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Syria: Heavy fighting in Douma amid claims of troop withdrawals - live updates Syria: Heavy fighting in Douma amid claims of troop withdrawals - live updates
(40 minutes later)
1.00pm: Here's a summary of the main developments so far today:
Syria
• Syrian authorities claim that troops have begun pulling back from three areas – Deraaa, Idlib and Zabadani – but activists say attacks are continuing, including in Idlib, where they say seven people have been killed by government forces. A "major operation" with tanks shelling the area has also been reported in the Damascus suburb of Douma. The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group says that Homs has taken the heaviest casualties with 14 people killed. Activists reports cannot be independently verified. The team of UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's said it was trying to verify the Syrian government's claim that some troops had begun withdrawing.
• An advance team of monitors sent by Kofi Annan to discuss their full deployment, which requires a UN security council resolution has arrived in Damascus. The mission is being led by senior UN peacekeeper Norwegian army former chief of staff Major General Robert Mood. UN member states are being asked to provide troops for a ceasefire monitoring mission, to be deployed in Syria after 10 April.
• The deadline for a ceasefire under Annan's peace plan, originally set for 10 April, has effectively been extended until 12 April, after the envoy's spokesman said both parties would have 48 hours from that date to end hostilities.
• The French foreign minister, Alain Juppe has accused Bashar al-Assad lying by pretending to be committed to Kofi Annan's peace plan. "Can we be optimistic or not?" he said. "I am not, because I think Bashar al-Assad is tricking us. He is pretending to accept Kofi Annan's 6-point plan while at the same time still using force."
• Russia has said it could support a UN security council motion on Syria backing Kofi Annan's peace plan if it doesn't contain ultimatums to Bashar al-Assad's government. But foreign minister Sergey Lavrov warned the Friends of Syria group against arming the Syrian opposition.
Lebanon
• An attempt was made yesterday on the life of Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces movement (the main Christian party in the "March 14" anti-Syrian parliamentary bloc), according to news reports. Last month, Geagea criticised the Maronite patriarch, Beshara Rai, for describing Syria as the closest country to democracy in the region. "Practically speaking, the patriarch is defending this regime in Syria that we oppose," Geagea said.
Libya
• The international criminal court has told Libyan authorities to surrender former dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who is wanted in The Hague for crimes against humanity. In a written ruling published on Wednesday, judges at the ICC rejected a request by Libya to postpone handing over Saif and urged the country's rulers to "proceed immediately with the surrender".
12.33pm: More from Idlib, where troops have begun pulling back, according to the Syrian authorities.
But the Local Co-ordination Committees activist group says:
The regime's army is shelling the towns of Hazano and Kalali since this morning, and is using aircrafts for shooting. Hundreds of people escaped the towns and are now trying to pass to Turkey
Maaret Noman: Shabiha [pro-regime militia] carry out a limited incursion from the south-west using civilians as human shields amidst random gunfire, leaving three people injured, one of them critically
More than 1,600 Syrians have fled to Turkey in the last two days, Turkish authorities said. Activists say this is to escape Syrian army shelling of villages near the northern towns of Idlib and Aleppo.
The LCC claims at least 20 houses in Tafes, Idlib, were set on fire on Wednesday. It has listed the names of the householders and has provided video of some, including this one.
The LCC says the majority of deaths have been in Homs today. It says:
Talbiseh: Four people were slaughtered in A-Hal market, and fall of wounded including a female child (warning: graphic video) in a critical condition from shooting from the security checkpoint
It has also posted a video (warning: graphic) showing injured people in the field hospital in al-Rastan.
12.11pm: A new idea for dealing with crimes committed by members of the Syrian regime comes from US human rights activist Aryeh Neier. Instead of referring them to the International Criminal Court (which could prove difficult), he proposes a tribunal under the auspices of the Arab League:12.11pm: A new idea for dealing with crimes committed by members of the Syrian regime comes from US human rights activist Aryeh Neier. Instead of referring them to the International Criminal Court (which could prove difficult), he proposes a tribunal under the auspices of the Arab League:
An Arab League tribunal ... could have Arab judges, Arab prosecutors, Arab investigators and Arab defence attorneys and conduct its proceedings in Arabic. The Arab League could give it jurisdiction over crimes against humanity and war crimes as the treaty for the International Criminal Court defines them.An Arab League tribunal ... could have Arab judges, Arab prosecutors, Arab investigators and Arab defence attorneys and conduct its proceedings in Arabic. The Arab League could give it jurisdiction over crimes against humanity and war crimes as the treaty for the International Criminal Court defines them.
And such a court should have jurisdiction over all crimes, including those committed by rebels. It is essential to uphold the principle that, no matter the justice of the cause or the crimes committed by one's opponents, all must be held to the same standards.And such a court should have jurisdiction over all crimes, including those committed by rebels. It is essential to uphold the principle that, no matter the justice of the cause or the crimes committed by one's opponents, all must be held to the same standards.
He also suggests that such a tribunal could give priority to crimes committed after the date it is established:He also suggests that such a tribunal could give priority to crimes committed after the date it is established:
That would put the forces of Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, on notice that the surest way to end up in the dock is to persist in the crimes they have been committing.That would put the forces of Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, on notice that the surest way to end up in the dock is to persist in the crimes they have been committing.
We should not grant them impunity for crimes committed up to now. But the urgent need to prevent further atrocities justifies giving them an incentive to stop.We should not grant them impunity for crimes committed up to now. But the urgent need to prevent further atrocities justifies giving them an incentive to stop.
11.56am: The French foreign minister, Alain Juppe, has accused Bashar al-Assad lying by pretending to be committed to Kofi Annan's peace plan, citing continued reports of violence. He said:11.56am: The French foreign minister, Alain Juppe, has accused Bashar al-Assad lying by pretending to be committed to Kofi Annan's peace plan, citing continued reports of violence. He said:
Can we be optimistic or not? I am not, because I think Bashar al-Assad is tricking us. He is pretending to accept Kofi Annan's 6-point plan while at the same time still using force.Can we be optimistic or not? I am not, because I think Bashar al-Assad is tricking us. He is pretending to accept Kofi Annan's 6-point plan while at the same time still using force.
11.52am: Bahrain: Sunni Muslim groups are becoming more assertive and could jeopardise prospects for dialogue between the regime and the opposition, Andrew Hammond of Reuters reports:11.52am: Bahrain: Sunni Muslim groups are becoming more assertive and could jeopardise prospects for dialogue between the regime and the opposition, Andrew Hammond of Reuters reports:

The loyalist Sunni backlash, once seen as a card played by the authorities, may now upset even any royal hopes of opening a dialogue to calm a conflict that has shredded Bahrain's social cohesion and cost its tourism- and banking-based economy dearly.
The loyalist Sunni backlash, once seen as a card played by the authorities, may now upset even any royal hopes of opening a dialogue to calm a conflict that has shredded Bahrain's social cohesion and cost its tourism- and banking-based economy dearly.
While Sunni hardliners are divided among themselves, some have begun to articulate grievances about corruption, access to housing, and suspected government efforts to alter Bahrain's demography that mirror those of the Shia they revile ...While Sunni hardliners are divided among themselves, some have begun to articulate grievances about corruption, access to housing, and suspected government efforts to alter Bahrain's demography that mirror those of the Shia they revile ...
In social media, Shia and protesters are attacked as "monkeys", "traitors" and "followers of Iran", picking up a frequent charge that politicised Shia are pawns of the Islamic Republic ...In social media, Shia and protesters are attacked as "monkeys", "traitors" and "followers of Iran", picking up a frequent charge that politicised Shia are pawns of the Islamic Republic ...
In the northern, mainly Sunni, district of Muharraq, al-Qaida slogans are among the graffiti on some walls and a large poster outside a Sunni Islamist party's headquarters depicts a donkey with the caption: "I'm going to dialogue!"In the northern, mainly Sunni, district of Muharraq, al-Qaida slogans are among the graffiti on some walls and a large poster outside a Sunni Islamist party's headquarters depicts a donkey with the caption: "I'm going to dialogue!"
Hardcore Sunnis are alarmed by talks that the powerful royal court minister has held in recent weeks with the leading Shia party Wefaq and secular opposition groups on a possible dialogue to halt turmoil ...Hardcore Sunnis are alarmed by talks that the powerful royal court minister has held in recent weeks with the leading Shia party Wefaq and secular opposition groups on a possible dialogue to halt turmoil ...
"The worst thing is happening now in Bahrain, that the state is flirting with the followers of the Safavids," wrote Sunni Islamist Mohammed Khalid on Twitter, using the name of a 16th century Persian dynasty to refer to Iran and Shia. "The Sunnis are on the point of exploding.""The worst thing is happening now in Bahrain, that the state is flirting with the followers of the Safavids," wrote Sunni Islamist Mohammed Khalid on Twitter, using the name of a 16th century Persian dynasty to refer to Iran and Shia. "The Sunnis are on the point of exploding."
11.50am: As the Syrian authorities claim that troops have begun withdrawing from Deraa, Idlib and Zabadani, the Local Co-ordination Committees activist group claims that 27 people have been killed so far today, including seven in Idlib.11.50am: As the Syrian authorities claim that troops have begun withdrawing from Deraa, Idlib and Zabadani, the Local Co-ordination Committees activist group claims that 27 people have been killed so far today, including seven in Idlib.
The LCC says 14 people have been killed in Homs and three each in Hama and Douma, where activists have reported a "major operation".The LCC says 14 people have been killed in Homs and three each in Hama and Douma, where activists have reported a "major operation".
The LCC's reports cannot be independently verified, while Kofi Annan's team says it is trying to verify reports that Syrian troops have begun pulling back.The LCC's reports cannot be independently verified, while Kofi Annan's team says it is trying to verify reports that Syrian troops have begun pulling back.
11.36am: Last Friday's protests in Syria were dedicated to the opposition's disappointment over the response to the bloodshed in the country by Muslims and Arabs. One of the opposition groups has now made a highly emotive comparison - especially for Muslims - by claiming that what is happening in Homs is "more atrocious that what happened in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica".11.36am: Last Friday's protests in Syria were dedicated to the opposition's disappointment over the response to the bloodshed in the country by Muslims and Arabs. One of the opposition groups has now made a highly emotive comparison - especially for Muslims - by claiming that what is happening in Homs is "more atrocious that what happened in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica".
In a statement titled Homsenica, the Revolutionary Council of Homs claims that "ethnic cleansing" in Homs has displaced more than 500,000 people, whereas between 50,000 and 80,000 Bosnians Muslims were forced out of Srebrenica .In a statement titled Homsenica, the Revolutionary Council of Homs claims that "ethnic cleansing" in Homs has displaced more than 500,000 people, whereas between 50,000 and 80,000 Bosnians Muslims were forced out of Srebrenica .
Around 8,000 Muslim males were killed in the Srebrencia massacre, making it the worst act of mass murder in Europe committed since the second world war.Around 8,000 Muslim males were killed in the Srebrencia massacre, making it the worst act of mass murder in Europe committed since the second world war.
Dima Moussa, from the Revolutionary Council of Homs, said:Dima Moussa, from the Revolutionary Council of Homs, said:

What has happened in the last two months – February and March of 2012 – is that nearly half a million people who live in predominantly Sunni neighbourhoods near ...Alawite neighborhoods, were forced to leave their homes. This came after the residents witnessed atrocious crimes including slaughtering women and children; burning and abusing dead bodies; group-raping women and little girls, some of whom under the age of 12; terrorising the residents with heavy bombing and destroying their homes on top of them; cutting off water, electricity, and communications; and preventing food and medicine from reaching these neighbourhoods.
 
After the residents left their homes, the regime immediately brought loyalist Alawite and Shia families to live in the homes that belong to mostly Sunni families. The regime's thugs then looted the other homes that remained unoccupied and robbed their contents in an organised manner, and then they set the homes on fire.
What has happened in the last two months – February and March of 2012 – is that nearly half a million people who live in predominantly Sunni neighbourhoods near ...Alawite neighborhoods, were forced to leave their homes. This came after the residents witnessed atrocious crimes including slaughtering women and children; burning and abusing dead bodies; group-raping women and little girls, some of whom under the age of 12; terrorising the residents with heavy bombing and destroying their homes on top of them; cutting off water, electricity, and communications; and preventing food and medicine from reaching these neighbourhoods.
 
After the residents left their homes, the regime immediately brought loyalist Alawite and Shia families to live in the homes that belong to mostly Sunni families. The regime's thugs then looted the other homes that remained unoccupied and robbed their contents in an organised manner, and then they set the homes on fire.
11.24am: Kofi Annan is to travel to Tehran on 10 April for talks with senior Iranian officials on Syria, his spokesman has said.11.24am: Kofi Annan is to travel to Tehran on 10 April for talks with senior Iranian officials on Syria, his spokesman has said.
Iran is Syria's key regional ally and has been accused by the opposition of helping the Assad regime to suppress protests.Iran is Syria's key regional ally and has been accused by the opposition of helping the Assad regime to suppress protests.
11.21am: A video posted online purports to show a tank entering Douma today. Gunfire can be heard.11.21am: A video posted online purports to show a tank entering Douma today. Gunfire can be heard.
Douma-based activist Mohammed Saeed told AP that troops were using detainees as human shields as they marched into one of the suburb's main squares, a few miles north-west of Damascus.Douma-based activist Mohammed Saeed told AP that troops were using detainees as human shields as they marched into one of the suburb's main squares, a few miles north-west of Damascus.
"Soldiers in the Ghanam Square near the vegetable market were walking behind detainees," Saeed said via Skype. "They do that so that members of the Free Syrian Army do not open fire at the troops.""Soldiers in the Ghanam Square near the vegetable market were walking behind detainees," Saeed said via Skype. "They do that so that members of the Free Syrian Army do not open fire at the troops."
He said the shelling and clashes have been going on since 7am. "The regime has no limits in its crimes. They are ready to do anything," said Saeed. "They are hitting homes directly."He said the shelling and clashes have been going on since 7am. "The regime has no limits in its crimes. They are ready to do anything," said Saeed. "They are hitting homes directly."
11.14am: An update from the Local Co-ordination Committees activist group on Douma says:11.14am: An update from the Local Co-ordination Committees activist group on Douma says:
Burning and shelling of shops after looting them, and a large number of buildings were damaged from the shelling. Sound of gunfire and explosions are still heardBurning and shelling of shops after looting them, and a large number of buildings were damaged from the shelling. Sound of gunfire and explosions are still heard
It has also posted a video (warning: graphic) of Al-Haaj Abu Subhi Al-Darra, who it says was killed in Douma today.It has also posted a video (warning: graphic) of Al-Haaj Abu Subhi Al-Darra, who it says was killed in Douma today.
11.08am: Lebanon: There are reports of an attempt yesterday to assassinate Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces movement (the main Christian party in the "March 14" anti-Syrian parliamentary bloc).11.08am: Lebanon: There are reports of an attempt yesterday to assassinate Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces movement (the main Christian party in the "March 14" anti-Syrian parliamentary bloc).
The Now Lebanon website reports:The Now Lebanon website reports:
"Shots were fired by snipers [at me] and it seems that there was more than one [gunman]," Geagea said during a press conference, in reference to the gunfire that targeted his Maarab residence earlier on Wednesday."Shots were fired by snipers [at me] and it seems that there was more than one [gunman]," Geagea said during a press conference, in reference to the gunfire that targeted his Maarab residence earlier on Wednesday.
"I was strolling with the [bodyguards] and noticed a beautiful flower so I bent down to pick it. Then I heard two loud shots… and stayed down for a while," Geagea said."I was strolling with the [bodyguards] and noticed a beautiful flower so I bent down to pick it. Then I heard two loud shots… and stayed down for a while," Geagea said.
Geagea added that bullets punctured the wall of his residence while he was walking outside accompanied by bodyguards.Geagea added that bullets punctured the wall of his residence while he was walking outside accompanied by bodyguards.
The LF leader drew parallels between the incident and the 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri, adding that the event fell within the context of the series of assassinations that plagued the country "for 40 years."The LF leader drew parallels between the incident and the 2005 assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri, adding that the event fell within the context of the series of assassinations that plagued the country "for 40 years."
Last month, Geagea criticised the Maronite patriarch, Beshara Rai, for describing Syria as the closest country to democracy in the region. "Practically speaking, the patriarch is defending this regime in Syria that we oppose," Geagea said.Last month, Geagea criticised the Maronite patriarch, Beshara Rai, for describing Syria as the closest country to democracy in the region. "Practically speaking, the patriarch is defending this regime in Syria that we oppose," Geagea said.
In an article for The National today, Michael Young discusses Geagea's recent political manoeuvrings and says he has "sought to sharply differentiate himself from two other prominent Christian public figures" in Lebanon and also to appeal to the Sunni community through support for the uprising in Syria against President Assad.In an article for The National today, Michael Young discusses Geagea's recent political manoeuvrings and says he has "sought to sharply differentiate himself from two other prominent Christian public figures" in Lebanon and also to appeal to the Sunni community through support for the uprising in Syria against President Assad.
10.57am: Annan's spokesman, Ahmad Fawzi, has told a news conference in Geneva that the Syrian authorities have told the UN-Arab League envoy that they have begun withdrawing troops from three areas. Fawzi said:10.57am: Annan's spokesman, Ahmad Fawzi, has told a news conference in Geneva that the Syrian authorities have told the UN-Arab League envoy that they have begun withdrawing troops from three areas. Fawzi said:

Yes they have told us that they have begun withdrawing troops from certain areas. They have specified three cities - Deraa, Idlib and Zabadani.
Yes they have told us that they have begun withdrawing troops from certain areas. They have specified three cities - Deraa, Idlib and Zabadani.
Fawzi also said that UN member states were being asked to provide troops to a ceasefire monitoring mission, to be deployed in Syria after 10 April.Fawzi also said that UN member states were being asked to provide troops to a ceasefire monitoring mission, to be deployed in Syria after 10 April.
An advance team, sent by Annan, led by senior UN peacekeeper Norwegian army former chief of staff Major General Robert Mood, is due to arrive in Damascus today to begin discussing their deployment, which requires a UN security council resolution.An advance team, sent by Annan, led by senior UN peacekeeper Norwegian army former chief of staff Major General Robert Mood, is due to arrive in Damascus today to begin discussing their deployment, which requires a UN security council resolution.
10.44am: Despite the claims of troop withdrawals, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claims "a major operation" is under way in the Damascus suburb of Douma, with tanks shelling the area and clashes between troops and army defectors.10.44am: Despite the claims of troop withdrawals, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claims "a major operation" is under way in the Damascus suburb of Douma, with tanks shelling the area and clashes between troops and army defectors.
Douma-based activist Mohammed Saeed said the operation is "one of the most violent campaigns against the area" since the uprising against the Assad regime began in March last year.Douma-based activist Mohammed Saeed said the operation is "one of the most violent campaigns against the area" since the uprising against the Assad regime began in March last year.
10.43am: Kofi Annan's spokesman says the Syria government claims it has begun troop withdrawals in some areas. Annan's spokesman said they are trying to verify this.10.43am: Kofi Annan's spokesman says the Syria government claims it has begun troop withdrawals in some areas. Annan's spokesman said they are trying to verify this.
He also said that the ceasefire is expected to begin no later than 48 hours after 10 April.He also said that the ceasefire is expected to begin no later than 48 hours after 10 April.
To all intents and purposes, that sounds like an extension of the deadline to 12 April.To all intents and purposes, that sounds like an extension of the deadline to 12 April.
10.34am: Bahrain: Former world champion Damon Hill has expressed new doubts about holding the Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain later this month:10.34am: Bahrain: Former world champion Damon Hill has expressed new doubts about holding the Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain later this month:
It would be a bad state of affairs, and bad for Formula One, to be seen to be enforcing martial law in order to hold the race. That is not what this sport should be about. Looking at it today you'd have to say that [the race] could be creating more problems than it's solving.It would be a bad state of affairs, and bad for Formula One, to be seen to be enforcing martial law in order to hold the race. That is not what this sport should be about. Looking at it today you'd have to say that [the race] could be creating more problems than it's solving.
10.27am: Russia could support a UN security council motion on Syria backing Kofi Annan's peace plan if it doesn't contain ultimatums to Bashar al-Assad's government, the Russian foreign minister has said.10.27am: Russia could support a UN security council motion on Syria backing Kofi Annan's peace plan if it doesn't contain ultimatums to Bashar al-Assad's government, the Russian foreign minister has said.
Sergey Lavrov (left) said on a trip to Kyrgyzstan:Sergey Lavrov (left) said on a trip to Kyrgyzstan:
When we consider a document at the security council, we shall proceed from the principle of not doing any harm. It would be good if we are able to reach a consensus aimed at helping Kofi Annan's mission and not use ultimatums that would escalate tensions ...When we consider a document at the security council, we shall proceed from the principle of not doing any harm. It would be good if we are able to reach a consensus aimed at helping Kofi Annan's mission and not use ultimatums that would escalate tensions ...
Russia believes that any steps regarding the Syrian problem should be aimed exclusively at supporting Annan's mission. It's very important not to undermine this process with ultimatums or threats. Regrettably, some are willing to do that ...Russia believes that any steps regarding the Syrian problem should be aimed exclusively at supporting Annan's mission. It's very important not to undermine this process with ultimatums or threats. Regrettably, some are willing to do that ...
While Kofi Annan has insisted on the demilitarization of cities, statements coming from Istanbul have sent a different signal to the opposition.While Kofi Annan has insisted on the demilitarization of cities, statements coming from Istanbul have sent a different signal to the opposition.
10.05am: Tunisia: Two atheists have been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in jail and fined 1,200 dinars ($800) for "disturbing the public order" and "transgressing morality" with their anti-religious views. According to Tunisia Live, the charges relate to caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad posted on Facebook.10.05am: Tunisia: Two atheists have been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in jail and fined 1,200 dinars ($800) for "disturbing the public order" and "transgressing morality" with their anti-religious views. According to Tunisia Live, the charges relate to caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad posted on Facebook.
One of the convicted men, Ghazi Beji, has fled to Greece but the other,
Jabeur Mejri, is imprisoned in Tunisia. Two human rights organisations in the country have taken up their case and a petition has been launched on the internet.		One of the convicted men, Ghazi Beji, has fled to Greece but the other,
Jabeur Mejri, is imprisoned in Tunisia. Two human rights organisations in the country have taken up their case and a petition has been launched on the internet.
The website atheistica.com has more information about Beji and Mejri's background.The website atheistica.com has more information about Beji and Mejri's background.
9.59am: Nagham Issa has passed on an interview she conducted with the Syrian actress and opposition supporter, Fadwa Suleiman, in Paris. Suleiman, an Alawite, fled to Paris two weeks ago after escaping into Jordan from Syria.

She became an icon of the revolution after appearing at demonstrations, such as this one in Homs last year.		9.59am: Nagham Issa has passed on an interview she conducted with the Syrian actress and opposition supporter, Fadwa Suleiman, in Paris. Suleiman, an Alawite, fled to Paris two weeks ago after escaping into Jordan from Syria.

She became an icon of the revolution after appearing at demonstrations, such as this one in Homs last year.
After arriving in Paris, Suleiman was quoted by AFP as saying she was saddened to see that "the revolution is not going in the right direction, that it is becoming armed, that the opposition which wanted to resist peacefully is playing the game of the regime and that the country is heading for sectarian war".After arriving in Paris, Suleiman was quoted by AFP as saying she was saddened to see that "the revolution is not going in the right direction, that it is becoming armed, that the opposition which wanted to resist peacefully is playing the game of the regime and that the country is heading for sectarian war".
Suleiman refused to discuss the issue of sectarianism when asked by Issa. But she reiterated that the army defectors should only use force to protect protesters. Here are the details of the interview:Suleiman refused to discuss the issue of sectarianism when asked by Issa. But she reiterated that the army defectors should only use force to protect protesters. Here are the details of the interview:
What is your aim in coming to Paris?What is your aim in coming to Paris?
Firstly, I wish to return to Syria, as I want to be with my people, however my main aim in Paris is to make the people of the world wake up because all the people are hostages to the politicians and the machine. By the machine I mean the systems of life, the people are apathetic and need to be woken up to what is going on in Syria and how we need to take action to help the Syrian peopleFirstly, I wish to return to Syria, as I want to be with my people, however my main aim in Paris is to make the people of the world wake up because all the people are hostages to the politicians and the machine. By the machine I mean the systems of life, the people are apathetic and need to be woken up to what is going on in Syria and how we need to take action to help the Syrian people
What needs to happen to improve the situation in Syria?What needs to happen to improve the situation in Syria?
I think the priority is to establish and support a security council made of defected officers and to declare an honorary agreement that should say their goal is to defend the protestors and civilians. They should also try to convince armed civilians to put down their weapons because we need to keep our revolution peaceful. I am against arming the revolution, this will lead to civil war. They should also try to include these de armed civilians in the new security council for Syria, to work towards a political solution.I think the priority is to establish and support a security council made of defected officers and to declare an honorary agreement that should say their goal is to defend the protestors and civilians. They should also try to convince armed civilians to put down their weapons because we need to keep our revolution peaceful. I am against arming the revolution, this will lead to civil war. They should also try to include these de armed civilians in the new security council for Syria, to work towards a political solution.
Can the international community do more?Can the international community do more?
The international community must say that those leading the war in Syria must be considered war criminals and brought to justice.The international community must say that those leading the war in Syria must be considered war criminals and brought to justice.
What is you reaction to the Kofi Annan Plan?What is you reaction to the Kofi Annan Plan?
It is a very important step. I think that the regime and opposition must apply this because its very important to stop the violence in Syria, because as long as the violence exists we can not have dialogue for a political solution in Syria.It is a very important step. I think that the regime and opposition must apply this because its very important to stop the violence in Syria, because as long as the violence exists we can not have dialogue for a political solution in Syria.
When I asked her about a sectarian war in Syria she said she did not want to talk about this presently.When I asked her about a sectarian war in Syria she said she did not want to talk about this presently.
9.27am: Videos of some of the areas that have reportedly come under attack this morning have been posted on YouTube.

In this one, purportedly filmed in the Damascus suburb of Douma, the sound of gunfire can be heard.		9.27am: Videos of some of the areas that have reportedly come under attack this morning have been posted on YouTube.

In this one, purportedly filmed in the Damascus suburb of Douma, the sound of gunfire can be heard.
Explosions and heavy machinegun fire rocked Douma, just 12 kilometres (8 miles) from the seat of government, activists from the Revolutionary Council of the Damascus Countryside said.Explosions and heavy machinegun fire rocked Douma, just 12 kilometres (8 miles) from the seat of government, activists from the Revolutionary Council of the Damascus Countryside said.
Another video shows smoke rising over Hraytan, near Aleppo, which an activist told AP has been subjected to intense shelling by tanks and helicopters since 5am (6am BST).Another video shows smoke rising over Hraytan, near Aleppo, which an activist told AP has been subjected to intense shelling by tanks and helicopters since 5am (6am BST).
Another video shows smoke over Anadan, which is also near Aleppo and where clashes have been reported.Another video shows smoke over Anadan, which is also near Aleppo and where clashes have been reported.
8.59am: Good morning. Welcome to Middle East Live. Syrian activists say violence is continuing ahead of a UN-Arab League brokered ceasefire due to start on 10 April.8.59am: Good morning. Welcome to Middle East Live. Syrian activists say violence is continuing ahead of a UN-Arab League brokered ceasefire due to start on 10 April.
SyriaSyria
• Activists say Syrian troops have launched assaults on several towns around the country including two near the country's largest city of Aleppo, raising fresh doubts that a ceasefire due to start on 10 April will be implemented. Syria's state-run media reported on Wednesday that the government had begun to comply with the terms of a cease-fire plan brokered by Kofi Annan, the special envoy of the United Nations and Arab League, requiring Syrian forces to pull back from major population centres.• Activists say Syrian troops have launched assaults on several towns around the country including two near the country's largest city of Aleppo, raising fresh doubts that a ceasefire due to start on 10 April will be implemented. Syria's state-run media reported on Wednesday that the government had begun to comply with the terms of a cease-fire plan brokered by Kofi Annan, the special envoy of the United Nations and Arab League, requiring Syrian forces to pull back from major population centres.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says troops are clashing with rebel army defectors in the northern towns of Hraytan and Anadan near Aleppo.The Observatory also reported fighting in the Damascus suburb of Douma and the southern village of Kfar Shams.The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says troops are clashing with rebel army defectors in the northern towns of Hraytan and Anadan near Aleppo.The Observatory also reported fighting in the Damascus suburb of Douma and the southern village of Kfar Shams.
Mohammed Abu Nasr, an activist in Hraytan, said the town of about 50,000 was subjected to intense shelling by tanks and helicopters since 5am (6am BST). He added that a ground offensive began three hours later and hundreds of troops were pushing their way into the town.Mohammed Abu Nasr, an activist in Hraytan, said the town of about 50,000 was subjected to intense shelling by tanks and helicopters since 5am (6am BST). He added that a ground offensive began three hours later and hundreds of troops were pushing their way into the town.
"There are wounded people in the streets that we cannot reach because of the shelling," Abu Nasr said by telephone. "The situation is catastrophic in the city. Large numbers of people are fleeing.""There are wounded people in the streets that we cannot reach because of the shelling," Abu Nasr said by telephone. "The situation is catastrophic in the city. Large numbers of people are fleeing."
• Between 800 and 900 Syrian refugees fled to Turkey from Syria in the past 24 hours, a Turkish official told Reuters. "There has been an increased flow through Reyhanli and the number was 800 to 900 yesterday," the official said, referring to a border town in Turkey's southern Hatay province. There are now close to 21,000 Syrian refugees living in several camps in Hatay and in the neighbouring Turkish province of Gaziantep.• Between 800 and 900 Syrian refugees fled to Turkey from Syria in the past 24 hours, a Turkish official told Reuters. "There has been an increased flow through Reyhanli and the number was 800 to 900 yesterday," the official said, referring to a border town in Turkey's southern Hatay province. There are now close to 21,000 Syrian refugees living in several camps in Hatay and in the neighbouring Turkish province of Gaziantep.
• Russia has taken new steps to exert its diplomatic influence over the violent conflict there in Syria, the New York Times reports. The Syrian government's most powerful ally has invited both the Syrian foreign minister and representatives of the opposition to Moscow for talks this month and warned foreign sympathisers of armed rebels not to supply them with more weapons.• Russia has taken new steps to exert its diplomatic influence over the violent conflict there in Syria, the New York Times reports. The Syrian government's most powerful ally has invited both the Syrian foreign minister and representatives of the opposition to Moscow for talks this month and warned foreign sympathisers of armed rebels not to supply them with more weapons.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on its Twitter account that the Syrian foreign minister, Walid al-Moallem, would hold talks in Moscow with his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Tuesday — the deadline for compliance with the initial phase of Mr. Annan's cease-fire plan — and that representatives of the National Coordination Committee, an opposition group inside Syria, would visit the Kremlin for talks 17-18 April.The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on its Twitter account that the Syrian foreign minister, Walid al-Moallem, would hold talks in Moscow with his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Tuesday — the deadline for compliance with the initial phase of Mr. Annan's cease-fire plan — and that representatives of the National Coordination Committee, an opposition group inside Syria, would visit the Kremlin for talks 17-18 April.
Lavrov ...admonished the so-called "Friends of Syria" group of anti-Assad countries, which met in Turkey with exile Syrian opposition groups this past weekend, not to provide weapons to rebel combatants, as some of those countries have suggested.Lavrov ...admonished the so-called "Friends of Syria" group of anti-Assad countries, which met in Turkey with exile Syrian opposition groups this past weekend, not to provide weapons to rebel combatants, as some of those countries have suggested.
"Even if the Syrian opposition were armed to the teeth, it would not be able to beat the government's forces," Mr. Lavrov said in remarks carried by Russian news agencies."Even if the Syrian opposition were armed to the teeth, it would not be able to beat the government's forces," Mr. Lavrov said in remarks carried by Russian news agencies.
LibyaLibya
• The international criminal court has told Libyan authorities to surrender former dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi (left), who is wanted in The Hague for crimes against humanity. In a written ruling published on Wednesday, judges at the ICC rejected a request by Libya to postpone handing over Saif and urged the country's rulers to "proceed immediately with the surrender". Human Rights Watch urged Libya to act on the order. "It is imperative that Libyan authorities start preparing to surrender Saif al-Islam," said Liz Evenson, senior counsel with the group's international justice programme. "This is what co-operation with the court means."• The international criminal court has told Libyan authorities to surrender former dictator Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi (left), who is wanted in The Hague for crimes against humanity. In a written ruling published on Wednesday, judges at the ICC rejected a request by Libya to postpone handing over Saif and urged the country's rulers to "proceed immediately with the surrender". Human Rights Watch urged Libya to act on the order. "It is imperative that Libyan authorities start preparing to surrender Saif al-Islam," said Liz Evenson, senior counsel with the group's international justice programme. "This is what co-operation with the court means."