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Annan at UN amid reports of new Syria massacre – live updates Annan at UN amid reports of new Syria massacre – live updates
(39 minutes later)
1.21pm: Here is a summary of the latest developments:
Syria
• UN observers have been prevented from reaching al-Qubair where activists say at least 78 people were massacred yesterday. General Robert Mood, head of the monitoring mission, said: "They are being stopped at Syrian army checkpoints and in some cases turned back. Some of our patrols are being stopped by civilians in the area."

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the massacre was carried out by pro-regime shabiha militiamen armed with guns and knives after regular troops had shelled the area.
Syrian state TV said troops had attacked "terrorists" – the phrase the official media uses for any opposition, armed or peaceful, to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
• US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has described the reported massacre in al-Qubair as "simply unconscionable" and British prime minister David Cameron said: "If these reports are true, it is yet another absolutely brutal and sickening attack."
• Today, Kofi Annan, the joint UN-Arab League envoy, will give his latest assessment of the Syrian conflict to the UN general assembly and then brief the security council behind closed doors.
Annan is said to be hoping to stop a total collapse of his six-point plan for a truce and negotiated political solution. There are reports that he will present a plan for creating a "contact group", though is unclear whether that will be acceptable to Syria's most powerful allies, Russia and China.
Egypt
• There are hints that former president Hosni Mubarak will shortly be transferred from a prison hospital to a military hospital. His health is said to have "deteriorated significantly" after he was sentenced to life imprisonment at the weekend.
1.11pm: Kuwait: The emir has rejected a bill approved by parliament which would introduce the death penalty for blasphemy, the Arab Times reports. The paper says the bill may still become law, however, if parliament approves it once again with a two-thirds majority.
AFP reported earlier that the bill says defendants who repent in court will be jailed for five years and/or fined $36,000 – though repentance will not be accepted for a second offence.
This week a Shia Muslim, Hamad al-Naqi, was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for making allegedly blasphemous remarks on Twitter.
1.09pm: Syria: United Nations observers in Syria have been prevented from reaching the village of Mazraat al-Qubair where activists say at least 78 people were massacred, the head of the monitoring mission has confirmed.
General Robert Mood said:

They are being stopped at Syrian army checkpoints and in some cases turned back. Some of our patrols are being stopped by civilians in the area.

He also said he was receiving information from residents in the area "that the safety of our observers is at risk if we enter the village of Mazraat al-Qubair." Despite this, monitors were still working to get into the village, he said.
12.51pm: Syria: US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has described the reported massacre in al-Qubair as "simply unconscionable". From Reuters:
Speaking in Istanbul, Clinton said the United States was willing to work with all members of the UN security council, which includes Russia, on a conference on Syria's political future.
But that conference would have to start with the premise that Assad and his government give way to a democratic government, she told a news conference.
"We are disgusted by what we are seeing," she said, referring to continuing violence in Syria.
12.28pm: Lebanon/Syria: Members of the Syrian army have been charged with the killing of a Lebanese journalist, the Daily Star Lebanon reports.12.28pm: Lebanon/Syria: Members of the Syrian army have been charged with the killing of a Lebanese journalist, the Daily Star Lebanon reports.
Ali Shaaban, a cameraman for Lebanon's al-Jadeed television station, was shot through the chest while on an assignment in the northern area of Wadi Khaled near the border with Syria in April.Ali Shaaban, a cameraman for Lebanon's al-Jadeed television station, was shot through the chest while on an assignment in the northern area of Wadi Khaled near the border with Syria in April.
The television station blamed the Syrian army, which it said fired about 40 rounds across the border, destroying the car Shaaban was sitting in at the time.The television station blamed the Syrian army, which it said fired about 40 rounds across the border, destroying the car Shaaban was sitting in at the time.
12.22pm: Syria: In figures compiled before the latest allegation of a massacre in al-Qubair, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) and Damascus Centre for Human Rights Studies (DCHRS) claim that 2,261 Syrian citizens have been killed in the presence of international observers, between 12 April and 4 June this year.12.22pm: Syria: In figures compiled before the latest allegation of a massacre in al-Qubair, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) and Damascus Centre for Human Rights Studies (DCHRS) claim that 2,261 Syrian citizens have been killed in the presence of international observers, between 12 April and 4 June this year.
The groups say they "observe rigorous documentation standards to verify each piece of information by seeking testimonies from two people who do not know one another before it is included in the casualties' record".The groups say they "observe rigorous documentation standards to verify each piece of information by seeking testimonies from two people who do not know one another before it is included in the casualties' record".
They say the figure includes 212 children and 193 women, as well as 116 people who died under torture. Additionally, they say that 211 members of the military, whether pro or anti-regime have been killed over the same period.They say the figure includes 212 children and 193 women, as well as 116 people who died under torture. Additionally, they say that 211 members of the military, whether pro or anti-regime have been killed over the same period.
The groups say that the Syrian government has not allowed them to verify the names of the victims declared by the Syrian authorities.The groups say that the Syrian government has not allowed them to verify the names of the victims declared by the Syrian authorities.
The breakdown by area provided by the SNHR and DCHRS is as follows:The breakdown by area provided by the SNHR and DCHRS is as follows:
Homs: 678
Hama: 343
Rural Damascus: 321
Idlib: 316
Aleppo: 180
Deraa: 173
Deir Ezzor: 102
Damascus: 74
Al-Hasakah: 19
Latakia: 14
Al-Raqqa: 11
Tartous: 8
Quneitra: 8
Suwayda: 1
Other nationals: 13		Homs: 678
Hama: 343
Rural Damascus: 321
Idlib: 316
Aleppo: 180
Deraa: 173
Deir Ezzor: 102
Damascus: 74
Al-Hasakah: 19
Latakia: 14
Al-Raqqa: 11
Tartous: 8
Quneitra: 8
Suwayda: 1
Other nationals: 13
This information cannot be independently verified by the Guardian.This information cannot be independently verified by the Guardian.
12.08pm: Syria: Here is a Google satellite view showing the location of al-Qubair farm, the scene of the reported massacre:12.08pm: Syria: Here is a Google satellite view showing the location of al-Qubair farm, the scene of the reported massacre:
It is about 20km outside the city of Hama.It is about 20km outside the city of Hama.
11.49am: Meanwhile in Egypt ...11.49am: Meanwhile in Egypt ...
This cartoon in al-Shurouq perfectly sums it up: "The current situation in #Egypt." twitter.com/bencnn/status/…This cartoon in al-Shurouq perfectly sums it up: "The current situation in #Egypt." twitter.com/bencnn/status/…
— benwedeman (@bencnn) June 7, 2012— benwedeman (@bencnn) June 7, 2012
11.48am: Syria: Guardian video has collated footage purporting to be from al-Qubair, in Hama, taken from social media. WARNING: graphic content.11.48am: Syria: Guardian video has collated footage purporting to be from al-Qubair, in Hama, taken from social media. WARNING: graphic content.

Opposition activists says 78 people were killed in a "massacre" in the village yesterday.

Opposition activists says 78 people were killed in a "massacre" in the village yesterday.

11.43am: Syria: Sausan Ghosheh, a spokeswoman for the UN monitors, has refused to comment on whether entry to al-Qubair, site of an alleged massacre, has been refused by the Syrian army, as activists have claimed (see 11.12am). Ghosheh told Reuters only:11.43am: Syria: Sausan Ghosheh, a spokeswoman for the UN monitors, has refused to comment on whether entry to al-Qubair, site of an alleged massacre, has been refused by the Syrian army, as activists have claimed (see 11.12am). Ghosheh told Reuters only:
We have dispatched a patrol which is trying to get access there.We have dispatched a patrol which is trying to get access there.
11.12am: Syria: Mousab Alhamadee, from Hama (see background about Alhamadee here), claimed UN observers have confirmed to activists that they have been denied access to al-Qubair, where a massacre is alleged to have taken place. He also told the Guardian that the Assad regime's increasing reliance on thugs is a sign that it is losing its grip.11.12am: Syria: Mousab Alhamadee, from Hama (see background about Alhamadee here), claimed UN observers have confirmed to activists that they have been denied access to al-Qubair, where a massacre is alleged to have taken place. He also told the Guardian that the Assad regime's increasing reliance on thugs is a sign that it is losing its grip.
The regime now, as it's losing battles on the ground, as the army is deteriorating more and more, as soldiers are defecting in big numbers, is now trying to depend more on pro-government gangs – we call them Shabiha - in order to intimidate people and to punish villages and towns which are part of the revolution. That's why yesterday after shelling which continued for about one hour, the Shabiha from neighbouring villages stormed Qubair village killing 78 civilians in a very nasty way. Actually they executed them. Most of the killings were by shooting bullets, others were slaughtered by knives and others were burned alive. It was a very horrible massacre and it's really an indication of the dilemma of the regime nowadays.The regime now, as it's losing battles on the ground, as the army is deteriorating more and more, as soldiers are defecting in big numbers, is now trying to depend more on pro-government gangs – we call them Shabiha - in order to intimidate people and to punish villages and towns which are part of the revolution. That's why yesterday after shelling which continued for about one hour, the Shabiha from neighbouring villages stormed Qubair village killing 78 civilians in a very nasty way. Actually they executed them. Most of the killings were by shooting bullets, others were slaughtered by knives and others were burned alive. It was a very horrible massacre and it's really an indication of the dilemma of the regime nowadays.
He said that he had obtained the information by speaking over the phone to an activist colleague who had met survivors from al-Qubair. He continued:He said that he had obtained the information by speaking over the phone to an activist colleague who had met survivors from al-Qubair. He continued:
Today, UN monitors tried to reach to al-Qubair. Now at this moment while I am talking to you they are at military checkpoint in al-Majdal - it's a nearby town - and the Syrian army doesn't allow them to come into [al-Qubair] and they [the army] say to them that maybe terrorists will shoot them when they are inside ...but the terrorists are actually the Syrian army. They [the monitors] feel they might be targeted by the Syrian army.Today, UN monitors tried to reach to al-Qubair. Now at this moment while I am talking to you they are at military checkpoint in al-Majdal - it's a nearby town - and the Syrian army doesn't allow them to come into [al-Qubair] and they [the army] say to them that maybe terrorists will shoot them when they are inside ...but the terrorists are actually the Syrian army. They [the monitors] feel they might be targeted by the Syrian army.
10.43am: Bahrain: King Hamad has issued a decree changing the name of the Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development to the Ministry of Social Development.10.43am: Bahrain: King Hamad has issued a decree changing the name of the Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development to the Ministry of Social Development.
10.37am: 10.36am: Syria: Twitter user "News of the Syrian Revolution" claims UN observers trying to reach al-Qubair have been stopped at a government checkpoint.10.37am: 10.36am: Syria: Twitter user "News of the Syrian Revolution" claims UN observers trying to reach al-Qubair have been stopped at a government checkpoint.
UN observers were stopped by an Assad checkpoint and prevented from proceeding into AlQubair and Maarzaf city. #SyriaUN observers were stopped by an Assad checkpoint and prevented from proceeding into AlQubair and Maarzaf city. #Syria
— أخبار الثورة السورية (@NewsSyRev) June 7, 2012— أخبار الثورة السورية (@NewsSyRev) June 7, 2012
10.13am: Syria: Rime Allaf, a Syrian writer and an associate fellow at Chatham House thinktank in London, was interviewed on the BBC Today programme this morning. Asked if we should believe that accounts of government shelling followed by indiscriminate murder by government-supporting militias are pretty close to the truth, she said:10.13am: Syria: Rime Allaf, a Syrian writer and an associate fellow at Chatham House thinktank in London, was interviewed on the BBC Today programme this morning. Asked if we should believe that accounts of government shelling followed by indiscriminate murder by government-supporting militias are pretty close to the truth, she said:
I think we do until we have any other way of being sure of what is happening because ... it echoes exactly what happened in Houla a couple of weeks ago and it has been done also in smaller scale throughout Syria over the past year or so.I think we do until we have any other way of being sure of what is happening because ... it echoes exactly what happened in Houla a couple of weeks ago and it has been done also in smaller scale throughout Syria over the past year or so.
There has been first attacks by the regime, by the army itself which is shelling and bombing, and then they have their thugs coming in.There has been first attacks by the regime, by the army itself which is shelling and bombing, and then they have their thugs coming in.
The point is, I think, that we've had evidence repeatedly every single time that the activists have claimed there is a massacre we've had the evidence afterwards.The point is, I think, that we've had evidence repeatedly every single time that the activists have claimed there is a massacre we've had the evidence afterwards.
9.46am: Syria: US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has called for a "full transfer of power" in Syria, AFP reports.9.46am: Syria: US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has called for a "full transfer of power" in Syria, AFP reports.
At a meeting of Arab and European foreign ministers she spelled out "essential elements and principles that we believe should guide that post Assad transition strategy, including Assad's full transfer of power", a senior state department official said.At a meeting of Arab and European foreign ministers she spelled out "essential elements and principles that we believe should guide that post Assad transition strategy, including Assad's full transfer of power", a senior state department official said.
These would include "the establishment of a fully representative and inclusive interim government which leads to free and fair elections, a ceasefire to be observed by all and equality for all Syrians under the law".These would include "the establishment of a fully representative and inclusive interim government which leads to free and fair elections, a ceasefire to be observed by all and equality for all Syrians under the law".
9.45am: Syria: Another opposition activist group, the Syrian Revolution General Commission (SRGC), has sent through a list containing the names of 56 people it says were killed in al-Qubair yesterday. It claims at least 78 people were killed - more than 40 from the same family. In a statement, it urges the UN security council to use force to protect civilians. It says:9.45am: Syria: Another opposition activist group, the Syrian Revolution General Commission (SRGC), has sent through a list containing the names of 56 people it says were killed in al-Qubair yesterday. It claims at least 78 people were killed - more than 40 from the same family. In a statement, it urges the UN security council to use force to protect civilians. It says:
We call upon the general assembly of the security council to do its duty and protect the civilians under chapter 7. We also urge the minister conference that will take place in Istanboul, Turkey to support our request in proposing the entire Syrian file to the security council under chapter 7. We call upon the general assembly of the security council to do its duty and protect the civilians under chapter 7. We also urge the minister conference that will take place in Istanboul, Turkey to support our request in proposing the entire Syrian file to the security council under chapter 7. 
Chapter 7 allows for the UN to "to take urgent military measures...to maintain or restore international peace and security". US treasury secretary Timothy Geithner raised the prospect of chapter 7 action yesterday.Chapter 7 allows for the UN to "to take urgent military measures...to maintain or restore international peace and security". US treasury secretary Timothy Geithner raised the prospect of chapter 7 action yesterday.
9.31am: Syria: Leaders of a bloc representing China, Russia and Central Asian states have today called for dialogue to address the violence in Syria, all but guaranteeing that there will be no end to the deadlock in discussions at the UN security council, Reuters reports.9.31am: Syria: Leaders of a bloc representing China, Russia and Central Asian states have today called for dialogue to address the violence in Syria, all but guaranteeing that there will be no end to the deadlock in discussions at the UN security council, Reuters reports.
"The Shanghai group member states are against military interference in the affairs of this region [Middle East and North Africa], enforced 'handover of power', unilateral sanctions," a joint statement from leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation said."The Shanghai group member states are against military interference in the affairs of this region [Middle East and North Africa], enforced 'handover of power', unilateral sanctions," a joint statement from leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation said.
"Member states stress the need to stop any violence on the territory of Syria wherever it is coming from, they respect broad nationwide dialogue, based on independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria.""Member states stress the need to stop any violence on the territory of Syria wherever it is coming from, they respect broad nationwide dialogue, based on independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria."
U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, the former U.N. secretary-general, is to brief the Security Council in New York on Thursday. U.N. diplomats said they expected Annan to present a new proposal to rescue his failing peace plan by creating a "contact group" of world and regional powers.U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, the former U.N. secretary-general, is to brief the Security Council in New York on Thursday. U.N. diplomats said they expected Annan to present a new proposal to rescue his failing peace plan by creating a "contact group" of world and regional powers.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping said on Thursday that both China and Russia would remain opposed to foreign intervention.Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping said on Thursday that both China and Russia would remain opposed to foreign intervention.
"The Syrian issue should be resolved based on envoy Annan's six-point proposal within the UN framework," Cheng told a news conference. "You can't say that because you dislike a country's system, you can then think of ways to overturn its government.""The Syrian issue should be resolved based on envoy Annan's six-point proposal within the UN framework," Cheng told a news conference. "You can't say that because you dislike a country's system, you can then think of ways to overturn its government."
9.24am: Syria: At least one million people in Syria are in need of urgent assistance, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says in its latest report.9.24am: Syria: At least one million people in Syria are in need of urgent assistance, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says in its latest report.
This includes people injured during fighting; families who have lost their breadwinners or left their home areas; host communities; and those whose vulnerability has increased due to the impact of the unrest on livelihoods and access to essential services.This includes people injured during fighting; families who have lost their breadwinners or left their home areas; host communities; and those whose vulnerability has increased due to the impact of the unrest on livelihoods and access to essential services.
Key points from the report:Key points from the report:
• Food prices have risen by 30% to 60% over the past year and access to food in some areas has been severely reduced.• Food prices have risen by 30% to 60% over the past year and access to food in some areas has been severely reduced.
• Families who have relocated as a result of the unrest are in urgent need of non-food items, including hygiene kits, kitchen sets, blankets and mattresses.• Families who have relocated as a result of the unrest are in urgent need of non-food items, including hygiene kits, kitchen sets, blankets and mattresses.
• Healthcare services in the areas most affected by the unrest have suffered disruptions and are facing shortages in essential medicines.• Healthcare services in the areas most affected by the unrest have suffered disruptions and are facing shortages in essential medicines.
9.09am: Syria: British prime minister David Cameron has commented on the reported Qubair massacre. Speaking in Oslo, he said:9.09am: Syria: British prime minister David Cameron has commented on the reported Qubair massacre. Speaking in Oslo, he said:
If these reports are true, it is yet another absolutely brutal and sickening attack.If these reports are true, it is yet another absolutely brutal and sickening attack.
Frankly, the international community has got to condemn absolutely this regime and President Assad for what he is doing.Frankly, the international community has got to condemn absolutely this regime and President Assad for what he is doing.
I think that lots of different countries in the world – countries that sit around the UN Security Council table - have got to sit down today and discuss this issue.I think that lots of different countries in the world – countries that sit around the UN Security Council table - have got to sit down today and discuss this issue.
None of them should be able to hide from the fact that, if this is true, it will be once again President Assad demonstrating that his regime is completely illegitimate and cannot stand.None of them should be able to hide from the fact that, if this is true, it will be once again President Assad demonstrating that his regime is completely illegitimate and cannot stand.
We need to do much more to isolate Syria, to isolate the regime, to put the pressure on and to demonstrate that the whole world wants to see a political transition from this illegitimate regime and to actually see one that can take care of its people.We need to do much more to isolate Syria, to isolate the regime, to put the pressure on and to demonstrate that the whole world wants to see a political transition from this illegitimate regime and to actually see one that can take care of its people.
It really is appalling, what is happening in that country, and I want to see concerted action from the international community.It really is appalling, what is happening in that country, and I want to see concerted action from the international community.
9.03am: Syria: A statement from the Revolution Leadership Council of Damascus:9.03am: Syria: A statement from the Revolution Leadership Council of Damascus:
Qubair is 20km away from Hama, and it is located near Ma'arzaf village. It was formed of only 25 houses inhabited by 150 people, now, more than half of them are killied.Qubair is 20km away from Hama, and it is located near Ma'arzaf village. It was formed of only 25 houses inhabited by 150 people, now, more than half of them are killied.
The timing of Qubair massacre is not clear so far, but the ranch, as they call it, was under shelling since 1pm on 6 June. Several people were killed in the shelling.The timing of Qubair massacre is not clear so far, but the ranch, as they call it, was under shelling since 1pm on 6 June. Several people were killed in the shelling.
After shelling, shabiha and pro-regime militias armed with machine guns and knives stormed into the ranch in the midst of heavy gunfire, and raided civilian homes and randomly shot their residents. Shabiha then led many men outside their homes and slaughtered them. It was reported that 10 people were also burned after they were killed.After shelling, shabiha and pro-regime militias armed with machine guns and knives stormed into the ranch in the midst of heavy gunfire, and raided civilian homes and randomly shot their residents. Shabiha then led many men outside their homes and slaughtered them. It was reported that 10 people were also burned after they were killed.
Residents of the area were of three main families, now, the largest part of them was killed. Out of about 150 residents, around 80 were killed including 22 children and 20 women. Thirty corpses were kidnaped by shabeeha afterwards.Residents of the area were of three main families, now, the largest part of them was killed. Out of about 150 residents, around 80 were killed including 22 children and 20 women. Thirty corpses were kidnaped by shabeeha afterwards.
The Guardian is unable to verify these allegations.The Guardian is unable to verify these allegations.
8.44am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Today we shall be trying to shed light on the latest reported massacre in Syria and following diplomatic manoeuvres as Kofi Annan prepares to brief the United Nations. We shall also be monitoring developments elsewhere in the region.8.44am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Today we shall be trying to shed light on the latest reported massacre in Syria and following diplomatic manoeuvres as Kofi Annan prepares to brief the United Nations. We shall also be monitoring developments elsewhere in the region.
SyriaSyria
• Syria's government has been accused of carrying out a new massacre yesterday in al-Qubair, a small village near the central city of Hama, with an opposition group claiming 100 people, including many women and children, had been killed.• Syria's government has been accused of carrying out a new massacre yesterday in al-Qubair, a small village near the central city of Hama, with an opposition group claiming 100 people, including many women and children, had been killed.
The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the massacre was carried out by pro-regime shabiha militiamen armed with guns and knives after regular troops had shelled the area.The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the massacre was carried out by pro-regime shabiha militiamen armed with guns and knives after regular troops had shelled the area.
Syrian state TV said troops had attacked "terrorists" – the phrase the official media uses for any opposition, armed or peaceful, to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.Syrian state TV said troops had attacked "terrorists" – the phrase the official media uses for any opposition, armed or peaceful, to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.
• Today, Kofi Annan, the joint UN-Arab League envoy, will give his latest assessment of the Syrian conflict to the UN general assembly and then brief the security council behind closed doors.• Today, Kofi Annan, the joint UN-Arab League envoy, will give his latest assessment of the Syrian conflict to the UN general assembly and then brief the security council behind closed doors.
Annan is said to be hoping to stop a total collapse of his six-point plan for a truce and negotiated political solution. There are reports that he will present a plan for creating a "contact group", though is unclear whether that will be acceptable to Syria's most powerful allies, Russia and China.Annan is said to be hoping to stop a total collapse of his six-point plan for a truce and negotiated political solution. There are reports that he will present a plan for creating a "contact group", though is unclear whether that will be acceptable to Syria's most powerful allies, Russia and China.
EgyptEgypt
• There are hints that former president Hosni Mubarak will shortly be transferred from a prison hospital to a military hospital. His health is said to have "deteriorated significantly" after he was sentenced to life imprisonment at the weekend.• There are hints that former president Hosni Mubarak will shortly be transferred from a prison hospital to a military hospital. His health is said to have "deteriorated significantly" after he was sentenced to life imprisonment at the weekend.
The Egypt Independent says that after sentencing Mubarak had expected to be taken back to the luxurious, military-run International Medical Centre, where he had spent his custody detention, rather than the notorious Tora prison.The Egypt Independent says that after sentencing Mubarak had expected to be taken back to the luxurious, military-run International Medical Centre, where he had spent his custody detention, rather than the notorious Tora prison.