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Syria crisis - UN peacekeeping team heading for Damascus - live updates Syria crisis - UN peacekeeping team heading for Damascus - live updates
(about 1 hour later)
1.36pm:
Syria
• A United Nations team, lead by a veteran Norwegian peace keeper, is heading to Damascus to discuss deploying unarmed peacekeepers. The mission head by Major General Robert Mood is expected to arrive today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, the security council is considering "further steps" if president Bashar al-Assad fails to respect a 10 April for implementing Kofi Annan's plan, according to a new draft statement.
• Fresh reports of Syrian army raids in Hama, Homs and Idlib have undermined claim by a government official that Syrian troops have began pulling out from some cities ahead of the deadline. One activist group, the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria said 11 people had been killed today. Another, the Syrian Revolutionary Co-ordinators Union, said 22 had died. The US said it has seen no evidence that Syria is and "mechanised units" from cities.
• The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Jakob Kellenberger, is due to accompany a Red Cross/Red Crescent humanitarian mission to the southern region of Dera'a today. Syria's foreign minister claimed the government was co-operating with the Red Cross.
• Even if the Syrian opposition was "armed to the teeth" it still wouldn't defeat the Assad regime, Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed. He accused the Friend of Syria group of undermining Annan's peace initiative.
Bahrain
• The authorities have been harassing the family of citizen journalist Ahmed Ismael Hassan who died on Saturday after being shot while filming a demonstration. According to EA WorldView's correspondent in Bahrain, the interior ministry is pressing his family to sign a death certificate which gives the cause of death as a deep cut.
1.22pm: Morocco: A 19-year-old student, Mehdi Moujahid, faces prosecution after waving a banner saying "Long live the people!" at a handball match between Morocco and Tunisia, the French website Rue 89 reports.
The slogan is used by Morocco's "20 February" (M20) protest movement to which Mehdi belongs. He is also connected with the Rabat Askary Ultras – a group of football fans involved in protests.
Rue 89 quotes Mehdi Bouchoua, one of the M20 militants: "What is bizarre is that this expression ["Long live the people!"] casts no aspersions on the state or the person of the king ... This arrest is arbitrary and without any basis."
1.08pm: The activist group the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria claims 11 people have been killed in Syria today.
It claims five people were killed after the shelling of an area of Homs called Rabee Araby. A sixth was killed in the Zaafaraneh area of Homs.
Three civilians were also killed in the town of Maarat al-Nouman in Idlib, when soldiers fired at a car, it said.
The reports cannot be independently verified.
The state news agency Sana said the funeral took place today for 16 members of the police and armed forces. They included a Colonel from Tartous.
12.52pm: Maysaloon, a British-based Syrian blogger defends the independence flag used by anti-government activists.
Some Assad supporters have claimed it is a "French mandate" flag, but this is "patently untrue" his post argues:
This independence flag was made the national flag of all of Syria, including Syria's coastal mountains and what might have become an Alawite Syrian state under the French ...
Everything about this flag, the background of the movement that made it a symbol for Syria, and the figures that fought for it to become so, is steeped in principles rooted in a hope for a better country that is free and good for all its people. Should the Syrian people decide one day to once again make this flag Syria's official flag, then it is not because the current flag is any less legitimate, but because the independence flag represents that hope. To describe it flippantly as a "colonial" flag is an insult.
12.11pm: Bahrain: A young Bahraini man has been sentenced to a month in jail for wearing a wig and mascara in the street, according to gulfnews.com. He was charged with "indecent behaviour and encouraging debauchery". The report continues:12.11pm: Bahrain: A young Bahraini man has been sentenced to a month in jail for wearing a wig and mascara in the street, according to gulfnews.com. He was charged with "indecent behaviour and encouraging debauchery". The report continues:
Lawmakers, wary of the growing number of homosexuals in the country, have been pushing for a crackdown, including the adoption of tougher immigration measures and prompt deportations for foreigners.Lawmakers, wary of the growing number of homosexuals in the country, have been pushing for a crackdown, including the adoption of tougher immigration measures and prompt deportations for foreigners.
11.56am: Even if the Syrian opposition was "armed to the teeth" it still wouldn't defeat the Assad regime, Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed, according to the BBC..11.56am: Even if the Syrian opposition was "armed to the teeth" it still wouldn't defeat the Assad regime, Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed, according to the BBC..
It quoted him saying:It quoted him saying:
Everyone has supported Kofi Annan's plan, but decisions at the Friends of Syria group meeting aimed at arming the opposition and at new sanctions undermine peace efforts.Everyone has supported Kofi Annan's plan, but decisions at the Friends of Syria group meeting aimed at arming the opposition and at new sanctions undermine peace efforts.
If the opposition is armed to the teeth, it will not defeat the Syrian army. Instead, there will be slaughter for many, many years - mutual destruction.If the opposition is armed to the teeth, it will not defeat the Syrian army. Instead, there will be slaughter for many, many years - mutual destruction.
11.35am: Syrian rebels are trying to encourage their former colleagues to defect via walkie-talkies, according to Reuters.11.35am: Syrian rebels are trying to encourage their former colleagues to defect via walkie-talkies, according to Reuters.
It has seen clips purporting to show Free Syrian Army fighters pleading with members of the regular army on their army radios.It has seen clips purporting to show Free Syrian Army fighters pleading with members of the regular army on their army radios.
"If you want to be a good person, you will defect from that army. You should come over here and serve your people. Don't insult your dignity like this. I saw Assad's oppression, I saw grief and injustice with you guys," says a rebel voice."If you want to be a good person, you will defect from that army. You should come over here and serve your people. Don't insult your dignity like this. I saw Assad's oppression, I saw grief and injustice with you guys," says a rebel voice.
The crackly appeal is on a YouTube video showing scruffy fighters of the Free Syrian Army who have just taken cover in an alleyway in the central city of Homs. They are hovering around a commander fiddling with the tuner knob of a walkie-talkie.The crackly appeal is on a YouTube video showing scruffy fighters of the Free Syrian Army who have just taken cover in an alleyway in the central city of Homs. They are hovering around a commander fiddling with the tuner knob of a walkie-talkie.
Unfortunately the article doesn't link to the clips mentioned.Unfortunately the article doesn't link to the clips mentioned.
11.29am: Bahrain: Alistair Burt, the British foreign office minister responsible for the Middle East, has been having discussions with Bahraini minister Sheikh Ahmed bin Atiyatallah Al Khalifa. Following the meeting, this statement from Burt encouraging "further reform" was posted on the foreign office website:11.29am: Bahrain: Alistair Burt, the British foreign office minister responsible for the Middle East, has been having discussions with Bahraini minister Sheikh Ahmed bin Atiyatallah Al Khalifa. Following the meeting, this statement from Burt encouraging "further reform" was posted on the foreign office website:
We have consistently encouraged the government of Bahrain to implement in full the recommendations from last year's Independent Commission of Inquiry. We hope that the steps taken so far by the Bahraini government will provide the basis for further reform and will help prevent future abuses from being committed.We have consistently encouraged the government of Bahrain to implement in full the recommendations from last year's Independent Commission of Inquiry. We hope that the steps taken so far by the Bahraini government will provide the basis for further reform and will help prevent future abuses from being committed.
Reports of ongoing violence and street protests in Bahrain make clear this is long-term process and more needs to be done. The Bahraini government should continue to make progress on a political dialogue that is inclusive, constructive and realistic, but I also encourage all other parties to take the necessary steps to achieve this as a matter of urgency.Reports of ongoing violence and street protests in Bahrain make clear this is long-term process and more needs to be done. The Bahraini government should continue to make progress on a political dialogue that is inclusive, constructive and realistic, but I also encourage all other parties to take the necessary steps to achieve this as a matter of urgency.
We are ready and willing to provide assistance to Bahrain to help them implement these reforms.We are ready and willing to provide assistance to Bahrain to help them implement these reforms.
"More needs to be done" is about as far as the British government goes in its criticism of Bahrain's repressive regime. It's interesting to compare this with Burt's statement last month about "horrific human rights violations and abuses in Syria":"More needs to be done" is about as far as the British government goes in its criticism of Bahrain's repressive regime. It's interesting to compare this with Burt's statement last month about "horrific human rights violations and abuses in Syria":
The United Kingdom is clear that there should be no impunity for those who commit atrocities. Ultimately the Syrian people must decide how to address the issues of justice and reconciliation, but the UN and the international community have an important role to play in ensuring that information is systematically collected and securely stored. We will continue to work with partners to ensure that this happens.The United Kingdom is clear that there should be no impunity for those who commit atrocities. Ultimately the Syrian people must decide how to address the issues of justice and reconciliation, but the UN and the international community have an important role to play in ensuring that information is systematically collected and securely stored. We will continue to work with partners to ensure that this happens.
Those who continue to support Assad's repression should be in no doubt that the world is watching and that they should step back from this before it is too late.Those who continue to support Assad's repression should be in no doubt that the world is watching and that they should step back from this before it is too late.
11.18am: A Norwegian major general and veteran Middle East peacekeeper has been chosen to lead the UN team heading to Damascus, according to Views and News from Norway.11.18am: A Norwegian major general and veteran Middle East peacekeeper has been chosen to lead the UN team heading to Damascus, according to Views and News from Norway.
Major General Robert Mood of Norway has been selected to lead the United Nations' support team for UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan in Syria. His duties will include preparations for a UN observation force in Syria that's currently under evaluation by the UN Security Council.Major General Robert Mood of Norway has been selected to lead the United Nations' support team for UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan in Syria. His duties will include preparations for a UN observation force in Syria that's currently under evaluation by the UN Security Council.
Mood, who's originally from Kragerø on Norway's southern coast, will lead a team of military experts that's expected to soon travel to Damascus for talks with both sides in the violent conflict between the Syrian regime and opposition forces. The team will evaluate the situation on the ground and the prospects for deploying an unarmed force of international observers.Mood, who's originally from Kragerø on Norway's southern coast, will lead a team of military experts that's expected to soon travel to Damascus for talks with both sides in the violent conflict between the Syrian regime and opposition forces. The team will evaluate the situation on the ground and the prospects for deploying an unarmed force of international observers.
Until last year Mood was was chief of the UN's observer mission in the Middle East, it says.Until last year Mood was was chief of the UN's observer mission in the Middle East, it says.
10.54am: Bahrain: Rather than addressing people's demands and opening a meaningful dialogue, Bahrain's government has been seeking to discredit the opposition, according to Ali Alaswad, an activist and former member of the Bahraini parliament.10.54am: Bahrain: Rather than addressing people's demands and opening a meaningful dialogue, Bahrain's government has been seeking to discredit the opposition, according to Ali Alaswad, an activist and former member of the Bahraini parliament.
In an article for Comment is free, he explains the opposition's goals:In an article for Comment is free, he explains the opposition's goals:
Al-Wefaq is the largest political party in Bahrain and indeed one of the most successful groupings across the Gulf region. Our demands do not extend beyond a genuinely democratic constitutional monarchy. We can envisage a place for the monarchy in the future of Bahrain, but we can no longer accept a future for dictatorship.Al-Wefaq is the largest political party in Bahrain and indeed one of the most successful groupings across the Gulf region. Our demands do not extend beyond a genuinely democratic constitutional monarchy. We can envisage a place for the monarchy in the future of Bahrain, but we can no longer accept a future for dictatorship.
We call for a democratically elected government, a fully representative parliament with full authority, separation of powers and equality for all under the law. It's dictatorship we want to dismantle, not the state ...We call for a democratically elected government, a fully representative parliament with full authority, separation of powers and equality for all under the law. It's dictatorship we want to dismantle, not the state ...
Unequivocally and in no uncertain terms, we reject all foreign interference in Bahrain, whether from Iran or Saudi Arabia (which one year ago sent troops into our country to help crush our dreams of freedom). Our demands are national and we model our future society on the democracies of Westminster, Washington and other liberal modern states.Unequivocally and in no uncertain terms, we reject all foreign interference in Bahrain, whether from Iran or Saudi Arabia (which one year ago sent troops into our country to help crush our dreams of freedom). Our demands are national and we model our future society on the democracies of Westminster, Washington and other liberal modern states.
10.45am:Mauritania: Protests were reported in nine areas of the capital yesterday, calling for the resignation of President Ould Abdel Aziz who seized power through a military coup in 2008.10.45am:Mauritania: Protests were reported in nine areas of the capital yesterday, calling for the resignation of President Ould Abdel Aziz who seized power through a military coup in 2008.
@seydisy Sorry for the late! #AzizDegage #Mauritania twitter.com/ismael_abdoul/…@seydisy Sorry for the late! #AzizDegage #Mauritania twitter.com/ismael_abdoul/…
— Ismaël Abdoul (@ismael_abdoul) April 4, 2012— Ismaël Abdoul (@ismael_abdoul) April 4, 2012
There are more pictures on Ahmed Jedou's blog (in Arabic).There are more pictures on Ahmed Jedou's blog (in Arabic).
The BBC also has a report of the protests which have been building up over several months but generally they have attracted little attention.The BBC also has a report of the protests which have been building up over several months but generally they have attracted little attention.
Two bloggers who take an interest in the area, Nasser Weddady and "Kal" of the Moor Next Door blog, explain some of the background. In local terms, Weddady says, the protests are unprecedented.Two bloggers who take an interest in the area, Nasser Weddady and "Kal" of the Moor Next Door blog, explain some of the background. In local terms, Weddady says, the protests are unprecedented.
Mauritania is a member of the Arab League. Its official language is Arabic and the official religion is Islam, though most of the population are not of Arab origin.Mauritania is a member of the Arab League. Its official language is Arabic and the official religion is Islam, though most of the population are not of Arab origin.
10.35am: The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Jakob Kellenberger, is due to accompany a Red Cross/Red Crescent humanitarian mission to the southern region of Dera'a today.10.35am: The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Jakob Kellenberger, is due to accompany a Red Cross/Red Crescent humanitarian mission to the southern region of Dera'a today.
Yesterday Kellenberger held talks with senior official in Damascus where he lobbied for better humanitarian access and a two-hour daily pause in the fighting.Yesterday Kellenberger held talks with senior official in Damascus where he lobbied for better humanitarian access and a two-hour daily pause in the fighting.
The ICRC said it would give a full account of Kellengber's meeting when his trip ends.The ICRC said it would give a full account of Kellengber's meeting when his trip ends.
In the meantime, Syria's foreign minister Walid al-Moualem, who met Kellenger yesterday, said Syria would "continue to provide all that is needed to ensure the success of the ICRC's work and humanitarian mission in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent", according to an account by the state news agency Sana.In the meantime, Syria's foreign minister Walid al-Moualem, who met Kellenger yesterday, said Syria would "continue to provide all that is needed to ensure the success of the ICRC's work and humanitarian mission in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent", according to an account by the state news agency Sana.
10.23am: Today Homs has seen the worst bombardment so far this month, according to activist Waleed Fares who lives in the northern neighbourhood of Khaldiyeh.10.23am: Today Homs has seen the worst bombardment so far this month, according to activist Waleed Fares who lives in the northern neighbourhood of Khaldiyeh.
Speaking on a poor Skype connection he said the area was being attacked by tanks and mortar shells. He also confirmed that residential areas in neighbouring district of Quosoor had been targeted.Speaking on a poor Skype connection he said the area was being attacked by tanks and mortar shells. He also confirmed that residential areas in neighbouring district of Quosoor had been targeted.
Video footage from activists showed smoke and flames billowing from a residential block purportedly hit in today's raid.Video footage from activists showed smoke and flames billowing from a residential block purportedly hit in today's raid.
9.55am: Activists in the central Syria city of Hama claim the army has been raiding the city since dawn.9.55am: Activists in the central Syria city of Hama claim the army has been raiding the city since dawn.
Speaking on Skype chat one contact, who calls himself Abo Ghazi, said: "Assad gangs stormed the city with tanks and anti aircraft guns since the morning. There is a campaign of arrests of young men in the neighbourhoods Hamidiya, al Faryah and Baraziah."Speaking on Skype chat one contact, who calls himself Abo Ghazi, said: "Assad gangs stormed the city with tanks and anti aircraft guns since the morning. There is a campaign of arrests of young men in the neighbourhoods Hamidiya, al Faryah and Baraziah."
On Twitter activist ArabSpringFF wrote:On Twitter activist ArabSpringFF wrote:
Raids are beginning on the outskirts of Hama and will move towards the center. There's snipers in several places. #Syria must go nowRaids are beginning on the outskirts of Hama and will move towards the center. There's snipers in several places. #Syria must go now
— Free Syrian (@ArabSpringFF) April 4, 2012— Free Syrian (@ArabSpringFF) April 4, 2012
I have a bad feeling about what's happening now. It's a massive military campaign planned on Hama, but it's been preparing for hours.I have a bad feeling about what's happening now. It's a massive military campaign planned on Hama, but it's been preparing for hours.
— Free Syrian (@ArabSpringFF) April 4, 2012— Free Syrian (@ArabSpringFF) April 4, 2012
Video from activists purports to show an anti aircraft gun being manoeuvred around Hama today.Video from activists purports to show an anti aircraft gun being manoeuvred around Hama today.
9.41am: Bahrain: The authorities have been harassing the family of citizen journalist Ahmed Ismael Hassan who died on Saturday after being shot while filming a demonstration, EA WorldView reports.9.41am: Bahrain: The authorities have been harassing the family of citizen journalist Ahmed Ismael Hassan who died on Saturday after being shot while filming a demonstration, EA WorldView reports.
Men in a civilian vehicle – alleged to be pro-regime vigilantes – opened fire, hitting Ahmed in the leg and severing an artery. He died later in hospital.Men in a civilian vehicle – alleged to be pro-regime vigilantes – opened fire, hitting Ahmed in the leg and severing an artery. He died later in hospital.
According to EA WorldView's correspondent in Bahrain, the interior ministry is pressing his family to sign a death certificate which gives the cause of death as a deep cut. The family are refusing to sign unless it clearly states that he died from a gunshot wound. As a result, the ministry is refusing to release his body for burial.According to EA WorldView's correspondent in Bahrain, the interior ministry is pressing his family to sign a death certificate which gives the cause of death as a deep cut. The family are refusing to sign unless it clearly states that he died from a gunshot wound. As a result, the ministry is refusing to release his body for burial.
9.09am: Gruesome video has emerged purporting to show decomposing bodies, discovered after Monday's reported liberation of a hospital in Homs.9.09am: Gruesome video has emerged purporting to show decomposing bodies, discovered after Monday's reported liberation of a hospital in Homs.
The clip shows several bodies in a container lorry outside the hospital and more in the hospitals morgue. [warning: disturbing content]The clip shows several bodies in a container lorry outside the hospital and more in the hospitals morgue. [warning: disturbing content]
The clip came as more details emerged about the raid. Dima Moussa, media spokeswoman for the Revolutionary Council of Homs, has this account:The clip came as more details emerged about the raid. Dima Moussa, media spokeswoman for the Revolutionary Council of Homs, has this account:
Assad's forces took over the National Hospital some time ago and turned it into a military barrack. There have been reports of injured people being taken there and tortured to death, in addition to the retaining of the bodies of people killed by Assad forces.Assad's forces took over the National Hospital some time ago and turned it into a military barrack. There have been reports of injured people being taken there and tortured to death, in addition to the retaining of the bodies of people killed by Assad forces.
Assad snipers have been actively targeting civilians from the hospital, making the surrounding areas very dangerous for any kind of movement. The Free Syrian Army went in to take over the hospital and put an end to these attacks against innocent civilians.Assad snipers have been actively targeting civilians from the hospital, making the surrounding areas very dangerous for any kind of movement. The Free Syrian Army went in to take over the hospital and put an end to these attacks against innocent civilians.
As of now, there is still at least one part of the hospital occupied by a group of soldiers from the Assad army. We have received reports about bodies being discovered inside the hospital, but these reports have not yet been confirmed, and the exact number is not yet available.As of now, there is still at least one part of the hospital occupied by a group of soldiers from the Assad army. We have received reports about bodies being discovered inside the hospital, but these reports have not yet been confirmed, and the exact number is not yet available.
Video has also emerged purporting to show the liberation of the hospital in Homs by the Farouq brigade.Video has also emerged purporting to show the liberation of the hospital in Homs by the Farouq brigade.
The footage cannot be verified and at times appears to resemble a recreation of a raid rather than a raid itself.The footage cannot be verified and at times appears to resemble a recreation of a raid rather than a raid itself.
8.40am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. A UN peacekeeping team is due in Syria today or tomorrow as the security council drafts a new statement calling for the immediate implementation of Kofi Annan's peace plan.8.40am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. A UN peacekeeping team is due in Syria today or tomorrow as the security council drafts a new statement calling for the immediate implementation of Kofi Annan's peace plan.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• A United Nations team is heading to Damascus to discuss deploying unarmed peacekeepers, Bloomberg reports. The security council will also consider "further steps" if president Bashar al-Assad fails to respect a 10 April for implementing Annan's plan, according to a new draft statement.• A United Nations team is heading to Damascus to discuss deploying unarmed peacekeepers, Bloomberg reports. The security council will also consider "further steps" if president Bashar al-Assad fails to respect a 10 April for implementing Annan's plan, according to a new draft statement.
• Syrian troops have began pulling out from some cities ahead of the deadline, a government official told AP. But the US said it has seen no evidence that Syria is and "mechanised units" from cities.• Syrian troops have began pulling out from some cities ahead of the deadline, a government official told AP. But the US said it has seen no evidence that Syria is and "mechanised units" from cities.
• A leading internal opposition figure, Yassin Haj Saleh, has expressed his frustration at the external opposition and the lack of command of armed rebels. In an interview with the LA Times, Saleh described the Syrian National Council's overall performance as "depressing," and he bemoaned the militarisation of the uprising. "None of us asked for it," Saleh said of the Free Syrian Army and other factions that have taken up arms. "The problem is how to organize these groups."• A leading internal opposition figure, Yassin Haj Saleh, has expressed his frustration at the external opposition and the lack of command of armed rebels. In an interview with the LA Times, Saleh described the Syrian National Council's overall performance as "depressing," and he bemoaned the militarisation of the uprising. "None of us asked for it," Saleh said of the Free Syrian Army and other factions that have taken up arms. "The problem is how to organize these groups."
• The Assad regime is tightening control of its borders with fresh landmines, aid workers and fleeing refugees told the Independent. As spring arrives, the Syrian army is said to be laying new mines along the 330km long border with Lebanon to replace those washed away during winter flooding and removed by activists. "We have heard that now that the weather has turned sunny the army has been replanting the mines," said Hassan al-Sabeh, the Lebanon country manager for Islamic Relief.l• The Assad regime is tightening control of its borders with fresh landmines, aid workers and fleeing refugees told the Independent. As spring arrives, the Syrian army is said to be laying new mines along the 330km long border with Lebanon to replace those washed away during winter flooding and removed by activists. "We have heard that now that the weather has turned sunny the army has been replanting the mines," said Hassan al-Sabeh, the Lebanon country manager for Islamic Relief.l
• Russian embassy officials in Washington have defended their country's support of the Syrian regime in a private meeting with congressional staffers on Capitol Hill, according to Foreign Policy.• Russian embassy officials in Washington have defended their country's support of the Syrian regime in a private meeting with congressional staffers on Capitol Hill, according to Foreign Policy.
About half a dozen Senate staffers attended the briefing, which got pretty heated, according to congressional sources briefed on the meeting. The Russian embassy officials refused to acknowledge basic facts about the burgeoning conflict in Syria, including that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad continues to kill his own people. The Russia officials also claimed that an equal number of Syrian civilians have died at the hands of the Syrian opposition.About half a dozen Senate staffers attended the briefing, which got pretty heated, according to congressional sources briefed on the meeting. The Russian embassy officials refused to acknowledge basic facts about the burgeoning conflict in Syria, including that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad continues to kill his own people. The Russia officials also claimed that an equal number of Syrian civilians have died at the hands of the Syrian opposition.
MoroccoMorocco
• Morocco is under growing pressure to better protect women after a man who was allowed to marry a 16-year old girl he had allegedly raped was invited by a newspaper to join a discussion on improving women's rights. The man did not attend the roundtable meeting about the case of the teenager, Amina Filali, who killed herself after a court ordered the marriage. Moroccan human rights groups criticised the man's invitation, claiming it was further evidence of the impotence of the state and the justice system.• Morocco is under growing pressure to better protect women after a man who was allowed to marry a 16-year old girl he had allegedly raped was invited by a newspaper to join a discussion on improving women's rights. The man did not attend the roundtable meeting about the case of the teenager, Amina Filali, who killed herself after a court ordered the marriage. Moroccan human rights groups criticised the man's invitation, claiming it was further evidence of the impotence of the state and the justice system.
Israel and the Palestinian territoriesIsrael and the Palestinian territories
• The Israeli prime minister has intervened to prevent the eviction of hardline Jewish settlers from a house in the tense West Bank city of Hebron, despite a Palestinian family's insistence that they are the legal owners of the property. Binyamin Netanyahu overruled his defence minister Ehud Barak, who had ordered the eviction of scores of settlers from the property on the grounds that they had not secured a permit for purchase from the Israeli authorities in the West Bank.• The Israeli prime minister has intervened to prevent the eviction of hardline Jewish settlers from a house in the tense West Bank city of Hebron, despite a Palestinian family's insistence that they are the legal owners of the property. Binyamin Netanyahu overruled his defence minister Ehud Barak, who had ordered the eviction of scores of settlers from the property on the grounds that they had not secured a permit for purchase from the Israeli authorities in the West Bank.
LibyaLibya
• Fighting between rival militia around the western city of Zuara is reported to have claimed as many as 31 lives, according to the Libya Herald. An official from nearby Rigdaleen was quoted saying that said 17 fighters and residents were killed. Zuara spokesman Ayour Ali said that 14 Zuarans had been killed and 62 wounded.• Fighting between rival militia around the western city of Zuara is reported to have claimed as many as 31 lives, according to the Libya Herald. An official from nearby Rigdaleen was quoted saying that said 17 fighters and residents were killed. Zuara spokesman Ayour Ali said that 14 Zuarans had been killed and 62 wounded.