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Syria: US drafts new security council resolution - live updates Syria: reports of ground invasion on Baba Amr - live updates
(40 minutes later)
10.51am: A Syrian government official appears to have confirmed that a ground invasion of Baba Amr is under way.
AP reports:
A Syrian official says security forces are advancing on the rebel-held neighborhood of Baba Amr in the restive central city of Homs.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, vowed Baba Amr would be "cleaned" within hours.
10.44am: Sky News producer Matog Saleh confirms the lack of communications with Baba Amr.
Not had any contact with the activists from inside #BabaAmr #Homs since last night. Something must be happening there #Syria
— Matog Saleh (@MatogSaleh) February 29, 2012
Last email i got from activists inside #BabaAmr #Homs was at 7.18pm last night(Dubai time) . Very unusual as they always sent out updates
— Matog Saleh (@MatogSaleh) February 29, 2012
The Guardian has also been unable to make contact with activists in the area today.
10.40am: Mulham al-Jundi said he had to stop that live broadcast mentioned in the previous update, because he had been a told a tank was on the way.10.40am: Mulham al-Jundi said he had to stop that live broadcast mentioned in the previous update, because he had been a told a tank was on the way.
It was unclear where he was broadcasting from, or how. Sunday Times journalist Miles Amoore tweets:It was unclear where he was broadcasting from, or how. Sunday Times journalist Miles Amoore tweets:
No communication from inside Bab Amr now for 15 hours. Electricity cut, phones down, shelling of neighbourhoods n.eNo communication from inside Bab Amr now for 15 hours. Electricity cut, phones down, shelling of neighbourhoods n.e
— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 29, 2012— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 29, 2012
Last message from the activists inside was: we are going to be killedLast message from the activists inside was: we are going to be killed
— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 29, 2012— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 29, 2012
10.34am: Activist Mulham al-Jundi, a member of the opposition Syrian National Council, is broadcasting what he claims to be live footage from Homs, today via Ustream.10.34am: Activist Mulham al-Jundi, a member of the opposition Syrian National Council, is broadcasting what he claims to be live footage from Homs, today via Ustream.
Gunfire and shelling can be heard on the feed. In the commentary Jundi he said the bombardment began at 6am this morning.Gunfire and shelling can be heard on the feed. In the commentary Jundi he said the bombardment began at 6am this morning.
10.25am: There were reports yesterday – based on an unpublished interview – that President Moncef Marzouki of Tunisia is ready to offer asylum to Bashar al-Assad as part of a negotiated solution to end the Syrian conflict. The interview itself (a long one, in French) was published this morning in La Presse de Tunisie.10.25am: There were reports yesterday – based on an unpublished interview – that President Moncef Marzouki of Tunisia is ready to offer asylum to Bashar al-Assad as part of a negotiated solution to end the Syrian conflict. The interview itself (a long one, in French) was published this morning in La Presse de Tunisie.
Marzouki's apparent hospitality towards Assad has not gone down well among all quarters in Tunisia, nor has his hosting of the international Friends of Syria gathering in Tunis last week.Marzouki's apparent hospitality towards Assad has not gone down well among all quarters in Tunisia, nor has his hosting of the international Friends of Syria gathering in Tunis last week.
The interviewer begins by asking Marzouki about demonstrations in Boussalem (a town north-west Tunis) where disgruntled protesters chanted: "The friends Boussalem rather than the friends of Syria."The interviewer begins by asking Marzouki about demonstrations in Boussalem (a town north-west Tunis) where disgruntled protesters chanted: "The friends Boussalem rather than the friends of Syria."
Maarzouki shrugs that off with the words: "Listen, we went from a situation where people accepted and tolerated everything to a situation where people no longer accept or tolerate anything. I would say it is almost normal; after revolutions, the level of people's demands is extremely high. They feel free, they feel responsible, they have demands, and this is quite normal."Maarzouki shrugs that off with the words: "Listen, we went from a situation where people accepted and tolerated everything to a situation where people no longer accept or tolerate anything. I would say it is almost normal; after revolutions, the level of people's demands is extremely high. They feel free, they feel responsible, they have demands, and this is quite normal."
He is then asked about Tunisia's policy on Syria:He is then asked about Tunisia's policy on Syria:
It was said that this meeting of "Friends of Syria" was a stab in the back of the Syrian people, and you have heard my speech: I said that Tunisia was totally against militarisation, totally against foreign intervention. I assure you that it did not please many people, but Tunisia is an independent country, so we make an independent diplomatic policy.It was said that this meeting of "Friends of Syria" was a stab in the back of the Syrian people, and you have heard my speech: I said that Tunisia was totally against militarisation, totally against foreign intervention. I assure you that it did not please many people, but Tunisia is an independent country, so we make an independent diplomatic policy.
It is necessary to find a solution to let the dictator leave ... I very much regret that we are not in a logic of peace and the only logic for me is that, yes, one leaves an exit door for this dictator. Let him go where he wants, the essential part is that he leaves and stops killing people.It is necessary to find a solution to let the dictator leave ... I very much regret that we are not in a logic of peace and the only logic for me is that, yes, one leaves an exit door for this dictator. Let him go where he wants, the essential part is that he leaves and stops killing people.
Asked if this would be based on the Yemeni model, he says:Asked if this would be based on the Yemeni model, he says:
Yes, according to the Yemeni model, it doesn't matter which country ... if he agreed to come to Tunisia, I guarantee that he would be given asylum. All that we want is that he stops killing Syrians. This is my one and only concern. Everything else is secondary ...Yes, according to the Yemeni model, it doesn't matter which country ... if he agreed to come to Tunisia, I guarantee that he would be given asylum. All that we want is that he stops killing Syrians. This is my one and only concern. Everything else is secondary ...
I'd be willing to accept, without the slightest hesitation and give him all the guarantees. My only concern is that the killing of people stops. I cannot stand getting up every morning and watching the news and the death toll: 100 Syrians, 150 ... I find that unacceptable.I'd be willing to accept, without the slightest hesitation and give him all the guarantees. My only concern is that the killing of people stops. I cannot stand getting up every morning and watching the news and the death toll: 100 Syrians, 150 ... I find that unacceptable.
But during this intermediate phase, as we saw in Libya, there would perhaps be a need for a peacekeeping force that ensures the protection of minorities. Again, if our Syrian brothers don't ask for it, fine, I do think that we can have an Arab peacekeeping force and Tunisia would be very happy to participate.But during this intermediate phase, as we saw in Libya, there would perhaps be a need for a peacekeeping force that ensures the protection of minorities. Again, if our Syrian brothers don't ask for it, fine, I do think that we can have an Arab peacekeeping force and Tunisia would be very happy to participate.
10.08am: An activist told Reuters that troops have begun invading Baba Amr from the direction of al-Bassel football ground.10.08am: An activist told Reuters that troops have begun invading Baba Amr from the direction of al-Bassel football ground.
The location of the stadium is marked on this Google Map of Homs.The location of the stadium is marked on this Google Map of Homs.
9.54am: Al-Jazeera's Rula Amin cites activists confirming an apparent ground invasion in parts Baba Amr.9.54am: Al-Jazeera's Rula Amin cites activists confirming an apparent ground invasion in parts Baba Amr.
Activists confirm security forces now on foot at the Basil football field at the edge of #Baba Amr, fighting is fierce with the FSA #SyriaActivists confirm security forces now on foot at the Basil football field at the edge of #Baba Amr, fighting is fierce with the FSA #Syria
— Rula Amin (@RulaAmin) February 29, 2012— Rula Amin (@RulaAmin) February 29, 2012
Activists say Shelling continues on other neighborhoods in #Homs, onkhalidiya, Bayyada and Inshaat #syriaActivists say Shelling continues on other neighborhoods in #Homs, onkhalidiya, Bayyada and Inshaat #syria
— Rula Amin (@RulaAmin) February 29, 2012— Rula Amin (@RulaAmin) February 29, 2012
Now Lebanon says activists fear a ground invasion, but it does has not confirmed the presence of troops on the ground. It says the Baba Amr area has been shelled for the 26th day in a row.Now Lebanon says activists fear a ground invasion, but it does has not confirmed the presence of troops on the ground. It says the Baba Amr area has been shelled for the 26th day in a row.
9.50am: The trial in Egypt of 43 NGO workers has been abandoned, according Bikyamasr, city a TV report.9.50am: The trial in Egypt of 43 NGO workers has been abandoned, according Bikyamasr, city a TV report.
The presiding judge, Mohammed Shukri, made a formal request to renounce the case, without citing a reason, according to the TV report.The presiding judge, Mohammed Shukri, made a formal request to renounce the case, without citing a reason, according to the TV report.
9.43am: Activists have again claimed ground invasion has began in the Baba Amr area or Homs, according to Reuters.9.43am: Activists have again claimed ground invasion has began in the Baba Amr area or Homs, according to Reuters.
"The army is trying to go in with infantry from the direction of al-Bassel football field and fierce confrontations with automatic rifles and heavy machineguns are taking place there," activist Mohammad al-Homsi told Reuters from Homs."The army is trying to go in with infantry from the direction of al-Bassel football field and fierce confrontations with automatic rifles and heavy machineguns are taking place there," activist Mohammad al-Homsi told Reuters from Homs.
He said the military had shelled the area heavily on Tuesday and overnight before the ground attack started.He said the military had shelled the area heavily on Tuesday and overnight before the ground attack started.
Sunday Times journalist, Miles Amoore, who has been close to the negotiations to secure the release of wounded journalists from the area, tweeted:Sunday Times journalist, Miles Amoore, who has been close to the negotiations to secure the release of wounded journalists from the area, tweeted:
UPDATE: Three journalists still inside Bab Amr. There is now a ground assault under way. Communications inside are v v poorUPDATE: Three journalists still inside Bab Amr. There is now a ground assault under way. Communications inside are v v poor
— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 29, 2012— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 29, 2012
8.50am: The Syrian Arab Red Crescent said it was "gravely concerned" by allegations that it is not trusted in Syria after wounded French journalist Edith Bouvier was reported to have twice refused to leave Homs in its ambulances.8.50am: The Syrian Arab Red Crescent said it was "gravely concerned" by allegations that it is not trusted in Syria after wounded French journalist Edith Bouvier was reported to have twice refused to leave Homs in its ambulances.
In a statement Abdulrahman Attar, president of Syrian Arab Red Crescent, said:In a statement Abdulrahman Attar, president of Syrian Arab Red Crescent, said:
These allegations are not only untrue, but are an affront to the sacrifices our staff and volunteers continue to make to gain access and provide humanitarian aid to all Syrian people in need, regardless of their nationality, religion, or political affiliation ...These allegations are not only untrue, but are an affront to the sacrifices our staff and volunteers continue to make to gain access and provide humanitarian aid to all Syrian people in need, regardless of their nationality, religion, or political affiliation ...
The repetition of unfounded allegations questioning the neutrality and trustworthiness of the SARC is not only undermining trust in the organisation and putting the lives of our staff and volunteers at risk, it is also hampering our efforts to deliver lifesaving aid on the ground, to all people in need.The repetition of unfounded allegations questioning the neutrality and trustworthiness of the SARC is not only undermining trust in the organisation and putting the lives of our staff and volunteers at risk, it is also hampering our efforts to deliver lifesaving aid on the ground, to all people in need.
Last June, Syrian security forces were filmed using Red Crescent vehicles to transport arrested activists.Last June, Syrian security forces were filmed using Red Crescent vehicles to transport arrested activists.
But an activist in Homs told the Guardian that the organisation was trusted by activists.But an activist in Homs told the Guardian that the organisation was trusted by activists.
Abo Emad said: "The Red Crescent is basically composed of our people, it is not composed by the regime. It is composed of volunteers who are are friends and brothers."Abo Emad said: "The Red Crescent is basically composed of our people, it is not composed by the regime. It is composed of volunteers who are are friends and brothers."
8.22am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. Diplomats have begun another round of negotiations on the crisis in Syria amid increasingly grim accounts of areas under siege by the Syrian army.8.22am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. Diplomats have begun another round of negotiations on the crisis in Syria amid increasingly grim accounts of areas under siege by the Syrian army.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• The United States has drafted an outline for a new UN security council resolution demanding access for humanitarian aid workers in besieged Syrian towns and an end to the violence there, Reuters reports. French foreign minister Alain Juppe said the council was working on a third resolution focusing on the escalating humanitarian crisis caused by Assad's military operations against protesters that the United Nations says have killed over 7,500 civilians.• The United States has drafted an outline for a new UN security council resolution demanding access for humanitarian aid workers in besieged Syrian towns and an end to the violence there, Reuters reports. French foreign minister Alain Juppe said the council was working on a third resolution focusing on the escalating humanitarian crisis caused by Assad's military operations against protesters that the United Nations says have killed over 7,500 civilians.
• China, which has twice blocked earlier UN resolutions, said it backs international efforts to send humanitarian aid to Syria. Foreign minister Yang Jiechi said:• China, which has twice blocked earlier UN resolutions, said it backs international efforts to send humanitarian aid to Syria. Foreign minister Yang Jiechi said:
The pressing task now is for all sides to cease violence in the Syrian conflict, and to launch as soon as possible inclusive political dialogue and together deliberate on a reform plan.The pressing task now is for all sides to cease violence in the Syrian conflict, and to launch as soon as possible inclusive political dialogue and together deliberate on a reform plan.
• Tunisia's president Moncef Marzouki [pictured] has offered to grant asylum to Syrian president Bashar al-Assad as part of negotiated solution to end the crisis, Tunisia Live reports. A spokesman said: "Tunisia, as stated by President Marzouki during his opening speech at the Friends of Syria Conference, seeks a political solution to the ongoing crisis in Syria. Slamming all doors in Assad's face would only escalate the Syrian regime's fury towards the civilian population."• Tunisia's president Moncef Marzouki [pictured] has offered to grant asylum to Syrian president Bashar al-Assad as part of negotiated solution to end the crisis, Tunisia Live reports. A spokesman said: "Tunisia, as stated by President Marzouki during his opening speech at the Friends of Syria Conference, seeks a political solution to the ongoing crisis in Syria. Slamming all doors in Assad's face would only escalate the Syrian regime's fury towards the civilian population."
• Saudi Arabia is serious about arming the Free Syrian Army, writes Jonathan Schanzer in Foreign Policy magazine as reports emerge that claiming gun running from Riyadh is already under way.
• Saudi Arabia is serious about arming the Free Syrian Army, writes Jonathan Schanzer in Foreign Policy magazine as reports emerge that claiming gun running from Riyadh is already under way.
They now unabashedly advocate for arming the Free Syrian Army. This is not an empty threat. The Saudis know how to procure and move weapons, and they have no shortage of cash. If Riyadh wants to arm the opposition, armed it shall be. And those who receive the weapons will likely be at least amenable to the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam that has spawned dangerous Islamist movements worldwide.They now unabashedly advocate for arming the Free Syrian Army. This is not an empty threat. The Saudis know how to procure and move weapons, and they have no shortage of cash. If Riyadh wants to arm the opposition, armed it shall be. And those who receive the weapons will likely be at least amenable to the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam that has spawned dangerous Islamist movements worldwide.
• Graphic video purporting to show the seven-day old corpses of the journalists Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik have been broadcast by activists. The clip says the bodies are being kept in a refrigerator in Baba Amr in Homs. "Until now neither the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, nor any human rights organisation have come for them," a commentary on the clip claims. Colvin and Ochlik were killed in a rocket attack last week on a makeshift media centre in Baba Amr that wounded two other journalists.• Graphic video purporting to show the seven-day old corpses of the journalists Marie Colvin and Remi Ochlik have been broadcast by activists. The clip says the bodies are being kept in a refrigerator in Baba Amr in Homs. "Until now neither the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, nor any human rights organisation have come for them," a commentary on the clip claims. Colvin and Ochlik were killed in a rocket attack last week on a makeshift media centre in Baba Amr that wounded two other journalists.
• Up to 13 activist were killed in the rescue mission to smuggle out Sunday Times photographer Paul Conroy from Homs. Three other western journalists, including Edith Bouvier, who was badly injured in last week's attack, were reported to be still trapped in Homs on Tuesday night. A claim by the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, that Bouvier had also been evacuated was later retracted by his office.• Up to 13 activist were killed in the rescue mission to smuggle out Sunday Times photographer Paul Conroy from Homs. Three other western journalists, including Edith Bouvier, who was badly injured in last week's attack, were reported to be still trapped in Homs on Tuesday night. A claim by the French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, that Bouvier had also been evacuated was later retracted by his office.
• A network of activists and citizen journalists established by the campaign group Avaaz played a key role in helping to rescue Conroy, writes Julian Borger.• A network of activists and citizen journalists established by the campaign group Avaaz played a key role in helping to rescue Conroy, writes Julian Borger.
Before this engagement, Avaaz.org had been criticised by some as "clicktivism" – implying a lazy form of protest involving little effort from its followers ...Before this engagement, Avaaz.org had been criticised by some as "clicktivism" – implying a lazy form of protest involving little effort from its followers ...
Amid the bloodshed of Syria, the organisation's commitment is less likely to be queried. The question its critics are raising now is whether a group that started out in the high-tech safety of the internet has found itself out of its depth in a brutal conflict in the real world.Amid the bloodshed of Syria, the organisation's commitment is less likely to be queried. The question its critics are raising now is whether a group that started out in the high-tech safety of the internet has found itself out of its depth in a brutal conflict in the real world.
• The crisis should be resolved by diplomacy rather than dangerous military intervention, argues Abdel al-Bari Atwan, editor-in chief pan-Arab newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi.• The crisis should be resolved by diplomacy rather than dangerous military intervention, argues Abdel al-Bari Atwan, editor-in chief pan-Arab newspaper Al-Quds Al-Arabi.
The idea that Assad's crimes against humanity might go unpunished is repugnant, but a face-saving exit plan, agreeable to all members of the international community – including Russia, China and Iran – might be the only way to remove Assad and set the country on the road to reform and democracy. The daily atrocities in Homs – like the terrifying attacks Gaddafi threatened in Benghazi – have, perfectly understandably, led to increased calls for military intervention.The idea that Assad's crimes against humanity might go unpunished is repugnant, but a face-saving exit plan, agreeable to all members of the international community – including Russia, China and Iran – might be the only way to remove Assad and set the country on the road to reform and democracy. The daily atrocities in Homs – like the terrifying attacks Gaddafi threatened in Benghazi – have, perfectly understandably, led to increased calls for military intervention.
IranIran
• Diplomats from the six nation group have agreed in principle to a new round of nuclear negotiations with Tehran, official sources said. The have broadly accepted an Iranian offer, spelt out in a letter from Tehran's chief negotiator, Saeed Jalili, on 14 February. "We have to use every opportunity to test Iran's willingness to talk," a European diplomat said.• Diplomats from the six nation group have agreed in principle to a new round of nuclear negotiations with Tehran, official sources said. The have broadly accepted an Iranian offer, spelt out in a letter from Tehran's chief negotiator, Saeed Jalili, on 14 February. "We have to use every opportunity to test Iran's willingness to talk," a European diplomat said.
• The BBC Persian TV service has managed to almost double its audience in two years to 6 million, despite a campaign by the Iranian government to smear the Farsi-language service. Its audience soared by 94% from 3.1 million in 2009 to 6 million at the end of last year, the corporation said.• The BBC Persian TV service has managed to almost double its audience in two years to 6 million, despite a campaign by the Iranian government to smear the Farsi-language service. Its audience soared by 94% from 3.1 million in 2009 to 6 million at the end of last year, the corporation said.
EgyptEgypt
• US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said that the United States and Egypt were engaged in "very intensive discussions" to end the criminal prosecution of staff members at four NGOs, a case that has strained relations between the countries, the New York Times reports. "We've had a lot of very tough conversations," she said.• US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said that the United States and Egypt were engaged in "very intensive discussions" to end the criminal prosecution of staff members at four NGOs, a case that has strained relations between the countries, the New York Times reports. "We've had a lot of very tough conversations," she said.