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| Syria: Shelling continues as deadline passes | Syria: Shelling continues as deadline passes |
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| 6.05pm BST/1.05pm ET: Chief UN negotiator Kofi Annan has proposed a new deadline for the Syrian government to join a truce. After the regime ignored a ceasefire deadline this morning, Annan now proposes 6am Thursday as the cutoff point. | |
| "It is essential that the next 48 hours bring visible signs of immediate and indisputable change in the military posture of the government forces throughout the country, as called upon by the six-point plan," Annan wrote in a letter read to UN Security Council members at a closed meeting today, according to the Associated Press. Annan told the UN it is difficult to figure out what's happening in Syria but "the rapid increase of refugee flows into Turkey gives a strong indication of a surge in violence," the AP said. | |
| (h/t: @ahmed) | |
| 5:48pm BST/12.48pm ET: Tom McCarthy here in New York picking up our live blog coverage. | 5:48pm BST/12.48pm ET: Tom McCarthy here in New York picking up our live blog coverage. |
| U.S. Sens. John McCain and Joseph Lieberman met members of the opposition Free Syrian Army on a trip to the Turkish-Syrian border, according to a dispatch by Josh Rogin on the Foreign Policy blog. | U.S. Sens. John McCain and Joseph Lieberman met members of the opposition Free Syrian Army on a trip to the Turkish-Syrian border, according to a dispatch by Josh Rogin on the Foreign Policy blog. |
| A photo accompanying the story shows the pair of senators wearing scarves knitted in the pattern of the opposition flag. Rogin reports that McCain and Lieberman toured an encampment of Syrian refugees at Hatay and met with the leaders of the Free Syrian Army, General Mustafa al-Sheikh and Colonel Riad al-Asaad. | A photo accompanying the story shows the pair of senators wearing scarves knitted in the pattern of the opposition flag. Rogin reports that McCain and Lieberman toured an encampment of Syrian refugees at Hatay and met with the leaders of the Free Syrian Army, General Mustafa al-Sheikh and Colonel Riad al-Asaad. |
| "We respect Mr. Annan's desire to find an end to the killing in Syria. Unfortunately, Bashar al-Assad does not share this goal. That fact has been clear to many of us for months, but it should now be undeniable for everyone," the senators said in a statement. "Indeed, reports indicate that Assad has used the time provided by the recent diplomatic initiative to kill up to 1,000 additional men, women, and children in Syria. And just yesterday, Syrian forces fired across the border with Turkey, killing and wounding people in a refugee camp on Turkish territory." | "We respect Mr. Annan's desire to find an end to the killing in Syria. Unfortunately, Bashar al-Assad does not share this goal. That fact has been clear to many of us for months, but it should now be undeniable for everyone," the senators said in a statement. "Indeed, reports indicate that Assad has used the time provided by the recent diplomatic initiative to kill up to 1,000 additional men, women, and children in Syria. And just yesterday, Syrian forces fired across the border with Turkey, killing and wounding people in a refugee camp on Turkish territory." |
| 4.59pm: Here's a summary of the main developments so far today: | 4.59pm: Here's a summary of the main developments so far today: |
| • Activists claim government forces have been shelling Homs, Hama and Aleppo, despite a claim by the Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moualem that its troops have already pulled back from some cities in compliance with the deadline due to take effect today. Security forces were present in a number of other areas, including Idlib, Deraa and Damascus suburbs, according to activists. The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group claims 62 people have been killed by the security forces, including 25 in Homs, among them three children and four women. Its reports cannot be independently verified. | • Activists claim government forces have been shelling Homs, Hama and Aleppo, despite a claim by the Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moualem that its troops have already pulled back from some cities in compliance with the deadline due to take effect today. Security forces were present in a number of other areas, including Idlib, Deraa and Damascus suburbs, according to activists. The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group claims 62 people have been killed by the security forces, including 25 in Homs, among them three children and four women. Its reports cannot be independently verified. |
| • Kofi Annan insisted that his peace plan "has not failed", arguing that Syria has until 12 April to comply. He had previously said that Syrian government forces should pull back from populated areas by 10 April and all hostilities should cease 48 hours later. Annan said he had information the Syrian military was withdrawing from some areas but moving to others not previously targeted. | • Kofi Annan insisted that his peace plan "has not failed", arguing that Syria has until 12 April to comply. He had previously said that Syrian government forces should pull back from populated areas by 10 April and all hostilities should cease 48 hours later. Annan said he had information the Syrian military was withdrawing from some areas but moving to others not previously targeted. |
| • Both the White House and the British foreign secretary, William Hague, said there was "no evidence" of Syria adhering to Annan's peace plan, while the French foreign ministry accused Moualem of "a blatant and unacceptable lie". The Syrian National Council opposition group said Annan should tell the UN security council to revisit the six-point plan if there is no progress in implementing the ceasefire by Thursday, while the Free Syrian Army said it would continue to defend the Syrian people in the face of attacks by government forces. | • Both the White House and the British foreign secretary, William Hague, said there was "no evidence" of Syria adhering to Annan's peace plan, while the French foreign ministry accused Moualem of "a blatant and unacceptable lie". The Syrian National Council opposition group said Annan should tell the UN security council to revisit the six-point plan if there is no progress in implementing the ceasefire by Thursday, while the Free Syrian Army said it would continue to defend the Syrian people in the face of attacks by government forces. |
| • Moualem has demanded guarantees from Annan that armed insurgents would honour a truce. "We will not ask the terrorist groups, which are killing, kidnapping and destroying infrastructure, for guarantees. We want Annan to give us these guarantees," he said in Moscow. | • Moualem has demanded guarantees from Annan that armed insurgents would honour a truce. "We will not ask the terrorist groups, which are killing, kidnapping and destroying infrastructure, for guarantees. We want Annan to give us these guarantees," he said in Moscow. |
| • Russia told Syria to act "more decisively" to implement the terms of Annan's plan but also urged foreign states to use their influence on opposition groups to stop shooting forthwith. "We told our Syrian colleague ... we think their actions could be more active, more decisive in regard to the fulfilment of the points of the plan," foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters after talks with Moualem. | • Russia told Syria to act "more decisively" to implement the terms of Annan's plan but also urged foreign states to use their influence on opposition groups to stop shooting forthwith. "We told our Syrian colleague ... we think their actions could be more active, more decisive in regard to the fulfilment of the points of the plan," foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters after talks with Moualem. |
| • Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, warned of unspecified steps after Syrian troops shot at refugees inside Turkey on Monday. He said: "There was a very clear violation of the border. We are going to conduct a final assessment. Our diplomacy is continuing with the regional countries. After that, of course, we will take the steps that need to be taken." | • Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, warned of unspecified steps after Syrian troops shot at refugees inside Turkey on Monday. He said: "There was a very clear violation of the border. We are going to conduct a final assessment. Our diplomacy is continuing with the regional countries. After that, of course, we will take the steps that need to be taken." |
| • In a new report entitled "In Cold Blood", Human Rights Watch has accused Syrian security forces of summarily executed scores, and possibly hundreds, of civilians and opposition fighters during their intensified offensive on cities and towns since December 2011. | • In a new report entitled "In Cold Blood", Human Rights Watch has accused Syrian security forces of summarily executed scores, and possibly hundreds, of civilians and opposition fighters during their intensified offensive on cities and towns since December 2011. |
| • Syria has offered "warm condolences" to the family of cameraman Ali Shaaban of al-Jadeed TV who was killed on the Lebanese border yesterday. The Syrian government news agency said he was shot during a firefight with "an armed terrorist group" that was trying to infiltrate the country. A reporter who survived said the TV crew came under fire "from the Syrian side" as they were taking footage of Syrian territory from inside Lebanon and after they had had "greeted the Syrian forces guarding the borders". | • Syria has offered "warm condolences" to the family of cameraman Ali Shaaban of al-Jadeed TV who was killed on the Lebanese border yesterday. The Syrian government news agency said he was shot during a firefight with "an armed terrorist group" that was trying to infiltrate the country. A reporter who survived said the TV crew came under fire "from the Syrian side" as they were taking footage of Syrian territory from inside Lebanon and after they had had "greeted the Syrian forces guarding the borders". |
| 4.38pm: Syrian state media is reporting the funerals of 22 law members of the army and law enforcement agencies. Sana calls it "the reality of events". Sana reported 25 army and police funerals on the previous day. Those figures would raise the official death toll among the security forces to over 2,600. | 4.38pm: Syrian state media is reporting the funerals of 22 law members of the army and law enforcement agencies. Sana calls it "the reality of events". Sana reported 25 army and police funerals on the previous day. Those figures would raise the official death toll among the security forces to over 2,600. |
| 4.19pm: Annan toured the refugee camps in Hatay province with the Turkish deputy deputy prime minister, Besir Atalay, who is less opitimistic than the former UN secretary general about the chances of a ceasefire. Atalay is quoted by Today's Zaman as saying: | 4.19pm: Annan toured the refugee camps in Hatay province with the Turkish deputy deputy prime minister, Besir Atalay, who is less opitimistic than the former UN secretary general about the chances of a ceasefire. Atalay is quoted by Today's Zaman as saying: |
| We support the plan and want it to succeed. We only voice our concerns about the Syrian government's stance regarding the plan's implementation. | We support the plan and want it to succeed. We only voice our concerns about the Syrian government's stance regarding the plan's implementation. |
| Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on a visit to China, went further. He said, referring partly to the incident on Monday when Syrian troops shot at refugees inside Turkey: | Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on a visit to China, went further. He said, referring partly to the incident on Monday when Syrian troops shot at refugees inside Turkey: |
| They are even shooting these fleeing people from behind. They are mercilessly shooting them, regardless of whether they are children or women. Indeed, he [Bashar al-Assad] gave his word to Mr Annan, but despite giving his word he is continuing to kill 60, 70, 80, 100 every day. This is the situation | They are even shooting these fleeing people from behind. They are mercilessly shooting them, regardless of whether they are children or women. Indeed, he [Bashar al-Assad] gave his word to Mr Annan, but despite giving his word he is continuing to kill 60, 70, 80, 100 every day. This is the situation |
| Erdogan also warned of unspecified steps for the border incident, saying: | Erdogan also warned of unspecified steps for the border incident, saying: |
There was a very clear violation of the border. We are going to conduct a final assessment. Our diplomacy is continuing with the regional countries. After that, of course, we will take the steps that need to be taken. | There was a very clear violation of the border. We are going to conduct a final assessment. Our diplomacy is continuing with the regional countries. After that, of course, we will take the steps that need to be taken. |
| 3.48pm: The UN-Arab League envoy, Kofi Annan (left), has insisted that his plan "has not failed" and that Syria still has time to comply. | 3.48pm: The UN-Arab League envoy, Kofi Annan (left), has insisted that his plan "has not failed" and that Syria still has time to comply. |
| Annan's statement rests on his previous directions that Syrian government forces should pull back from populated areas from 10 April, which would allow for cessation of all hostilities 48 hours later. It is a distinction that has muddied the waters somewhat. For one thing, it is difficult to imagine that forces are pulling back as shelling reportedly continues. | Annan's statement rests on his previous directions that Syrian government forces should pull back from populated areas from 10 April, which would allow for cessation of all hostilities 48 hours later. It is a distinction that has muddied the waters somewhat. For one thing, it is difficult to imagine that forces are pulling back as shelling reportedly continues. |
| Annan told a press conference in Hatay province, in southern Turkey where he visited Syrian refugee camps that he had information the Syrian military was withdrawing from some areas but moving to others not previously targeted. He said | Annan told a press conference in Hatay province, in southern Turkey where he visited Syrian refugee camps that he had information the Syrian military was withdrawing from some areas but moving to others not previously targeted. He said |
On the question of whether the plan is succeeding or failing, I believe it is a bit too early to say that the plan has failed. The plan is still on the table. | On the question of whether the plan is succeeding or failing, I believe it is a bit too early to say that the plan has failed. The plan is still on the table. |
"We still have time between now and the 12th (Thursday) to stop violence," he said. "I appeal to all, the government in the first place ..." to halt fighting. He also said that the violence must stop without conditions. | "We still have time between now and the 12th (Thursday) to stop violence," he said. "I appeal to all, the government in the first place ..." to halt fighting. He also said that the violence must stop without conditions. |
| His words have provoked a withering response from some activists, although the opposition Syrian National Council indicated it was prepared to wait until Thursday to see if progress was made (see 2.46pm). | His words have provoked a withering response from some activists, although the opposition Syrian National Council indicated it was prepared to wait until Thursday to see if progress was made (see 2.46pm). |
| Dear Mr. Annan, We want a firm, unmovable deadline for when you will say "my plan failed." #Syria | Dear Mr. Annan, We want a firm, unmovable deadline for when you will say "my plan failed." #Syria |
| — Shakeeb Al-Jabri (@LeShaque) April 10, 2012 | — Shakeeb Al-Jabri (@LeShaque) April 10, 2012 |
| Annan: The time limit didn't isn't over yet, and it's early to say we failed. #Syria #Fool | Annan: The time limit didn't isn't over yet, and it's early to say we failed. #Syria #Fool |
| — Ḱ@яℯℯм ℒαḯł@н (@KareemLailah) April 10, 2012 | — Ḱ@яℯℯм ℒαḯł@н (@KareemLailah) April 10, 2012 |
| 3.13pm: Syria: These quotes by activists describing events on the ground today come via Reuters and AP: | 3.13pm: Syria: These quotes by activists describing events on the ground today come via Reuters and AP: |
| Abu Firas, in Deraa: | Abu Firas, in Deraa: |
| "The troops at checkpoints are appearing in strength to say 'we are present'." | "The troops at checkpoints are appearing in strength to say 'we are present'." |
| Manhal Abu Bakr, in Hama: | Manhal Abu Bakr, in Hama: |
| "At 2 am we heard two shells fall and the sound of tanks moving around the streets. There is no gunfire now. They shell us at night so that it is hard to film" | "At 2 am we heard two shells fall and the sound of tanks moving around the streets. There is no gunfire now. They shell us at night so that it is hard to film" |
| Abu Yasser: | Abu Yasser: |
| "They are attacking Bayada (in Homs) with mortars from three different locations. People have taken refuge in some schools and now some of the schools were hit. We have at least 20 martyrs and 70 wounded, most of them women and children." | "They are attacking Bayada (in Homs) with mortars from three different locations. People have taken refuge in some schools and now some of the schools were hit. We have at least 20 martyrs and 70 wounded, most of them women and children." |
| Waleed Fares, in Homs: | Waleed Fares, in Homs: |
| "Shelling woke me this morning at 8.30 and I can now hear one shell every 10 minutes or so." | "Shelling woke me this morning at 8.30 and I can now hear one shell every 10 minutes or so." |
| Fadi al-Yassin, in Idlib province: | Fadi al-Yassin, in Idlib province: |
| "Soldiers are not being withdrawn from towns and villages. On the contrary, reinforcements are being sent." | "Soldiers are not being withdrawn from towns and villages. On the contrary, reinforcements are being sent." |
| 2.46pm: Syria: The opposition Syrian National Council's Basma Kodmani, said Kofi Annan must tell the UN security council that his six-point peace plan for Syria "needs to be revisited" if there is no progress in implementing a ceasefire by Thursday. | 2.46pm: Syria: The opposition Syrian National Council's Basma Kodmani, said Kofi Annan must tell the UN security council that his six-point peace plan for Syria "needs to be revisited" if there is no progress in implementing a ceasefire by Thursday. |
| Under Annan's ceasefire plan, which was agreed by the Syrian government and the opposition and backed by the United Nations, government forces would pull back from populated areas from Tuesday, allowing a full cessation of all hostilities 48 hours later. | Under Annan's ceasefire plan, which was agreed by the Syrian government and the opposition and backed by the United Nations, government forces would pull back from populated areas from Tuesday, allowing a full cessation of all hostilities 48 hours later. |
| Kodmani said there was no sign yet of government forces complying with the agreement to withdraw from urban areas since the arrests, house demolitions and shelling by tanks and anti-aircraft guns were continuing. She claimed that some 1,000 people have been killed since Annan announced the ceasefire timeline on 2 April. "So every day is a very, very painful time that is given to the Assad regime," she said, adding the death toll was based on figures provided by various groups, including the Syrian Arab Human Rights Network. | Kodmani said there was no sign yet of government forces complying with the agreement to withdraw from urban areas since the arrests, house demolitions and shelling by tanks and anti-aircraft guns were continuing. She claimed that some 1,000 people have been killed since Annan announced the ceasefire timeline on 2 April. "So every day is a very, very painful time that is given to the Assad regime," she said, adding the death toll was based on figures provided by various groups, including the Syrian Arab Human Rights Network. |
| Colonel Qassem Saad al-Deen, spokesman of the joint command of the Free Syrian Army inside Syria, told Reuters the rebels will fight on if Assad does not pull back his troops and tanks from in and around cities by Thursday in line with the plan. | Colonel Qassem Saad al-Deen, spokesman of the joint command of the Free Syrian Army inside Syria, told Reuters the rebels will fight on if Assad does not pull back his troops and tanks from in and around cities by Thursday in line with the plan. |
| "If the regime continues its shelling with mortars and tanks and does not commit to a ceasefire and to pull back the tanks and the troops, then we will resume the fight to defend our people," he said. | "If the regime continues its shelling with mortars and tanks and does not commit to a ceasefire and to pull back the tanks and the troops, then we will resume the fight to defend our people," he said. |
| Saad al-Deen also denied the claim by Syria's foreign minister, Walid al-Moualem, that Annan had told him in a recent telephone call that the rebels would be "disarmed" after a ceasefire. | Saad al-Deen also denied the claim by Syria's foreign minister, Walid al-Moualem, that Annan had told him in a recent telephone call that the rebels would be "disarmed" after a ceasefire. |
| Saad al-Deen said: "What he (Moualem) said is not true, he is lying. The issue of disarming the rebels after a ceasefire was not brought up during the meeting (with Annan's team)." | Saad al-Deen said: "What he (Moualem) said is not true, he is lying. The issue of disarming the rebels after a ceasefire was not brought up during the meeting (with Annan's team)." |
| 2.37pm: Syria: Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan today accused Syrian president Bashar al-Assad of personal responsibility for killing civilians, Reuters reports. | 2.37pm: Syria: Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan today accused Syrian president Bashar al-Assad of personal responsibility for killing civilians, Reuters reports. |
| Speaking during a visit to China, Erdogan said: "He is continuing to kill 60, 70, 80, 100 every day" – adding that Syrian troops were now "mercilessly" shooting fleeing women and children in the back. | Speaking during a visit to China, Erdogan said: "He is continuing to kill 60, 70, 80, 100 every day" – adding that Syrian troops were now "mercilessly" shooting fleeing women and children in the back. |
| 2.29pm: Bahrain: The government news agency has published a "preliminary medical report" on the health of imprisoned hunger striker Abulhadi al-Khawaja. The report says "two international independent experts" (who are not identified) were commissioned to evaluate his condition and they visited him on 8 and 9 April. Here are some extracts from the report: | 2.29pm: Bahrain: The government news agency has published a "preliminary medical report" on the health of imprisoned hunger striker Abulhadi al-Khawaja. The report says "two international independent experts" (who are not identified) were commissioned to evaluate his condition and they visited him on 8 and 9 April. Here are some extracts from the report: |
| During the clinical examination we saw a cachectiv somewhat pale man. His weight was 51.5 kg and his height 172 cm, his blood pressure 100 / 68 mm HG, pulse 64, respiration rate 21/min and body temprature 36.8c. | During the clinical examination we saw a cachectiv somewhat pale man. His weight was 51.5 kg and his height 172 cm, his blood pressure 100 / 68 mm HG, pulse 64, respiration rate 21/min and body temprature 36.8c. |
| He seemed well and ws cooperative, quite coherent, well oriented in time, place and person. He was able to move around and stand normally for some time ... | He seemed well and ws cooperative, quite coherent, well oriented in time, place and person. He was able to move around and stand normally for some time ... |
| During the current hospitalisation he has been accepting to receive intravenous fluids as well as medication to increase his pottasium level. he has not been continuously on a total fast. During this hospitalisation both orally taken fluids as well as the fluids given intravenously are recorded in his files ... | During the current hospitalisation he has been accepting to receive intravenous fluids as well as medication to increase his pottasium level. he has not been continuously on a total fast. During this hospitalisation both orally taken fluids as well as the fluids given intravenously are recorded in his files ... |
| Since he started this hunger strike he has lost between 10 to 11kg of body weight as documented in his files compared to the 62 kg when he started the hunger strike on Janaury 30th 2012. | Since he started this hunger strike he has lost between 10 to 11kg of body weight as documented in his files compared to the 62 kg when he started the hunger strike on Janaury 30th 2012. |
| His laboratory results over the period prior to this examination showed specially verly low blood sugars and low pottasium which might be dangerous when no proper medical assessment or treatment is available. | His laboratory results over the period prior to this examination showed specially verly low blood sugars and low pottasium which might be dangerous when no proper medical assessment or treatment is available. |
| Moreover, he is prone to infections due to his low white blood cell count. his current medical satus is stable , after he has been stabilised over the past week. | Moreover, he is prone to infections due to his low white blood cell count. his current medical satus is stable , after he has been stabilised over the past week. |
| If he countinues to a hunger strike and does not allow any medical interference his life will be in serious danger. | If he countinues to a hunger strike and does not allow any medical interference his life will be in serious danger. |
| If he is transferred will back to the prison, he would need daily monitoring of his health and clinical status and the same specialist treatment as he currently receives in the Bahrain Defence Force Royal medical Services hospital. | If he is transferred will back to the prison, he would need daily monitoring of his health and clinical status and the same specialist treatment as he currently receives in the Bahrain Defence Force Royal medical Services hospital. |
| 1.42pm: Here's a summary of the main developments so far today: | 1.42pm: Here's a summary of the main developments so far today: |
| Syria | Syria |
| • Activists claim government forces have been shelling Homs, Hama and Aleppo, despite a claim by the Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moualem that its troops have already pulled back from some cities in compliance with the ceasefire which was due to take effect today. The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group claims 40 people have been killed by the security forces, including 25 in Homs, among them three children and four women. Its reports cannot be independently verified. | • Activists claim government forces have been shelling Homs, Hama and Aleppo, despite a claim by the Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moualem that its troops have already pulled back from some cities in compliance with the ceasefire which was due to take effect today. The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group claims 40 people have been killed by the security forces, including 25 in Homs, among them three children and four women. Its reports cannot be independently verified. |
| • The British foreign secretary, William Hague, said there was "no evidence" of Syria adhering to Kofi Annan's peace plan, while the French foreign ministry accused Moualem of "a blatant and unacceptable lie". | • The British foreign secretary, William Hague, said there was "no evidence" of Syria adhering to Kofi Annan's peace plan, while the French foreign ministry accused Moualem of "a blatant and unacceptable lie". |
| • Moualem has demanded guarantees from Annan that armed insurgents would honour a truce. "We will not ask the terrorist groups, which are killing, kidnapping and destroying infrastructure, for guarantees. We want Annan to give us these guarantees," he said in Moscow. | • Moualem has demanded guarantees from Annan that armed insurgents would honour a truce. "We will not ask the terrorist groups, which are killing, kidnapping and destroying infrastructure, for guarantees. We want Annan to give us these guarantees," he said in Moscow. |
| • Russia told Syria to act "more decisively" to implement the terms of Annan's plan but also urged foreign states to use their influence on opposition groups to stop shooting forthwith. "We told our Syrian colleague ... we think their actions could be more active, more decisive in regard to the fulfilment of the points of the plan," foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters after talks with Moualem. | • Russia told Syria to act "more decisively" to implement the terms of Annan's plan but also urged foreign states to use their influence on opposition groups to stop shooting forthwith. "We told our Syrian colleague ... we think their actions could be more active, more decisive in regard to the fulfilment of the points of the plan," foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters after talks with Moualem. |
| • In a new report entitled "In Cold Blood", Human Rights Watch has accused Syrian security forces of summarily executed scores, and possibly hundreds, of civilians and opposition fighters during their intensified offensive on cities and towns since December 2011. | • In a new report entitled "In Cold Blood", Human Rights Watch has accused Syrian security forces of summarily executed scores, and possibly hundreds, of civilians and opposition fighters during their intensified offensive on cities and towns since December 2011. |
| • Syria has offered "warm condolences" to the family of cameraman Ali Shaaban of al-Jadeed TV who was killed on the Lebanese border yesterday. The Syrian government news agency said he was shot during a firefight with "an armed terrorist group" that was trying to infiltrate the country. A reporter who survived said the TV crew came under fire "from the Syrian side" as they were taking footage of Syrian territory from inside Lebanon and after they had had "greeted the Syrian forces guarding the borders". | • Syria has offered "warm condolences" to the family of cameraman Ali Shaaban of al-Jadeed TV who was killed on the Lebanese border yesterday. The Syrian government news agency said he was shot during a firefight with "an armed terrorist group" that was trying to infiltrate the country. A reporter who survived said the TV crew came under fire "from the Syrian side" as they were taking footage of Syrian territory from inside Lebanon and after they had had "greeted the Syrian forces guarding the borders". |
| 1.24pm: Egypt: A bit more background on today's court ruling about Egypt's constitutional assembly. The case was brought by lawyers and activists complaining that the body appointed by the Islamist-led parliament to write the new constitution fails to reflect the diversity of Egyptian society. | 1.24pm: Egypt: A bit more background on today's court ruling about Egypt's constitutional assembly. The case was brought by lawyers and activists complaining that the body appointed by the Islamist-led parliament to write the new constitution fails to reflect the diversity of Egyptian society. |
| The court appears to have issued a temporary injunction calling a halt to the assembly. According to the Egypt Independent the court will decide later whether the assembly makeup is legal or not. There is also a possibility of an appeal to a higher court. | The court appears to have issued a temporary injunction calling a halt to the assembly. According to the Egypt Independent the court will decide later whether the assembly makeup is legal or not. There is also a possibility of an appeal to a higher court. |
| Reuters points out that this legal battle could delay the introduction of a constitution which is needed urgently to clarify the powers of Egypt's new head of state, due to take over from ruling generals by mid-year. | Reuters points out that this legal battle could delay the introduction of a constitution which is needed urgently to clarify the powers of Egypt's new head of state, due to take over from ruling generals by mid-year. |
| 1.02pm: Syria: France has gone even further than William Hague, accusing the Syrian government of "a blatant lie". French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said: | 1.02pm: Syria: France has gone even further than William Hague, accusing the Syrian government of "a blatant lie". French foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said: |
The Syrian foreign minister's statements this morning affirming an initial implementation of the Annan plan by the Damascus regime are a fresh expression of this blatant and unacceptable lie. They are indicative of a feeling of impunity against which the international community absolutely has to react to. | The Syrian foreign minister's statements this morning affirming an initial implementation of the Annan plan by the Damascus regime are a fresh expression of this blatant and unacceptable lie. They are indicative of a feeling of impunity against which the international community absolutely has to react to. |
| 12.57pm: Syria: The British foreign secretary, William Hague, has said there is "no evidence" that the Assad regime has any intention of adhering to Kofi Annan's peace plan. He also warned that Assad "and his closest cronies" that they would be held to account for their actions. He said: | 12.57pm: Syria: The British foreign secretary, William Hague, has said there is "no evidence" that the Assad regime has any intention of adhering to Kofi Annan's peace plan. He also warned that Assad "and his closest cronies" that they would be held to account for their actions. He said: |
| On 1 April the Assad regime made a firm commitment to UN/Arab League Envoy Kofi Annan to cease troop movements towards population centres; stop the use of heavy weapons; withdraw forces from urban areas in Syria by April 10th and to start a political transition. Since then, the regime has used this deadline as a cover for intensified military efforts to crush Syria's opposition. They have ruthlessly subjected whole communities to an inhumane campaign of shelling, forced expulsions and executions. They have attempted to attach unacceptable eleventh-hour conditions to a ceasefire agreement as a pretext for continuing the violence. And the regime has violated the sovereignty of Turkey and Lebanon, firing over Syria's borders at people desperately seeking to find refuge from the regime's onslaught. | On 1 April the Assad regime made a firm commitment to UN/Arab League Envoy Kofi Annan to cease troop movements towards population centres; stop the use of heavy weapons; withdraw forces from urban areas in Syria by April 10th and to start a political transition. Since then, the regime has used this deadline as a cover for intensified military efforts to crush Syria's opposition. They have ruthlessly subjected whole communities to an inhumane campaign of shelling, forced expulsions and executions. They have attempted to attach unacceptable eleventh-hour conditions to a ceasefire agreement as a pretext for continuing the violence. And the regime has violated the sovereignty of Turkey and Lebanon, firing over Syria's borders at people desperately seeking to find refuge from the regime's onslaught. |
| "There is no evidence so far that the Assad regime has any intention of adhering to any agreement it makes. This morning I discussed the situation with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, and later today I will have discussions with Kofi Annan about the way forward. We continue to support Kofi Annan's efforts to implement the plan he set out. But if this process fails Britain is ready to return to the UN security council to call again for a united international response to this clear threat to international peace and security. | "There is no evidence so far that the Assad regime has any intention of adhering to any agreement it makes. This morning I discussed the situation with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, and later today I will have discussions with Kofi Annan about the way forward. We continue to support Kofi Annan's efforts to implement the plan he set out. But if this process fails Britain is ready to return to the UN security council to call again for a united international response to this clear threat to international peace and security. |
| "We will be ready to intensify our support for the Syrian opposition, and to support others seeking to do the same. And we will begin the process of seeking the referral by the security council of the situation in Syria to the international criminal court. | "We will be ready to intensify our support for the Syrian opposition, and to support others seeking to do the same. And we will begin the process of seeking the referral by the security council of the situation in Syria to the international criminal court. |
| "President Assad and his closest cronies should be under no doubt that they will be held to account for their actions. All those with influence over the Syrian leadership, including Russia, have a duty to back efforts to stop the violence and to isolate a regime which is as doomed as it is dangerous to the Syrian people. | "President Assad and his closest cronies should be under no doubt that they will be held to account for their actions. All those with influence over the Syrian leadership, including Russia, have a duty to back efforts to stop the violence and to isolate a regime which is as doomed as it is dangerous to the Syrian people. |
| 12.40pm: Syria: This Google map aims to show some of the reported breaches by the Syrian government of the ceasefire brokered by Kofi Annan that was due to start today. It is based on videos posted by activist groups. | 12.40pm: Syria: This Google map aims to show some of the reported breaches by the Syrian government of the ceasefire brokered by Kofi Annan that was due to start today. It is based on videos posted by activist groups. |
| You can scroll along the map and click on the Guardian pointers to watch videos in different areas. | You can scroll along the map and click on the Guardian pointers to watch videos in different areas. |
| 12.35pm: Syria: Syrian blogger Big Al Brand has been tweeting updates on the situation in Homs, where he says the shelling is worse than yesterday despite the supposed ceasefire: | 12.35pm: Syria: Syrian blogger Big Al Brand has been tweeting updates on the situation in Homs, where he says the shelling is worse than yesterday despite the supposed ceasefire: |
| Shelling today is worse than yesterday in #Homs #Syria. So much for sticking to Annan's plan. | Shelling today is worse than yesterday in #Homs #Syria. So much for sticking to Annan's plan. |
| — Big Al (@BigAlBrand) April 10, 2012 | — Big Al (@BigAlBrand) April 10, 2012 |
| I left my neighborhood while shelling sounds were clear and smoke clouds were seen, and shooting was rapid. #Homs #Syria | I left my neighborhood while shelling sounds were clear and smoke clouds were seen, and shooting was rapid. #Homs #Syria |
| — Big Al (@BigAlBrand) April 10, 2012 | — Big Al (@BigAlBrand) April 10, 2012 |
| I'm going back home right after I finish delivering food to refugees. | I'm going back home right after I finish delivering food to refugees. |
| — Big Al (@BigAlBrand) April 10, 2012 | — Big Al (@BigAlBrand) April 10, 2012 |
| 12.34pm: Syria: The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group has accused the Syrian government of increasing military activity in the wake of the ceasefire deadline and warned of escalation of the conflict beyond Syria's borders as a consequence. In a statement, it says: | 12.34pm: Syria: The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group has accused the Syrian government of increasing military activity in the wake of the ceasefire deadline and warned of escalation of the conflict beyond Syria's borders as a consequence. In a statement, it says: |
| Today is the deadline for the regime to commit to a cease-fire and withdraw its troops and military equipment from cities and towns. However, the criminal regime's intentional non-compliance with the six-point plan has been exposed: it has increased its direct military, security and shabiha deployments on the ground; it has increased the number and expansion of military operations in dozens of cities and towns, including the heart of the capital Damascus; the number of martyrs, prisoners, and refugees has risen; the regime has continued to implement such sadistic practices as rape, setting fire to the homes of activists, and indiscriminately bombing cities, towns, and villages with heavy weapons; the regime has also failed to enter into a political discourse and has suppressed the media ... | Today is the deadline for the regime to commit to a cease-fire and withdraw its troops and military equipment from cities and towns. However, the criminal regime's intentional non-compliance with the six-point plan has been exposed: it has increased its direct military, security and shabiha deployments on the ground; it has increased the number and expansion of military operations in dozens of cities and towns, including the heart of the capital Damascus; the number of martyrs, prisoners, and refugees has risen; the regime has continued to implement such sadistic practices as rape, setting fire to the homes of activists, and indiscriminately bombing cities, towns, and villages with heavy weapons; the regime has also failed to enter into a political discourse and has suppressed the media ... |
| The corrupt criminal regime has used all previous political initiatives to buy time and impose hard realities on the ground by force. The United Nations' and Arab League's failure to rein in this regime and put an end to the killing, destruction, arson, and rape, is contributing to the deteriorating humanitarian situation and will likely result in this domestic conflict spilling beyond Syria's borders. | The corrupt criminal regime has used all previous political initiatives to buy time and impose hard realities on the ground by force. The United Nations' and Arab League's failure to rein in this regime and put an end to the killing, destruction, arson, and rape, is contributing to the deteriorating humanitarian situation and will likely result in this domestic conflict spilling beyond Syria's borders. |
| 12.03pm: Syria: The leaders of Saudi Arabia and Turkey will meet to discuss Syria on Friday, Reuters reports. "The Syrian issue is top of the agenda," a Saudi official is quoted as saying. | 12.03pm: Syria: The leaders of Saudi Arabia and Turkey will meet to discuss Syria on Friday, Reuters reports. "The Syrian issue is top of the agenda," a Saudi official is quoted as saying. |
| According to the Turkish Hurriyet newspaper, prime minister Tayyip Erdogan will fly to Saudi Arabia on his way home from an official visit to China and will tell the Saudi king that Arab countries must take the lead in coordinated international measures against the Syrian government. | According to the Turkish Hurriyet newspaper, prime minister Tayyip Erdogan will fly to Saudi Arabia on his way home from an official visit to China and will tell the Saudi king that Arab countries must take the lead in coordinated international measures against the Syrian government. |
| The newspaper said Erdogan might then travel on to Moscow to meet prime minister Vladimir Putin. | The newspaper said Erdogan might then travel on to Moscow to meet prime minister Vladimir Putin. |
| 11.49am: Egypt: Ezz Steel, Egypt's largest steel producer, has reported a 20% drop in net profits for 2011, compared with the previous year. The company's chairman, Ahmed Ezz, was closely associated with the Mubarak regime and his since stepped down. He was jailed last year on corruption charges. | 11.49am: Egypt: Ezz Steel, Egypt's largest steel producer, has reported a 20% drop in net profits for 2011, compared with the previous year. The company's chairman, Ahmed Ezz, was closely associated with the Mubarak regime and his since stepped down. He was jailed last year on corruption charges. |
| 11.44am: Bahrain: Activist Ala'a Shehabi has just posted a couple of interesting and possibly important tweets. The first relates to a phone call from Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone: | 11.44am: Bahrain: Activist Ala'a Shehabi has just posted a couple of interesting and possibly important tweets. The first relates to a phone call from Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone: |
| Bernie Ecclestone just gave me a call on his way to China. He is very concerned with the situation in #Bahrain and with Abdulhadi Alkhawaja | Bernie Ecclestone just gave me a call on his way to China. He is very concerned with the situation in #Bahrain and with Abdulhadi Alkhawaja |
| — Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 10, 2012 | — Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 10, 2012 |
| It appears that the Bahraini authorities have also been talking to Ecclestone about releasing hunger-striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja: | It appears that the Bahraini authorities have also been talking to Ecclestone about releasing hunger-striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja: |
| Ecclestone: I was told by govt that Alkhawaja will be released after his trial &will then deport him 2 Denmark & strip him of citizenship | Ecclestone: I was told by govt that Alkhawaja will be released after his trial &will then deport him 2 Denmark & strip him of citizenship |
| — Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 10, 2012 | — Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 10, 2012 |
| 11.25am: Egypt: A court ruling today has blocked the Egyptian parliament's decision to create a new constitutional assembly, Reuters reports. | 11.25am: Egypt: A court ruling today has blocked the Egyptian parliament's decision to create a new constitutional assembly, Reuters reports. |
| The Cairo administrative court "halts the implementation of the decision by the parliament's speaker to form the constitutional assembly to draft the constitution," Judge Ali Fekri told the court. | The Cairo administrative court "halts the implementation of the decision by the parliament's speaker to form the constitutional assembly to draft the constitution," Judge Ali Fekri told the court. |
| The court's decision challenges the legitimacy of a body that has been criticised for its domination by Islamists. A number of those appointed to the assembly – which is supposed to draft a new constitution for the country – have already pulled out. | The court's decision challenges the legitimacy of a body that has been criticised for its domination by Islamists. A number of those appointed to the assembly – which is supposed to draft a new constitution for the country – have already pulled out. |
| 11.20am: Kuwait: A Sunni Muslim writer has been sentenced to seven years in jail and ordered to pay nearly $18,000 in compensation after being convicted of insulting Kuwait's Shia Muslim minority on Twitter, Reuters reports. | 11.20am: Kuwait: A Sunni Muslim writer has been sentenced to seven years in jail and ordered to pay nearly $18,000 in compensation after being convicted of insulting Kuwait's Shia Muslim minority on Twitter, Reuters reports. |
| The court said Kuwaiti Mohammad al-Mulaifi posted falsehoods about sectarian divisions in the Gulf Arab country and insulted the Shia faith and its scholars with comments that damaged Kuwait's image. | The court said Kuwaiti Mohammad al-Mulaifi posted falsehoods about sectarian divisions in the Gulf Arab country and insulted the Shia faith and its scholars with comments that damaged Kuwait's image. |
| He was arrested in February and his comments triggered protests by Shias, according to Kuwaiti media. His lawyer was not immediately available for comment. Reuters continues: | He was arrested in February and his comments triggered protests by Shias, according to Kuwaiti media. His lawyer was not immediately available for comment. Reuters continues: |
| Twitter is very popular in Kuwait, where many public figures use the site to debate current events, swap gossip and share news. But the public messaging site has landed several users in trouble with Kuwaiti authorities. | Twitter is very popular in Kuwait, where many public figures use the site to debate current events, swap gossip and share news. But the public messaging site has landed several users in trouble with Kuwaiti authorities. |
| Police arrested a Kuwaiti Shi'ite last month, accusing him of insulting the Prophet Mohammad on his Twitter account. He denied this, saying his account was hacked, according to his lawyer. | Police arrested a Kuwaiti Shi'ite last month, accusing him of insulting the Prophet Mohammad on his Twitter account. He denied this, saying his account was hacked, according to his lawyer. |
| Dozens of Sunni activists protested last week to condemn the man and some members of parliament called for his execution. | Dozens of Sunni activists protested last week to condemn the man and some members of parliament called for his execution. |
| In September a Kuwaiti court convicted a man for insulting Gulf rulers and posting inflammatory sectarian comments online, but he was released immediately because of time already served while awaiting trial, according to a human rights activist. | In September a Kuwaiti court convicted a man for insulting Gulf rulers and posting inflammatory sectarian comments online, but he was released immediately because of time already served while awaiting trial, according to a human rights activist. |
| Kuwaiti MPs from across the political spectrum have voiced concern about sectarian tensions. The unease reflects a wider regional trend, especially in Bahrain where the Sunni monarchy has launched a crackdown on protesters who are mainly Shia. | Kuwaiti MPs from across the political spectrum have voiced concern about sectarian tensions. The unease reflects a wider regional trend, especially in Bahrain where the Sunni monarchy has launched a crackdown on protesters who are mainly Shia. |
| Shia make up around 30% of Kuwait's roughly 1 million native citizens. | Shia make up around 30% of Kuwait's roughly 1 million native citizens. |
| 11.00am: Syria: The Local Coordination Committees activist group says 12 people, including four women and three children, have been killed by shelling in Homs today, in the neighbourhoods of Khalidiya and Bayada. | 11.00am: Syria: The Local Coordination Committees activist group says 12 people, including four women and three children, have been killed by shelling in Homs today, in the neighbourhoods of Khalidiya and Bayada. |
| Activists report attacks on a number of Homs neighbourhoods, including Bab Duraib, Safsafa and Qarabes, al-Qusayr (video of shelling) and Jourah al-Shiah (video of shelling). | Activists report attacks on a number of Homs neighbourhoods, including Bab Duraib, Safsafa and Qarabes, al-Qusayr (video of shelling) and Jourah al-Shiah (video of shelling). |
| 10.55am: Bahrain: We've received an update from John Horne, one of the organisers of the open letter to Bahrain's ruler, King Hamad, published on the Guardian's website yesterday. The letter calls for the immediate and unconditional release of imprisoned hunger-striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. | 10.55am: Bahrain: We've received an update from John Horne, one of the organisers of the open letter to Bahrain's ruler, King Hamad, published on the Guardian's website yesterday. The letter calls for the immediate and unconditional release of imprisoned hunger-striker Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. |
| Since the letter was published in the Guardian, we have been overwhelmed with more than 300 further signatures. These new signatories include many more politicians, academics and NGOs, alongside human rights activists, former diplomats, human rights, representatives of civil society organisations and countless individual citizens from across the world. | Since the letter was published in the Guardian, we have been overwhelmed with more than 300 further signatures. These new signatories include many more politicians, academics and NGOs, alongside human rights activists, former diplomats, human rights, representatives of civil society organisations and countless individual citizens from across the world. |
| We are honoured to be adding Jan Kavan, former president of the UN general assembly and former foreign minister and deputy prime minister of the Czech Republic; John Pilger; Richard Williams MP; 15 new organisations; a further 12 professors alongside other academics, lawyers, doctors and countless citizens whose profession is unknown. | We are honoured to be adding Jan Kavan, former president of the UN general assembly and former foreign minister and deputy prime minister of the Czech Republic; John Pilger; Richard Williams MP; 15 new organisations; a further 12 professors alongside other academics, lawyers, doctors and countless citizens whose profession is unknown. |
| The letter was conceived in urgent haste and distributed on a bank holiday, so we feel such a strong response indicates a strong - and international - will to see Abdulhadi al-Khawaja released immediately and unconditionally. | The letter was conceived in urgent haste and distributed on a bank holiday, so we feel such a strong response indicates a strong - and international - will to see Abdulhadi al-Khawaja released immediately and unconditionally. |
| This belief is buttressed by the 15 major international NGOs who yesterday co-signed a letter to President Obama, calling on him to publicly urge for Khawaja's release. | This belief is buttressed by the 15 major international NGOs who yesterday co-signed a letter to President Obama, calling on him to publicly urge for Khawaja's release. |
| 10.28am: Syria: Security forces have summarily executed scores, and possibly hundreds, of civilians and opposition fighters during their intensified offensive on cities and towns since December 2011, Human Rights Watch says today, in a new report entitled In Cold Blood. | 10.28am: Syria: Security forces have summarily executed scores, and possibly hundreds, of civilians and opposition fighters during their intensified offensive on cities and towns since December 2011, Human Rights Watch says today, in a new report entitled In Cold Blood. |
| In cases documented by HRW, at least 85 victims were described by witnesses as residents who did not take part in the fighting, including women and children. The report describes in detail several cases of mass executions of local residents, including the killing of at least 13 men at the Bilal mosque in Idlib on March 11, 2012; the execution of at least 25 men during a search and arrest operation in the Sultaniya neighborhood of Homs on March 3, 2012; and the killings of at least 47 people, mainly women and children, in the 'Adwiyya, Karm al-Zaytoun and Refa'i neighborhoods of Homs on 11-12 March 2012. | In cases documented by HRW, at least 85 victims were described by witnesses as residents who did not take part in the fighting, including women and children. The report describes in detail several cases of mass executions of local residents, including the killing of at least 13 men at the Bilal mosque in Idlib on March 11, 2012; the execution of at least 25 men during a search and arrest operation in the Sultaniya neighborhood of Homs on March 3, 2012; and the killings of at least 47 people, mainly women and children, in the 'Adwiyya, Karm al-Zaytoun and Refa'i neighborhoods of Homs on 11-12 March 2012. |
| HRW also documented the execution of at least 16 opposition fighters whom the Syrian security forces shot at point blank range after they had been captured or wounded, | HRW also documented the execution of at least 16 opposition fighters whom the Syrian security forces shot at point blank range after they had been captured or wounded, |
| One witness told HRW about the incident at Bilal mosque: | One witness told HRW about the incident at Bilal mosque: |
| They kept 18 people, including the 13-year-old brother of a man they could not find, and three women. They brought them inside the mosque. Then they brought 13 of them back out again. They were blindfolded. They put them against the wall of the mosque. Then 13 army soldiers were placed in front of them and opened fire with their Kalashnikovs. The commander then shot them with his arm at point-blank range in the head. | They kept 18 people, including the 13-year-old brother of a man they could not find, and three women. They brought them inside the mosque. Then they brought 13 of them back out again. They were blindfolded. They put them against the wall of the mosque. Then 13 army soldiers were placed in front of them and opened fire with their Kalashnikovs. The commander then shot them with his arm at point-blank range in the head. |
| HRW says the UN security council should: | HRW says the UN security council should: |
| • Demand that Syria ends "widespread human rights abuses" • Authorise deployment of monitors to supervise compliance with Kofi Annan's peace plan • Refer the situation in Syria to the international criminal court • Secure access for humanitarian missions. | • Demand that Syria ends "widespread human rights abuses" • Authorise deployment of monitors to supervise compliance with Kofi Annan's peace plan • Refer the situation in Syria to the international criminal court • Secure access for humanitarian missions. |
| It also lists a series of recommendations to all countries, the Arab League, Russia and China specifically and the Syrian government. | It also lists a series of recommendations to all countries, the Arab League, Russia and China specifically and the Syrian government. |
| HRW says the report "is based on more than 30 interviews with witnesses to executions whom HRW interviewed in person or over the phone ...For some of the incidents, HRW interviewed separately several witnesses who provided similar, detailed accounts of the executions. In three of the cases there is also video or photo evidence that support the eyewitness accounts. We have also included in this report cases that are based on interviews with one witness when we found the witness to be credible and when other aspects of their accounts were independently verified. These cases should be investigated further." | HRW says the report "is based on more than 30 interviews with witnesses to executions whom HRW interviewed in person or over the phone ...For some of the incidents, HRW interviewed separately several witnesses who provided similar, detailed accounts of the executions. In three of the cases there is also video or photo evidence that support the eyewitness accounts. We have also included in this report cases that are based on interviews with one witness when we found the witness to be credible and when other aspects of their accounts were independently verified. These cases should be investigated further." |
| 10.10am: Tunisia: More on yesterday's trouble in the capital. The Tunisia Live news website says: | 10.10am: Tunisia: More on yesterday's trouble in the capital. The Tunisia Live news website says: |
| The protest was organised by a number of civil society organisations to commemorate the Martyrs' Day. Many separate, peaceful marches started from different points. One protest started from the headquarters of UGTT [trade union] in Mohamed Ali Square, downtown Tunis. Another began in Mohamed V Avenue with the aim to meet at Habib Bourguiba Avenue. | The protest was organised by a number of civil society organisations to commemorate the Martyrs' Day. Many separate, peaceful marches started from different points. One protest started from the headquarters of UGTT [trade union] in Mohamed Ali Square, downtown Tunis. Another began in Mohamed V Avenue with the aim to meet at Habib Bourguiba Avenue. |
| As marchers descended on the avenue from several different directions, police replied with teargas and baton charges. For several hours running battles between protesters and police – some wearing balaclavas and others in plain clothes – occurred in the streets leading to the avenue. Violent skirmishes occurred on rue de Caire, rue de Marseille, rue de Paris, as well as around the main train station on Place Barcelone. | As marchers descended on the avenue from several different directions, police replied with teargas and baton charges. For several hours running battles between protesters and police – some wearing balaclavas and others in plain clothes – occurred in the streets leading to the avenue. Violent skirmishes occurred on rue de Caire, rue de Marseille, rue de Paris, as well as around the main train station on Place Barcelone. |
| On Saturday, police also used teargas and batons against some 400 unemployed graduates and activists who were holding a right-to-work march. The protesters were reportedly dispersed as they attempted to reach Avenue Bourguiba. | On Saturday, police also used teargas and batons against some 400 unemployed graduates and activists who were holding a right-to-work march. The protesters were reportedly dispersed as they attempted to reach Avenue Bourguiba. |
| 9.59am: Syria: Despite the claims by the opposition of ongoing violence, Syria's foreign minister Walid al-Moualem says its troops have already pulled back from some cities. After talks with the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow, he told reporters that Syria wanted a say in the composition of an international team to observe implementation of a ceasefire in the country. | 9.59am: Syria: Despite the claims by the opposition of ongoing violence, Syria's foreign minister Walid al-Moualem says its troops have already pulled back from some cities. After talks with the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow, he told reporters that Syria wanted a say in the composition of an international team to observe implementation of a ceasefire in the country. |
| "An end of violence must be simultaneous with the arrival of the international observers," he said. | "An end of violence must be simultaneous with the arrival of the international observers," he said. |
| Lavrov said that he had urged the Syrian government to act "more decisively" to implement the plan but added that foreign states should use their influence on opposition groups to press for an immediate ceasefire. Lavrov said: "We told our Syrian colleague ... we think their actions could be more active, more decisive in regard to the fulfillment of the points of the plan." | Lavrov said that he had urged the Syrian government to act "more decisively" to implement the plan but added that foreign states should use their influence on opposition groups to press for an immediate ceasefire. Lavrov said: "We told our Syrian colleague ... we think their actions could be more active, more decisive in regard to the fulfillment of the points of the plan." |
| He said Syrian opposition groups must also be committed to Annan's plan and called on foreign states with influence on them to use it to promote an immediate ceasefire. | He said Syrian opposition groups must also be committed to Annan's plan and called on foreign states with influence on them to use it to promote an immediate ceasefire. |
| Meanwhile, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said China hopes the Syrian government and opposition "stay with their commitment to the ceasefire and withdrawal, and create favourable conditions for easing the tension in Syria and pushing for a political resolution for the Syria issue". | Meanwhile, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said China hopes the Syrian government and opposition "stay with their commitment to the ceasefire and withdrawal, and create favourable conditions for easing the tension in Syria and pushing for a political resolution for the Syria issue". |
| 9.58am: Bahrain: Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has conceded the possibility of the Grand Prix taking place Bahrain later this month without all the teams competing. The Times (paywall) quotes him as saying: "If the teams don't want to go, then we cannot make them." | 9.58am: Bahrain: Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has conceded the possibility of the Grand Prix taking place Bahrain later this month without all the teams competing. The Times (paywall) quotes him as saying: "If the teams don't want to go, then we cannot make them." |
| 9.33am: Egypt: On the Arabist blog, Cairo-based journalist Issandr el Amrani considers the decision of Omar Suleiman, Mubarak's former intelligence chief, to run for the presidency. | 9.33am: Egypt: On the Arabist blog, Cairo-based journalist Issandr el Amrani considers the decision of Omar Suleiman, Mubarak's former intelligence chief, to run for the presidency. |
| Amrani says it's galling to see Suleiman – often referred to as Egypt's "torturer-in-chief" – claiming democratic credentials but suggests he is unlikely to win unless the election is rigged. In the meantime, Amrani says, Suleiman "can certainly be useful" in stirring up sentiment against the Muslim Brotherhood – "especially if he uses some of the documents and recordings he no doubt has saved from his years as spy chief". | Amrani says it's galling to see Suleiman – often referred to as Egypt's "torturer-in-chief" – claiming democratic credentials but suggests he is unlikely to win unless the election is rigged. In the meantime, Amrani says, Suleiman "can certainly be useful" in stirring up sentiment against the Muslim Brotherhood – "especially if he uses some of the documents and recordings he no doubt has saved from his years as spy chief". |
| 9.29am: Syria: The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group has linked to video it says is of tanks in the Damascus suburb of Douma this morning. | 9.29am: Syria: The Local Co-ordination Committees activist group has linked to video it says is of tanks in the Damascus suburb of Douma this morning. |
| The LCC also claims the following breaches of the ceasefire are taking place: | The LCC also claims the following breaches of the ceasefire are taking place: |
| Aleppo: Mareh: The regime's army shells the city with planes and heavy machine guns | Aleppo: Mareh: The regime's army shells the city with planes and heavy machine guns |
| This video purports to show smoke above Mareh today caused by shelling by government forces: | This video purports to show smoke above Mareh today caused by shelling by government forces: |
| Deraa: Alma: The regime's army raid the area and is randomly shelling the town using war aircraft | Deraa: Alma: The regime's army raid the area and is randomly shelling the town using war aircraft |
| Deraa: Sanamain: The regime's army raided the town and besieged a number of neighborhoods after conducting an arrest campaign that reached dozens of activists | Deraa: Sanamain: The regime's army raided the town and besieged a number of neighborhoods after conducting an arrest campaign that reached dozens of activists |
| Deraa: Tafas: The regime's army raid the city using a large number of tanks amid gunfire from anti-aircrafts and heavy weapons, and used sound grenades, in addition to a random arrest and raid campaign in the area | Deraa: Tafas: The regime's army raid the city using a large number of tanks amid gunfire from anti-aircrafts and heavy weapons, and used sound grenades, in addition to a random arrest and raid campaign in the area |
| Hama: Kafr Zeita: The regime's army surrounds the city from all points as security forces raid several homes and wage a campaign of arbitrary arrests and destruction of homes and commercial shops | Hama: Kafr Zeita: The regime's army surrounds the city from all points as security forces raid several homes and wage a campaign of arbitrary arrests and destruction of homes and commercial shops |
| Homs: Violent shelling on Old Homs neighborhoods especially Bab Duraib and Safsafa areas | Homs: Violent shelling on Old Homs neighborhoods especially Bab Duraib and Safsafa areas |
| It has also posted a video said to be of shelling in Qarabes, in Homs: | It has also posted a video said to be of shelling in Qarabes, in Homs: |
| Idlib: Areeha: Aircraft flying over the city accompanied with shooting from heavy weapons, and random raid and arrest campaign were reported in the area | Idlib: Areeha: Aircraft flying over the city accompanied with shooting from heavy weapons, and random raid and arrest campaign were reported in the area |
| The LCC's reports cannot be independently verified. | The LCC's reports cannot be independently verified. |
| 8.51am: Good morning. Welcome to Middle East Live. Today we shall be monitoring events in Syria after the passing of the partial ceasefire deadline, as well as unrest in other parts of the region. | 8.51am: Good morning. Welcome to Middle East Live. Today we shall be monitoring events in Syria after the passing of the partial ceasefire deadline, as well as unrest in other parts of the region. |
| Syria | Syria |
| • Syrian government forces show no sign of meeting today's deadline for a partial ceasefire and withdrawal from population centres. Reuters, citing local activists, reports that tanks fired two shells in the city of Homs around 2am this morning and that tanks remain on the streets of Douma, a Damascus suburb. | • Syrian government forces show no sign of meeting today's deadline for a partial ceasefire and withdrawal from population centres. Reuters, citing local activists, reports that tanks fired two shells in the city of Homs around 2am this morning and that tanks remain on the streets of Douma, a Damascus suburb. |
| • Turkey's prime minister, on a visit to China, says he is considering what steps to take after Syrian forces opened fire on a refugee camp on the Turkish side of the border. Witnesses say two people in the camp were killed. The Syrian troops are reported to have been attacking rebels who fled towards the camp after ambushing a Syrian military checkpoint, killing six soldiers. | • Turkey's prime minister, on a visit to China, says he is considering what steps to take after Syrian forces opened fire on a refugee camp on the Turkish side of the border. Witnesses say two people in the camp were killed. The Syrian troops are reported to have been attacking rebels who fled towards the camp after ambushing a Syrian military checkpoint, killing six soldiers. |
| • Syria has offered "warm condolences" to the family of cameraman Ali Shaaban of al-Jadeed TV who was killed on the Lebanese border yesterday. The Syrian government news agency said he was shot during a firefight with "an armed terrorist group" that was trying to infiltrate the country. A reporter who survived said the TV crew came under fire "from the Syrian side" as they were taking footage of Syrian territory from inside Lebanon and after they had had "greeted the Syrian forces guarding the borders". | • Syria has offered "warm condolences" to the family of cameraman Ali Shaaban of al-Jadeed TV who was killed on the Lebanese border yesterday. The Syrian government news agency said he was shot during a firefight with "an armed terrorist group" that was trying to infiltrate the country. A reporter who survived said the TV crew came under fire "from the Syrian side" as they were taking footage of Syrian territory from inside Lebanon and after they had had "greeted the Syrian forces guarding the borders". |
| • Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moallem has arrived in Moscow for talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. We shall be following developments there during the course of today. | • Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moallem has arrived in Moscow for talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. We shall be following developments there during the course of today. |
| Bahrain | Bahrain |
| • UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has urged Bahrain to consider transferring Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, the jailed hunger striker, to Denmark for medical treatment on humanitarian grounds. Khawaja, who has Danish citizenship, has been refusing food since 8 February. The authorities in Bahrain have so far refused to hand him over to Denmark on the grounds that Bahraini law prevents transfers of "accused and convicted persons to foreign countries". | • UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has urged Bahrain to consider transferring Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, the jailed hunger striker, to Denmark for medical treatment on humanitarian grounds. Khawaja, who has Danish citizenship, has been refusing food since 8 February. The authorities in Bahrain have so far refused to hand him over to Denmark on the grounds that Bahraini law prevents transfers of "accused and convicted persons to foreign countries". |
| • There is continuing speculation that the Formula One Grand Prix, due to be held in Bahrain on 22 April may yet be cancelled. Some of the F1 teams have reportedly been issued with alternative plane tickets that will take them straight home from the race in China on 15 April – missing out Bahrain. | • There is continuing speculation that the Formula One Grand Prix, due to be held in Bahrain on 22 April may yet be cancelled. Some of the F1 teams have reportedly been issued with alternative plane tickets that will take them straight home from the race in China on 15 April – missing out Bahrain. |
| Tunisia | Tunisia |
| • At least 15 civilians and eight police were injured during protests in Tunis yesterday, AFP reports. Police used teargas and batons against a march in Avenue Bourguiba – the city's main thoroughfare – where the government recently announced a ban on demonstrations. | • At least 15 civilians and eight police were injured during protests in Tunis yesterday, AFP reports. Police used teargas and batons against a march in Avenue Bourguiba – the city's main thoroughfare – where the government recently announced a ban on demonstrations. |