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Syria 'to admit aid workers' – live updates Syria 'to admit aid workers' – live updates
(40 minutes later)
3.14pm: Bahrain: Human rights activist Nabeel Rajab is back in detention on new charges relating to his recent posts on Twitter, the Associated Press reports.
Lawyer Mohamed al-Jishi says Nabel Rajab was arrested Wednesday for posting Twitter messages allegedly insulting residents of a Sunni-dominated neighborhood for its close ties with Bahrain's ruling Sunni dynasty.
Rajab, the president of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, has played a high-profile role in monitoring alleged abuses by authorities during the nearly 16-month-old uprising by Bahrain's majority Shiites for greater political rights.
The latest arrest is the fifth case against Rajab since May. He was released on bail last month.
EAWorldView has a slightly different version of events, suggesting that his re-detention relates to previous charges.
2.55pm: Syria: The Local Coordination Committees (LCC) activist group claims eight civilians have been killed in Latakia, with 15 killed elsewhere in Syria. The Guardian cannot independently verify this information.
In updates on Latakia, the LCC says:
Haffeh: Massive clashes between the Free Syrian Army and regime's army along with bombing using airplanes, heavy machine guns, and mortars. Fall of wounded and martyrs was reported ...Regime's army is burning groves in the area, along with cut off land communications
2.39pm: Syria: The French foreign ministry has poured scorn on President Assad's appointment of a new prime minister in Syria (see 9.46am), describing it as a masquerade.2.39pm: Syria: The French foreign ministry has poured scorn on President Assad's appointment of a new prime minister in Syria (see 9.46am), describing it as a masquerade.
In a statement it said:
/> 		In a statement it said:

Bashar al-Assad remains obstinately deaf to the demands of his people. After the organistation of flawed 'legislative elections' last month, this appointment is a new evasion, a masquerade, which does not answer the expectations of Syrians or the international community.
Bashar al-Assad remains obstinately deaf to the demands of his people. After the organistation of flawed 'legislative elections' last month, this appointment is a new evasion, a masquerade, which does not answer the expectations of Syrians or the international community.
France has been one of Assad's most vociferous critics.
2.11pm: Egypt: Thirteen police officers have been cleared of killing six protesters in the Cairo neighbourhoods of Kerdasa and Imbaba during last year's uprising against the Mubarak regime, the Egypt Independent reports.2.11pm: Egypt: Thirteen police officers have been cleared of killing six protesters in the Cairo neighbourhoods of Kerdasa and Imbaba during last year's uprising against the Mubarak regime, the Egypt Independent reports.
Meanwhile, a court in Zagazig has adjourned the trial of the former security chief in Sharqiya governorate and seven other officers who are accused of killing five demonstrators.Meanwhile, a court in Zagazig has adjourned the trial of the former security chief in Sharqiya governorate and seven other officers who are accused of killing five demonstrators.
2.01pm: Syria: The regime's Central Bureau of Statistics reports (in Arabic) that the annual rate of inflation was 31.45% in April.2.01pm: Syria: The regime's Central Bureau of Statistics reports (in Arabic) that the annual rate of inflation was 31.45% in April.
1.45pm: Oman: The public prosecutor's department has warned that "offensive writing" will be punished, the Khaleej Times reports. The department is said to have observed "a rising trend of late in offensive writings and inciting calls by some individuals under the pretext of freedom of expression".1.45pm: Oman: The public prosecutor's department has warned that "offensive writing" will be punished, the Khaleej Times reports. The department is said to have observed "a rising trend of late in offensive writings and inciting calls by some individuals under the pretext of freedom of expression".
According to the prosecutors, acts contrary to "our elite religious teachings, rich traditions and noble morals that are deeply integrated in the Omani society" are criminalised, "regardless of the audio, print, visual, and IT means used, including e-forums and social networking websites".According to the prosecutors, acts contrary to "our elite religious teachings, rich traditions and noble morals that are deeply integrated in the Omani society" are criminalised, "regardless of the audio, print, visual, and IT means used, including e-forums and social networking websites".
Sandhurst-trained Sultan Qaboos has ruled Oman autocratically for the last 42 years.Sandhurst-trained Sultan Qaboos has ruled Oman autocratically for the last 42 years.
1.24pm: Egypt: The state news ageny, Mena, reports 84-year-old Mubarak was given artificial respiration five times in recent hours and doctors have recommended that he be transferred. From Reuters:1.24pm: Egypt: The state news ageny, Mena, reports 84-year-old Mubarak was given artificial respiration five times in recent hours and doctors have recommended that he be transferred. From Reuters:

The deposed leader was suffering from nervous shock, severe depression and an increase in his blood pressure, reported Mena, summarising the findings of a medical team which examined him.
The deposed leader was suffering from nervous shock, severe depression and an increase in his blood pressure, reported Mena, summarising the findings of a medical team which examined him.
1.18pm: Egypt: The news that Mubarak could be transferred from a prison to a military hospital is likely to anger many Egyptians and provoke scepticism about the state of his health.1.18pm: Egypt: The news that Mubarak could be transferred from a prison to a military hospital is likely to anger many Egyptians and provoke scepticism about the state of his health.
#Mubarak cant stand #toraprison hospital. How many prisoners died in prison from torture & bad health in his 30 years rule? #Egypt#Mubarak cant stand #toraprison hospital. How many prisoners died in prison from torture & bad health in his 30 years rule? #Egypt
— Nadia el-Magd ناديا (@Nadiaglory) June 6, 2012— Nadia el-Magd ناديا (@Nadiaglory) June 6, 2012
AP reported yesterday (Tuesday) "Mubarak collapsed several times and that he was placed on mechanical ventilation after having difficulty breathing".AP reported yesterday (Tuesday) "Mubarak collapsed several times and that he was placed on mechanical ventilation after having difficulty breathing".
It is not the first time he has had health problems at times of personal trouble.It is not the first time he has had health problems at times of personal trouble.
In April last year he was admitted to a hospital in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where he had fled to with his family after standing down as president in February. He entred hospital two days after Egypt's chief prosecutor summoned Mubarak for questioning on corruption charges.

He was famously wheeled into court for his trial.		In April last year he was admitted to a hospital in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where he had fled to with his family after standing down as president in February. He entred hospital two days after Egypt's chief prosecutor summoned Mubarak for questioning on corruption charges.

He was famously wheeled into court for his trial.
It is not hard to see why he would favour a transfer to a hospital outside the prison, when one reads this report from last week on where he was staying prior to the verdict. It also suggested that his health was not as bad as appeared in court.It is not hard to see why he would favour a transfer to a hospital outside the prison, when one reads this report from last week on where he was staying prior to the verdict. It also suggested that his health was not as bad as appeared in court.
Hosni Mubarak has appeared in court lying on a stretcher during his trial, where he faces a verdict on Saturday, but Egypt's former president is living in a comfortable hospital where he is free to see relatives, walk in the garden and exercise, news reports and a source said this week.Hosni Mubarak has appeared in court lying on a stretcher during his trial, where he faces a verdict on Saturday, but Egypt's former president is living in a comfortable hospital where he is free to see relatives, walk in the garden and exercise, news reports and a source said this week.
Reuters has confirmed the account in Egyptian newspaper al-Watan through a source who works at the hospital and requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.Reuters has confirmed the account in Egyptian newspaper al-Watan through a source who works at the hospital and requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.
The newspaper depicted the 84-year-old Mubarak, ousted in an uprising in February 2011, as a cosseted retired official, exercising and swimming as doctors and family attend to his needs at Cairo's International Medical Center (IMC).The newspaper depicted the 84-year-old Mubarak, ousted in an uprising in February 2011, as a cosseted retired official, exercising and swimming as doctors and family attend to his needs at Cairo's International Medical Center (IMC).
Mubarak occupies a large suite with adjacent rooms for visitors, a swimming pool and a gym outfitted with the latest exercise equipment, Al-Watan said in its report published on Tuesday. It said Mubarak had been visited by Arab leaders of Gulf countries of Kuwait, Oman and the UAE.Mubarak occupies a large suite with adjacent rooms for visitors, a swimming pool and a gym outfitted with the latest exercise equipment, Al-Watan said in its report published on Tuesday. It said Mubarak had been visited by Arab leaders of Gulf countries of Kuwait, Oman and the UAE.
The account confirmed reports in other domestic newspapers in the past months that have shown Mubarak, who is formally under arrest, as far more healthy than he appears in the court room, where he lies on his back on a stretcher.The account confirmed reports in other domestic newspapers in the past months that have shown Mubarak, who is formally under arrest, as far more healthy than he appears in the court room, where he lies on his back on a stretcher.
"Mubarak is in excellent health. The former president will likely remain with us even after the verdict comes out," the hospital source, who has seen the former leader, told Reuters."Mubarak is in excellent health. The former president will likely remain with us even after the verdict comes out," the hospital source, who has seen the former leader, told Reuters.
The source said Mubarak was free to walk around the garden or swim in a pool, and had a team of doctors including a physiotherapist. Mubarak also received visitors from the Arab world and the ruling military council.The source said Mubarak was free to walk around the garden or swim in a pool, and had a team of doctors including a physiotherapist. Mubarak also received visitors from the Arab world and the ruling military council.
1.00pm: Egypt: The deposed dictator Hosni Mubark, who was sentenced on Saturday to life imprisonment for enabling the massacre of protesters who rose up against his rule is likely to be transferred from prison to a hospital because his health is deteriorating, the state news agency has reports, citing officials.1.00pm: Egypt: The deposed dictator Hosni Mubark, who was sentenced on Saturday to life imprisonment for enabling the massacre of protesters who rose up against his rule is likely to be transferred from prison to a hospital because his health is deteriorating, the state news agency has reports, citing officials.
12.51pm: Syria: US treasury secretary Timothy Geithner (pictured left) is warning Syria that the international community may soon seek a resolution at the United Nations security council that could authorise the use of force, AP reports.12.51pm: Syria: US treasury secretary Timothy Geithner (pictured left) is warning Syria that the international community may soon seek a resolution at the United Nations security council that could authorise the use of force, AP reports.

In excerpts of remarks Geithner will deliver Wednesday, he calls for countries to exert "maximum financial pressure" through sanctions on the Syrian government. But he says sanctions alone cannot achieve the political change necessary in Syria after more than a year of violence.
In excerpts of remarks Geithner will deliver Wednesday, he calls for countries to exert "maximum financial pressure" through sanctions on the Syrian government. But he says sanctions alone cannot achieve the political change necessary in Syria after more than a year of violence.
Geithner says unless Syria demonstrates "meaningful compliance" with current UN efforts to end the violence, the US and other countries will "soon join in taking appropriate actions against the Syrian regime, including, if necessary, chapter 7 action in the UN security council".Geithner says unless Syria demonstrates "meaningful compliance" with current UN efforts to end the violence, the US and other countries will "soon join in taking appropriate actions against the Syrian regime, including, if necessary, chapter 7 action in the UN security council".
A chapter 7 resolution authorises actions that can ultimately include the use of military force.A chapter 7 resolution authorises actions that can ultimately include the use of military force.
12.39pm: Here's a round up of the latest developments:12.39pm: Here's a round up of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• Today's clashes in Latakia province – previously considered a regime stronghold – are the heaviest in the area since the Syrian uprising began, Reuters reports (see 11.02am).• Today's clashes in Latakia province – previously considered a regime stronghold – are the heaviest in the area since the Syrian uprising began, Reuters reports (see 11.02am).
• Barbara Walters, the American TV journalist who secured an exclusive interview with President Assad last year, has apologised for trying to help one of Assad's former aides find a job in the US media (see 9.24am).• Barbara Walters, the American TV journalist who secured an exclusive interview with President Assad last year, has apologised for trying to help one of Assad's former aides find a job in the US media (see 9.24am).
• President Assad has appointed agriculture minister Riyad Hijab, a hardcore Baathist, as his new prime minister (see 9.46am).• President Assad has appointed agriculture minister Riyad Hijab, a hardcore Baathist, as his new prime minister (see 9.46am).
• The UN says the Syrian government has agreed to allow humanitarian workers into Homs, Deraa, Idlib, and Deir Azzor – four of the hardest hit areas. Until now, the International Committee of the Red Cross has been the only aid organisation allowed to operate in the country.• The UN says the Syrian government has agreed to allow humanitarian workers into Homs, Deraa, Idlib, and Deir Azzor – four of the hardest hit areas. Until now, the International Committee of the Red Cross has been the only aid organisation allowed to operate in the country.
• Syria has severed almost all its remaining diplomatic links with the west, declaring that envoys from the US and most of western Europe were no longer welcome in Damascus, in a tit-for-tat response to the expulsion of Syrian diplomats last week.• Syria has severed almost all its remaining diplomatic links with the west, declaring that envoys from the US and most of western Europe were no longer welcome in Damascus, in a tit-for-tat response to the expulsion of Syrian diplomats last week.
BahrainBahrain
• Bahrain's interior minister says the Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – are about to sign an agreement for a GCC police force "to exchange intelligence, face challenges and combat crime on a regional level". In a newspaper interview, he also denied that the Bahraini police force is involved in torture.• Bahrain's interior minister says the Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – are about to sign an agreement for a GCC police force "to exchange intelligence, face challenges and combat crime on a regional level". In a newspaper interview, he also denied that the Bahraini police force is involved in torture.
EgyptEgypt
• Egypt's ruling military council has set a 48-hour deadline for political parties to finalise the formation of a 100-member panel to draft a new constitution – and is threatening to draft its own version if they fail to do so, the Associated Press reports.• Egypt's ruling military council has set a 48-hour deadline for political parties to finalise the formation of a 100-member panel to draft a new constitution – and is threatening to draft its own version if they fail to do so, the Associated Press reports.
• In Cairo, thousands of protesters marched on Tahrir Square yesterday, demanding a retrial for ex-President Mubarak and the removal of former prime minister Ahmed Shafik from the presidential election runoff.• In Cairo, thousands of protesters marched on Tahrir Square yesterday, demanding a retrial for ex-President Mubarak and the removal of former prime minister Ahmed Shafik from the presidential election runoff.
TunisiaTunisia
• The education ministry has banned female students from wearing the niqab (face veil) during next week's baccalaureate exams, in a move that the ministry says is intended to prevent cheating (see 11.09am).• The education ministry has banned female students from wearing the niqab (face veil) during next week's baccalaureate exams, in a move that the ministry says is intended to prevent cheating (see 11.09am).
12.18pm: Libya: The US embassy offices in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi were targeted by a roadside bomb late on Tuesday but no one was injured, Reuters reports, citing an embassy official.

He said the improvised explosive device hit the outside gate of the offices.
"We have asked the Libyan government to increase its security around US facilities," the official told Reuters.		12.18pm: Libya: The US embassy offices in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi were targeted by a roadside bomb late on Tuesday but no one was injured, Reuters reports, citing an embassy official.

He said the improvised explosive device hit the outside gate of the offices.
"We have asked the Libyan government to increase its security around US facilities," the official told Reuters.
12.05pm: Syria: The Local Coordination Committees activist group reports heavy shelling in al-Qusair, Homs, today.

Video showing the Free Syrian Army close-up in action in al-Qusair was uploaded onto YouTube yesterday.		12.05pm: Syria: The Local Coordination Committees activist group reports heavy shelling in al-Qusair, Homs, today.

Video showing the Free Syrian Army close-up in action in al-Qusair was uploaded onto YouTube yesterday.
On Friday, activists said 12 workers were killed near al-Qusair when gunmen loyal to Assad ordered them off a bus and shot them. Syrian media blamed "terrorists" for the killings.On Friday, activists said 12 workers were killed near al-Qusair when gunmen loyal to Assad ordered them off a bus and shot them. Syrian media blamed "terrorists" for the killings.
11.40am: Lebanon/Syria: Social media is being used to inflame tensions in Lebanon, Rohan Talbot warns in an interesting blogpost on Open Democracy entitled "Lebanon: the dark side of the twitter revolution". He highlights what he terms the "histrionic" hashtag #LebanonOnFire, which was trending at the time of the Beirut clashes. Talbot writes:11.40am: Lebanon/Syria: Social media is being used to inflame tensions in Lebanon, Rohan Talbot warns in an interesting blogpost on Open Democracy entitled "Lebanon: the dark side of the twitter revolution". He highlights what he terms the "histrionic" hashtag #LebanonOnFire, which was trending at the time of the Beirut clashes. Talbot writes:

Lebanon is not on fire, though a battle for the narrative is in full swing. With each new provocative event, accusations fly between the pro- and anti-Assad camps. Both highlight the others' crimes (real or imagined), and accuse their opponents of attempting to provoke strife in Lebanon for their own nefarious purposes.  As an example, over the past week I have heard (by mouth and online) many theories about who kidnapped the 11 Lebanese pilgrims and why – including mafia gangs seeking ransom, the Free Syria Army seeking to influence Hezbollah's stance towards Assad, and pro-regime groups seeking to draw Lebanon into the conflict. Similarly, rumours of their destiny have varied wildly, with hearsay that they were safely in Turkey, still in Syria, killed by their kidnappers, or had been injured by government shelling.
Lebanon is not on fire, though a battle for the narrative is in full swing. With each new provocative event, accusations fly between the pro- and anti-Assad camps. Both highlight the others' crimes (real or imagined), and accuse their opponents of attempting to provoke strife in Lebanon for their own nefarious purposes.  As an example, over the past week I have heard (by mouth and online) many theories about who kidnapped the 11 Lebanese pilgrims and why – including mafia gangs seeking ransom, the Free Syria Army seeking to influence Hezbollah's stance towards Assad, and pro-regime groups seeking to draw Lebanon into the conflict. Similarly, rumours of their destiny have varied wildly, with hearsay that they were safely in Turkey, still in Syria, killed by their kidnappers, or had been injured by government shelling.
Much has been made of the positive role of social media in the Arab Spring, and no doubt it has provided a valuable platform for mobilising protest against the corrupt and oppressive regimes of Messrs Mubarak, Ben Ali, Gaddafi et al. During Tripoli's weekend violence, twitter provided an invaluable source of information for some residents, also a way for people to feel connected at a distressing time. But it is easy to discern a darker side to it in Lebanon. The fighting here is no doubt alarming, and the country's long history of violence naturally means that such incidents loom large in the public consciousness. But on social media here pro-social voices for positive responses are being drowned out by those spreading hearsay, exaggeration and conspiracy.Much has been made of the positive role of social media in the Arab Spring, and no doubt it has provided a valuable platform for mobilising protest against the corrupt and oppressive regimes of Messrs Mubarak, Ben Ali, Gaddafi et al. During Tripoli's weekend violence, twitter provided an invaluable source of information for some residents, also a way for people to feel connected at a distressing time. But it is easy to discern a darker side to it in Lebanon. The fighting here is no doubt alarming, and the country's long history of violence naturally means that such incidents loom large in the public consciousness. But on social media here pro-social voices for positive responses are being drowned out by those spreading hearsay, exaggeration and conspiracy.
11.19am: Syria: Blottr reports that "cyberattacks against Syrian activists have multiplied and have become increasingly complex over the past several months". It says:11.19am: Syria: Blottr reports that "cyberattacks against Syrian activists have multiplied and have become increasingly complex over the past several months". It says:
The latest cyberattack, which was discovered by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), encourages Syrian activists to download a PDF purporting to contain a plan to assist the city of Aleppo. This attack installs a Trojan called DarkComet RAT, which ...enables the attacker to capture webcam activity, disable notification setting for certain antivirus program, record key strokes, and steal passwords.The latest cyberattack, which was discovered by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), encourages Syrian activists to download a PDF purporting to contain a plan to assist the city of Aleppo. This attack installs a Trojan called DarkComet RAT, which ...enables the attacker to capture webcam activity, disable notification setting for certain antivirus program, record key strokes, and steal passwords.
11.09am: Tunisia: The education ministry has issued a decree banning female students from wearing the niqab (full face veil) during next week's baccalaureate exams. The ministry says the move is intended to prevent cheating.11.09am: Tunisia: The education ministry has issued a decree banning female students from wearing the niqab (full face veil) during next week's baccalaureate exams. The ministry says the move is intended to prevent cheating.
A report by Tunisia Live says:A report by Tunisia Live says:
Although the number of niqab-wearing female students sitting for the baccalaureate exam in Tunisia remains minimal, the issue has aroused much controversy within the country.Although the number of niqab-wearing female students sitting for the baccalaureate exam in Tunisia remains minimal, the issue has aroused much controversy within the country.
The fact that Tunisia's ministry of education has previously attempted to avoid any resolute statement on the issue makes the recent ban of the niqab during baccalaureate exams a particularly bold act.The fact that Tunisia's ministry of education has previously attempted to avoid any resolute statement on the issue makes the recent ban of the niqab during baccalaureate exams a particularly bold act.
11.02am: Syria: Reuters says the clashes in Latakia (see also 10.27am) are the heaviest in the Mediterranean province since the revolt against the Assad regime began last year.
11.02am: Syria: Reuters says the clashes in Latakia (see also 10.27am) are the heaviest in the Mediterranean province since the revolt against the Assad regime began last year.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based group which monitors violence in the country, said army reinforcements arrived at dawn, killing a rebel captain in the town of Selma and six civilians in Haffeh, a mostly Sunni Muslim area where clashes have been most intense.

More than 35 people were reported killed on Tuesday and Assad's forces also suffered heavy casualties with at least 26 soldiers killed, many in ambushes by insurgents ... 		The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based group which monitors violence in the country, said army reinforcements arrived at dawn, killing a rebel captain in the town of Selma and six civilians in Haffeh, a mostly Sunni Muslim area where clashes have been most intense.

More than 35 people were reported killed on Tuesday and Assad's forces also suffered heavy casualties with at least 26 soldiers killed, many in ambushes by insurgents ... 
Latakia province is home to several towns inhabited by members of Assad's minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam, which has been wary of the mostly Sunni-led uprising. This week's clashes there are a rare surge of violence in a coastal province outside Syria's usual trail of bloodshed ...Latakia province is home to several towns inhabited by members of Assad's minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shia Islam, which has been wary of the mostly Sunni-led uprising. This week's clashes there are a rare surge of violence in a coastal province outside Syria's usual trail of bloodshed ...
A member of the rebel Free Syrian Army in Latakia said its lightly-armed fighters faced shellfire. "There was heavy fighting all night. In the morning, Syrian forces started shelling Selma and Haffeh," the FSA's Ali al-Raidi told Reuters by telephone.A member of the rebel Free Syrian Army in Latakia said its lightly-armed fighters faced shellfire. "There was heavy fighting all night. In the morning, Syrian forces started shelling Selma and Haffeh," the FSA's Ali al-Raidi told Reuters by telephone.
10.52am: Libya: The Libya Herald claims to have an exclusive story on the background to the seizure of Tripoli airport by members of the Awfia militia.10.52am: Libya: The Libya Herald claims to have an exclusive story on the background to the seizure of Tripoli airport by members of the Awfia militia.
The militia occupied the airport on Monday – reportedly in retaliation for the abduction of its commander, Abu-Alija Habshi, a day earlier.The militia occupied the airport on Monday – reportedly in retaliation for the abduction of its commander, Abu-Alija Habshi, a day earlier.
It is now understood that shortly prior to his abduction, Habshi had left Tarhouna for Tripoli with the intention of handing over two of his brigade's tanks to the ministry of defence. However, he was stopped at a government checkpoint on the approach to Tripoli and informed that the tanks could not be brought into the capital without relevant documentation from the military council in Tarhouna.It is now understood that shortly prior to his abduction, Habshi had left Tarhouna for Tripoli with the intention of handing over two of his brigade's tanks to the ministry of defence. However, he was stopped at a government checkpoint on the approach to Tripoli and informed that the tanks could not be brought into the capital without relevant documentation from the military council in Tarhouna.
Having left the tanks at the checkpoint where they were stopped, Habshi headed back to Tarhouna appently to collect the documentation but was abducted not far away on the same road.Having left the tanks at the checkpoint where they were stopped, Habshi headed back to Tarhouna appently to collect the documentation but was abducted not far away on the same road.
Speculation has emerged that the Supreme Security Committee (SSC) was responsible for the kidnapping, after having been informed of Habshi's whereabouts and his intentions by the guards at the checkpoint. The Libya Herald has also been informed that Habshi may now be dead, although this has not been confirmed.Speculation has emerged that the Supreme Security Committee (SSC) was responsible for the kidnapping, after having been informed of Habshi's whereabouts and his intentions by the guards at the checkpoint. The Libya Herald has also been informed that Habshi may now be dead, although this has not been confirmed.
The Libya Herald adds that the SSC has denied having anything to do with Habshi's disappearance.The Libya Herald adds that the SSC has denied having anything to do with Habshi's disappearance.
10.27am: Syria: Opposition activists are reporting that villages in the Kurdish mountains, in Latakia, in north-west Syria, have come under attack from military helicopters.10.27am: Syria: Opposition activists are reporting that villages in the Kurdish mountains, in Latakia, in north-west Syria, have come under attack from military helicopters.
The Local Coordination Committees group reports:

Shelling of the villages of Kanda, Kabani, Aako and most villages of Jabal Aako with helicopters.

A video of a helicopter purportedly flying over Latakia today has been posted online.		The Local Coordination Committees group reports:

Shelling of the villages of Kanda, Kabani, Aako and most villages of Jabal Aako with helicopters.

A video of a helicopter purportedly flying over Latakia today has been posted online.
Assad's army helicopter flying over villages of Lattakia mountains this morning.A massacre is looming youtube.com/watch?v=yWLTrb…#SyriaAssad's army helicopter flying over villages of Lattakia mountains this morning.A massacre is looming youtube.com/watch?v=yWLTrb…#Syria
— Nuff Silence (@NuffSilence) June 6, 2012— Nuff Silence (@NuffSilence) June 6, 2012
There are reports of fatalities.There are reports of fatalities.
11 martyrs in #Syria today already, most of them from Lattakia. Allah 3alek ya Bashar.11 martyrs in #Syria today already, most of them from Lattakia. Allah 3alek ya Bashar.
— Razan Saffour (@RazanSpeaks) June 6, 2012— Razan Saffour (@RazanSpeaks) June 6, 2012
Alarabiya BRK: 15 are killed as Assad helicopters bomb Akrad Mountains (Kurdish Mountains).Alarabiya BRK: 15 are killed as Assad helicopters bomb Akrad Mountains (Kurdish Mountains).
— ♕The 47th♕ (@THE_47th) June 6, 2012— ♕The 47th♕ (@THE_47th) June 6, 2012
These reports cannot be independently verified by the Guardian.These reports cannot be independently verified by the Guardian.
10.16am: Syria: Human Rights Watch has urged governments and companies around the world not to sign new contracts with arms suppliers such as the Russian firm Rosoboronexport that are providing weapons to the Syrian government.10.16am: Syria: Human Rights Watch has urged governments and companies around the world not to sign new contracts with arms suppliers such as the Russian firm Rosoboronexport that are providing weapons to the Syrian government.
In light of compelling evidence that the Syrian army is responsible for crimes against humanity against Syria's people, the Russian state-owned arms trading company's continued dealings with Syria place the company at risk of complicity in these crimes.In light of compelling evidence that the Syrian army is responsible for crimes against humanity against Syria's people, the Russian state-owned arms trading company's continued dealings with Syria place the company at risk of complicity in these crimes.
Under international law, providing weapons to Syria while crimes against humanity are being committed may translate into assisting in the commission of those crimes. Any arms supplier could bear potential criminal liability as an accessory to those crimes and could face prosecution.Under international law, providing weapons to Syria while crimes against humanity are being committed may translate into assisting in the commission of those crimes. Any arms supplier could bear potential criminal liability as an accessory to those crimes and could face prosecution.
It adds that Rosoboronexport is widely reported to be Syria's main weapons supplier, but all other suppliers of arms to Syria should be subject to the same scrutiny.It adds that Rosoboronexport is widely reported to be Syria's main weapons supplier, but all other suppliers of arms to Syria should be subject to the same scrutiny.
10.09am: Syria: More detail on the admission of aid workers to Syria. The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) says the Syrian government has given agreement in writing to allow in aid workers and convoys with supplies to Daraa, Deir el-Zour, Homs and Idlib.10.09am: Syria: More detail on the admission of aid workers to Syria. The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) says the Syrian government has given agreement in writing to allow in aid workers and convoys with supplies to Daraa, Deir el-Zour, Homs and Idlib.
According to UNOCHA spokesman John Ging, Syrian has promised to grant visas and clear up the other bureaucratic hurdles that have blocked help from being delivered by nine UN agencies and seven international non-governmental organisations.According to UNOCHA spokesman John Ging, Syrian has promised to grant visas and clear up the other bureaucratic hurdles that have blocked help from being delivered by nine UN agencies and seven international non-governmental organisations.
In remarks quoted by the Press Association, Ging said that "whether this is a breakthrough or not will be measured in the coming weeks" by whether Syria makes good on its promise. He said he hopes to have workers and supplies entering within days, not weeks.In remarks quoted by the Press Association, Ging said that "whether this is a breakthrough or not will be measured in the coming weeks" by whether Syria makes good on its promise. He said he hopes to have workers and supplies entering within days, not weeks.
Ging said at least a million Syrians are in urgent need of some form of humanitarian aid, including people injured during fighting, and families who have lost jobs or homes.Ging said at least a million Syrians are in urgent need of some form of humanitarian aid, including people injured during fighting, and families who have lost jobs or homes.
9.58am: Syria/Lebanon: Syrian forces killed a Lebanese man and wounded at least two others in a gunfight on the Lebanese-Syrian border today, Reuters reports citing security sources.9.58am: Syria/Lebanon: Syrian forces killed a Lebanese man and wounded at least two others in a gunfight on the Lebanese-Syrian border today, Reuters reports citing security sources.
They said the fighting broke out after Syrian security forces intercepted a group of arms smugglers crossing into Syria near the eastern Lebanese town of Arsal in the Bekaa Valley.They said the fighting broke out after Syrian security forces intercepted a group of arms smugglers crossing into Syria near the eastern Lebanese town of Arsal in the Bekaa Valley.
The Lebanese Daily Star names the dead man as Mohammad Hussein Hmayed and says the Syrian military is in possession of his body.The Lebanese Daily Star names the dead man as Mohammad Hussein Hmayed and says the Syrian military is in possession of his body.
9.47am: Syria/Russia: Russia is prepared to see President Assad leave power as part of a political settlement to end 15 months of bloodshed, but is not in talks with other nations on the fate of the Syrian leader, a senior Russian diplomat said yesterday.9.47am: Syria/Russia: Russia is prepared to see President Assad leave power as part of a political settlement to end 15 months of bloodshed, but is not in talks with other nations on the fate of the Syrian leader, a senior Russian diplomat said yesterday.
Deputy foreign minister Gennady Gatilov also said a Yemen-style power transition was unlikely to work in Syria because many of Assad's foes are unwilling to negotiate with the government, Russian news agency Itar-Tass reported.Deputy foreign minister Gennady Gatilov also said a Yemen-style power transition was unlikely to work in Syria because many of Assad's foes are unwilling to negotiate with the government, Russian news agency Itar-Tass reported.
Gatilov reiterated Russian statements - also repeated on Friday by President Vladimir Putin - that Moscow is open to Assad's exit from power if it results from a Syrian political dialogue without foreign interference.Gatilov reiterated Russian statements - also repeated on Friday by President Vladimir Putin - that Moscow is open to Assad's exit from power if it results from a Syrian political dialogue without foreign interference.
"We have never said or posed the condition that Assad must necessarily stay in power as the result of this political process," state-run Itar-Tass quoted Gatilov as saying in Geneva, a day after a meeting Annan. "This issue must be resolved by the Syrians themselves.""We have never said or posed the condition that Assad must necessarily stay in power as the result of this political process," state-run Itar-Tass quoted Gatilov as saying in Geneva, a day after a meeting Annan. "This issue must be resolved by the Syrians themselves."
He said Russia "is not holding any contacts or discussions with anyone about whether Assad should stay in power or go."He said Russia "is not holding any contacts or discussions with anyone about whether Assad should stay in power or go."
President Obama told G8 countries including Russia last month that Assad must leave power and pointed to Yemen, where foreign states helped engineer a handover from longtime leader Ali Abdullah Saleh to an administration led by his vice-president, as a model for a potential transition.President Obama told G8 countries including Russia last month that Assad must leave power and pointed to Yemen, where foreign states helped engineer a handover from longtime leader Ali Abdullah Saleh to an administration led by his vice-president, as a model for a potential transition.
9.46am: Syria: Bashar al-Assad has appointed a new prime minister following last month's parliamentary elections. The state news agency Sana reports:9.46am: Syria: Bashar al-Assad has appointed a new prime minister following last month's parliamentary elections. The state news agency Sana reports:
President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday issued the decree No. 194 for 2012 on charging D. Riyad Farid Hijab with the formation of the new governmentPresident Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday issued the decree No. 194 for 2012 on charging D. Riyad Farid Hijab with the formation of the new government
Hijab is a member of the ruling Ba'ath party and is a former agriculture minister. He replaces Adel Safar, who was appointed in April last year shortly after the revolt against the Assad regime began. Hijab was born in Deir Ezzor, which borders Iraq.Hijab is a member of the ruling Ba'ath party and is a former agriculture minister. He replaces Adel Safar, who was appointed in April last year shortly after the revolt against the Assad regime began. Hijab was born in Deir Ezzor, which borders Iraq.
Assad tried to portray the 7 May elections as evidence of his commitment to reform. But the vote was boycotted by the opposition who said it was designed to tighten the president's grip on power. Parliament is considered little more than a rubber stamp in Syria, with the president and his inner circle holding the real power.Assad tried to portray the 7 May elections as evidence of his commitment to reform. But the vote was boycotted by the opposition who said it was designed to tighten the president's grip on power. Parliament is considered little more than a rubber stamp in Syria, with the president and his inner circle holding the real power.
Prominent dissident Najati Tayyara told Reuters the appointment of Hijab was further evidence that Assad was snubbing demands for change. He said:Prominent dissident Najati Tayyara told Reuters the appointment of Hijab was further evidence that Assad was snubbing demands for change. He said:
We expected Assad to play a game and appoint a nominal independent but he chose a hardcore Ba'athist. In any case the cabinet is just for show in Syria and even more so now, with the security apparatus totally taking over.We expected Assad to play a game and appoint a nominal independent but he chose a hardcore Ba'athist. In any case the cabinet is just for show in Syria and even more so now, with the security apparatus totally taking over.
9.24am: Syria: Barbara Walters, the American TV journalist who secured an exclusive interview with President Assad last year, has apologised for trying to help one of Assad's former aides find a job in the US media.9.24am: Syria: Barbara Walters, the American TV journalist who secured an exclusive interview with President Assad last year, has apologised for trying to help one of Assad's former aides find a job in the US media.
Yesterday, the Daily Telegraph published a series of emails between Walters, who is 82, and 22-year-old Sheherazad Jaafari, daughter of the Syrian ambassador to the United Nations.Yesterday, the Daily Telegraph published a series of emails between Walters, who is 82, and 22-year-old Sheherazad Jaafari, daughter of the Syrian ambassador to the United Nations.
Ms Jaafari is a former media adviser to President Assad. The Telegraph said the emails showed that Walters tried to help her secure a place at Columbia University's journalism school and an internship with Piers Morgan's CNN programme.Ms Jaafari is a former media adviser to President Assad. The Telegraph said the emails showed that Walters tried to help her secure a place at Columbia University's journalism school and an internship with Piers Morgan's CNN programme.
One email from Walters to Jaafari quoted by the Telegraph says:One email from Walters to Jaafari quoted by the Telegraph says:
Dear Sherry: I wrote to Piers Morgan and his producer to say how terrific you are and attached your resume. I am not sure if they have an opening. Are you still planning to apply to Columbia School of Journalism? Do you want me to do anything on that? Do let me know your plans when you return from Syria. Be safe. Hugs. BarbaraDear Sherry: I wrote to Piers Morgan and his producer to say how terrific you are and attached your resume. I am not sure if they have an opening. Are you still planning to apply to Columbia School of Journalism? Do you want me to do anything on that? Do let me know your plans when you return from Syria. Be safe. Hugs. Barbara
8.57am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Here's a round up of the latest developments:8.57am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Here's a round up of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• The UN says the Syrian government has agreed to allow humanitarian workers into Homs, Deraa, Idlib, and Deir Azzor – four of the hardest hit areas. Until now, the International Committee of the Red Cross has been the only aid organisation allowed to operate in the country.• The UN says the Syrian government has agreed to allow humanitarian workers into Homs, Deraa, Idlib, and Deir Azzor – four of the hardest hit areas. Until now, the International Committee of the Red Cross has been the only aid organisation allowed to operate in the country.
• Syria has severed almost all its remaining diplomatic links with the west, declaring that envoys from the US and most of western Europe were no longer welcome in Damascus, in a tit-for-tat response to the expulsion of Syrian diplomats last week.• Syria has severed almost all its remaining diplomatic links with the west, declaring that envoys from the US and most of western Europe were no longer welcome in Damascus, in a tit-for-tat response to the expulsion of Syrian diplomats last week.
* Intensive clashes are reported this morning between government troops and rebels in al-Abbasiyeen area in Damascus.* Intensive clashes are reported this morning between government troops and rebels in al-Abbasiyeen area in Damascus.
BahrainBahrain
• Bahrain's interior minister says the Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – are about to sign an agreement for a GCC police force "to exchange intelligence, face challenges and combat crime on a regional level". In a newspaper interview, he also denied that the Bahraini police force is involved in torture.• Bahrain's interior minister says the Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – are about to sign an agreement for a GCC police force "to exchange intelligence, face challenges and combat crime on a regional level". In a newspaper interview, he also denied that the Bahraini police force is involved in torture.
EgyptEgypt
• Egypt's ruling military council has set a 48-hour deadline for political parties to finalise the formation of a 100-member panel to draft a new constitution – and is threatening to draft its own version if they fail to do so, the Associated Press reports.• Egypt's ruling military council has set a 48-hour deadline for political parties to finalise the formation of a 100-member panel to draft a new constitution – and is threatening to draft its own version if they fail to do so, the Associated Press reports.
• In Cairo, thousands of protesters marched on Tahrir Square yesterday, demanding a retrial for ex-President Mubarak and the removal of former prime minister Ahmed Shafik from the presidential election runoff.• In Cairo, thousands of protesters marched on Tahrir Square yesterday, demanding a retrial for ex-President Mubarak and the removal of former prime minister Ahmed Shafik from the presidential election runoff.