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Syria crisis, Bahrain unrest - live updates Syria crisis, Bahrain unrest - live updates
(40 minutes later)
Syria
• Kofi Annan says Syria and the UN have agreed on ground rules governing the UN mission to monitor the unravelling ceasfire. The details have yet to emerge. UN monitors were filmed being greeted by anti-government protesters when they visited the southern town of Kherbet Ghazala in Dera'a province. The visit comes a day after gunfire disperse protesters during UN monitoring visit the Damascus suburb of Arbeen.
• Foreign ministers are meeting in Paris for the third Friends of Syria meeting. Speaking before the meeting France president Nicolas Sarkozy repeated a call for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to help the Syrian opposition. His foreign minister Alain Juppé said the number of UN monitors should increase to between 300 and 400. China said it was considering sending observers as part of the mission.
• Syrian troops clashed with army defectors in an eastern city of Deir Ezzor, leaving at least one person dead, while government forces bombarded rebel-held neighbourhoods of the central city of Homs. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said shells were falling every five minutes over three opposition districts in Homs at one point this morning.
• The UN secretary-general says Syria has failed to comply with its obligation under a peace plan to pull troops and heavy weapons out of urban areas. In a letter to the UN Security Council, Ban Ki-moon called for an observer mission to be expanded to 300 members.
Bahrain
• Opposition activists claim 23 people were wounded with shotgun pellets after police broke up pro-democracy protest last night. The ministry of the interior accused protesters of rioting and vandalism and have banned an opposition rally planned for today.
• Unverified video from activists has challenged a claim by John Yates, the former assistant commission of the Metropolitan police who is advising Bahraini authorities, that police abuse is not taking place in off site locations. If such abuse was taking place it "would be on YouTube", Yates told the Guardian. Shortly afterwards a clip appear purporting to show police beating protesters.
• A member of a team competing in this Sunday's grand prix has returned home after a petrol bomb was thrown at a hire car used by mechanics. Race officials played down the incident involving the Force India team. No one was hurt.
Egypt
• Presidential candidate Amr Moussa has launched his election campaign with a pledge to root out corruption. He also said he only wanted to serve one four-year term.
• Khairat al-Shater the Muslim Brotherhood financier who has been barred from standing as president told the BBC that progress towards democracy is in danger. Shater said he feared the possibility of a rigged election and signalled that Brotherhood would increase its pressure, both inside and outside parliament, to ensure that the transition to democracy goes ahead.
Tunisia
• The trial of a Tunisian TV station owner charged with "insulting sacred values" by screening the award-winning Iranian Persepolis has resumed. The trial is being seen as a crucial test of the role of Islam in the new Tunisia. A prosecutor told the trial that his son couldn't sleep for three nights after seeing the film.
12.27pm: Syria: Flash from the Associated Press: Kofi Annan says Syria and the UN agree on rules governing UN truce monitors.
12.23pm: Tunisia: The trial of Nabil Karoui, owner of Nessma TV which offended religious elements by broadcasting the film, Persepolis, is now under way and Tunisia Live is tweeting from the courtroom.
So far, it says the lawyer who filed the complaint against Karoui has quoted the Quran, and a prosecutor has claimed: "My 11-year-old son was traumatised by the shocking scenes of Persepolis – couldn't sleep for three nights."
A prosecutor is also quoted as saying: "We want to sue the ones who funded the dubbing of Persepolis" [it was dubbed into the Tunisian dialect] and "We are committed to responsible freedom of expression which respects that which is sacred".
12.12pm: Syria: Fighting is reported today in eastern Syrian near the border with Iraq and in Qusair near the Lebanese border, as well as in Homs, the Associated Press says, citing activist sources:
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said clashes broke out Thursday in Deir Ezzour, near the border with Iraq, killing one civilian and wounding three others.
Syrian troops also began shelling the rebel-held neighborhoods of Qarabees and Jouret el-Shayah in Homs which has emerged as a center of the rebellion about 6:30am and intense shooting and explosions could be heard for hours, according to the Observatory.
"We are being subjected to intense shelling with mortars," Abu Joud, an activist in the city, said via Skype. The activist urged international observers, who began their mission in Syria this week, to visit Homs.
"Until now they haven't come here although Homs is the hardest hit city in Syria," Abu Joud said.
Amateur videos posted online showed smoke billowing from a residential area in Homs as the sound of shelling could be heard. "This is the destroyed Homs. Homes are on fire and people fled. May God help us. Look Kofi Annan," an activist could be heard saying.
Activists also said Syrian troops were shelling areas in the nearby town of Qusair, near the border with Lebanon. The Observatory and the Local Coordination Committees, another activist group, said the regime was sending reinforcements to the town. Rebels have had control of some areas of the town for months.
"A shell is falling every five minutes on Qusair," said Rami Abdul-Rahman who heads the Observatory.
Assad's regime has strictly limited reporting in the country so the reports could not be independently confirmed.
11.54am: Bahrain: The government has missed two recent opportunities for an exit from the political crisis, according to Elizabeth Dickinson in an article for World Affairs. One was an opportunity for political dialogue, and the other an opportunity for reform following last year's BICI report.11.54am: Bahrain: The government has missed two recent opportunities for an exit from the political crisis, according to Elizabeth Dickinson in an article for World Affairs. One was an opportunity for political dialogue, and the other an opportunity for reform following last year's BICI report.
"Both those opportunities, however, came to naught, and the result may deal a deathblow, ironically, to the most moderate supporters of Bahrain's uprising," Dickinson says."Both those opportunities, however, came to naught, and the result may deal a deathblow, ironically, to the most moderate supporters of Bahrain's uprising," Dickinson says.
Opposition groups led by al-Wefaq continue to walk a fine line, organising pro-democracy protests but keeping open a door for dialogue with the ruling Sunni monarchy ...Opposition groups led by al-Wefaq continue to walk a fine line, organising pro-democracy protests but keeping open a door for dialogue with the ruling Sunni monarchy ...
Many youth on the street, however, have long ago lost faith in that option. Under the umbrella of an online group of activists calling themselves the February 14 Coalition, they are talking about other options. For months now, protests have chanted "Yasqut, Hamad" – down with the King.Many youth on the street, however, have long ago lost faith in that option. Under the umbrella of an online group of activists calling themselves the February 14 Coalition, they are talking about other options. For months now, protests have chanted "Yasqut, Hamad" – down with the King.
Now, Molotov cocktails are becoming increasingly popular. Some more extreme online groups allying with the February 14 Coalition have called for more direct attacks on security forces too ...Now, Molotov cocktails are becoming increasingly popular. Some more extreme online groups allying with the February 14 Coalition have called for more direct attacks on security forces too ...
What this signals for the direction of Bahrain's crisis seems clear: a further slide into escalation ...What this signals for the direction of Bahrain's crisis seems clear: a further slide into escalation ...
Salman of al-Wefaq told me on April 5 that his group's position has not changed. "To speak clearly, we are with a credible dialogue, a political solution … There is no precondition for [that] dialogue."Salman of al-Wefaq told me on April 5 that his group's position has not changed. "To speak clearly, we are with a credible dialogue, a political solution … There is no precondition for [that] dialogue."
The question, increasingly, is to whom they will be speaking.The question, increasingly, is to whom they will be speaking.
11.39am: Syria: France says the UN observer mission to Syria should be beefed up to 300 or 400 monitors, according to Reuters.11.39am: Syria: France says the UN observer mission to Syria should be beefed up to 300 or 400 monitors, according to Reuters.
Speaking before the Friends of Syria meeting in Paris, foreign minster Alain Juppe also said: "If it is not possible (to implement the Annan plan) then we will look at what new measures need to be taken."Speaking before the Friends of Syria meeting in Paris, foreign minster Alain Juppe also said: "If it is not possible (to implement the Annan plan) then we will look at what new measures need to be taken."
Yesterday Syrian foreign minister foreign minister Walid al-Moualem said the agreed level of 250 observers was a "reasonable and logical".Yesterday Syrian foreign minister foreign minister Walid al-Moualem said the agreed level of 250 observers was a "reasonable and logical".
11.23am: Bahrain: The ministry for human rights and social development has denounced a press release issued by Human Rights Watch last week, describing it as "preconceived, deliberate and premeditated to show the situation in Bahrain contrary to reality".11.23am: Bahrain: The ministry for human rights and social development has denounced a press release issued by Human Rights Watch last week, describing it as "preconceived, deliberate and premeditated to show the situation in Bahrain contrary to reality".
Human Rights Watch had criticised the Formula One's decision to go ahead with the grand prix in Bahrain, saying that the event was "being used by the Bahraini authorities to support their claim that the political and human rights crisis in the country is over".Human Rights Watch had criticised the Formula One's decision to go ahead with the grand prix in Bahrain, saying that the event was "being used by the Bahraini authorities to support their claim that the political and human rights crisis in the country is over".
11.19am: Syria: A visit by UN observers, complete with blue helmets and flak jackets, has become the focus for another anti-government demonstration according to video from activists.11.19am: Syria: A visit by UN observers, complete with blue helmets and flak jackets, has become the focus for another anti-government demonstration according to video from activists.
The latest clip purports to show monitors in southern town of Kherbet Ghazala today. They visited nearby Dera'a on Tuesday.The latest clip purports to show monitors in southern town of Kherbet Ghazala today. They visited nearby Dera'a on Tuesday.
11.06am: Tunisia: The trial of a Tunisian TV station owner charged with "insulting sacred values" by screening the award-winning film Persepolis is expected to resume today.11.06am: Tunisia: The trial of a Tunisian TV station owner charged with "insulting sacred values" by screening the award-winning film Persepolis is expected to resume today.
The trial of Nabil Karoui, owner of Nessma TV, has been repeatedly postponed, but is scheduled to restart today, according to Amnesty International.The trial of Nabil Karoui, owner of Nessma TV, has been repeatedly postponed, but is scheduled to restart today, according to Amnesty International.
Karoui faces a possible three-year jail sentence on charges of spreading information "that can harm public order or good morals" after his TV channel broadcast the film, Persepolis, last October.Karoui faces a possible three-year jail sentence on charges of spreading information "that can harm public order or good morals" after his TV channel broadcast the film, Persepolis, last October.
Islamists protested outside the station following the broadcast because they regarded the film as blasphemous.Islamists protested outside the station following the broadcast because they regarded the film as blasphemous.
The trial is being seen as a crucial test of the role of Islam in the new Tunisia.The trial is being seen as a crucial test of the role of Islam in the new Tunisia.
11.02am: Syria: China says it is considering sending observers to monitor a Syrian ceasefire, Now Lebanon reports.11.02am: Syria: China says it is considering sending observers to monitor a Syrian ceasefire, Now Lebanon reports.
"China is earnestly looking into whether to send observers to Syria or not," foreign ministry spokesperson Liu Weimin told reporters at a regular briefing."China is earnestly looking into whether to send observers to Syria or not," foreign ministry spokesperson Liu Weimin told reporters at a regular briefing.
Yesterday Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moualem told a news conference in Beijing that the monitors should come from what he called "neutral" countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, all of which have been more sympathetic to Assad's regime than the West and the Arab League states.Yesterday Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Moualem told a news conference in Beijing that the monitors should come from what he called "neutral" countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, all of which have been more sympathetic to Assad's regime than the West and the Arab League states.
10.51am: Bahrain: A petrol bomb was thrown at the hire car of mechanics from Force India, one of the teams competing in the grand prix, Autosport reports.10.51am: Bahrain: A petrol bomb was thrown at the hire car of mechanics from Force India, one of the teams competing in the grand prix, Autosport reports.
No one was hurt in yesterday's incident but one of the members of the team has returned home, it said.No one was hurt in yesterday's incident but one of the members of the team has returned home, it said.
Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani played down the incident. "The protesters were not targeting the cars, they just happened to be there. Nobody was injured," he said.Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani played down the incident. "The protesters were not targeting the cars, they just happened to be there. Nobody was injured," he said.
10.21am: Bahrain: So much for freedom to protest.10.21am: Bahrain: So much for freedom to protest.
Permission for Alwefaq rally in Manama today was denied. Participation in the event is illegal #BahrainPermission for Alwefaq rally in Manama today was denied. Participation in the event is illegal #Bahrain
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) April 19, 2012— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) April 19, 2012
10.03am: Syria: Once again Russia has decided to stay away from another Friends of Syria meeting in Paris, RIA Novosti reports.10.03am: Syria: Once again Russia has decided to stay away from another Friends of Syria meeting in Paris, RIA Novosti reports.
It quotes foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich saying:It quotes foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich saying:
I can confirm that we have received an invitation to this event. We have also sent our reply to the French side. It is negative.I can confirm that we have received an invitation to this event. We have also sent our reply to the French side. It is negative.
Today's meeting is the third gathering of the Friends of Syria group following previous meetings in Tunis and Istanbul.Today's meeting is the third gathering of the Friends of Syria group following previous meetings in Tunis and Istanbul.
US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who will attend the meeting in Paris, said yesterday that Syria was at a "crucial turning point". Speaking to reporters she said:US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who will attend the meeting in Paris, said yesterday that Syria was at a "crucial turning point". Speaking to reporters she said:
Either we succeed in pushing forward with Kofi Annan's plan in accordance with the Security Council direction, with the help of monitors steadily broadening and deepening a zone of non-conflict and peace, or we see Assad squandering his last chance before additional measures have to be considered.Either we succeed in pushing forward with Kofi Annan's plan in accordance with the Security Council direction, with the help of monitors steadily broadening and deepening a zone of non-conflict and peace, or we see Assad squandering his last chance before additional measures have to be considered.
Now, we will continue to increase the pressure on Assad. I spoke with several ministers about the need to tighten sanctions, tighten pressure on the regime, on those who support the regime. And we also are going to continue pressing for a political solution, which remains the goal of Kofi Annan's plan and the understandable goal of anyone who wants to see a peaceful transition occur in Syria.Now, we will continue to increase the pressure on Assad. I spoke with several ministers about the need to tighten sanctions, tighten pressure on the regime, on those who support the regime. And we also are going to continue pressing for a political solution, which remains the goal of Kofi Annan's plan and the understandable goal of anyone who wants to see a peaceful transition occur in Syria.
On the UN monitors she said:On the UN monitors she said:
It is, obviously, quite concerning that while we are deploying these monitors pursuant to a Security Council resolution that confirms our commitment to Kofi Annan's six-point plan, the guns of the Assad regime are once again firing in Homs, Idlib, and elsewhere, and Syrians continue to die. So we are certainly cognizant of the very challenging road ahead. We are all here, united in favor of Kofi Annan's plan and his urgent call for a robust monitoring force.It is, obviously, quite concerning that while we are deploying these monitors pursuant to a Security Council resolution that confirms our commitment to Kofi Annan's six-point plan, the guns of the Assad regime are once again firing in Homs, Idlib, and elsewhere, and Syrians continue to die. So we are certainly cognizant of the very challenging road ahead. We are all here, united in favor of Kofi Annan's plan and his urgent call for a robust monitoring force.
9.46am: Egypt: Presidential candidate Amr Moussa (pictured) set out his electoral platform yesterday at a rally in Ezbet el-Hagana, a working-class district of Cairo, the Egypt Independent reports.9.46am: Egypt: Presidential candidate Amr Moussa (pictured) set out his electoral platform yesterday at a rally in Ezbet el-Hagana, a working-class district of Cairo, the Egypt Independent reports.
Some key points:Some key points:
• Establish an administrative and financial control system that will not only track corruption, but cut it out at the root• Establish an administrative and financial control system that will not only track corruption, but cut it out at the root
• Aim to reduce the poverty rate by 40% by the middle of the next decade• Aim to reduce the poverty rate by 40% by the middle of the next decade
• Double Egypt's gross domestic product in 10 years• Double Egypt's gross domestic product in 10 years
• Eradicate illiteracy and attract needed international aid• Eradicate illiteracy and attract needed international aid
• Push for decentralised governance by dividing responsibilities between the central authority and local councils, so as to bring decisionmakers and implementers closer to those affected• Push for decentralised governance by dividing responsibilities between the central authority and local councils, so as to bring decisionmakers and implementers closer to those affected
• Devise a new system of state administration that is based on the empowerment of the people, who would be able to elect the governors, the mayors and the officials of the local councils• Devise a new system of state administration that is based on the empowerment of the people, who would be able to elect the governors, the mayors and the officials of the local councils
Moussa told the rally: "We are not talking about the realm of the impossible. We are not talking about the realm of imagination. We are talking about the realm of the achievable."Moussa told the rally: "We are not talking about the realm of the impossible. We are not talking about the realm of imagination. We are talking about the realm of the achievable."
In an unusual move for an Arab politician, Moussa, who is 75, promised to serve only one four-year term if elected.In an unusual move for an Arab politician, Moussa, who is 75, promised to serve only one four-year term if elected.
He is now considered a front-runner in the election following the disqualification of 10 other candidates, including Omar Suleiman, Mubarak's former intelligence chief, and Kairat al-Shater of the Muslim Brotherhood.He is now considered a front-runner in the election following the disqualification of 10 other candidates, including Omar Suleiman, Mubarak's former intelligence chief, and Kairat al-Shater of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Moussa served 10 years as Mubarak's foreign minister but resigned in 2001 to become secretary-general of the Arab League. He posts frequently on Twitter as @amremoussa.Moussa served 10 years as Mubarak's foreign minister but resigned in 2001 to become secretary-general of the Arab League. He posts frequently on Twitter as @amremoussa.
9.31am: Bahrain: In his Guardian interview John Yates insisted that protesters were not being abused by the police. If they were "that would be on YouTube", he insisted.9.31am: Bahrain: In his Guardian interview John Yates insisted that protesters were not being abused by the police. If they were "that would be on YouTube", he insisted.
His remark was an obvious hostage to fortune, and it hasn't taken long for activists to post YouTube of "allegedly terrible things" happening to protesters.His remark was an obvious hostage to fortune, and it hasn't taken long for activists to post YouTube of "allegedly terrible things" happening to protesters.
The opposition al-Wefaq alleges that the Bahrain police were caught red handed beating protesters last night in YouTube footage.The opposition al-Wefaq alleges that the Bahrain police were caught red handed beating protesters last night in YouTube footage.
The clip, which cannot be independently verified, claims to show protesters being severely beaten by riot police.The clip, which cannot be independently verified, claims to show protesters being severely beaten by riot police.
9.15am: Syria: Once again Homs has come under bombardment this morning underlining the "incomplete" ceasefire.9.15am: Syria: Once again Homs has come under bombardment this morning underlining the "incomplete" ceasefire.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said its contact were reporting mortar fire every minutes. It said the opposition districts of Khaldiyeh, Jouret al-Shayah and Qarabis were being targeted.The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said its contact were reporting mortar fire every minutes. It said the opposition districts of Khaldiyeh, Jouret al-Shayah and Qarabis were being targeted.
Activist again circulated by now familiar video clips purporting to show the Homs skyline coming under attack.Activist again circulated by now familiar video clips purporting to show the Homs skyline coming under attack.
9.08am: Bahrain: The opposition al-Wefaq party has tweeted graphic images purporting to show protesters injured by the Bahraini police.9.08am: Bahrain: The opposition al-Wefaq party has tweeted graphic images purporting to show protesters injured by the Bahraini police.
Pictures that show injuired prodemocracy protesters due to the excessiveuse of shotguns last night n #Bahrain twitter.com/AlWefaqEN/stat…Pictures that show injuired prodemocracy protesters due to the excessiveuse of shotguns last night n #Bahrain twitter.com/AlWefaqEN/stat…
— AlwefaqEN (@AlWefaqEN) April 19, 2012— AlwefaqEN (@AlWefaqEN) April 19, 2012
8.50am: Bahrain: Human rights activists are about to start a press conference to highlight police brutality during yesterday's demonstrations.8.50am: Bahrain: Human rights activists are about to start a press conference to highlight police brutality during yesterday's demonstrations.
Activist Ala'a Shehabi tweeted reports of injuries so far:Activist Ala'a Shehabi tweeted reports of injuries so far:
Overnight reports of 23 injuries from shotgun pellets (alltreated @ home 4 fear of arrest @ hospital).Violent house raids+10 arrests #F1Overnight reports of 23 injuries from shotgun pellets (alltreated @ home 4 fear of arrest @ hospital).Violent house raids+10 arrests #F1
— Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 19, 2012— Dr Ala'a Shehabi (@alaashehabi) April 19, 2012
Bahrain's ministry of the interior accused protesters of rioting and vandalism and threatened more firm action in future. In a statement it said:Bahrain's ministry of the interior accused protesters of rioting and vandalism and threatened more firm action in future. In a statement it said:
Chief of Public Security Major-General Tariq Al Hassan said that as part of the police duty to maintain security and stability in Bahrain and enforce the law, a number of rioters and vandals had been arrested for taking part in illegal rallies and gatherings, hindering public and private interests by blocking roads and endangering people's lives by attacking them as well as policemen with Molotov cocktails, iron rods and stones ...Chief of Public Security Major-General Tariq Al Hassan said that as part of the police duty to maintain security and stability in Bahrain and enforce the law, a number of rioters and vandals had been arrested for taking part in illegal rallies and gatherings, hindering public and private interests by blocking roads and endangering people's lives by attacking them as well as policemen with Molotov cocktails, iron rods and stones ...
The Chief of Public Security said that such acts of vandalism did not come under the definition of freedom of expression protected by the law. Instead, they are considered acts causing chaos which are against civilised behaviour and endanger civil peace. He affirmed that maintaining security and peace among the public and ensuring their safety as well as the safety of public and private property were the top priorities for security men and any violation was tackled by police with zero tolerance. Any activities which violate the law are tackled firmly according to legal regulations and the authority of police, he said.The Chief of Public Security said that such acts of vandalism did not come under the definition of freedom of expression protected by the law. Instead, they are considered acts causing chaos which are against civilised behaviour and endanger civil peace. He affirmed that maintaining security and peace among the public and ensuring their safety as well as the safety of public and private property were the top priorities for security men and any violation was tackled by police with zero tolerance. Any activities which violate the law are tackled firmly according to legal regulations and the authority of police, he said.
Later today the trial of 20 medics targeted by the government after they treated injured protesters is due to resume. The campaign group Human Rights First said:Later today the trial of 20 medics targeted by the government after they treated injured protesters is due to resume. The campaign group Human Rights First said:

The medics were detained, tortured and sentenced to prison terms of between five and 15 years after an unfair trial in a military court. The government continues to press its case against them and many others it perceives to be associated with the democracy protests.
The medics were detained, tortured and sentenced to prison terms of between five and 15 years after an unfair trial in a military court. The government continues to press its case against them and many others it perceives to be associated with the democracy protests.
8.25am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has accused Syria of not complying with the ceasefire and the former Met police officer advising Bahrain has warned that the authorities can't guarantee safety at Sunday's grand prix.8.25am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has accused Syria of not complying with the ceasefire and the former Met police officer advising Bahrain has warned that the authorities can't guarantee safety at Sunday's grand prix.
Here's a roundup of the main developments:Here's a roundup of the main developments:
SyriaSyria
• The UN secretary-general says Syria has failed to comply with its obligation under a peace plan to pull troops and heavy weapons out of urban areas. In a letter to the UN Security Council, Ban Ki-moon called for an observer mission to be expanded to 300 members.• The UN secretary-general says Syria has failed to comply with its obligation under a peace plan to pull troops and heavy weapons out of urban areas. In a letter to the UN Security Council, Ban Ki-moon called for an observer mission to be expanded to 300 members.
• Ban's letter confirmed that shots were fired to disperse crowd in the Damascus suburb of Arbeen while UN monitors were visiting the area, according to the BBC's Barbara Plett.• Ban's letter confirmed that shots were fired to disperse crowd in the Damascus suburb of Arbeen while UN monitors were visiting the area, according to the BBC's Barbara Plett.
As this blog reported yesterday video showed protesters fleeing the area after the shots were heard.As this blog reported yesterday video showed protesters fleeing the area after the shots were heard.
• French president Nicolas Sarkozy has again called for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to help the Syrian opposition. "Bashar al-Assad is lying ... He wants to wipe Homs off the map just like Gaddafi wanted to destroy Benghazi," Sarkozy said ahead of a meeting for foreign ministers on Syria in Paris.• French president Nicolas Sarkozy has again called for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to help the Syrian opposition. "Bashar al-Assad is lying ... He wants to wipe Homs off the map just like Gaddafi wanted to destroy Benghazi," Sarkozy said ahead of a meeting for foreign ministers on Syria in Paris.
• Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have been shown on Syrian state TV packing food aid, in an apparent effort to repair the image of a first couple derided for ordering luxury goods on the internet while their country burns. At a stadium in Damascus they joined hundreds of volunteers boxing cartons of flour, sugar, cooking oil and pasta for victims of the fighting in Homs.• Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma have been shown on Syrian state TV packing food aid, in an apparent effort to repair the image of a first couple derided for ordering luxury goods on the internet while their country burns. At a stadium in Damascus they joined hundreds of volunteers boxing cartons of flour, sugar, cooking oil and pasta for victims of the fighting in Homs.
BahrainBahrain
• About 200 protesters confronted police for more than an hour before being scattered by stun grenades in the main shopping area of the capital Manama, Paul Weaver reports. They chanted "down with the government" and "we want freedom" as they waved posters supporting the hunger striker and human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. Activists in the country are pushing to get their voices heard ahead of Sunday's grand prix. Three "days of rage" have been called, to begin after prayers on Friday.• About 200 protesters confronted police for more than an hour before being scattered by stun grenades in the main shopping area of the capital Manama, Paul Weaver reports. They chanted "down with the government" and "we want freedom" as they waved posters supporting the hunger striker and human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. Activists in the country are pushing to get their voices heard ahead of Sunday's grand prix. Three "days of rage" have been called, to begin after prayers on Friday.
• The government of Bahrain cannot guarantee the safety of Formula One teams and spectators at this Sunday's Bahrain grand prix as violence escalates in the Gulf kingdom, according to the British former police officer who is working on security at the track. John Yates, the former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police who is employed by the Bahrain government to advise on police reform, told the Guardian: "People say can we guarantee security. Of course we can't guarantee security. I'd be a fool to sit here and say that. Is it possible there might be an incursion on the track? Of course there is. It's an open event. Can you stop some idiot running onto the track? There have been other incidents of track incursions." Yates also said police would retaliate with live rounds if necessary.• The government of Bahrain cannot guarantee the safety of Formula One teams and spectators at this Sunday's Bahrain grand prix as violence escalates in the Gulf kingdom, according to the British former police officer who is working on security at the track. John Yates, the former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police who is employed by the Bahrain government to advise on police reform, told the Guardian: "People say can we guarantee security. Of course we can't guarantee security. I'd be a fool to sit here and say that. Is it possible there might be an incursion on the track? Of course there is. It's an open event. Can you stop some idiot running onto the track? There have been other incidents of track incursions." Yates also said police would retaliate with live rounds if necessary.
• A group of MPs have launched a cross-party campaign calling for a halt to this weekend's Bahrain grand prix because of government crackdowns in the Gulf state. The Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn has won support for an early day motion from the Tory Peter Bottomley and the Liberal Democrat Bob Russell. It said: "This House is astonished that the Bahrain Formula One race is going ahead despite huge concerns over abuse of human rights expressed by Amnesty International and others.• A group of MPs have launched a cross-party campaign calling for a halt to this weekend's Bahrain grand prix because of government crackdowns in the Gulf state. The Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn has won support for an early day motion from the Tory Peter Bottomley and the Liberal Democrat Bob Russell. It said: "This House is astonished that the Bahrain Formula One race is going ahead despite huge concerns over abuse of human rights expressed by Amnesty International and others.
• Cherif Bassiouni, the chairman of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry into human rights insisted that the Kingdom was "genuine" in its intention to tackle abuses, but needed to do more.• Cherif Bassiouni, the chairman of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry into human rights insisted that the Kingdom was "genuine" in its intention to tackle abuses, but needed to do more.
In an interview with Foreign Policy magazine he said Bahrain society had to change so that all the power was no longer in the hands of the Sunni minority. "That can't be, things have to change," he said.In an interview with Foreign Policy magazine he said Bahrain society had to change so that all the power was no longer in the hands of the Sunni minority. "That can't be, things have to change," he said.
EgyptEgypt
• Khairat al-Shater the Muslim Brotherhood financier who has been barred from standing as president told the BBC that progress towards democracy is in danger. Shater said he feared the possibility of a rigged election and signalled that Brotherhood would increase its pressure, both inside and outside parliament, to ensure that the transition to democracy goes ahead.• Khairat al-Shater the Muslim Brotherhood financier who has been barred from standing as president told the BBC that progress towards democracy is in danger. Shater said he feared the possibility of a rigged election and signalled that Brotherhood would increase its pressure, both inside and outside parliament, to ensure that the transition to democracy goes ahead.
LibyaLibya
• The National Transitional Council continued to insist that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi will be tried in Libya during a visit to Tripoli the international criminal court chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the Libya Herald reports. NTC chairman Abdul Jalil said talks with Moren-Ocampo had focused purely on the trial proceedings of Saif in Libya. He added that the Moreno-Ocampo had come to Tripoli to check the procedures put in place for Saif's trial in Libya.• The National Transitional Council continued to insist that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi will be tried in Libya during a visit to Tripoli the international criminal court chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the Libya Herald reports. NTC chairman Abdul Jalil said talks with Moren-Ocampo had focused purely on the trial proceedings of Saif in Libya. He added that the Moreno-Ocampo had come to Tripoli to check the procedures put in place for Saif's trial in Libya.