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Syria crisis - live updates Syria crisis - live updates
(40 minutes later)
3.31pm: The international community could help stamp out human rights abuses by Syrian rebels if it fully backed the Free Syrian Army, according to a a leading member of the opposition Syrian National Council.
Writing in The New Republic Radwan Ziadeh (pictured) acknowledged that crimes against humanity were being committed by both sides.
He said abuses documented by Human Rights Watch serve "only to highlight the importance of international assistance to the FSA, in order to ensure that they comply with international human rights standards and war conventions."
Ziadeh also supported US senator John McCain call for airstrikes against Syria. "This is the type of leadership that history justly tends to reward," he said.
And he likened the Syrian government's assault on Homs to Serbia's bombardment of Sarajevo in the 1990s.
3.13pm: In his defection video Muhammed Abdullah Sheikh, secretary of Idlib branch of the Ba'ath party, urges more officials to back the uprising.
My colleague Mona Mahmood quotes him saying:
I declare that I am defecting from the [Ba'ath] party and joining the revolution. This regime does not have a future any more. Ba'athists do not have a history of cowardice except during the time of the Assads. Now they have to prove that they are genuine Syrians. They have bet on a criminal regime that has failed. Regrets will be useless afterwards.
Damn this regime for occupying towns and cities, killing civilians including women and children. It is a tragedy beyond any imagination. This regime is killing itself to try to show portray the revolution as violent. But that is a big lie, it is the revolution of the entire people against injustice and repression
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2.33pm: The head of the ruling Ba'ath party in the north west city of Idlib has announced his defection (via @ArabSpring).2.33pm: The head of the ruling Ba'ath party in the north west city of Idlib has announced his defection (via @ArabSpring).
The clip comes after a series of videos purporting to show military defections in Idlib province in the last 24 hours. The first shows a group of about 25 armed men, forming a new militia. Another showed a group of 11 soldiers defecting to the Free Syrian Army, in Khaan Shaiykhoun, Idlib.The clip comes after a series of videos purporting to show military defections in Idlib province in the last 24 hours. The first shows a group of about 25 armed men, forming a new militia. Another showed a group of 11 soldiers defecting to the Free Syrian Army, in Khaan Shaiykhoun, Idlib.
Yesterday scores of armed men, also from Idlib, announced they would fight the Assad regime.Yesterday scores of armed men, also from Idlib, announced they would fight the Assad regime.
1.46pm: Several tanks have been filmed manoeuvring in the central city of Hama today.1.46pm: Several tanks have been filmed manoeuvring in the central city of Hama today.
Footage from the Qal'at al-Madiq in Hama purported to show a residential area coming under bombardment.Footage from the Qal'at al-Madiq in Hama purported to show a residential area coming under bombardment.
The activist group, the Local Co-ordination Committee in Syria, claimed seven people were killed today in the city today. A further 33 people were killed elsewhere, it said, including 18 in Idlib.The activist group, the Local Co-ordination Committee in Syria, claimed seven people were killed today in the city today. A further 33 people were killed elsewhere, it said, including 18 in Idlib.
Activist told Reuters that shelling destroyed houses in the Arabaeen district of northeast Hama.Activist told Reuters that shelling destroyed houses in the Arabaeen district of northeast Hama.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told Reuters of heavy fighting in al-Qusayr, near the border with Lebanon. Three residents died in the fighting and four soldiers were killed when rebels ambushed their checkpoint, it said.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told Reuters of heavy fighting in al-Qusayr, near the border with Lebanon. Three residents died in the fighting and four soldiers were killed when rebels ambushed their checkpoint, it said.
Graphic video footage from al-Qusayr today showed the bodies of people purportedly killed in army shelling. The reports and footage come after Human Rights Watch documented indiscriminate shelling in al-Qusayr.Graphic video footage from al-Qusayr today showed the bodies of people purportedly killed in army shelling. The reports and footage come after Human Rights Watch documented indiscriminate shelling in al-Qusayr.
12.22pm: Turkey is reported to be pushing ahead with preparations to set up buffer zones in Syria, despite being warned off the idea by the US.12.22pm: Turkey is reported to be pushing ahead with preparations to set up buffer zones in Syria, despite being warned off the idea by the US.
The National said that 500 specialised soldiers had arrive in near the Syrian border to look at military options for the buffer zone and the handling of more refugees.The National said that 500 specialised soldiers had arrive in near the Syrian border to look at military options for the buffer zone and the handling of more refugees.
It reports:It reports:
Some residents said they had seen high-ranking officers of the Turkish military inspecting the border region. Others said newly-established no-go areas in some sections of the border were also linked to preparations for the buffer zone.Some residents said they had seen high-ranking officers of the Turkish military inspecting the border region. Others said newly-established no-go areas in some sections of the border were also linked to preparations for the buffer zone.
The observations are in line with Turkish media reports that Turkey's military, intelligence service and foreign ministry were drawing up plansThe observations are in line with Turkish media reports that Turkey's military, intelligence service and foreign ministry were drawing up plans
Writing for Now Lebanon, defence analyst Tony Badran claimed US secretary of state Hillary Clinton had "emphatically dismissed" the idea of buffer zones during a meeting last month with Turkey's foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
Writing for Now Lebanon, defence analyst Tony Badran claimed US secretary of state Hillary Clinton had "emphatically dismissed" the idea of buffer zones during a meeting last month with Turkey's foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
According to well-informed Turkish and US sources, during his meeting with Secretary Clinton, Davutoğlu put forward a set of measures, including, among others, creating a buffer zone and/or a humanitarian corridor, as well as organizing and equipping the Free Syrian Army (FSA). The secretary of state responded in no uncertain terms that the Obama administration had no interest in pursuing any of these options. In fact, according to one account, Clinton told her Turkish counterpart no less than three times, "We are not there."According to well-informed Turkish and US sources, during his meeting with Secretary Clinton, Davutoğlu put forward a set of measures, including, among others, creating a buffer zone and/or a humanitarian corridor, as well as organizing and equipping the Free Syrian Army (FSA). The secretary of state responded in no uncertain terms that the Obama administration had no interest in pursuing any of these options. In fact, according to one account, Clinton told her Turkish counterpart no less than three times, "We are not there."
11.50am: A group of Syrian bloggers and activists has accused Human Rights Watch of tainting the Syrian opposition by highlighting rights abuses by armed rebels.11.50am: A group of Syrian bloggers and activists has accused Human Rights Watch of tainting the Syrian opposition by highlighting rights abuses by armed rebels.
Earlier this week Human Rights Watch documented abuses, including kidnap, torture and executions, by some elements of the opposition. It challenged opposition groups to condemn and forbid such actions.Earlier this week Human Rights Watch documented abuses, including kidnap, torture and executions, by some elements of the opposition. It challenged opposition groups to condemn and forbid such actions.
In a post for the opposition site al-Ayyam, activists praised Human Rights Watch for highlighting the issue, but suggested its reports presented a propaganda gift to the Syrian government.In a post for the opposition site al-Ayyam, activists praised Human Rights Watch for highlighting the issue, but suggested its reports presented a propaganda gift to the Syrian government.
On Tuesday Syria's state news agency seized on the Human Rights Watch, after ignoring all its previous reports documenting abuses by the Syrian government.On Tuesday Syria's state news agency seized on the Human Rights Watch, after ignoring all its previous reports documenting abuses by the Syrian government.
Fars News, the semi official news agency of Syria's ally Iran, has also highlighted HRW's criticism.Fars News, the semi official news agency of Syria's ally Iran, has also highlighted HRW's criticism.
Ayyam's response to Human Rights Watch said:Ayyam's response to Human Rights Watch said:
We believe that the violations outlined by this report do not, and cannot, represent the entire opposition movement. We reject any implication that taints the entire opposition with these actions. This report has already been put to political use by mouthpieces and propagandists of the Syrian regime in order to bolster the notion that there are two equal sides to this crisis and that violence is more or less equal. This proposition is a gross exaggeration and utterly untrue. Criminal actions by armed opposition members, while appalling, are minuscule compared to the systematic criminal repression of the regime ...We believe that the violations outlined by this report do not, and cannot, represent the entire opposition movement. We reject any implication that taints the entire opposition with these actions. This report has already been put to political use by mouthpieces and propagandists of the Syrian regime in order to bolster the notion that there are two equal sides to this crisis and that violence is more or less equal. This proposition is a gross exaggeration and utterly untrue. Criminal actions by armed opposition members, while appalling, are minuscule compared to the systematic criminal repression of the regime ...
While we appreciate Human Rights Watch's efforts to shed light on the current Syrian crisis and we also condemn any and all violations of human rights that are happening in Syria, we strongly oppose tainting the Syrian opposition as a whole with these violations. We also strongly oppose an attempt to equalise the atrocities between the regime and the opposition.While we appreciate Human Rights Watch's efforts to shed light on the current Syrian crisis and we also condemn any and all violations of human rights that are happening in Syria, we strongly oppose tainting the Syrian opposition as a whole with these violations. We also strongly oppose an attempt to equalise the atrocities between the regime and the opposition.
11.18am: The Syrian government has suggested it will ignore the UN statement calling for a ceasefire until the opposition stops resisting government troops.11.18am: The Syrian government has suggested it will ignore the UN statement calling for a ceasefire until the opposition stops resisting government troops.
The state news agency Sana noted that Russia' foreign ministry had pointed out that the statement included no ultimatum or threat against Syria to act unilaterally.The state news agency Sana noted that Russia' foreign ministry had pointed out that the statement included no ultimatum or threat against Syria to act unilaterally.
In a strangely translated passage it quotes Lavrov as saying: "In light of the fact that there are armed sides that are fighting the government, it is not probable to rely on the UNSC to ask the governmental forces to withdraw from the main cities without taking similar steps by the opposition."In a strangely translated passage it quotes Lavrov as saying: "In light of the fact that there are armed sides that are fighting the government, it is not probable to rely on the UNSC to ask the governmental forces to withdraw from the main cities without taking similar steps by the opposition."
You can see the full text of the UN statement, including Kofi Annan's six point plan, here.You can see the full text of the UN statement, including Kofi Annan's six point plan, here.
UN watchers claim that Russia's support for Syria is wobbling.UN watchers claim that Russia's support for Syria is wobbling.
Mark Leon Goldberg, of UN Dispatch, writes:Mark Leon Goldberg, of UN Dispatch, writes:
Russia's support for this presidential statement indicates that they are not doubling down on Assad. In fact, they are willing to countenance a post-Assad Syria ...Russia's support for this presidential statement indicates that they are not doubling down on Assad. In fact, they are willing to countenance a post-Assad Syria ...
If Syria blatantly violates these very explicit wishes of the Council the next logical step is to threaten the regime with sanctions or an ICC referral. That requires a Security Council resolution. We are not at this stage yet, but Russia may loosen its objections to punitive measures against Assad if the instructions set forth in this Presidential Statement are ignored.If Syria blatantly violates these very explicit wishes of the Council the next logical step is to threaten the regime with sanctions or an ICC referral. That requires a Security Council resolution. We are not at this stage yet, but Russia may loosen its objections to punitive measures against Assad if the instructions set forth in this Presidential Statement are ignored.
11.10am: A leading member of the opposition Syrian National Council has dismissed the UN statement on Syria, claiming it merely gives the regime more time to kill civilians.11.10am: A leading member of the opposition Syrian National Council has dismissed the UN statement on Syria, claiming it merely gives the regime more time to kill civilians.
Speaking to AFP, Samir Nashar, a member of group's executive committee, said:Speaking to AFP, Samir Nashar, a member of group's executive committee, said:
Such statements, issued amid continued killings, offer the regime the opportunity to push ahead with its repression in order to crush the revolt by the Syrian people.Such statements, issued amid continued killings, offer the regime the opportunity to push ahead with its repression in order to crush the revolt by the Syrian people.
10.38am: Syrian tanks shelled a large neighbourhood in the city of Hama today following clashes between Free Syrian Army rebels and government forces, Reuters reports citing activists.10.38am: Syrian tanks shelled a large neighbourhood in the city of Hama today following clashes between Free Syrian Army rebels and government forces, Reuters reports citing activists.
The shelling destroyed houses and left an unknown number of casualties in the Arbaeen neighborhood in the northeast of the city. Opposition sources added that at least 13 people have been killed in an army bombardment on the city and its countryside in the last two days.The shelling destroyed houses and left an unknown number of casualties in the Arbaeen neighborhood in the northeast of the city. Opposition sources added that at least 13 people have been killed in an army bombardment on the city and its countryside in the last two days.
Video from activists purports to show member of the FSA gathering in Hama before the latest clashes.Video from activists purports to show member of the FSA gathering in Hama before the latest clashes.
10.17am: The opposition Syrian National Council says it is drawing up a code of conduct to try to prevent human rights abuses by rebel groups, the Wall Street Journal reports.10.17am: The opposition Syrian National Council says it is drawing up a code of conduct to try to prevent human rights abuses by rebel groups, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Human Rights Watch challenge the SNC to condemn and forbid abuses after it documented evidence of kidnap, torture and executions by some rebel elements.Human Rights Watch challenge the SNC to condemn and forbid abuses after it documented evidence of kidnap, torture and executions by some rebel elements.
The Wall Street Journal quotes a statement from SNC spokeswoman Bassma Kodmani as saying: "The Syrian National Council deplores the reported incidents of human rights violations by armed opposition groups in Syria.The Wall Street Journal quotes a statement from SNC spokeswoman Bassma Kodmani as saying: "The Syrian National Council deplores the reported incidents of human rights violations by armed opposition groups in Syria.
The statement added that the council was working to "build coordination between the various groups on the ground in Syria to ensure that human rights abuse does not occur in the fight for freedom."The statement added that the council was working to "build coordination between the various groups on the ground in Syria to ensure that human rights abuse does not occur in the fight for freedom."
Dissident blogger, Ammar Abdulhamid, is a staunch critic of the SNC, but he agreed that abuses should be stamped out. In his latest post he wrote:Dissident blogger, Ammar Abdulhamid, is a staunch critic of the SNC, but he agreed that abuses should be stamped out. In his latest post he wrote:
Although the number of reported incidents of abuse on part of the rebels pales in comparison with what regime security officials and pro-Assad death squads are doing, the situation does call for serious remedy if we are to preserve the integrity and credibility of the resistance movement.Although the number of reported incidents of abuse on part of the rebels pales in comparison with what regime security officials and pro-Assad death squads are doing, the situation does call for serious remedy if we are to preserve the integrity and credibility of the resistance movement.
10.00am: The leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria has dismissed Kofi Annan's peace mission as "insignificant" and backed calls for the rebels to be armed.10.00am: The leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria has dismissed Kofi Annan's peace mission as "insignificant" and backed calls for the rebels to be armed.
In an interview with the pan-Arab magazine Majalla, Mohammed Riad Al- Shaqfa, criticised feeble international statements on Syria.In an interview with the pan-Arab magazine Majalla, Mohammed Riad Al- Shaqfa, criticised feeble international statements on Syria.
Speaking before yesterday's UN statement, he called for humanitarian corridors to be established in Syria.Speaking before yesterday's UN statement, he called for humanitarian corridors to be established in Syria.
The international community's stance is still weak and is not yet equal to the sacrifices of the Syrian people. We do not hear anything except statements; in reality nothing happens. We believe that safe corridors and safe areas are now an urgent necessity in order to protect the Syrian people.The international community's stance is still weak and is not yet equal to the sacrifices of the Syrian people. We do not hear anything except statements; in reality nothing happens. We believe that safe corridors and safe areas are now an urgent necessity in order to protect the Syrian people.
Shaqfa said diplomacy was futile because the Syrian government only understands the language of force. He expressed backing for the Free Syrian Army and welcomed Saudi Arabia and Qatar's calls for help in arming in the rebels.Shaqfa said diplomacy was futile because the Syrian government only understands the language of force. He expressed backing for the Free Syrian Army and welcomed Saudi Arabia and Qatar's calls for help in arming in the rebels.
He said:He said:
People in Saudi Arabia and Qatar have properly assessed the situation: that the Syrian regime doesn't understand any concept but force and it should be faced by force. The Syrian people have the right to acquire weapons to defend themselves. The Syrian people appreciate their support.People in Saudi Arabia and Qatar have properly assessed the situation: that the Syrian regime doesn't understand any concept but force and it should be faced by force. The Syrian people have the right to acquire weapons to defend themselves. The Syrian people appreciate their support.
9.18am: Footage from activists suggests that opposition forces continue to resist government troops.9.18am: Footage from activists suggests that opposition forces continue to resist government troops.
This footage purports to shows street-to-street fighting in the Deir Ba'albeh district of north east Homs.This footage purports to shows street-to-street fighting in the Deir Ba'albeh district of north east Homs.
Another clip from the nearby al-Khadiyeh district shows a tank being blown up.Another clip from the nearby al-Khadiyeh district shows a tank being blown up.
8.44am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. Fighting in Syria continues in defiance of a UN statement calling for ceasefire.8.44am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live. Fighting in Syria continues in defiance of a UN statement calling for ceasefire.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon says a ceasefire must happen soon in Syria so that humanitarian aid can be dispatched. He said:• UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon says a ceasefire must happen soon in Syria so that humanitarian aid can be dispatched. He said:
In clear and unmistakable terms, the Security Council called for an immediate end to all violence and human rights violations. It demanded secure humanitarian access and a comprehensive political dialogue between the government and the whole spectrum of the Syrian opposition.In clear and unmistakable terms, the Security Council called for an immediate end to all violence and human rights violations. It demanded secure humanitarian access and a comprehensive political dialogue between the government and the whole spectrum of the Syrian opposition.
• The UN security council, including Russia and China, has thrown its weight behind efforts by Kofi Annan to end the bloody conflict in Syria. Although the original statement was diluted at Russia's demand, editing out any specific ultimatums, the fact that all major powers signed up to the proposal represented a major blow to President Bashar al-Assad as he battles a popular uprising.• The UN security council, including Russia and China, has thrown its weight behind efforts by Kofi Annan to end the bloody conflict in Syria. Although the original statement was diluted at Russia's demand, editing out any specific ultimatums, the fact that all major powers signed up to the proposal represented a major blow to President Bashar al-Assad as he battles a popular uprising.
• Annan's peace plan poses an even greater dilemma for the Syrian opposition, writes Tony Karon for Time magazine.• Annan's peace plan poses an even greater dilemma for the Syrian opposition, writes Tony Karon for Time magazine.
Pressing on with an armed rebellion would likely require a protracted Iraq-style insurgency with uncertain results. To be sure, the rebellion is on a stronger footing if matters are settled politically than it if they're to be settled by force of arms — that may be why the Assad regime unleashed such ruthless repression against peaceful protests at the onset of the rebellion to provoke it onto terrain more favourable to those in power.Pressing on with an armed rebellion would likely require a protracted Iraq-style insurgency with uncertain results. To be sure, the rebellion is on a stronger footing if matters are settled politically than it if they're to be settled by force of arms — that may be why the Assad regime unleashed such ruthless repression against peaceful protests at the onset of the rebellion to provoke it onto terrain more favourable to those in power.
• Human Rights Watch has documented serious abuses by Syrian security s in their military campaign on al-Qusayr, near the Lebanese border. Witnesses describe heavy shelling of residential neighbourhoods, snipers shooting residents on the streets, and attacks on fleeing residents.• Human Rights Watch has documented serious abuses by Syrian security s in their military campaign on al-Qusayr, near the Lebanese border. Witnesses describe heavy shelling of residential neighbourhoods, snipers shooting residents on the streets, and attacks on fleeing residents.
• Staff from UN agencies are taking part in a government-led assessment of Syrian areas affected by unrest. The agencies include the World Food Programme, the UN Children's Fund , and the World Health Organisation, as well as from the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are accompanying the mission, which intends to visit the governorates of Homs, Hama, Tartous, Lattakia, Aleppo, Deir Ezzor rural Damascus and Dera'a. But has not specified which cities would be visited within those governorates, meaning there is no guarantee that the aid workers will be able to access the most devastated areas.• Staff from UN agencies are taking part in a government-led assessment of Syrian areas affected by unrest. The agencies include the World Food Programme, the UN Children's Fund , and the World Health Organisation, as well as from the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are accompanying the mission, which intends to visit the governorates of Homs, Hama, Tartous, Lattakia, Aleppo, Deir Ezzor rural Damascus and Dera'a. But has not specified which cities would be visited within those governorates, meaning there is no guarantee that the aid workers will be able to access the most devastated areas.
• Bashar al-Assad's London tutor, Professor John Hardy, has criticised western hypocrisy over Syria. In a letter to the Guardian, Hardy, a professor of neuroscience at University College London, said he did not want to defend the killing of innocents. But he asked: What is the difference between Bahrain and Syria, except that we want oil and the military base in the former and the latter has nothing we really want?• Bashar al-Assad's London tutor, Professor John Hardy, has criticised western hypocrisy over Syria. In a letter to the Guardian, Hardy, a professor of neuroscience at University College London, said he did not want to defend the killing of innocents. But he asked: What is the difference between Bahrain and Syria, except that we want oil and the military base in the former and the latter has nothing we really want?
Israel and the Palestinian territoriesIsrael and the Palestinian territories
• Jewish settlers in the West Bank are conducting a systematic and expanding campaign of violence against Palestinian families while Israeli authorities turn a blind eye, according to confidential reports from senior European Union officials. In two reports to Brussels from EU heads of mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah, obtained by the Guardian, the officials found that settler violence against Palestinians has more than tripled in three years to total hundreds of incidents.• Jewish settlers in the West Bank are conducting a systematic and expanding campaign of violence against Palestinian families while Israeli authorities turn a blind eye, according to confidential reports from senior European Union officials. In two reports to Brussels from EU heads of mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah, obtained by the Guardian, the officials found that settler violence against Palestinians has more than tripled in three years to total hundreds of incidents.
LibyaLibya
• Libya claims to have got agreement from Mauritania to hand over the former Gaddafi intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, but the lack of any timetable led to speculation of a delaying tactic in the face of competing bids to extradite him. A National Transitional Council spokesman said: "We have agreement from Mauritania to deliver Senussi to Libya where he will receive a fair trial. No date has been decided, but it will be very soon."• Libya claims to have got agreement from Mauritania to hand over the former Gaddafi intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, but the lack of any timetable led to speculation of a delaying tactic in the face of competing bids to extradite him. A National Transitional Council spokesman said: "We have agreement from Mauritania to deliver Senussi to Libya where he will receive a fair trial. No date has been decided, but it will be very soon."
EgyptEgypt
• The Muslim Brotherhood is debating whether to field its own candidate in Egypt's upcoming presidential contest, after failing to persuade several outside figures to run with the group's backing, the New York Times reports. The Brotherhood had previously said it would not nominate a candidate for president, for fear of scaring voters who are wary that it would dominate the political scene or provoke a response by the country's military rulers.• The Muslim Brotherhood is debating whether to field its own candidate in Egypt's upcoming presidential contest, after failing to persuade several outside figures to run with the group's backing, the New York Times reports. The Brotherhood had previously said it would not nominate a candidate for president, for fear of scaring voters who are wary that it would dominate the political scene or provoke a response by the country's military rulers.