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Syria: UN security council agree to back Kofi Annan's plan - live updates Syria: UN security council agree to back Kofi Annan's plan - Wednesday 21 March 2012
(40 minutes later)
4pm: Here's a summary of developments on the Syria crisis:
• The United Nations security council, including Russia and China, has agreed to a statement backing Kofi Annan's six-point plan for ending the violence. It includes a call for a daily two-hour ceasefire, troop withdrawals, and talks between the opposition and the regime. The non-binding statement has includes no mention of president Assad standing down. It also threatens very little if the Syrian government does not comply.
• Western leaders have welcomed the statement as a positive step and called for a swift response from Sryia. Analysts and activists suggested the statement was worthless as the bloodshed in Syria continued.
• Activist groups claim more than 50 people were been killed as the Syrian army continued its assaults on opposition strongholds. Most of those killed were in the city of Homs. An activists in the northern district of Khaldiyeh said at one stage the area was being shelled every five minutes.
• An Islamist group has claimed responsibility for last weekend's suicide car bombings in central Damascus. Al-Nusra Front to Protect the Levant said it carried out the bombings to stop the government's "massacre of Sunnis".
• Annan is set to return to Damascus according UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, Now Lebanon reports. "I expect him to return to Damascus very soon," Ban told a conference in Jakarta.
3.38pm: Western leaders have welcomed the UN's statement on Syria.3.38pm: Western leaders have welcomed the UN's statement on Syria.
US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said:US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said:
It is a positive step. The council has now spoken with one voice... To President Assad and his regime we say, along with the rest of the international community: take this path, commit to it, or face increasing pressure and isolation.It is a positive step. The council has now spoken with one voice... To President Assad and his regime we say, along with the rest of the international community: take this path, commit to it, or face increasing pressure and isolation.
Britain's foreign secretary William Hague said:Britain's foreign secretary William Hague said:
Kofi Annan has set out a plan on behalf of the Arab League and the United Nations to end the violence, secure humanitarian access, and facilitate a Syrian-led political transition. I urge the Syrian authorities to take this chance to stop the bloodshed and show their commitment to implementing Kofi Annan's six point plan, including by immediately pulling back the military from in and around population centres.Kofi Annan has set out a plan on behalf of the Arab League and the United Nations to end the violence, secure humanitarian access, and facilitate a Syrian-led political transition. I urge the Syrian authorities to take this chance to stop the bloodshed and show their commitment to implementing Kofi Annan's six point plan, including by immediately pulling back the military from in and around population centres.
Susan Rice, the US ambassador to the UN, said it was "modest step", and called for an urgent response from Syria.Susan Rice, the US ambassador to the UN, said it was "modest step", and called for an urgent response from Syria.
We urge the Syrian authorities to respond swiftly & positively. #SyriaWe urge the Syrian authorities to respond swiftly & positively. #Syria
— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) March 21, 2012— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) March 21, 2012
Sweden's foreign minister, Carl Bildt, tweeted:Sweden's foreign minister, Carl Bildt, tweeted:
I warmly welcome UN Security Council unanimous support for Kofi Annan's efforts in Syria. This is an important step. washingtonpost.com/world/middle_e…I warmly welcome UN Security Council unanimous support for Kofi Annan's efforts in Syria. This is an important step. washingtonpost.com/world/middle_e…
— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) March 21, 2012— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) March 21, 2012
3.03pm: The US government has published satellite images of armoured vehicles in the northern Syrian city of Idlib.3.03pm: The US government has published satellite images of armoured vehicles in the northern Syrian city of Idlib.
They also show artillery units deployed in Saraqib, south-east of Idlib, on Saturday.They also show artillery units deployed in Saraqib, south-east of Idlib, on Saturday.
2.47pm: The UN's statement has been greeted by sarcasm and disgust by Syrian activists.2.47pm: The UN's statement has been greeted by sarcasm and disgust by Syrian activists.
UN says #Assad should pull back troops and allow demonstrations. What a FANTASTIC idea Kofi. Please come again.UN says #Assad should pull back troops and allow demonstrations. What a FANTASTIC idea Kofi. Please come again.
— False_dawn (@false_dawn) March 21, 2012— False_dawn (@false_dawn) March 21, 2012
The "international community" has become a joke. And not a funny one. #SyriaThe "international community" has become a joke. And not a funny one. #Syria
— Shakeeb Al-Jabri (@LeShaque) March 21, 2012— Shakeeb Al-Jabri (@LeShaque) March 21, 2012
2.38pm: New video footage from Hama purports to show the moment a tank fired at a citizen journalist who was doing the filming.2.38pm: New video footage from Hama purports to show the moment a tank fired at a citizen journalist who was doing the filming.
The clip in reminiscent of footage last year which appeared to show a man filming himself being shot by a sniper.The clip in reminiscent of footage last year which appeared to show a man filming himself being shot by a sniper.
2.28pm: Salman Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha centre, asks the key questions.2.28pm: Salman Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha centre, asks the key questions.
Real test of #UNSC Pres Statement will come when #Assad refuses to halt violence.What next? How long do we wait? Russia's next move? #SyriaReal test of #UNSC Pres Statement will come when #Assad refuses to halt violence.What next? How long do we wait? Russia's next move? #Syria
— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) March 21, 2012— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) March 21, 2012
2.13pm: The full text of the UN security council statement has just been read out by Britain's permanent representative Mark Lyall Grant.2.13pm: The full text of the UN security council statement has just been read out by Britain's permanent representative Mark Lyall Grant.
The key change from an earlier drafts is the addition of a call for daily two-hour ceasefire. And the last paragraph confirms that the threat of further measures against Syria has been watered down.The key change from an earlier drafts is the addition of a call for daily two-hour ceasefire. And the last paragraph confirms that the threat of further measures against Syria has been watered down.
Here' the full text (via Inner City Press):Here' the full text (via Inner City Press):
PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT ON THE JOINT SPECIAL ENVOY on SyriaPRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT ON THE JOINT SPECIAL ENVOY on Syria
The Security Council recalls its Presidential Statement of 3 August 2011 and its Press Statement of 1 March 2012.The Security Council recalls its Presidential Statement of 3 August 2011 and its Press Statement of 1 March 2012.
The Security Council expresses its gravest concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria which has resulted in a serious human rights crisis and a deplorable humanitarian situation. The Security Council expresses its profound regret at the death of many thousands of people in Syria.The Security Council expresses its gravest concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria which has resulted in a serious human rights crisis and a deplorable humanitarian situation. The Security Council expresses its profound regret at the death of many thousands of people in Syria.
The Security Council reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.The Security Council reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
The Security Council welcomes the appointment of Joint Special Envoy for the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, following the General Assembly resolution A/RES/66/253 of 16 February 2012 and relevant resolutions of the League of Arab States.The Security Council welcomes the appointment of Joint Special Envoy for the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, following the General Assembly resolution A/RES/66/253 of 16 February 2012 and relevant resolutions of the League of Arab States.
The Security Council expresses its full support for the efforts of the Envoy to bring an immediate end to all violence and human rights violations, secure humanitarian access, and facilitate a Syrian-led political transition to a democratic, plural political system, in which citizens are equal regardless of their affiliations or ethnicities or beliefs, including through commencing a comprehensive political dialogue between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the Syrian opposition.The Security Council expresses its full support for the efforts of the Envoy to bring an immediate end to all violence and human rights violations, secure humanitarian access, and facilitate a Syrian-led political transition to a democratic, plural political system, in which citizens are equal regardless of their affiliations or ethnicities or beliefs, including through commencing a comprehensive political dialogue between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the Syrian opposition.
To this aim, the Security Council fully supports the initial six-point proposal submitted to the Syrian authorities, as outlined by the Envoy to the Security Council on 16 March 2012, to:To this aim, the Security Council fully supports the initial six-point proposal submitted to the Syrian authorities, as outlined by the Envoy to the Security Council on 16 March 2012, to:
1) commit to work with the Envoy in an inclusive Syrian-led political process to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people, and, to this end, commit to appoint an empowered interlocutor when invited to do so by the Envoy;1) commit to work with the Envoy in an inclusive Syrian-led political process to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people, and, to this end, commit to appoint an empowered interlocutor when invited to do so by the Envoy;
2) commit to stop the fighting and achieve urgently an effective United Nations supervised cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties to protect civilians and stabilize the country. To this end, the Syrian government shall immediately cease troop movements towards, and end the use of heavy weapons in, population centres, and begin pullback of military concentrations in and around population centres. As these actions are being taken on the ground, the Syrian government shall work with the Envoy to bring about a sustained cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties with an effective United Nations supervision mechanism, and similar commitments shall be sought by the Envoy from the opposition and all relevant elements to stop the fighting and work with him to bring about a sustained cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties with an effective United Nations supervision mechanism;2) commit to stop the fighting and achieve urgently an effective United Nations supervised cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties to protect civilians and stabilize the country. To this end, the Syrian government shall immediately cease troop movements towards, and end the use of heavy weapons in, population centres, and begin pullback of military concentrations in and around population centres. As these actions are being taken on the ground, the Syrian government shall work with the Envoy to bring about a sustained cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties with an effective United Nations supervision mechanism, and similar commitments shall be sought by the Envoy from the opposition and all relevant elements to stop the fighting and work with him to bring about a sustained cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties with an effective United Nations supervision mechanism;
3) ensure timely provision of humanitarian assistance to all areas affected by the fighting, and to this end, as immediate steps, to accept and implement a daily two hour humanitarian pause and to coordinate exact time and modalities of the daily pause through an efficient mechanism, including at local level.3) ensure timely provision of humanitarian assistance to all areas affected by the fighting, and to this end, as immediate steps, to accept and implement a daily two hour humanitarian pause and to coordinate exact time and modalities of the daily pause through an efficient mechanism, including at local level.
4) intensify the pace and scale of release of arbitrarily detained persons, including especially vulnerable categories of persons, and persons involved in peaceful political activities, provide without delay through appropriate channels a list of all places in which such persons are being detained, immediately begin organising access to such locations and through appropriate channels respond promptly to all written requests for information, access or release regarding such persons;4) intensify the pace and scale of release of arbitrarily detained persons, including especially vulnerable categories of persons, and persons involved in peaceful political activities, provide without delay through appropriate channels a list of all places in which such persons are being detained, immediately begin organising access to such locations and through appropriate channels respond promptly to all written requests for information, access or release regarding such persons;
5) ensure freedom of movement throughout the country for journalists and a non-discriminatory visa policy for them;5) ensure freedom of movement throughout the country for journalists and a non-discriminatory visa policy for them;
6) respect freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully as legally guaranteed.6) respect freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully as legally guaranteed.
The Security Council calls upon the Syrian government and opposition to work in good faith with the Envoy towards a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis and to implement fully and immediately his initial six-point proposal.The Security Council calls upon the Syrian government and opposition to work in good faith with the Envoy towards a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis and to implement fully and immediately his initial six-point proposal.
The Security Council requests the Envoy to update the Council regularly and in a timely manner on the progress of his mission. In the light of these reports, the Security Council will consider further steps as appropriate.The Security Council requests the Envoy to update the Council regularly and in a timely manner on the progress of his mission. In the light of these reports, the Security Council will consider further steps as appropriate.
1.59pm: Video from activists continues to show shelling and its aftermath on Homs and other Syrian towns and cities.1.59pm: Video from activists continues to show shelling and its aftermath on Homs and other Syrian towns and cities.
This is one of the most recent from Homs.This is one of the most recent from Homs.
The activist group the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria claim 52 people including 10 children, have been killed today.The activist group the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria claim 52 people including 10 children, have been killed today.
The majority of the victims were in Homs, it said.The majority of the victims were in Homs, it said.
This footage purports to show the aftermath of shelling in Hama, where the LCC claims eight people were killed.This footage purports to show the aftermath of shelling in Hama, where the LCC claims eight people were killed.
1.51pm: Salman Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha centre, says the UN statement on Syria is worthless.1.51pm: Salman Shaikh, director of the Brookings Doha centre, says the UN statement on Syria is worthless.
I am a hardened #UN-phile. That is why it pains me to say latest UN Presidential Statement on #Syria is not worth the paper it is printed onI am a hardened #UN-phile. That is why it pains me to say latest UN Presidential Statement on #Syria is not worth the paper it is printed on
— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) March 21, 2012— Salman Shaikh (@Salman_Shaikh1) March 21, 2012
1.38pm: AP points out that the UN statement is nonbinding and that and that the threat of "further measures" against Syria has been replaced from an earlier draft to appease Russia and China.1.38pm: AP points out that the UN statement is nonbinding and that and that the threat of "further measures" against Syria has been replaced from an earlier draft to appease Russia and China.
Instead the agreed statement asks Annan to update the council regularly on the progress of his mission.Instead the agreed statement asks Annan to update the council regularly on the progress of his mission.
"In the light of these reports, the Security Council will consider further steps as appropriate," the new draft said, AP reports."In the light of these reports, the Security Council will consider further steps as appropriate," the new draft said, AP reports.
It adds:It adds:
A presidential statement, which needs approval from all 15 Security Council members, becomes part of the council's permanent record. It is stronger than a press statement, which does not. But unlike resolutions, neither statement is legally binding.A presidential statement, which needs approval from all 15 Security Council members, becomes part of the council's permanent record. It is stronger than a press statement, which does not. But unlike resolutions, neither statement is legally binding.
UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said that the Syria crisis is the most pressing issue facing the world.UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said that the Syria crisis is the most pressing issue facing the world.
"We have no time to waste, no time to lose. Just one minute, one hour delay will mean more and more people dead," Ban told reporters in the Indonesian city of Bogor, his first stop on an Asian tour."We have no time to waste, no time to lose. Just one minute, one hour delay will mean more and more people dead," Ban told reporters in the Indonesian city of Bogor, his first stop on an Asian tour.
The revised draft was discussed hours after Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is ready to support a UN resolution endorsing Annan's plan for settling the Syrian crisis. But Lavrov warned that a resolution shouldn't turn into an ultimatum to the Syrian government ...The revised draft was discussed hours after Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is ready to support a UN resolution endorsing Annan's plan for settling the Syrian crisis. But Lavrov warned that a resolution shouldn't turn into an ultimatum to the Syrian government ...
One of the sticking points among Russia, Syria and the West is the sequencing of a cease-fire. Syria says the opposition must lay down its arms first. Russia says the government and opposition must stop fighting simultaneously. Western countries insist that since Assad's forces started fighting first and are responsible for most of the killings, they must stop first.One of the sticking points among Russia, Syria and the West is the sequencing of a cease-fire. Syria says the opposition must lay down its arms first. Russia says the government and opposition must stop fighting simultaneously. Western countries insist that since Assad's forces started fighting first and are responsible for most of the killings, they must stop first.
1.29pm: Annan's six point, agreed by the security council includes a cease-fire, political dialogue between the government and opposition, and full access for aid agencies and journalists.1.29pm: Annan's six point, agreed by the security council includes a cease-fire, political dialogue between the government and opposition, and full access for aid agencies and journalists.
Full details of the plan were listed earlier (see 11.29am).Full details of the plan were listed earlier (see 11.29am).
1.19pm: The UN security council, including Russia and China, have now agreed on a statement backing Kofi Annan's peace plan for Syria, Reuters reports citing diplomats.1.19pm: The UN security council, including Russia and China, have now agreed on a statement backing Kofi Annan's peace plan for Syria, Reuters reports citing diplomats.
The statement threatens Syria with "furthers steps: if Syria fails to comply with Annan's plan, the diplomats said.The statement threatens Syria with "furthers steps: if Syria fails to comply with Annan's plan, the diplomats said.
12.11pm: Activists and supporters of the Syrian uprising have been marking Mother's day in Syria.12.11pm: Activists and supporters of the Syrian uprising have been marking Mother's day in Syria.
Activist Um Farouk:Activist Um Farouk:
Today we confirm the ruthless murder of over 43 ppl mostly children in a massacre we heard of days ago in #Homs. Happy mothers day. #SyriaToday we confirm the ruthless murder of over 43 ppl mostly children in a massacre we heard of days ago in #Homs. Happy mothers day. #Syria
— Um Farouk (@Mou2amara) March 21, 2012— Um Farouk (@Mou2amara) March 21, 2012
Kareem Lailah:Kareem Lailah:
They broke into my sister's house in #Homs, stole what they found & destroyed the rest. Happy #MotherDay my beloved sis! #SyriaThey broke into my sister's house in #Homs, stole what they found & destroyed the rest. Happy #MotherDay my beloved sis! #Syria
— Ḱ@яℯℯм ℒαḯł@н (@KareemLailah) March 21, 2012— Ḱ@яℯℯм ℒαḯł@н (@KareemLailah) March 21, 2012
Samsomhoms:Samsomhoms:
#Assad regime still cutting communications in #Homs 4 the 47th day preventing moms frm their kids's"Happy mother's day" #Syria#Assad regime still cutting communications in #Homs 4 the 47th day preventing moms frm their kids's"Happy mother's day" #Syria
— Samsom homs (@Samsomhoms) March 21, 2012— Samsom homs (@Samsomhoms) March 21, 2012
Lebanon's former prime minister Saad Hariri:Lebanon's former prime minister Saad Hariri:
On this day, I salute mothers of those who disappeared from Lebanon and those who fell in defense of our Freedom, Independence and DemocracyOn this day, I salute mothers of those who disappeared from Lebanon and those who fell in defense of our Freedom, Independence and Democracy
— Saad Hariri (@HaririSaad) March 21, 2012— Saad Hariri (@HaririSaad) March 21, 2012
A Facebook page was created to mark the day called 'We Are Your Children, Martyr's Mother'.A Facebook page was created to mark the day called 'We Are Your Children, Martyr's Mother'.
11.29am: China has added its backing to Kofi Annan's proposals for ending the violence in Syria, according to state news agency Xinhuan.11.29am: China has added its backing to Kofi Annan's proposals for ending the violence in Syria, according to state news agency Xinhuan.
China supported Annan's efforts in promoting a political resolution to the Syrian crisis, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a routine press briefing in response to a question concerning France's proposal of drafting a presidential statement to put to the council members.China supported Annan's efforts in promoting a political resolution to the Syrian crisis, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a routine press briefing in response to a question concerning France's proposal of drafting a presidential statement to put to the council members.
A recent draft of the latest presidential statement, published by Inner City Press, sets out a Annan's six-point plan for ending the crisis.A recent draft of the latest presidential statement, published by Inner City Press, sets out a Annan's six-point plan for ending the crisis.
They are:They are:
1) commit to work with the joint special envoy in an inclusive Syrian-led political dialogue to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people.1) commit to work with the joint special envoy in an inclusive Syrian-led political dialogue to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people.
2) commit to stop the fighting and achieve urgently an effective United Nations supervised cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties to protect civilians, by immediately ceasing troop movements towards and ending the use of heavy weapons in, population centres, and beginning pullback of military concentrations in and around population centres. As these actions are being taken on the ground, the joint special envoy shall seek similar commitments from all other armed groups to cease violence, under an effective United Nations supervision mechanism.2) commit to stop the fighting and achieve urgently an effective United Nations supervised cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties to protect civilians, by immediately ceasing troop movements towards and ending the use of heavy weapons in, population centres, and beginning pullback of military concentrations in and around population centres. As these actions are being taken on the ground, the joint special envoy shall seek similar commitments from all other armed groups to cease violence, under an effective United Nations supervision mechanism.
3) ensure timely provision of humanitarian assistance to all areas affected by the fighting.3) ensure timely provision of humanitarian assistance to all areas affected by the fighting.
4) in close coordination with humanitarian organisations, intensify the pace and scale of release of arbitrarily detained persons, including especially vulnerable persons and those involved in peaceful protests, by providing without delay to humanitarian organisations a list of all locations in which such persons are being detained and immediately beginning to organise with humanitarian organisations access to such locations.4) in close coordination with humanitarian organisations, intensify the pace and scale of release of arbitrarily detained persons, including especially vulnerable persons and those involved in peaceful protests, by providing without delay to humanitarian organisations a list of all locations in which such persons are being detained and immediately beginning to organise with humanitarian organisations access to such locations.
5) ensure freedom of movement throughout the country for journalists.5) ensure freedom of movement throughout the country for journalists.
6) ensure freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully as legally guaranteed.6) ensure freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully as legally guaranteed.
10.45am: New video from the central Syrian city of Hama purports to show the city's al-Madiq fortress being shelled.10.45am: New video from the central Syrian city of Hama purports to show the city's al-Madiq fortress being shelled.
10.15am: An Islamist group has claimed responsibility for last weekend's suicide car bombings in central Damascus, AFP reports citing a statement by an Islamist group.10.15am: An Islamist group has claimed responsibility for last weekend's suicide car bombings in central Damascus, AFP reports citing a statement by an Islamist group.
Al-Nusra Front to Protect the Levant, in the statement on Islamist websites, said its militants carried out "a series of military operations... especially the air force security" buildings of the "criminal regime" in Damascus.Al-Nusra Front to Protect the Levant, in the statement on Islamist websites, said its militants carried out "a series of military operations... especially the air force security" buildings of the "criminal regime" in Damascus.
The attacks were "in response to the continued shelling by the regime of residential districts of Homs, Idlib, Hama and Daraa," it said, listing major centers of opposition across Syria.The attacks were "in response to the continued shelling by the regime of residential districts of Homs, Idlib, Hama and Daraa," it said, listing major centers of opposition across Syria.
"We will later respond to the crimes carried out by the regime" in the central city of Homs, it warned, demanding that the regime, led by Alawites, an offshoot of Shiite Islam, "stop its massacres of Sunnis.""We will later respond to the crimes carried out by the regime" in the central city of Homs, it warned, demanding that the regime, led by Alawites, an offshoot of Shiite Islam, "stop its massacres of Sunnis."
The bomb attacks killed at least 27 people.The bomb attacks killed at least 27 people.
10.10am: The Khaldiyeh neighbourhood of Homs has been under bombardment since dawn, according to Waleed Fares an activist in the area.10.10am: The Khaldiyeh neighbourhood of Homs has been under bombardment since dawn, according to Waleed Fares an activist in the area.
"There are some tanks around al-Khaldiyeh neighbourhood. I can hear very big bombing every five minutes," he told the Guardian."There are some tanks around al-Khaldiyeh neighbourhood. I can hear very big bombing every five minutes," he told the Guardian.
Speaking via Skype, Fares also reported hearing gunfire at checkpoints in the area.Speaking via Skype, Fares also reported hearing gunfire at checkpoints in the area.
The Free Syrian Army can't do anything against tanks, he said. But he claimed rebels troops were supplying the area with food and medicine.The Free Syrian Army can't do anything against tanks, he said. But he claimed rebels troops were supplying the area with food and medicine.
He said residents were afraid of "a miserable massacre" if the FSA flees the area. He claimed 15 people had been killed in a nearby neighbourhood today.He said residents were afraid of "a miserable massacre" if the FSA flees the area. He claimed 15 people had been killed in a nearby neighbourhood today.
Ten people, including two children, were killed in Khaldiyeh yesterday, Fares claimed. "Today we have two wounded, but we don't have any martyrs," he said. But he said some may have been killed in the shelling.Ten people, including two children, were killed in Khaldiyeh yesterday, Fares claimed. "Today we have two wounded, but we don't have any martyrs," he said. But he said some may have been killed in the shelling.
(Apologies for the background noise in the audio)(Apologies for the background noise in the audio)
9.31am: Activists in Homs claim the army is storming the district of Khaldiyeh, a former opposition in the north of the city.9.31am: Activists in Homs claim the army is storming the district of Khaldiyeh, a former opposition in the north of the city.
"The situation is really bad," said Sami, an activist from the Insha'at district, in the south-west of the city, who tweets under the name @Samsomhoms."The situation is really bad," said Sami, an activist from the Insha'at district, in the south-west of the city, who tweets under the name @Samsomhoms.
Speaking via Skype chat he said: "The regime is trying to invade Khalidiyeh district which is under Free Syrian Army control."Speaking via Skype chat he said: "The regime is trying to invade Khalidiyeh district which is under Free Syrian Army control."
Another activist tweets:Another activist tweets:
Khaldeyyi #Homs is on lock down, ppl left there are facing following:- die in rubble of their homes- sniped to death- possible incursionKhaldeyyi #Homs is on lock down, ppl left there are facing following:- die in rubble of their homes- sniped to death- possible incursion
— ♕The 47th♕ (@THE_47th) March 21, 2012— ♕The 47th♕ (@THE_47th) March 21, 2012
8.50am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is set to return to Damascus 'very soon' as the suburbs of the Syrian capital come heavy bombardment.8.50am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan is set to return to Damascus 'very soon' as the suburbs of the Syrian capital come heavy bombardment.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• In an effort to secure Russia's backing, western powers on the UN security council have diluted a draft statement backing Annan's drive to end violence that has brought the country to the brink of civil war, Reuters reports. The 15-nation panel held two rounds of negotiations on a Western-drafted statement that would express "full support" for Annan's peace efforts while threatening Damascus with "further steps" if it failed to comply with the council's demands "in a timely manner," council diplomats told Reuters.• In an effort to secure Russia's backing, western powers on the UN security council have diluted a draft statement backing Annan's drive to end violence that has brought the country to the brink of civil war, Reuters reports. The 15-nation panel held two rounds of negotiations on a Western-drafted statement that would express "full support" for Annan's peace efforts while threatening Damascus with "further steps" if it failed to comply with the council's demands "in a timely manner," council diplomats told Reuters.
• Two large suburbs of Damascus have come under heavy tank bombardment, according to opposition activists, following renewed Free Syrian Army attacks on forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. Artillery and anti-aircraft gun barrages hit the suburbs of Harasta and Irbin, retaken by Assad's forces from rebels two months ago, and army helicopters were heard flying over the area on the eastern edge of the capital, the sources said.• Two large suburbs of Damascus have come under heavy tank bombardment, according to opposition activists, following renewed Free Syrian Army attacks on forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. Artillery and anti-aircraft gun barrages hit the suburbs of Harasta and Irbin, retaken by Assad's forces from rebels two months ago, and army helicopters were heard flying over the area on the eastern edge of the capital, the sources said.
• Annan is set to return to Damascus according UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, Now Lebanon reports. "I expect him to return to Damascus very soon," Ban told a conference in Jakarta.• Annan is set to return to Damascus according UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, Now Lebanon reports. "I expect him to return to Damascus very soon," Ban told a conference in Jakarta.
• Annan's mission should be given a chance, argues Patrick Seale, in Foreign Affairs magazine.• Annan's mission should be given a chance, argues Patrick Seale, in Foreign Affairs magazine.
In both camps there are men who now realize that there can be no military solution to the crisis – either in Syria or in Iran. Indeed, Annan's Syrian venture is mirrored by the efforts of the EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, to open a dialogue with Iran. The peacemakers should be given a chance. But there are still plenty of hawks about – in the United States, in Israel, and in some European and Arab capitals – who dream of regime change in Tehran and Damascus, and will be content with nothing less.In both camps there are men who now realize that there can be no military solution to the crisis – either in Syria or in Iran. Indeed, Annan's Syrian venture is mirrored by the efforts of the EU foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, to open a dialogue with Iran. The peacemakers should be given a chance. But there are still plenty of hawks about – in the United States, in Israel, and in some European and Arab capitals – who dream of regime change in Tehran and Damascus, and will be content with nothing less.
• Assad's father-in-law, Dr Fawaz Akhras, is under pressure to step down as co-chairman of the British Syrian Society after the resignation of all its British board members over the brutal repression of protests. Sir Andrew Green, a former British ambassador to Syria and co-chairman of the society, admitted it had faced disarray over the past year, and that the leaked Assad emails – especially those showing Akhras advising Assad how to rebut evidence of civilians being tortured – were the last straw.• Assad's father-in-law, Dr Fawaz Akhras, is under pressure to step down as co-chairman of the British Syrian Society after the resignation of all its British board members over the brutal repression of protests. Sir Andrew Green, a former British ambassador to Syria and co-chairman of the society, admitted it had faced disarray over the past year, and that the leaked Assad emails – especially those showing Akhras advising Assad how to rebut evidence of civilians being tortured – were the last straw.
• The White House has expressed its disgust at emails leaked by the Guardian which show the Assads going on luxury internet shopping sprees during the crackdown. Spokesman Jay Carney confirmed the US is considering tightening sanctions against the regime. He said:• The White House has expressed its disgust at emails leaked by the Guardian which show the Assads going on luxury internet shopping sprees during the crackdown. Spokesman Jay Carney confirmed the US is considering tightening sanctions against the regime. He said:
With regards to those emails, I saw that it just – it's really sickening, if you think about it, that a man who is overseeing the slaughter of his own people is chortling about evading sanctions and getting an iTunes account. There may be no better image for the kind of heartless and brutal approach that he's taken to the demands of his own people for greater democracy and better treatment from their own government.With regards to those emails, I saw that it just – it's really sickening, if you think about it, that a man who is overseeing the slaughter of his own people is chortling about evading sanctions and getting an iTunes account. There may be no better image for the kind of heartless and brutal approach that he's taken to the demands of his own people for greater democracy and better treatment from their own government.
• Former al-Jazeera reporter Ali Hashem claims that Qatari executives at the channel censored a report showing that weapons being smuggled to Syrian rebels as early as last May. He told Real News:• Former al-Jazeera reporter Ali Hashem claims that Qatari executives at the channel censored a report showing that weapons being smuggled to Syrian rebels as early as last May. He told Real News:
If it was any other channel, this should be a breaking news, it should be a big story. But .... Al Jazeera they went back to, maybe, the owners, and then it was kind of—it's not allowed.If it was any other channel, this should be a breaking news, it should be a big story. But .... Al Jazeera they went back to, maybe, the owners, and then it was kind of—it's not allowed.
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• Mauritania has agreed to extradite Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi to Libya, according to Libya's deputy prime minister. "I have met the president of Mauritania and he agreed to the extradition of Senussi to Libya," Mustafa Abu Shagour wrote on Twitter.• Mauritania has agreed to extradite Muammar Gaddafi's former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi to Libya, according to Libya's deputy prime minister. "I have met the president of Mauritania and he agreed to the extradition of Senussi to Libya," Mustafa Abu Shagour wrote on Twitter.