Ali Abdullah Saleh should be pronounced: AH'-lee ahb-DUH'-luh sah-LEH'
11.32am: A Syrian opposition group has announced that it is boycotting today's meeting in Tunis – despite having already sent a delegation there, according to an AFP report published in the Lebanese Daily Star.
The National Coordination Committee for Democratic Change (NCCDC) appears to have two concerns: that the Friends of Syria conference is showing favouritism towards the Syrian National Council (the largest opposition grouping, which was formed outside the country), and that militarisation of the conflict has not been ruled out.
A statement (also quoted in Le Monde) said:
Despite assurances from the Tunisian president (Moncef Marzouki) that the opposition parties will be treated equally and that there will be no recognition of one party at the expense of the others, we have noticed a dangerous trend towards ... specifying who represents the Syrian people.
It also accused the conference of "leaving the issue of armament vague and opening the door to acceptance by the international community of the idea of foreign military intervention".
The NCCDC is considered to have stronger connections inside Syria than the Syrian National Council, though some regard it as too soft towards the Assad regime.
Although the Friends of Syria appear to favour the SNC, they don't necessarily seem committed to supporting it exclusively. The AFP report says:
A draft final declaration of the Tunis meeting calls for the Arab League to convene a meeting of the Syrian opposition and praises the SNC.
But it does not appear to give the SNC exclusive recognition, calling it only "a legitimate representative of Syrians seeking peaceful democratic change".
11.27am: Is Russia wavering in its support for the Assad regime? It has just welcomed the appointment of Kofi Annan as a joint Arab League and UN envoy to Syria, and acknowledged "pressing humanitarian issues".
The Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Russian foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich, as saying:
We expect that the activity of this authoritative politician will contribute to solving the pressing political and humanitarian issues in Syria on the basis of work with all parties in the interest of peace through inclusive political dialogue between the Syrian government and the opposition.
Russia is ready for close cooperation with him in the search for mutually acceptable solutions to these issues.
11.18am: Activists in Homs are broadcasting live footage, via Bambuser, of a large demonstration in al-Qousoor in the north of the city.

This is not the first time that Friday demonstrations have taken place in al-Quosoor, while Baba Amr in the south-east of the city is reported to under attack.

According to the activist group, the Local Coordination Committees in Syria, demonstrations have take place across Syria today. The theme of today's protest is to demonstrate support for Baba Amr and other besieged areas.
10.44am: William Hague has signalled that Britain is opposed to agreeing to arm the Free Syrian Army at today's Friends of Syria meeting.10.44am: William Hague has signalled that Britain is opposed to agreeing to arm the Free Syrian Army at today's Friends of Syria meeting.
Speaking ahead of the meeting he said: "The UK is determined to pursue every possible peaceful means of pressurising Assad's regime until it ceases its brutal repression of the Syrian people, and the Friends of Syria group is an essential means of doing that."Speaking ahead of the meeting he said: "The UK is determined to pursue every possible peaceful means of pressurising Assad's regime until it ceases its brutal repression of the Syrian people, and the Friends of Syria group is an essential means of doing that."
The Foreign Office set out four key objectives of the meeting (arming the FSA is not one of them):The Foreign Office set out four key objectives of the meeting (arming the FSA is not one of them):
• Demonstrate widespread international support for the Arab League plan, and increase the level of that support• Demonstrate widespread international support for the Arab League plan, and increase the level of that support
• Put further pressure on the Assad regime, including by encouraging other countries to follow the EU, US and Arab League lead on sanctions and pressing work to ensure accountability for human rights abuses• Put further pressure on the Assad regime, including by encouraging other countries to follow the EU, US and Arab League lead on sanctions and pressing work to ensure accountability for human rights abuses
• Increase support for the political opposition – by encouraging it to come together around the Syrian National Counci (SNC). It is crucial that it develops a united vision and a strategy• Increase support for the political opposition – by encouraging it to come together around the Syrian National Counci (SNC). It is crucial that it develops a united vision and a strategy
• Press for immediate, free and safe humanitarian access while ensuring a co-ordinated international response under the UN. The meeting will also look at economic recovery.• Press for immediate, free and safe humanitarian access while ensuring a co-ordinated international response under the UN. The meeting will also look at economic recovery.
10.37am: The French daily Le Monde quotes a diplomatic source as refusing to discuss why ambassador Eric Chevallier has returned to Damascus. "We do not comment on this subject," the source said.10.37am: The French daily Le Monde quotes a diplomatic source as refusing to discuss why ambassador Eric Chevallier has returned to Damascus. "We do not comment on this subject," the source said.
France recalled Chevallier on February 7 – for the second time in recent months – when other EU countries were doing the same. The foreign ministry said at the time that it was due to "the worsening crackdown by the Damascus regime against its people".France recalled Chevallier on February 7 – for the second time in recent months – when other EU countries were doing the same. The foreign ministry said at the time that it was due to "the worsening crackdown by the Damascus regime against its people".
His return now is clearly not linked to any let-up in the crackdown – leading to speculation that Chevallier's return is part of an effort to repatriate the body of French photographer Rémi Ochlik who was killed on Wednesday in Homs and evacuate Le Figaro journalist Edith Bouvier who was wounded in the legs.His return now is clearly not linked to any let-up in the crackdown – leading to speculation that Chevallier's return is part of an effort to repatriate the body of French photographer Rémi Ochlik who was killed on Wednesday in Homs and evacuate Le Figaro journalist Edith Bouvier who was wounded in the legs.
Le Monde notes that when journalist Gilles Jacquier was killed in Homs last January, the ambassador went to Homs to repatriate his remains. The difficulty this time is that Wednesday's fatal attack occurred in a rebel held area, Jacquier was killed in a pro-government area.Le Monde notes that when journalist Gilles Jacquier was killed in Homs last January, the ambassador went to Homs to repatriate his remains. The difficulty this time is that Wednesday's fatal attack occurred in a rebel held area, Jacquier was killed in a pro-government area.
10.19am: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it has had no reply from the Syrian government after its call for a ceasefire.10.19am: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it has had no reply from the Syrian government after its call for a ceasefire.
ICRC spokesman Hicham Hassan told Reuters:ICRC spokesman Hicham Hassan told Reuters:
The ICRC still has not had feedback on its initiative from Syrian authorities. We are more and more concerned over humanitarian needs that are increasing by the hour. It is crucial that our initiative is met with a positive and concrete reaction urgently.The ICRC still has not had feedback on its initiative from Syrian authorities. We are more and more concerned over humanitarian needs that are increasing by the hour. It is crucial that our initiative is met with a positive and concrete reaction urgently.
On Tuesday ICRC president Jakob Kellenberger said:On Tuesday ICRC president Jakob Kellenberger said:
The current situation requires an immediate decision to implement a humanitarian pause in the fighting. In Homs and in other affected areas, entire families have been stuck for days in their homes, unable to step outside to get bread, other food or water, or to obtain medical care.The current situation requires an immediate decision to implement a humanitarian pause in the fighting. In Homs and in other affected areas, entire families have been stuck for days in their homes, unable to step outside to get bread, other food or water, or to obtain medical care.
Over the past few days, we have been in contact with the Syrian authorities and members of the opposition to request this halt in the fighting. It should last at least two hours every day, so that ICRC staff and Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers have enough time to deliver aid and evacuate the wounded and the sick.Over the past few days, we have been in contact with the Syrian authorities and members of the opposition to request this halt in the fighting. It should last at least two hours every day, so that ICRC staff and Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers have enough time to deliver aid and evacuate the wounded and the sick.
Yesterday, the Syrian government said it wrote to the Red Cross accusing the international community of trying to use a medical emergency for political ends.Yesterday, the Syrian government said it wrote to the Red Cross accusing the international community of trying to use a medical emergency for political ends.
10.14am: Another Syria Pioneer clip purports to show another view of the bombardment of the Baba Amr area.10.14am: Another Syria Pioneer clip purports to show another view of the bombardment of the Baba Amr area.
The narrator can be heard cursing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.The narrator can be heard cursing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
10.01am: Syria Pioneer, the YouTube channel of the citizen journalist Rami al-Sayed who was killed on Tuesday, continues to document the bombardment of Homs.10.01am: Syria Pioneer, the YouTube channel of the citizen journalist Rami al-Sayed who was killed on Tuesday, continues to document the bombardment of Homs.
A clip uploaded to day shows the Baba Amr area thick with dust as the sound of shelling is heard.A clip uploaded to day shows the Baba Amr area thick with dust as the sound of shelling is heard.
9.54am: The Friends of Syria meeting is the first major international gathering to be held in Tunis since the overthrow of President Ben Ali last year.9.54am: The Friends of Syria meeting is the first major international gathering to be held in Tunis since the overthrow of President Ben Ali last year.
The Tunisia Live website says it is being presented as a diplomatic coup for the new president, Moncef Marzouki, "who is keen to promote Tunisia as a country that can act as a bridge between the Arab world and western states".

But a comment posted on the website by reader Mohsen al-Halabi is less enthusiastic. "What would happen if you establish 'Friends of bringing back Palestinian rights along with al-Quds'?" he asks. "Could you make it with USA, UK, and France!? What a pity?! ... Did the great Prophet of Islam [request] help from Rome or bad people against his brothers when they denied him and his "Dawah"?! God forgive you."		The Tunisia Live website says it is being presented as a diplomatic coup for the new president, Moncef Marzouki, "who is keen to promote Tunisia as a country that can act as a bridge between the Arab world and western states".

But a comment posted on the website by reader Mohsen al-Halabi is less enthusiastic. "What would happen if you establish 'Friends of bringing back Palestinian rights along with al-Quds'?" he asks. "Could you make it with USA, UK, and France!? What a pity?! ... Did the great Prophet of Islam [request] help from Rome or bad people against his brothers when they denied him and his "Dawah"?! God forgive you."
9.45am: Human rights organisations have called for immediate humanitarian access to Homs.9.45am: Human rights organisations have called for immediate humanitarian access to Homs.
Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for a halt to the bombardment of the city.Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for a halt to the bombardment of the city.
Amnesty's interim deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, Ann Harrison, told AFP:Amnesty's interim deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, Ann Harrison, told AFP:
The accounts we are hearing from Homs are increasingly dire, with people lacking the most basic amenities. The Syrian authorities must immediately cease this relentless bombardment and allow full, immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas.The accounts we are hearing from Homs are increasingly dire, with people lacking the most basic amenities. The Syrian authorities must immediately cease this relentless bombardment and allow full, immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas.
Human Rights Watch called on the Friends of Syria meeting to enlist the support of Russia and China to push Syria to stop its indiscriminate shelling of Homs.Human Rights Watch called on the Friends of Syria meeting to enlist the support of Russia and China to push Syria to stop its indiscriminate shelling of Homs.
Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said:Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, said:
The indiscriminate attacks on populated areas with heavy-duty weapons in Homs and other cities demonstrate the price of blocking an international consensus to end the horrific human rights violations in Syria. Russia and China have a particular responsibility to put pressure on Syria, given that they vetoed security council consensus, and Syria has so far shown itself impervious to condemnation by most other states of its actions.The indiscriminate attacks on populated areas with heavy-duty weapons in Homs and other cities demonstrate the price of blocking an international consensus to end the horrific human rights violations in Syria. Russia and China have a particular responsibility to put pressure on Syria, given that they vetoed security council consensus, and Syria has so far shown itself impervious to condemnation by most other states of its actions.
Russia and Chine were invited to today's meeting in Tunis, but declined.Russia and Chine were invited to today's meeting in Tunis, but declined.
9.37am: Javier Espinosa, a reporter for the Spanish daily, El Mundo, is providing Twitter updates on a gunfight in the Baba Amr area of Homs.9.37am: Javier Espinosa, a reporter for the Spanish daily, El Mundo, is providing Twitter updates on a gunfight in the Baba Amr area of Homs.
Less shelling this morning but heavy fighting in the entrance of bab al amar #homs#syriaLess shelling this morning but heavy fighting in the entrance of bab al amar #homs#syria
— JAVIER ESPINOSA (@javierespinosa2) February 24, 2012— JAVIER ESPINOSA (@javierespinosa2) February 24, 2012
I can hear the shooting next to the building where i'm hidding #homs #syriaI can hear the shooting next to the building where i'm hidding #homs #syria
— JAVIER ESPINOSA (@javierespinosa2) February 24, 2012— JAVIER ESPINOSA (@javierespinosa2) February 24, 2012
9.27am: Radwan Ziadeh, a leading member of the opposition Syrian National Council, has cautioned against arming military defectors.9.27am: Radwan Ziadeh, a leading member of the opposition Syrian National Council, has cautioned against arming military defectors.
Writing in the Arab magazine Majalla on the eve of the Friends of Syria meeting in Tunis, he said:Writing in the Arab magazine Majalla on the eve of the Friends of Syria meeting in Tunis, he said:
Some countries, in line with the trend towards exploiting Syria's devastation in the name of winning an invisible proxy war, have entertained the idea of arming the Free Syria Army. Of course, the opposition is simply outmatched in terms of power compared to regime's forces, and if the conflict can only be resolved by military means, then arming the FSA could also be altruistic. But, the military track is not the only option, and since it could also hold dangerous consequences for post-Assad Syria, it must be accompanied by reinvigorated diplomatic efforts.Some countries, in line with the trend towards exploiting Syria's devastation in the name of winning an invisible proxy war, have entertained the idea of arming the Free Syria Army. Of course, the opposition is simply outmatched in terms of power compared to regime's forces, and if the conflict can only be resolved by military means, then arming the FSA could also be altruistic. But, the military track is not the only option, and since it could also hold dangerous consequences for post-Assad Syria, it must be accompanied by reinvigorated diplomatic efforts.
Ziadeh calls for the meeting to recommend an arms embargo and a peace keeping force.Ziadeh calls for the meeting to recommend an arms embargo and a peace keeping force.
First, the Friends of Syria could enact an arms embargo against the Assad regime in order to weaken Assad's brutal assault. Then, a joint force of peacekeepers (perhaps a combination of Arab League and United Nations forces) must enforce a ceasefire in designated safe zones, and they must ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to the Syrian people.First, the Friends of Syria could enact an arms embargo against the Assad regime in order to weaken Assad's brutal assault. Then, a joint force of peacekeepers (perhaps a combination of Arab League and United Nations forces) must enforce a ceasefire in designated safe zones, and they must ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to the Syrian people.
8.43am: The French ambassador to Syria, Eric Chevallier, has returned to Syria more than two weeks after he was recalled, AFP reports (via al-Jazeera's live blog).8.43am: The French ambassador to Syria, Eric Chevallier, has returned to Syria more than two weeks after he was recalled, AFP reports (via al-Jazeera's live blog).
The move is a sign of French efforts to secure the evacuation from Homs of wounded Le Figaro journalist Edith Bouvier (pictured).The move is a sign of French efforts to secure the evacuation from Homs of wounded Le Figaro journalist Edith Bouvier (pictured).
Chevallier infuriated the Syrian government last summer when he accompanied the US ambassador Robert Ford on a visit to the city of Hama during a huge demonstration.Chevallier infuriated the Syrian government last summer when he accompanied the US ambassador Robert Ford on a visit to the city of Hama during a huge demonstration.
8.24am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. Syria continues to be main focus today as foreign ministers gather in Tunis for the first meeting of the Friends of Syria group, and negotiations are under way to evacuate wounded reporters from Homs.8.24am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. Syria continues to be main focus today as foreign ministers gather in Tunis for the first meeting of the Friends of Syria group, and negotiations are under way to evacuate wounded reporters from Homs.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
• Arab and western foreign ministers are expected to demand a ceasefire and humanitarian access to Homs as they gather in Tunis for the first meeting of the Friends of Syria group. UN humanitarian envoy Valerie Amos was expected to attend the meeting, along with representatives from the International Committee for the Red Cross, which is already working with the Syrian authorities and opposition to arrange daily ceasefires to allow in humanitarian aid.• Arab and western foreign ministers are expected to demand a ceasefire and humanitarian access to Homs as they gather in Tunis for the first meeting of the Friends of Syria group. UN humanitarian envoy Valerie Amos was expected to attend the meeting, along with representatives from the International Committee for the Red Cross, which is already working with the Syrian authorities and opposition to arrange daily ceasefires to allow in humanitarian aid.
• The UN has accused the Syrian regime of "crimes against humanity" – including the use of snipers against small children – and has drawn up a list of senior officials who should face investigation, reportedly including President Bashar al-Assad. The UN report found evidence that "army snipers and Shabbiha gunmen [from pro-Assad militias] posted at strategic points terrorised the population, targeting and killing small children, women and other unarmed civilians. Fragmentation mortar bombs were also fired into densely populated neighbourhoods."• The UN has accused the Syrian regime of "crimes against humanity" – including the use of snipers against small children – and has drawn up a list of senior officials who should face investigation, reportedly including President Bashar al-Assad. The UN report found evidence that "army snipers and Shabbiha gunmen [from pro-Assad militias] posted at strategic points terrorised the population, targeting and killing small children, women and other unarmed civilians. Fragmentation mortar bombs were also fired into densely populated neighbourhoods."
• Two journalists injured in the attack that killed Sunday Times reporter Marie Colvin and French photographer Rémi Ochlik issued dramatic appeals to be evacuated from the besieged city of Homs, where they are trapped.• Two journalists injured in the attack that killed Sunday Times reporter Marie Colvin and French photographer Rémi Ochlik issued dramatic appeals to be evacuated from the besieged city of Homs, where they are trapped.

Edith Bouvier, a journalist with the French paper le Figaro, requested a ceasefire saying she needed urgent evacuation by ambulance because of the risk of suffering further blood loss. In a separate video photographer Paul Conroy, said he was being treated for three major leg wounds by opposition medics.

Edith Bouvier, a journalist with the French paper le Figaro, requested a ceasefire saying she needed urgent evacuation by ambulance because of the risk of suffering further blood loss. In a separate video photographer Paul Conroy, said he was being treated for three major leg wounds by opposition medics.

• Intensive efforts are under way to evacuate three wounded reporters and repatriate the remains of two killed in the besieged Baba Amro neighbourhood of Homs, Lebanon's Daily Star reports.• Intensive efforts are under way to evacuate three wounded reporters and repatriate the remains of two killed in the besieged Baba Amro neighbourhood of Homs, Lebanon's Daily Star reports.
Britain's Foreign Office said it was doing "all the necessary work" to retrieve the body of journalist Marie Colvin from Syria and to help a wounded British photographer Paul Conroy reach safety. France, meanwhile, was understood to be making efforts to send a team to Homs to recover the bodies, after French President Nicolas Sarkozy Wednesday accused Syria of "murder".Britain's Foreign Office said it was doing "all the necessary work" to retrieve the body of journalist Marie Colvin from Syria and to help a wounded British photographer Paul Conroy reach safety. France, meanwhile, was understood to be making efforts to send a team to Homs to recover the bodies, after French President Nicolas Sarkozy Wednesday accused Syria of "murder".
• Former UN secretary general Kofi Annan has been appointed as a joint UN and Arab League special envoy to Syria. Announcing the appointment Annan's successor, Ban Ki-moon, and Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby said:• Former UN secretary general Kofi Annan has been appointed as a joint UN and Arab League special envoy to Syria. Announcing the appointment Annan's successor, Ban Ki-moon, and Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby said:
The special envoy will provide good offices aimed at bringing an end to all violence and human rights violations, and promoting a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.The special envoy will provide good offices aimed at bringing an end to all violence and human rights violations, and promoting a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.
He will consult broadly and engage with all relevant interlocutors within and outside Syria in order to end the violence and the humanitarian crisis, and facilitate a peaceful Syrian-led and inclusive political solution that meets the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people through a comprehensive political dialogue between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the Syrian opposition.He will consult broadly and engage with all relevant interlocutors within and outside Syria in order to end the violence and the humanitarian crisis, and facilitate a peaceful Syrian-led and inclusive political solution that meets the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people through a comprehensive political dialogue between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the Syrian opposition.
• The need to build a united opposition will be the focus of intense discussions in Tunis, the New York Times reports. But it spells out the divisions and struggles within the Syrian National Council - the main opposition group.• The need to build a united opposition will be the focus of intense discussions in Tunis, the New York Times reports. But it spells out the divisions and struggles within the Syrian National Council - the main opposition group.
The 310-member council remains Balkanized among different factions; arguments unspool endlessly over which groups deserve how many seats. The mostly secular, liberal representatives and those from the Islamist factions harbour mutual suspicions.The 310-member council remains Balkanized among different factions; arguments unspool endlessly over which groups deserve how many seats. The mostly secular, liberal representatives and those from the Islamist factions harbour mutual suspicions.
No one from Syria's ruling Alawite community, the small religious sect of Assad, sits on the executive committee, despite repeated attempts to woo a few prominent dissidents. The fight over Kurdish seats remains unsettled even though Massoud Barzani, a leading Kurd in neighbouring Iraq, tried to mediate.No one from Syria's ruling Alawite community, the small religious sect of Assad, sits on the executive committee, despite repeated attempts to woo a few prominent dissidents. The fight over Kurdish seats remains unsettled even though Massoud Barzani, a leading Kurd in neighbouring Iraq, tried to mediate.
The council has also not reconciled with members of another opposition coalition, the Syrian National Coordination Committee, some of whom remain in Syria and who have generally taken a softer line about allowing Assad to shepherd a political transition.The council has also not reconciled with members of another opposition coalition, the Syrian National Coordination Committee, some of whom remain in Syria and who have generally taken a softer line about allowing Assad to shepherd a political transition.
• Syria watcher Joshua Landis offers four reasons why the Assad regime is likely to survive at least until next year: • Syria watcher Joshua Landis offers four reasons why the Assad regime is likely to survive at least until next year:
1. Assad remains strong militarily1. Assad remains strong militarily
2. The opposition is weak.2. The opposition is weak.
3. The international community is unlikely to intervene.3. The international community is unlikely to intervene.
4. The economy is problematic.4. The economy is problematic.
Writing in the journal for Middle East policy he says: "Even as it unravels, the Assad regime may survive for some time, if no alternative forces organise to destroy and replace it. It may be able to live off the fat of the land for a while."Writing in the journal for Middle East policy he says: "Even as it unravels, the Assad regime may survive for some time, if no alternative forces organise to destroy and replace it. It may be able to live off the fat of the land for a while."