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Syria: Baba Amr cleared but uprising continues - Monday 5 March 2012 Valerie Amos and Kofi Annan to visit Syria - Monday 5 March 2012
(40 minutes later)
4.13pm: Here's a summary of events in Syria today:4.13pm: Here's a summary of events in Syria today:
The UN/Arab League special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, will travel to Damascus on Saturday for talks aimed at trying to end almost a year of violence. Annan's office said: "The purpose of his first visit is to seek an urgent end to all violence and human rights violations, and to initiate the effort to promote a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis."The UN/Arab League special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, will travel to Damascus on Saturday for talks aimed at trying to end almost a year of violence. Annan's office said: "The purpose of his first visit is to seek an urgent end to all violence and human rights violations, and to initiate the effort to promote a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis."
The UN's humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, is to start a three-day visit to Syria on Wednesday. Syria had previously blocked repeated request by Amos to visit the country, but appears to have backed down after the intervention of Russia.The UN's humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, is to start a three-day visit to Syria on Wednesday. Syria had previously blocked repeated request by Amos to visit the country, but appears to have backed down after the intervention of Russia.
People fleeing the Syrian army's crackdown in Homs have been giving horrific first hand accounts of the violence. More than 1,000 Syrians fled to neighbouring Lebanon.People fleeing the Syrian army's crackdown in Homs have been giving horrific first hand accounts of the violence. More than 1,000 Syrians fled to neighbouring Lebanon.
The body of the Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin, who was killed in an attack on a makeshift media centre in Baba Amr last month, will be flown back to her native US tomorrow. The bodies of Colvin and the French photographer Remi Ochlik, who was killed in the same attack, were flown to Paris yesterday.The body of the Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin, who was killed in an attack on a makeshift media centre in Baba Amr last month, will be flown back to her native US tomorrow. The bodies of Colvin and the French photographer Remi Ochlik, who was killed in the same attack, were flown to Paris yesterday.
Syria's allies Russia and China have again signalled their desire to resolve the crisis by dialogue. Russia's foreign minister is due to discuss Syria with foreign ministers from the six Gulf states on Saturday. China is to send the former ambassador Li Huaxin as an envoy to Syria tomorrow as part of its six-point plan to end the violence.Syria's allies Russia and China have again signalled their desire to resolve the crisis by dialogue. Russia's foreign minister is due to discuss Syria with foreign ministers from the six Gulf states on Saturday. China is to send the former ambassador Li Huaxin as an envoy to Syria tomorrow as part of its six-point plan to end the violence.
The Syrian authorities have begun "removing debris" from the devastated Baba Amr area of Homs. Before it fell to the Syrian army last Thursday, an official said, ominously, that the area would be "cleaned".The Syrian authorities have begun "removing debris" from the devastated Baba Amr area of Homs. Before it fell to the Syrian army last Thursday, an official said, ominously, that the area would be "cleaned".
The International Committee of the Red Cross has delivered aid to two neighbourhoods in Homs but continues to be denied access to Baba Amr. The head of ICRC, Yves Daccord, predicted that the conflict in Syria could last for months or even longer.The International Committee of the Red Cross has delivered aid to two neighbourhoods in Homs but continues to be denied access to Baba Amr. The head of ICRC, Yves Daccord, predicted that the conflict in Syria could last for months or even longer.
3.51pm: Kofi Annan's appointment represents the best chance of solving the Syria crisis – but the odds against him are very high, according to characteristically sober briefing by the International Crisis Group.3.51pm: Kofi Annan's appointment represents the best chance of solving the Syria crisis – but the odds against him are very high, according to characteristically sober briefing by the International Crisis Group.
The ICG urges Annan to secure Russian support for a plan that involves transferring power away from the Assad family but preserving key institutions of the state.The ICG urges Annan to secure Russian support for a plan that involves transferring power away from the Assad family but preserving key institutions of the state.
Such an idea would be unpopular with activists but would be welcomed by many Syrians, including officials, the paper says.Such an idea would be unpopular with activists but would be welcomed by many Syrians, including officials, the paper says.
If the former UN secretary general can persuade Russia to back a transitional plan, the regime would be confronted with the choice of either agreeing to negotiate in good faith or facing near-total isolation through loss of a key ally.If the former UN secretary general can persuade Russia to back a transitional plan, the regime would be confronted with the choice of either agreeing to negotiate in good faith or facing near-total isolation through loss of a key ally.
The briefing is also scathing about the interventions in the crisis so far by foreign governments.The briefing is also scathing about the interventions in the crisis so far by foreign governments.
Faced with mounting casualties and a political deadlock, outside actors at best have been ineffectual, [and] at worst have poured oil on fire.Faced with mounting casualties and a political deadlock, outside actors at best have been ineffectual, [and] at worst have poured oil on fire.
It is particularly scathing about Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which have both called for the opposition to be armed.It is particularly scathing about Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which have both called for the opposition to be armed.
Their religious leanings, lip service to domestic reform and defence of Bahrain's suppression of its Shia majority make them dubious champions of personal freedom and human rights. Their priority is the removal of a pro-Iranian regime, not transition toward a more democratic one.Their religious leanings, lip service to domestic reform and defence of Bahrain's suppression of its Shia majority make them dubious champions of personal freedom and human rights. Their priority is the removal of a pro-Iranian regime, not transition toward a more democratic one.
But wishful thinking by the US and Europe is also criticised.But wishful thinking by the US and Europe is also criticised.
Bereft of good ideas, Washington and its European allies seem endlessly to be waiting for something to happen – for protests to build up as they did in Cairo's Tahrir Square (the regime is ensuring that this will not occur); for the opposition to unite (an elusive if not illusory goal); for a palace coup (hard to fathom at a time when Assad appears indispensable to the inner circle that surrounds him); for the business establishment to switch sides (that has happened already – but to no visible effect); for Aleppo or Damascus to join the uprising (they have, to a significant degree); or for defections to swell (they will, but only if officers and officials sense the end is in sight) ...Bereft of good ideas, Washington and its European allies seem endlessly to be waiting for something to happen – for protests to build up as they did in Cairo's Tahrir Square (the regime is ensuring that this will not occur); for the opposition to unite (an elusive if not illusory goal); for a palace coup (hard to fathom at a time when Assad appears indispensable to the inner circle that surrounds him); for the business establishment to switch sides (that has happened already – but to no visible effect); for Aleppo or Damascus to join the uprising (they have, to a significant degree); or for defections to swell (they will, but only if officers and officials sense the end is in sight) ...
Frustrated and lacking a viable political option, western officials and analysts have toyed with a series of often half-baked ideas, from initiating direct military attacks to establishing safe havens, humanitarian corridors or so- called no-kill zones.Frustrated and lacking a viable political option, western officials and analysts have toyed with a series of often half-baked ideas, from initiating direct military attacks to establishing safe havens, humanitarian corridors or so- called no-kill zones.
All these would require some form of outside military intervention by regime foes that would more than likely intensify involvement by its allies. Even if they were to provoke the regime's collapse, that in itself would do nothing to resolve the manifold problems bequeathed by the conflict: security services and their civilian proxies increasingly gone rogue; deepening communal tensions, and a highly fragmented opposition.All these would require some form of outside military intervention by regime foes that would more than likely intensify involvement by its allies. Even if they were to provoke the regime's collapse, that in itself would do nothing to resolve the manifold problems bequeathed by the conflict: security services and their civilian proxies increasingly gone rogue; deepening communal tensions, and a highly fragmented opposition.
3.35pm: The UN's news centre has a bit more detail and context of the Amos visit to Syria.3.35pm: The UN's news centre has a bit more detail and context of the Amos visit to Syria.
United Nations relief chief Valerie Amos announced today that she will visit the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Wednesday to urge all parties to the conflict to allow unhindered access for aid workers to evacuate the wounded and deliver essential humanitarian supplies.United Nations relief chief Valerie Amos announced today that she will visit the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Wednesday to urge all parties to the conflict to allow unhindered access for aid workers to evacuate the wounded and deliver essential humanitarian supplies.
"The Syrian authorities have confirmed that I can visit Syria this week. I will arrive in Damascus on Wednesday 7 March and leave on Friday 9 March," Amos, the under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs, said in a statement."The Syrian authorities have confirmed that I can visit Syria this week. I will arrive in Damascus on Wednesday 7 March and leave on Friday 9 March," Amos, the under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs, said in a statement.
3.16pm: The BBC's Paul Wood has return to Syria despite the dangers facing journalists reporting from the country.3.16pm: The BBC's Paul Wood has return to Syria despite the dangers facing journalists reporting from the country.
In his latest dispatch, from near Homs, he details horrific accounts of those fleeing Baba Amr.In his latest dispatch, from near Homs, he details horrific accounts of those fleeing Baba Amr.
One man told me that any man detained at a checkpoint is killed.One man told me that any man detained at a checkpoint is killed.
"They took our husbands, they took them at the checkpoint, they will slaughter them like sheep," one woman said."They took our husbands, they took them at the checkpoint, they will slaughter them like sheep," one woman said.
Everyone shares the same fears that their husbands are not coming back. For now, they are on their own, with nothing.Everyone shares the same fears that their husbands are not coming back. For now, they are on their own, with nothing.
It is absolutely freezing. The children here are spending a night in a house with no heat and no electricity and, more than that, they are wondering what on earth has happened to their fathers.It is absolutely freezing. The children here are spending a night in a house with no heat and no electricity and, more than that, they are wondering what on earth has happened to their fathers.
This family says that they witnessed a massacre. On Friday, they say, troops took 36 men and boys from one district and killed them all.This family says that they witnessed a massacre. On Friday, they say, troops took 36 men and boys from one district and killed them all.
"My son's throat was cut," a woman told me. "He was 12.""My son's throat was cut," a woman told me. "He was 12."
Fran Unsworth, the BBC's head of news gathering, explained why the BBC risked sending Wood and his cameraman, Fred Scott, back to Syria.Fran Unsworth, the BBC's head of news gathering, explained why the BBC risked sending Wood and his cameraman, Fred Scott, back to Syria.
In a blogpost, she wrote:In a blogpost, she wrote:
It has been suggested that such deployments are not worth making, and we should not put the lives of journalists at risk when there is so much material provided by local Syrians.It has been suggested that such deployments are not worth making, and we should not put the lives of journalists at risk when there is so much material provided by local Syrians.
Some say such deployments are driven by the spirit of competition in the news business, and that there is too much focus on the bravery of the journalists rather than the plight of the Syrian people, who cannot get across the border to a comfortable hotel in Beirut.Some say such deployments are driven by the spirit of competition in the news business, and that there is too much focus on the bravery of the journalists rather than the plight of the Syrian people, who cannot get across the border to a comfortable hotel in Beirut.
These are all good arguments which should be considered when planning such a trip as the one Paul and Fred have undertaken. As far as the risk to the team is concerned, it comes down to the question: "What is the editorial value in such a risky venture, and is it worth the potential loss of life or injury that may result?"These are all good arguments which should be considered when planning such a trip as the one Paul and Fred have undertaken. As far as the risk to the team is concerned, it comes down to the question: "What is the editorial value in such a risky venture, and is it worth the potential loss of life or injury that may result?"
The purpose of reporting is to provide evidence and to interpret on behalf of viewers, listeners and readers.The purpose of reporting is to provide evidence and to interpret on behalf of viewers, listeners and readers.
Paul and Fred have filed horrendous reports of people fleeing from terrible atrocities. They do need to be verified but, if true, journalists are playing a vital role in ensuring we know what is going on there.Paul and Fred have filed horrendous reports of people fleeing from terrible atrocities. They do need to be verified but, if true, journalists are playing a vital role in ensuring we know what is going on there.
3.03pm: Valerie Amos looks to be the warm-up act for Kofi Annan in Syria. The UN's humanitarian chief will visit from Wednesday to Friday this week, the day before Annan is due to arrive.3.03pm: Valerie Amos looks to be the warm-up act for Kofi Annan in Syria. The UN's humanitarian chief will visit from Wednesday to Friday this week, the day before Annan is due to arrive.
Alert Net tweets:Alert Net tweets:
OCHA says UN humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, allowed to visit Syria, plans to go March 7-9 #aid #syriaOCHA says UN humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, allowed to visit Syria, plans to go March 7-9 #aid #syria
— AlertNet (@AlertNet) March 5, 2012— AlertNet (@AlertNet) March 5, 2012
Last week Amos, a former Labour cabinet minister, said she was "deeply disappointed" when her repeated requests to visit Syria were denied.Last week Amos, a former Labour cabinet minister, said she was "deeply disappointed" when her repeated requests to visit Syria were denied.
Significantly, Syria appears to have changed its tune after Russia's intervention. Last Thursday, Russia said it hoped Syria would allow Amos to visit.Significantly, Syria appears to have changed its tune after Russia's intervention. Last Thursday, Russia said it hoped Syria would allow Amos to visit.
2.48pm: Kofi Annan will be visiting Damascus on Saturday to seek an "urgent end to all violence and human rights violations", his office has confirmed.2.48pm: Kofi Annan will be visiting Damascus on Saturday to seek an "urgent end to all violence and human rights violations", his office has confirmed.
In a statement, it said:In a statement, it said:
Kofi Annan, the joint special envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis, will visit the region from 7 March 2012. He will begin his mission by meeting with secretary general of the League of Arab States in Cairo. He will visit Damascus on 10 March, followed by visits to other countries in the region.Kofi Annan, the joint special envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis, will visit the region from 7 March 2012. He will begin his mission by meeting with secretary general of the League of Arab States in Cairo. He will visit Damascus on 10 March, followed by visits to other countries in the region.
The purpose of his first visit is to seek an urgent end to all violence and human rights violations, and to initiate the effort to promote a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.The purpose of his first visit is to seek an urgent end to all violence and human rights violations, and to initiate the effort to promote a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis.
Annan will be accompanied by Nasser al-Qudwa, a nephew of Yasser Arafat and a member of the Fatah movement, according to al-Arabiya.Annan will be accompanied by Nasser al-Qudwa, a nephew of Yasser Arafat and a member of the Fatah movement, according to al-Arabiya.
State TV in Syria announced that Annan would be welcome, AFP reports.State TV in Syria announced that Annan would be welcome, AFP reports.
A visit to Syria by the UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos has also been approved according to AFP.A visit to Syria by the UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos has also been approved according to AFP.
2.31pm: The body of the Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin, who was killed in an attack on a makeshift media centre in Baba Amr last month, will be flown back to her native US tomorrow.2.31pm: The body of the Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin, who was killed in an attack on a makeshift media centre in Baba Amr last month, will be flown back to her native US tomorrow.
Hala Jaber, a Beirut-based journalist for the paper, identified her body in Damascus on Saturday night.Hala Jaber, a Beirut-based journalist for the paper, identified her body in Damascus on Saturday night.
Writing on a Facebook page for foreign journalists, she said: "Marie's body will now be repatriated to the US tomorrow morning and will arrive at JFK on Tuesday morning."Writing on a Facebook page for foreign journalists, she said: "Marie's body will now be repatriated to the US tomorrow morning and will arrive at JFK on Tuesday morning."
The bodies of Colvin and the French photographer Remi Ochlik, who was also killed in the attack were flown to Paris yesterday.The bodies of Colvin and the French photographer Remi Ochlik, who was also killed in the attack were flown to Paris yesterday.
2.19pm: France has denied that any of its soldiers are in Syria following a report that 13 French officers are being detained in Homs.2.19pm: France has denied that any of its soldiers are in Syria following a report that 13 French officers are being detained in Homs.
The original report in Lebanon's Daily Star has prompted quite a lot of discussion in the comments section below after it was mentioned in the opening roundup.The original report in Lebanon's Daily Star has prompted quite a lot of discussion in the comments section below after it was mentioned in the opening roundup.
Stephanie Lugrin, a spokeswoman, told my colleague Kim Willsher in Paris:Stephanie Lugrin, a spokeswoman, told my colleague Kim Willsher in Paris:
We don't comment on such things which are just rumours. There are no French soldiers in Syria.We don't comment on such things which are just rumours. There are no French soldiers in Syria.
2.11pm: More than a thousand Syrian refugees have crossed the the border into Lebanon, AP reports.2.11pm: More than a thousand Syrian refugees have crossed the the border into Lebanon, AP reports.
One of them, Hassana Abu Firas, told the agency:One of them, Hassana Abu Firas, told the agency:
We fled the shelling and the strikes. What are we supposed to do? People are sitting in their homes and they are hitting us with tanks. Those who can flee flee and those who can't will die sitting down.We fled the shelling and the strikes. What are we supposed to do? People are sitting in their homes and they are hitting us with tanks. Those who can flee flee and those who can't will die sitting down.
The journalist Oliver Holmes has also been speaking to Syrian refugees, including those who fled shelling in Qusair, south-west of Homs, which was shelled over the weekend according to reports. He tweets:The journalist Oliver Holmes has also been speaking to Syrian refugees, including those who fled shelling in Qusair, south-west of Homs, which was shelled over the weekend according to reports. He tweets:
#Syria refugees said they cameto Lebanon yesterday after heaviest shelling yet in Qusair. Walked 50km. Some were caught by Syrian forces.#Syria refugees said they cameto Lebanon yesterday after heaviest shelling yet in Qusair. Walked 50km. Some were caught by Syrian forces.
— Oliver Holmes (@olireports) March 5, 2012— Oliver Holmes (@olireports) March 5, 2012
#Syria women and children crossed border legally. The men had to sneak across, avoiding gunfire from Syrian troops, the refugees said.#Syria women and children crossed border legally. The men had to sneak across, avoiding gunfire from Syrian troops, the refugees said.
— Oliver Holmes (@olireports) March 5, 2012— Oliver Holmes (@olireports) March 5, 2012
Freezing in the Lebanese mountains, blanket of snow. #Syria refugees had to risk crossing through valley as mountain route blocked by snow.Freezing in the Lebanese mountains, blanket of snow. #Syria refugees had to risk crossing through valley as mountain route blocked by snow.
— Oliver Holmes (@olireports) March 5, 2012— Oliver Holmes (@olireports) March 5, 2012
1.01pm: Here's a summary of events in Syria so far today:1.01pm: Here's a summary of events in Syria so far today:
The UN/Arab League special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, will travel to Damascus on 10 March for talks with the regime of the president, Bashar al-Assad. The Arab League secretary general, Nabil Elaraby, said: "Kofi Annan told me that Syria will receive him on 10 March and that he would arrive in Cairo on 7 March."The UN/Arab League special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, will travel to Damascus on 10 March for talks with the regime of the president, Bashar al-Assad. The Arab League secretary general, Nabil Elaraby, said: "Kofi Annan told me that Syria will receive him on 10 March and that he would arrive in Cairo on 7 March."
Syria's allies Russia and China have again signalled their desire to resolve the crisis by dialogue. Russia's foreign minister is due to discuss Syria with foreign ministers from the six Gulf states on Saturday. China is to send former ambassador Li Huaxin as an envoy to Syria tomorrow as part of its six-point plan to end the violence.Syria's allies Russia and China have again signalled their desire to resolve the crisis by dialogue. Russia's foreign minister is due to discuss Syria with foreign ministers from the six Gulf states on Saturday. China is to send former ambassador Li Huaxin as an envoy to Syria tomorrow as part of its six-point plan to end the violence.
The Syrian authorities have begun "removing debris" from the devastated Baba Amr area of Homs. Before it fell to the Syrian army last Thursday, an official said, ominously, that the area would be "cleaned". There is little information about the fate of up to 20,000 residents thought to have been there when the siege began four weeks ago.The Syrian authorities have begun "removing debris" from the devastated Baba Amr area of Homs. Before it fell to the Syrian army last Thursday, an official said, ominously, that the area would be "cleaned". There is little information about the fate of up to 20,000 residents thought to have been there when the siege began four weeks ago.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has delivered aid to two neighbourhoods in Homs but continues to be denied access to Baba Amr. The head of ICRC, Yves Daccord, predicted that the conflict in Syria could last for months or even longer.The International Committee of the Red Cross has delivered aid to two neighbourhoods in Homs but continues to be denied access to Baba Amr. The head of ICRC, Yves Daccord, predicted that the conflict in Syria could last for months or even longer.
Lebanon is bracing itself for a new influx of Syrian refugees after up to 2,000 people fleeing the military onslaught in Homs were reported to be trying to reach the border. "Between one and two thousand [Syrians] are in the process of coming from Syria to Lebanon," the UNHCR's deputy representative in Lebanon, Jean Paul Cavalieri, told Reuters. Save the Children said some of children fleeing the violence in Syria are showing signs of post-traumatic stress. Lebanon is bracing itself for a new influx of Syrian refugees after up to 2,000 people fleeing the military onslaught in Homs were reported to be trying to reach the border. "Between one and two thousand [Syrians] are in the process of coming from Syria to Lebanon," the UNHCR's deputy representative in Lebanon, Jean Paul Cavalieri, told Reuters. Save the Children said some of children fleeing the violence in Syria are showing signs of post-traumatic stress.
12.41pm: Interesting breaking news from Reuters:12.41pm: Interesting breaking news from Reuters:
The new UN Arab League envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, will travel to Damascus on Saturday for talks with the Assad regime.The new UN Arab League envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, will travel to Damascus on Saturday for talks with the Assad regime.
Last week, Syria refused entry to the UN's humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, but later said she was welcome to come.Last week, Syria refused entry to the UN's humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, but later said she was welcome to come.
More details as we get them.More details as we get them.
12.35pm: This morning, the ICRC distributed relief supplies to districts in Homs that neighbour Baba Amr, spokesman Sean Maguire has announced, but the Syrian authorities are still denying access to Baba Amr itself.12.35pm: This morning, the ICRC distributed relief supplies to districts in Homs that neighbour Baba Amr, spokesman Sean Maguire has announced, but the Syrian authorities are still denying access to Baba Amr itself.
In an email statement he said:In an email statement he said:
SARC and ICRC teams started distributing food, blankets, hygiene kits in two districts of al-Tawzii and al-Insha'at in Homs city.SARC and ICRC teams started distributing food, blankets, hygiene kits in two districts of al-Tawzii and al-Insha'at in Homs city.
These are areas close to Baba Amr which received a lot of displaced residents during the fighting. This is following our trip to the Abel village yesterday, where we distributed assistance to residents and population displaced from Baba Amr.These are areas close to Baba Amr which received a lot of displaced residents during the fighting. This is following our trip to the Abel village yesterday, where we distributed assistance to residents and population displaced from Baba Amr.
An ICRC aid convoy travelled from Damascus to Homs today, bringing more assistance supplies. It included food to cover needs of several thousands persons, plus blankets and hygiene kits.An ICRC aid convoy travelled from Damascus to Homs today, bringing more assistance supplies. It included food to cover needs of several thousands persons, plus blankets and hygiene kits.
12.26pm: The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed that the organisation is still being denied access to Baba Amr and predicts that the crisis in Syria will last for months or longer, Reuters reports.12.26pm: The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed that the organisation is still being denied access to Baba Amr and predicts that the crisis in Syria will last for months or longer, Reuters reports.
In an interview with Swiss Radio and Television, Yves Daccord, the ICRC director-general, said:In an interview with Swiss Radio and Television, Yves Daccord, the ICRC director-general, said:
At the moment we are blocked by the Syrian army and government ...At the moment we are blocked by the Syrian army and government ...
We hope to get in to Baba Amr today (Monday) – we have to be firm and not give up. The negotiations are being led on site in Homs with military commanders and also in Damascus.We hope to get in to Baba Amr today (Monday) – we have to be firm and not give up. The negotiations are being led on site in Homs with military commanders and also in Damascus.
The situation is extremely difficult, [and] the weather conditions are tragic. It is very cold, there is fighting and people don't have access to food or water, and above all there is a big problem of evacuating the wounded.The situation is extremely difficult, [and] the weather conditions are tragic. It is very cold, there is fighting and people don't have access to food or water, and above all there is a big problem of evacuating the wounded.
Asked whether there might a parallel with the slaughter in the Bosnian enclave of Srebrenicia in the 1990s, Daccord said:Asked whether there might a parallel with the slaughter in the Bosnian enclave of Srebrenicia in the 1990s, Daccord said:
I would always be careful not to mix up situations – it is always very complicated to compare countries and situations. But it is true that what we see today in Syria worries us very much.I would always be careful not to mix up situations – it is always very complicated to compare countries and situations. But it is true that what we see today in Syria worries us very much.
Our concern is, of course, linked to what you can hear and sees in Homs, but above all related to the fact that unfortunately I fear we will be faced with this conflict or let's say a situation of fighting that risks lasting for several months or even longer ... and it is the civilian population who will really pay the price.Our concern is, of course, linked to what you can hear and sees in Homs, but above all related to the fact that unfortunately I fear we will be faced with this conflict or let's say a situation of fighting that risks lasting for several months or even longer ... and it is the civilian population who will really pay the price.
12.00pm: Turkey's anger over French moves to outlaw denial of the Armenian genocide appears to have no bounds.12.00pm: Turkey's anger over French moves to outlaw denial of the Armenian genocide appears to have no bounds.
Ankara now plans to snub French president Nicolas Sarkozy by not inviting him to the Friends of Syria meeting due to take place in Istanbul later this month.Ankara now plans to snub French president Nicolas Sarkozy by not inviting him to the Friends of Syria meeting due to take place in Istanbul later this month.
The Turkish Zaman daily reports that the French foreign minister, Alain Juppe, will be asked to come, but Sarkozy will not as a protest at a French bill to criminalise denial of claims that Armenians were subject to genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.The Turkish Zaman daily reports that the French foreign minister, Alain Juppe, will be asked to come, but Sarkozy will not as a protest at a French bill to criminalise denial of claims that Armenians were subject to genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.
China and Russia, who stayed away from last month's Friends of Syria meeting in Tunis, will be invited to the meeting, Zaman reports.China and Russia, who stayed away from last month's Friends of Syria meeting in Tunis, will be invited to the meeting, Zaman reports.
Despite the row, France and Turkey have led international condemnation of Syria. Both countries initially raised the prospect of setting up humanitarian corridors to protect civilians fleeing the violence but have since gone quiet on the idea.Despite the row, France and Turkey have led international condemnation of Syria. Both countries initially raised the prospect of setting up humanitarian corridors to protect civilians fleeing the violence but have since gone quiet on the idea.
Over the weekend, Turkey's foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu called the violence in Syria "a crime against humanity". Juppe made a similar claim last month.Over the weekend, Turkey's foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu called the violence in Syria "a crime against humanity". Juppe made a similar claim last month.
11.42am: Nose jobs aren't something you'd associated with Egypt's devout Islamist party al-Nour. Indeed, plastic surgery is forbidden for Salafists. This is presumably why new MP Anwar el-Balkimy was so coy about the bandages on his face.11.42am: Nose jobs aren't something you'd associated with Egypt's devout Islamist party al-Nour. Indeed, plastic surgery is forbidden for Salafists. This is presumably why new MP Anwar el-Balkimy was so coy about the bandages on his face.
He blamed them on an armed assault, but it turned out he had had plastic surgery in a private clinic.He blamed them on an armed assault, but it turned out he had had plastic surgery in a private clinic.
Balkimy now has a new schnoz, but his political career is over, according to al-Ahram. Its account of the saga is here (it is worth a click for the before and after pictures alone).Balkimy now has a new schnoz, but his political career is over, according to al-Ahram. Its account of the saga is here (it is worth a click for the before and after pictures alone).
10.38am: Pro-Assad supporters held a rally outside the Russian embassy in Damascus yesterday to show support for Vladimir Putin.10.38am: Pro-Assad supporters held a rally outside the Russian embassy in Damascus yesterday to show support for Vladimir Putin.
Today, Syria's state media has lauded his re-election as president. "Russia brings back the strong man to the Kremlin," read one headline, AP reports (via @Brown_Moses).Today, Syria's state media has lauded his re-election as president. "Russia brings back the strong man to the Kremlin," read one headline, AP reports (via @Brown_Moses).
There has been some speculation that, with the election out the way, Putin may take a tougher stance with Damascus. The theory is that he now no longer needs to be seen by his electorate to be standing up to the west. We'll see.There has been some speculation that, with the election out the way, Putin may take a tougher stance with Damascus. The theory is that he now no longer needs to be seen by his electorate to be standing up to the west. We'll see.
In the meantime, Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, is due to discuss the Syria crisis, with foreign ministers from the six Gulf states in Cairo on Saturday, according to Syria's state news agency.In the meantime, Russia's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, is due to discuss the Syria crisis, with foreign ministers from the six Gulf states in Cairo on Saturday, according to Syria's state news agency.
The meeting had been due to take place in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Wednesday. Gulf ministers were reported to be keen to express their disappointment with Russia's repeated blocking of UN resolutions on Syria.The meeting had been due to take place in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Wednesday. Gulf ministers were reported to be keen to express their disappointment with Russia's repeated blocking of UN resolutions on Syria.
10.15am: China is to send former ambassador Li Huaxin as envoy to Syria tomorrow as part of its six-point plan to end the violence, Reuters reports.10.15am: China is to send former ambassador Li Huaxin as envoy to Syria tomorrow as part of its six-point plan to end the violence, Reuters reports.
It quoted a foreign ministry spokesman as saying:It quoted a foreign ministry spokesman as saying:
China believes that, based on recent developments and changes in Syria, it is necessary for us to further explain our policies and proposals.China believes that, based on recent developments and changes in Syria, it is necessary for us to further explain our policies and proposals.
Currently, the situation in Syria continues to heat up and become more serious. The conflicts between various parties in Syria remain stark, and the international community has differing views on how to ease the Syrian crisis as quickly as possible.Currently, the situation in Syria continues to heat up and become more serious. The conflicts between various parties in Syria remain stark, and the international community has differing views on how to ease the Syrian crisis as quickly as possible.
Although conditions are extremely complicated and the situation remains tense, China still maintains that a political solution offers the fundamental escape from the Syrian crisis.Although conditions are extremely complicated and the situation remains tense, China still maintains that a political solution offers the fundamental escape from the Syrian crisis.
China's six-point plan was set out in the state's mouthpiece, the People's Daily.China's six-point plan was set out in the state's mouthpiece, the People's Daily.
Here it is in full:Here it is in full:
1. The Syrian government and all parties concerned should immediately, fully and unconditionally cease all acts of violence, particularly violence against innocent civilians. Various factions in Syria should express political aspirations through non-violent means.1. The Syrian government and all parties concerned should immediately, fully and unconditionally cease all acts of violence, particularly violence against innocent civilians. Various factions in Syria should express political aspirations through non-violent means.
2. The Syrian government and various factions should bear in mind the long-term and fundamental interests of their country and people, immediately launch an inclusive political dialogue with no preconditions attached or outcome predetermined through impartial mediation of [Kofi Annan] the joint special envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League, agree on a comprehensive and detailed roadmap and timetable for reform through consultation and implement them as soon as possible with a view to restoring national stability and public order.2. The Syrian government and various factions should bear in mind the long-term and fundamental interests of their country and people, immediately launch an inclusive political dialogue with no preconditions attached or outcome predetermined through impartial mediation of [Kofi Annan] the joint special envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League, agree on a comprehensive and detailed roadmap and timetable for reform through consultation and implement them as soon as possible with a view to restoring national stability and public order.
3. China supports the UN' s leading role in co-ordinating humanitarian relief efforts. China maintains that under the precondition of respecting Syria's sovereignty, the UN or an impartial body acceptable to all parties should make an objective and comprehensive assessment of the humanitarian situation in Syria, ensure the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid. China is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. We oppose anyone interfering in Syria' s internal affairs under the pretext of "humanitarian" issues.3. China supports the UN' s leading role in co-ordinating humanitarian relief efforts. China maintains that under the precondition of respecting Syria's sovereignty, the UN or an impartial body acceptable to all parties should make an objective and comprehensive assessment of the humanitarian situation in Syria, ensure the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid. China is ready to provide humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. We oppose anyone interfering in Syria' s internal affairs under the pretext of "humanitarian" issues.
4. Relevant parties of the international community should earnestly respect the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the right of the Syrian people to independently choose their political system and development path, create conditions and provide necessary and constructive assistance for the various political factions of Syria to launch dialogue, and respect the outcome of dialogue. China does not approve of armed interference or pushing for "regime change" in Syria, and believes that use or threat of sanctions does not help to resolve this issue appropriately.4. Relevant parties of the international community should earnestly respect the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and the right of the Syrian people to independently choose their political system and development path, create conditions and provide necessary and constructive assistance for the various political factions of Syria to launch dialogue, and respect the outcome of dialogue. China does not approve of armed interference or pushing for "regime change" in Syria, and believes that use or threat of sanctions does not help to resolve this issue appropriately.
5. China welcomes the appointment of the joint special envoy on the Syrian crisis by the UN and the AL and supports him in playing a constructive role in bringing about the political resolution of the crisis. China supports the active efforts made by the Arab states and the AL to promote a political solution to the crisis.5. China welcomes the appointment of the joint special envoy on the Syrian crisis by the UN and the AL and supports him in playing a constructive role in bringing about the political resolution of the crisis. China supports the active efforts made by the Arab states and the AL to promote a political solution to the crisis.
6. Members of the security council should strictly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN charter and the basic norms governing international relations. As a permanent member of the security council, China is ready to earnestly fulfil its responsibilities, engage in equal-footed, patient and full consultation with other parties on the political solution to the Syrian crisis in an effort to safeguard the unity of the security council.6. Members of the security council should strictly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN charter and the basic norms governing international relations. As a permanent member of the security council, China is ready to earnestly fulfil its responsibilities, engage in equal-footed, patient and full consultation with other parties on the political solution to the Syrian crisis in an effort to safeguard the unity of the security council.
9.53am: Amnesty has cancelled a visit to Bahrain, days after the Juan Mendez, the UN's special rapporteur on torture suddenly called off a visit to the kingdom.9.53am: Amnesty has cancelled a visit to Bahrain, days after the Juan Mendez, the UN's special rapporteur on torture suddenly called off a visit to the kingdom.
Amnesty said it halted its planned visit after the authorities in Bahrain imposed a five-day visa limit. In a statement it said:Amnesty said it halted its planned visit after the authorities in Bahrain imposed a five-day visa limit. In a statement it said:

The Bahraini authorities have repeatedly stated their commitment to undertake human rights reform and to cooperate with international human rights organisations. These new restrictions contradict such commitment.

The Bahraini authorities have repeatedly stated their commitment to undertake human rights reform and to cooperate with international human rights organisations. These new restrictions contradict such commitment.
Bahrain says it is considering revising its visa regulations.Bahrain says it is considering revising its visa regulations.
Bahrain's minister of human rights, Fatima al-Balooshi, told Amnesty representatives Bahrain was willing to be flexible over visas.Bahrain's minister of human rights, Fatima al-Balooshi, told Amnesty representatives Bahrain was willing to be flexible over visas.
In a statement, Bahrain expressed disappointment at Amnesty's statement and said its planned visit was unrelated to the postponed trip by UN's special rapporteur.In a statement, Bahrain expressed disappointment at Amnesty's statement and said its planned visit was unrelated to the postponed trip by UN's special rapporteur.
9.41am: Member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency begin a week-long meeting today, focused on the debate over Iran's nuclear programme at a time when it threatens to become the casus belli in a new Middle East war, writes Julian Borger.9.41am: Member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency begin a week-long meeting today, focused on the debate over Iran's nuclear programme at a time when it threatens to become the casus belli in a new Middle East war, writes Julian Borger.
The gorilla in the boardroom today and for most of the week will be the report by the agency's director general, Yukiya Amano, on Iran's compliance or lack thereof ....The gorilla in the boardroom today and for most of the week will be the report by the agency's director general, Yukiya Amano, on Iran's compliance or lack thereof ....
There is evidence of a rush by the Iranian authorities to create facts on the ground that make it look like they have achieved more than is actually the case. This may reflect the urgency of harried technicians trying to keep up with the pre-election boasts of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but it may also be an attempt to establish a strong bargaining position in anticipation of serious negotiations. The regime has said it is ready for new talks, although a time and a venue have yet to be agreed.There is evidence of a rush by the Iranian authorities to create facts on the ground that make it look like they have achieved more than is actually the case. This may reflect the urgency of harried technicians trying to keep up with the pre-election boasts of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but it may also be an attempt to establish a strong bargaining position in anticipation of serious negotiations. The regime has said it is ready for new talks, although a time and a venue have yet to be agreed.
So while the IAEA board will convene to consider an Iranian regime that is clearly intransigent and defiant, the Russian, Chinese and non-aligned countries will have plenty of material to point to in support of their arguments that there is still time for diplomacy and that the agency should refrain from taking dramatic actions that could be interpreted as a trigger for war.So while the IAEA board will convene to consider an Iranian regime that is clearly intransigent and defiant, the Russian, Chinese and non-aligned countries will have plenty of material to point to in support of their arguments that there is still time for diplomacy and that the agency should refrain from taking dramatic actions that could be interpreted as a trigger for war.
Read the post in full on Julian's Global Security blog.Read the post in full on Julian's Global Security blog.
8.37am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. What next in Syria after the fall of Baba Amr?8.37am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. What next in Syria after the fall of Baba Amr?
"The Syrian regime has won one battle in a war it is not guaranteed to win," Nabil Boumonsef, a columnist at Beirut's an-Nahar newspaper, told Reuters. Like other analysts, he says events in Homs will radicalise the Syrian opposition and prolong the conflict."The Syrian regime has won one battle in a war it is not guaranteed to win," Nabil Boumonsef, a columnist at Beirut's an-Nahar newspaper, told Reuters. Like other analysts, he says events in Homs will radicalise the Syrian opposition and prolong the conflict.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
The Syrian authorities have begun "removing debris" from the devastated Baba Amr area of Homs. Before it fell to the Syrian army last Thursday, an official said, ominously, that the area would be "cleaned". There is little information about the fate of up to 20,000 residents thought to have been there when the siege began four weeks ago.The Syrian authorities have begun "removing debris" from the devastated Baba Amr area of Homs. Before it fell to the Syrian army last Thursday, an official said, ominously, that the area would be "cleaned". There is little information about the fate of up to 20,000 residents thought to have been there when the siege began four weeks ago.
The International Committee of the Red Cross plans to try to deliver aid again to Homs today despite being repeatedly denied access to the worst hit areas. On Sunday, the ICRC delivered aid to the nearby village of Abel, where it found a "considerable" number of families who had fled from Baba Amr. A seven-truck ICRC convoy has been waiting since Friday to enter the area.The International Committee of the Red Cross plans to try to deliver aid again to Homs today despite being repeatedly denied access to the worst hit areas. On Sunday, the ICRC delivered aid to the nearby village of Abel, where it found a "considerable" number of families who had fled from Baba Amr. A seven-truck ICRC convoy has been waiting since Friday to enter the area.
Lebanon is bracing itself for a new influx of Syrian refugees after up to 2,000 people fleeing the military onslaught in Homs were reported to be trying to reach the border. "Between one and two thousand [Syrians] are in the process of coming from Syria to Lebanon," the UNHCR's deputy representative in Lebanon, Jean Paul Cavalieri, told Reuters. Save the Children said some of children fleeing the violence in Syria were showing signs of post-traumatic stress. Lebanon is bracing itself for a new influx of Syrian refugees after up to 2,000 people fleeing the military onslaught in Homs were reported to be trying to reach the border. "Between one and two thousand [Syrians] are in the process of coming from Syria to Lebanon," the UNHCR's deputy representative in Lebanon, Jean Paul Cavalieri, told Reuters. Save the Children said some of children fleeing the violence in Syria were showing signs of post-traumatic stress.
The Syrian army shelled other parts of Homs and nearby areas in an effort to regain control of the area, anti-government activists told the LA Times. Rastan, Tall Kalakh and Qusair, to which Free Syrian Army rebels were said to have fled, were all shelled, they said. A rebel officer said:The Syrian army shelled other parts of Homs and nearby areas in an effort to regain control of the area, anti-government activists told the LA Times. Rastan, Tall Kalakh and Qusair, to which Free Syrian Army rebels were said to have fled, were all shelled, they said. A rebel officer said:
They finished with Baba Amr, and now they have turned their attention to [another Homs neighbourhood] Khaldiyeh and the surrounding villages. They want to finish all of the Free Syrian Army, from Homs to its entirety. They will destroy the whole village just so they can get inside.They finished with Baba Amr, and now they have turned their attention to [another Homs neighbourhood] Khaldiyeh and the surrounding villages. They want to finish all of the Free Syrian Army, from Homs to its entirety. They will destroy the whole village just so they can get inside.
The Local Co-ordination Committee in Syria activist group claimed 62 people were killed on Sunday. They included seven children.The Local Co-ordination Committee in Syria activist group claimed 62 people were killed on Sunday. They included seven children.
Scores of rebel fighters have vowed to fight to defend the town of Rastan, north of Homs.Scores of rebel fighters have vowed to fight to defend the town of Rastan, north of Homs.
The video was uploaded on Sunday.The video was uploaded on Sunday.
Around 13 French officers are being held by Syrian authorities in Homs, according to Lebanon's Daily Star. The group is in a field hospital in central city of Homs, it claimed citing a Damascus-based pro-Syrian Palestinian source.Around 13 French officers are being held by Syrian authorities in Homs, according to Lebanon's Daily Star. The group is in a field hospital in central city of Homs, it claimed citing a Damascus-based pro-Syrian Palestinian source.
It was not clear why the officers were in Syria, when they had arrived or whether they were part of a larger contingent in the city.It was not clear why the officers were in Syria, when they had arrived or whether they were part of a larger contingent in the city.
Heavy fighting broke out overnight between armoured forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and rebels who launched coordinated attacks on army roadblocks across the southern city of Deraa on the border with Jordan, according to activists. But opposition sources say rebels loosely organised under the Free Syrian Army banner have intensified assaults on loyalist targets in southern, north and eastern Syria in the last few days to relieve pressure in Homs, where troops overran Baba Amr last week.Heavy fighting broke out overnight between armoured forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and rebels who launched coordinated attacks on army roadblocks across the southern city of Deraa on the border with Jordan, according to activists. But opposition sources say rebels loosely organised under the Free Syrian Army banner have intensified assaults on loyalist targets in southern, north and eastern Syria in the last few days to relieve pressure in Homs, where troops overran Baba Amr last week.
IranIran
Barack Obama has admonished Israel for "too much loose talk of war" with Iran and said the world has a responsibility to give sanctions an opportunity to discourage Tehran from pursuing a nuclear weapon. Speaking before a meeting with the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, on Monday, Obama sought to head off pressure for him to commit to military action against Tehran if it crosses specified "red lines" in its nuclear programme.Barack Obama has admonished Israel for "too much loose talk of war" with Iran and said the world has a responsibility to give sanctions an opportunity to discourage Tehran from pursuing a nuclear weapon. Speaking before a meeting with the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, on Monday, Obama sought to head off pressure for him to commit to military action against Tehran if it crosses specified "red lines" in its nuclear programme.
LibyaLibya
• Two British journalists arrested last month by a Libyan militia group in a direct challenge to the authority of the country's new government have been accused of spying. The militia staged a late-night press conference in a Tripoli hotel to unveil what they said was evidence of improper activities. Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, 36, and reporter Nicholas Davies, 37, who work for Iran's state-owned Press TV, were arrested by a Misrata militia based in Tripoli on 23 February.• Two British journalists arrested last month by a Libyan militia group in a direct challenge to the authority of the country's new government have been accused of spying. The militia staged a late-night press conference in a Tripoli hotel to unveil what they said was evidence of improper activities. Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, 36, and reporter Nicholas Davies, 37, who work for Iran's state-owned Press TV, were arrested by a Misrata militia based in Tripoli on 23 February.