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Syria: conflicting reports of journalists' rescue from Homs - live updates Syria: the Homs rescue - live updates
(40 minutes later)
1.16pm: Here's a summary of events so far today.1.16pm: Here's a summary of events so far today.
• The British photographer Paul Conroy has been smuggled out of Homs in a rescue mission in which several Free Syrian Army troops were killed. Three other journalists, Edith Bouvier, Javier Espinosa and William Daniel, remain in the city. • The British photographer Paul Conroy has been smuggled out of Homs in a rescue mission in which several Free Syrian Army members were killed. Three other journalists, Edith Bouvier, Javier Espinosa and William Daniel, remain in the city.
• France says the UN security council is starting work today on a new draft resolution to halt the violence in Syria and enable humanitarian access to victims. Meanwhile, the UN human rights council is holding an emergency debate on Syria. The Syrian delegation has walked out of what it called "this sterile discussion".• France says the UN security council is starting work today on a new draft resolution to halt the violence in Syria and enable humanitarian access to victims. Meanwhile, the UN human rights council is holding an emergency debate on Syria. The Syrian delegation has walked out of what it called "this sterile discussion".
• The Assad regime has sent units of an elite armoured division into Homs as rebel-held districts came under the heaviest bombardment of a three-week-old offensive, opposition sources told Reuters. They said tanks and troops of the Fourth Division, which is commanded by Assad's brother Maher moved overnight into main streets around the besieged southern area of Baba Amro. Meanwhile, video footage has emerged purporting to show rebels in defending different parts of Homs with tanks.• The Assad regime has sent units of an elite armoured division into Homs as rebel-held districts came under the heaviest bombardment of a three-week-old offensive, opposition sources told Reuters. They said tanks and troops of the Fourth Division, which is commanded by Assad's brother Maher moved overnight into main streets around the besieged southern area of Baba Amro. Meanwhile, video footage has emerged purporting to show rebels in defending different parts of Homs with tanks.
• The names of thousands of Syrian dissidents have appeared on an apparent Syrian government hit list obtained by the US news site Mother Jones. Three experts said the 718-page document containing the names and phone numbers of dissidents, was authentic.• The names of thousands of Syrian dissidents have appeared on an apparent Syrian government hit list obtained by the US news site Mother Jones. Three experts said the 718-page document containing the names and phone numbers of dissidents, was authentic.
• The bodies of dozens of men were found dumped on wasteland on the outskirts of Homs on Monday in what appeared to be one of the worst instances of mass killing since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began, the Washington Post reports. The Local Co-ordination Committees, an opposition group, said that the bodies of 64 men were taken to the National Hospital in Homs and that an unknown number of women and children who had been with them are missing.
/> 		• The bodies of dozens of men were found dumped on wasteland on the outskirts of Homs on Monday in what appeared to be one of the worst instances of mass killing since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began, the Washington Post reports. The Local Co-ordination Committees, an opposition group, said that the bodies of 64 men were taken to the National Hospital in Homs and that an unknown number of women and children who had been with them are missing.
12.55pm: Reuters is now rowing back on its earlier report that Edith Bouvier has been smuggled out of Homs.12.55pm: Reuters is now rowing back on its earlier report that Edith Bouvier has been smuggled out of Homs.
It reports:It reports:
Some Syrian opposition activists said Edith Bouvier, a freelance reporter working for French newspaper Le Figaro, who has a broken leg, had also escaped to Lebanon, but there was no immediate confirmation of this.Some Syrian opposition activists said Edith Bouvier, a freelance reporter working for French newspaper Le Figaro, who has a broken leg, had also escaped to Lebanon, but there was no immediate confirmation of this.
It has been confirmed that Conroy has escaped to Lebanon.It has been confirmed that Conroy has escaped to Lebanon.
Wissam Tarrif, a human right campaign with Avaaz, tweets:Wissam Tarrif, a human right campaign with Avaaz, tweets:
Paul is out - 3 Journalists are still in Baba Amro #Homs #Syria stop circulating rumors that they are out! They are not.Paul is out - 3 Journalists are still in Baba Amro #Homs #Syria stop circulating rumors that they are out! They are not.
— wissamtarif (@wissamtarif) February 28, 2012— wissamtarif (@wissamtarif) February 28, 2012
The Guardian will have a full report soon on how Conroy was smuggled out of Homs.The Guardian will have a full report soon on how Conroy was smuggled out of Homs.
12.30pm: The UN security council is to start work today on a new draft resolution to halt the violence in Syria and enable humanitarian access to victims, Reuters reports, citing a French official source:12.30pm: The UN security council is to start work today on a new draft resolution to halt the violence in Syria and enable humanitarian access to victims, Reuters reports, citing a French official source:
"Work is starting today at the security council on a proposed resolution on stopping the violence in Syria and on humanitarian access to the worst affected sites and people," foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero told a news briefing, adding that the focus was on the besieged city of Homs."Work is starting today at the security council on a proposed resolution on stopping the violence in Syria and on humanitarian access to the worst affected sites and people," foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero told a news briefing, adding that the focus was on the besieged city of Homs.
"We hope Russia and China will not oppose the proposed resolution," he said. "Given the emergency, it's time that all the council members, without exception, put a stop to this barbarity.""We hope Russia and China will not oppose the proposed resolution," he said. "Given the emergency, it's time that all the council members, without exception, put a stop to this barbarity."
12.21pm: Syria's new constitution is now officially in force following the referendum and a decree issued by President Assad.12.21pm: Syria's new constitution is now officially in force following the referendum and a decree issued by President Assad.
The new constitution outlaws torture and says every defendant shall be presumed innocent until convicted in a fair trial. It also says "any person who is arrested must be informed of the reasons for his arrest and his rights, and may not be incarcerated ... except by an order of the competent judicial authority.The new constitution outlaws torture and says every defendant shall be presumed innocent until convicted in a fair trial. It also says "any person who is arrested must be informed of the reasons for his arrest and his rights, and may not be incarcerated ... except by an order of the competent judicial authority.
As yet, though, the regime does not seem to be changing its ways. This video is said to show arrested citizens of Deraa, in southern Syria, chained together and being loaded into a vehicle yesterday.As yet, though, the regime does not seem to be changing its ways. This video is said to show arrested citizens of Deraa, in southern Syria, chained together and being loaded into a vehicle yesterday.
11.58am: Russia may soften its position on Syria after its presidential election next week, a senior Lebanese politician has told Reuters.11.58am: Russia may soften its position on Syria after its presidential election next week, a senior Lebanese politician has told Reuters.
"The Syrian problem became a domestic issue in Russia. It is part of the election campaign ... [Syrian] blood is being used as a way of trading between Russia and the west," former prime minister Fuad Siniora said, adding that Russia might be "ready to discuss business in a more pragmatic way" after the vote."The Syrian problem became a domestic issue in Russia. It is part of the election campaign ... [Syrian] blood is being used as a way of trading between Russia and the west," former prime minister Fuad Siniora said, adding that Russia might be "ready to discuss business in a more pragmatic way" after the vote.
Syrian opposition figures expressed a similar view to the Guardian during a visit to London last week.Syrian opposition figures expressed a similar view to the Guardian during a visit to London last week.
Siniora also suggested China had balked at UN condemnation of the Assad regime because of concerns about criticism of its own domestic record. But in the long term he said it was not in China's interest to side with the Syrian leader: "They have lots of investments and interests in the Arab world. They cannot continue taking such a position."Siniora also suggested China had balked at UN condemnation of the Assad regime because of concerns about criticism of its own domestic record. But in the long term he said it was not in China's interest to side with the Syrian leader: "They have lots of investments and interests in the Arab world. They cannot continue taking such a position."
11.33am: The Syrian representative has just finished addressing the UN human rights council. He conceded that the humanitarian situation has deteriorated but blames this on "armed groups".11.33am: The Syrian representative has just finished addressing the UN human rights council. He conceded that the humanitarian situation has deteriorated but blames this on "armed groups".
The official, whose name we did not catch, said the UN debate itself is "part of a pre-established plan" to attack the Syrian state and its institutions "under the pretext of humanitarian needs".The official, whose name we did not catch, said the UN debate itself is "part of a pre-established plan" to attack the Syrian state and its institutions "under the pretext of humanitarian needs".
He ended by saying that Syria is now withdrawing its delegation "from this sterile discussion".He ended by saying that Syria is now withdrawing its delegation "from this sterile discussion".
Meanwhile, the US representative has called on Syria to halt attacks on civilians, withdraw troops to their barracks, release detainees and allow humanitarian access.Meanwhile, the US representative has called on Syria to halt attacks on civilians, withdraw troops to their barracks, release detainees and allow humanitarian access.
11.25am: The activists group the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria claims the French journalist Edith Bouvier is refusing to leave Homs until the Syrian government guarantees that her photographs and recordings will not be destroyed.11.25am: The activists group the Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria claims the French journalist Edith Bouvier is refusing to leave Homs until the Syrian government guarantees that her photographs and recordings will not be destroyed.
It also reports that Conroy was rescued by the Free Syrian Army, not the Red Crescent.It also reports that Conroy was rescued by the Free Syrian Army, not the Red Crescent.
This cannot be confirmed.This cannot be confirmed.
Bouvier is reported to have twice refused to enter Red Crescent ambulances.Bouvier is reported to have twice refused to enter Red Crescent ambulances.
Last June Syrian security forces were filmed using Red Crescent vehicles to transport arrested activists.Last June Syrian security forces were filmed using Red Crescent vehicles to transport arrested activists.
11.19am: The UN's human rights chief says the situation in Syria has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks and is demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.11.19am: The UN's human rights chief says the situation in Syria has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks and is demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Navi Pillay says her office has received reports that Syrian military and security forces "have launched massive campaigns of arrest" and launched an onslaught against government opponents that has deprived many civilians of food, water and medical supplies.Navi Pillay says her office has received reports that Syrian military and security forces "have launched massive campaigns of arrest" and launched an onslaught against government opponents that has deprived many civilians of food, water and medical supplies.
Pillay told an urgent meeting Tuesday of the UN human rights council that "hundreds of people have reportedly been killed since the start of this latest assault in the beginning of February 2012."Pillay told an urgent meeting Tuesday of the UN human rights council that "hundreds of people have reportedly been killed since the start of this latest assault in the beginning of February 2012."
She called on Syria to end all fighting, allow international monitors to enter the country and give unhindered access to aid agencies.She called on Syria to end all fighting, allow international monitors to enter the country and give unhindered access to aid agencies.
Pillay again called for Assad regime to be referred to the international criminal court for alleged crimes against humanity.Pillay again called for Assad regime to be referred to the international criminal court for alleged crimes against humanity.
11.10am: There is much debate among military aviation buffs about a drone that was filmed in the skies around Damascus earlier this month. The one thing everyone seems to agree on is that it isn't American (despite reports that the US is operating drones over Syria).11.10am: There is much debate among military aviation buffs about a drone that was filmed in the skies around Damascus earlier this month. The one thing everyone seems to agree on is that it isn't American (despite reports that the US is operating drones over Syria).
But if it isn't American, whose is it? Some think it could be
an Israeli Heron drone, others that it's an Iranian Ghods Mohajer – possibly obtained by the Assad regime to spy on its own people. Or could it be Turkish?		But if it isn't American, whose is it? Some think it could be
an Israeli Heron drone, others that it's an Iranian Ghods Mohajer – possibly obtained by the Assad regime to spy on its own people. Or could it be Turkish?
You can follow the discussion at The Aviationist, Open Source GEOINT and Military Photos.You can follow the discussion at The Aviationist, Open Source GEOINT and Military Photos.
10.53am: Advisory: the fate of the journalists trapped in Homs remains very unclear.10.53am: Advisory: the fate of the journalists trapped in Homs remains very unclear.
The Times and Reuters reported that Sunday Times photographer has been smuggled out of Homs.The Times and Reuters reported that Sunday Times photographer has been smuggled out of Homs.
Other journalists, including Edith Bouvier, appear to be still stranded in Homs. But according to Times journalist Miles Amoore, even Conroy's reported rescue cannot be confirmed.Other journalists, including Edith Bouvier, appear to be still stranded in Homs. But according to Times journalist Miles Amoore, even Conroy's reported rescue cannot be confirmed.
As far as our sources know, they are all still in Bab Amr. We are the best informed unit on the ground working on their releaseAs far as our sources know, they are all still in Bab Amr. We are the best informed unit on the ground working on their release
— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 28, 2012— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 28, 2012
The campaign group Avaaz claimed Free Syrian Army fighters were killed in the operation to rescue the journalists, but this too has been denied by Amoore.The campaign group Avaaz claimed Free Syrian Army fighters were killed in the operation to rescue the journalists, but this too has been denied by Amoore.
He adds:He adds:
please be very careful what you report. you are rising lives of others. I can;t stress this enough. we, here, who have been working on...please be very careful what you report. you are rising lives of others. I can;t stress this enough. we, here, who have been working on...
— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 28, 2012— Miles Amoore (@MilesAmoore) February 28, 2012
10.33am: Video has emerged purporting to show opposition fighters firing at a government helicopter near Syria's second city of Aleppo.10.33am: Video has emerged purporting to show opposition fighters firing at a government helicopter near Syria's second city of Aleppo.
The incident was filmed in in Anadan, north of the city.The incident was filmed in in Anadan, north of the city.
Meanwhile, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, based in Tel Hadya on the outskirts of Aleppo, has sent backups of "almost its entire collection of seeds" for safekeeping in Norway, the Associated Press reports.Meanwhile, the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, based in Tel Hadya on the outskirts of Aleppo, has sent backups of "almost its entire collection of seeds" for safekeeping in Norway, the Associated Press reports.
The seeds, which include varieties of chickpeas and fava beans, will be stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, "sometimes referred to as a doomsday vault [which] is designed to withstand global warming, earthquakes and even nuclear strikes," AP says.The seeds, which include varieties of chickpeas and fava beans, will be stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, "sometimes referred to as a doomsday vault [which] is designed to withstand global warming, earthquakes and even nuclear strikes," AP says.
The research centre in Syria has not suffered damage during the uprising but Cary Fowler, of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, which maintains the Norwegian vault, told AP: "I think the events unfolding in Syria obviously underline the importance of having safety duplication outside of a country."The research centre in Syria has not suffered damage during the uprising but Cary Fowler, of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, which maintains the Norwegian vault, told AP: "I think the events unfolding in Syria obviously underline the importance of having safety duplication outside of a country."
10.29am: Despite objections from Iran and Russia, the UN Human Rights Council is due to begin a debate about Syria about now.10.29am: Despite objections from Iran and Russia, the UN Human Rights Council is due to begin a debate about Syria about now.
The 47-member body, which has no legal force, looks set to back a resolution condemning Syria's "continued widespread and systematic violations". Reuters reports:The 47-member body, which has no legal force, looks set to back a resolution condemning Syria's "continued widespread and systematic violations". Reuters reports:
Drafted by the Arab countries and Turkey, with strong support from the European Union and United States, the resolution condemns "the use of heavy artillery and tanks to attack residential areas ... that have led to the death of thousands of innocent civilians".Drafted by the Arab countries and Turkey, with strong support from the European Union and United States, the resolution condemns "the use of heavy artillery and tanks to attack residential areas ... that have led to the death of thousands of innocent civilians".
It also voices alarm at the humanitarian crisis in areas lacking food, medicine and fuel and calls for aid agencies to be allowed to deliver vital supplies to civilians in heavily-hit areas, especially Homs, Deraa and Zabadani.It also voices alarm at the humanitarian crisis in areas lacking food, medicine and fuel and calls for aid agencies to be allowed to deliver vital supplies to civilians in heavily-hit areas, especially Homs, Deraa and Zabadani.
"There will be a wide majority of states in favour. It will pass easily," an Arab diplomat told Reuters ... "We should expect Russia, Cuba and Ecuador to vote against it. On China, [it] is not clear," he added."There will be a wide majority of states in favour. It will pass easily," an Arab diplomat told Reuters ... "We should expect Russia, Cuba and Ecuador to vote against it. On China, [it] is not clear," he added.
10.27am: Paul Conroy's father Les, has confirmed that his son is safe in Lebanon, according to AFP.10.27am: Paul Conroy's father Les, has confirmed that his son is safe in Lebanon, according to AFP.
It is still only Reuters' opposition sources that claiming that Edith Bouvier is safely out too.It is still only Reuters' opposition sources that claiming that Edith Bouvier is safely out too.
10.13am: The whereabouts of Le Figaro reporter Edith Bouvier remain unclear. Reuters quoted activists as saying that she like Paul Conroy had been smuggled out of Homs to Lebanon. But this has not been confirmed. Guardian sources said she is still in Homs.10.13am: The whereabouts of Le Figaro reporter Edith Bouvier remain unclear. Reuters quoted activists as saying that she like Paul Conroy had been smuggled out of Homs to Lebanon. But this has not been confirmed. Guardian sources said she is still in Homs.
The Times also reports that Bouvier is still stranded in the city.The Times also reports that Bouvier is still stranded in the city.
10.02am: As reports emerge about the journalist smuggled out of Homs, Human Rights Watch continues to campaign for two British reporters detained by the Libyan authorities, along with three Libyans who were travelling with them.10.02am: As reports emerge about the journalist smuggled out of Homs, Human Rights Watch continues to campaign for two British reporters detained by the Libyan authorities, along with three Libyans who were travelling with them.
The Saraya Swehli militia detained Nicholas Davies-Jones, 32, and Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, 37, on 21 February. The two journalists are freelances working mostly with the Iranian state-owned Press TV.The Saraya Swehli militia detained Nicholas Davies-Jones, 32, and Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, 37, on 21 February. The two journalists are freelances working mostly with the Iranian state-owned Press TV.
It is unclear why they were detained. According to the militia, they were driving late at night in Tripoli and taking photographs – which was deemed suspicious, Human Rights Watch says. There are also claims that they did not have proper immigration papers.It is unclear why they were detained. According to the militia, they were driving late at night in Tripoli and taking photographs – which was deemed suspicious, Human Rights Watch says. There are also claims that they did not have proper immigration papers.
Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at HRW said:Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at HRW said:

The longer armed groups make arrests and hold prisoners, now including foreign journalists, the harder it becomes to bring these groups under control.
The longer armed groups make arrests and hold prisoners, now including foreign journalists, the harder it becomes to bring these groups under control.
The militias need to get out of the detention business, and the government should re-double its efforts to take control of all militia detention facilities and treat all unauthorised detention as a crime.The militias need to get out of the detention business, and the government should re-double its efforts to take control of all militia detention facilities and treat all unauthorised detention as a crime.
10.00am: Diplomats are questioning the Syrian government's claim of a 57% turnout in last Sunday's constitutional referendum. They suggest the actual turnout was around 5%, according to a report by GlobalPost.10.00am: Diplomats are questioning the Syrian government's claim of a 57% turnout in last Sunday's constitutional referendum. They suggest the actual turnout was around 5%, according to a report by GlobalPost.
The report – compiled with input from a journalist in Damascus who is not named for security reasons – also says multiple voting was easy, since voters only had to produce an ID card or student card, and their fingers were not inked after casting their ballots.The report – compiled with input from a journalist in Damascus who is not named for security reasons – also says multiple voting was easy, since voters only had to produce an ID card or student card, and their fingers were not inked after casting their ballots.
The report continues:The report continues:

At one polling station in a state-run clinic in Damascus' Midan district, a neighbourhood of traditional Sunni Damascene families and a centre for protests in the capital, the transparent ballot box was still almost empty by late afternoon.
At one polling station in a state-run clinic in Damascus' Midan district, a neighbourhood of traditional Sunni Damascene families and a centre for protests in the capital, the transparent ballot box was still almost empty by late afternoon.
At others, the box was at least opaque and, for the first time in Syria, private voting booths were available, though many of those who did vote did so openly at the desk.At others, the box was at least opaque and, for the first time in Syria, private voting booths were available, though many of those who did vote did so openly at the desk.
Of the roughly 40 ballots cast in Midan's polling centre, said one of the government employees running it, most had come from employees of the health facility itself.Of the roughly 40 ballots cast in Midan's polling centre, said one of the government employees running it, most had come from employees of the health facility itself.
"All public workers must vote, otherwise they could be penalised by the secret service," said Muhammad Faour of the Carnegie Middle East Centre in Beirut, describing the result of the referendum as a "foregone conclusion"."All public workers must vote, otherwise they could be penalised by the secret service," said Muhammad Faour of the Carnegie Middle East Centre in Beirut, describing the result of the referendum as a "foregone conclusion".
9.52am: The International Committee of the Red Cross could not confirm that the journalists Paul Conroy and Edith Bouvier had escaped from Homs, as Reuters is reporting.9.52am: The International Committee of the Red Cross could not confirm that the journalists Paul Conroy and Edith Bouvier had escaped from Homs, as Reuters is reporting.
A spokesman said that if the journalist had been smuggled out, this was a separate operation from a failed ICRC rescue attempt last night.A spokesman said that if the journalist had been smuggled out, this was a separate operation from a failed ICRC rescue attempt last night.
The BBC reported that Bouvier refused to enter a Red Crescent vehicle last night.The BBC reported that Bouvier refused to enter a Red Crescent vehicle last night.
The ICRC spokesman said it would continue to try to rescue wounded people from Homs.The ICRC spokesman said it would continue to try to rescue wounded people from Homs.
9.42am: French journalist Edith Bouvier is also safe in Lebanon, according to Syrian opposition sources, Reuters reports.9.42am: French journalist Edith Bouvier is also safe in Lebanon, according to Syrian opposition sources, Reuters reports.
Bouvier reportedly refused to leave Homs last night in a Red Crescent ambulance.Bouvier reportedly refused to leave Homs last night in a Red Crescent ambulance.
9.33am: Paul Conroy's wife Kate has not heard official confirmation that her husband is safe, according to the BBC.9.33am: Paul Conroy's wife Kate has not heard official confirmation that her husband is safe, according to the BBC.
Conroy was last seen in a video appeal last Thursday.Conroy was last seen in a video appeal last Thursday.
At the time he said:At the time he said:
My name's Paul Conroy. I'm a photographer with the Sunday Times. Today's date is 23 February 2012My name's Paul Conroy. I'm a photographer with the Sunday Times. Today's date is 23 February 2012
I was wounded in a rocket attack yesterday. Three large wounds to my leg. My colleague Marie Colvin was also killed in this same attack.I was wounded in a rocket attack yesterday. Three large wounds to my leg. My colleague Marie Colvin was also killed in this same attack.
I am currently being looked after by the Free Syrian Army medical staff who are treating me with the best medical treatment available and it's important to add that I am here as a guest and not captured.I am currently being looked after by the Free Syrian Army medical staff who are treating me with the best medical treatment available and it's important to add that I am here as a guest and not captured.
Obviously any assistance that can be given by government agencies would be welcome and we'll work on the same premise on the ground.Obviously any assistance that can be given by government agencies would be welcome and we'll work on the same premise on the ground.
9.19am: Injured Sunday Times photographer Paul Conroy is reported to be "safe and sound" in Lebanon, according to Reuters. A diplomatic source told the agency that he was smuggled out of Homs.9.19am: Injured Sunday Times photographer Paul Conroy is reported to be "safe and sound" in Lebanon, according to Reuters. A diplomatic source told the agency that he was smuggled out of Homs.
9.08am: Another video from Homs appears to show a tank under the control of Free Syria Army fighters.9.08am: Another video from Homs appears to show a tank under the control of Free Syria Army fighters.
The clip was purportedly filmed on Monday and cannot be verified.The clip was purportedly filmed on Monday and cannot be verified.
Meanwhile the YouTube channel Syria Pioneer continues to document the army's bombardment of the Baba Amr area, now in its 25th day.Meanwhile the YouTube channel Syria Pioneer continues to document the army's bombardment of the Baba Amr area, now in its 25th day.
8.35am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live where Syria remains the main focus.8.35am: (all times GMT) Welcome to Middle East Live where Syria remains the main focus.
Here's a roundup of the latest developments:Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• Syrian president Bashar al-Assad sent units of an elite armoured division into Homs on Tuesday as rebel-held districts came under the heaviest bombardment of a three-week-old offensive, opposition sources told Reuters. They said tanks and troops of the Fourth Division, which is commanded by Assad's brother Maher moved overnight into main streets around the besieged southern area of Baba Amro. The tanks had "Fourth Division Monsters" painted on them, they said.• Syrian president Bashar al-Assad sent units of an elite armoured division into Homs on Tuesday as rebel-held districts came under the heaviest bombardment of a three-week-old offensive, opposition sources told Reuters. They said tanks and troops of the Fourth Division, which is commanded by Assad's brother Maher moved overnight into main streets around the besieged southern area of Baba Amro. The tanks had "Fourth Division Monsters" painted on them, they said.
• Activists video from Homs shows rebels in control of a tank, which appeared to be used to defend a church in the city.• Activists video from Homs shows rebels in control of a tank, which appeared to be used to defend a church in the city.
The footage was purportedly filmed on Sunday in the Christian area of Hamdiyeh, north-east of the centre.The footage was purportedly filmed on Sunday in the Christian area of Hamdiyeh, north-east of the centre.
• The bodies of dozens of men were found dumped on wasteland on the outskirts of Homs on Monday in what appeared to be one of the worst instances of mass killing since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began, the Washington Post reports. The Local Co-ordination Committees, an opposition group, said that the bodies of 64 men were taken to the National Hospital in Homs and that an unknown number of women and children who had been with them are missing.• The bodies of dozens of men were found dumped on wasteland on the outskirts of Homs on Monday in what appeared to be one of the worst instances of mass killing since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began, the Washington Post reports. The Local Co-ordination Committees, an opposition group, said that the bodies of 64 men were taken to the National Hospital in Homs and that an unknown number of women and children who had been with them are missing.
• The names of thousands of Syrian dissidents have appeared on an apparent Syrian government hit list obtained by the US news site Mother Jones. • The names of thousands of Syrian dissidents have appeared on an apparent Syrian government hit list obtained by the US news site Mother Jones.
A 718-page digital document obtained by Mother Jones contains names, phone numbers, neighbourhoods, and alleged activities of thousands of dissidents apparently targeted by the Syrian government. Three experts asked separately by Mother Jones to examine the document—essentially a massive spreadsheet, whose contents are in Arabic—say they believe that it is authentic.A 718-page digital document obtained by Mother Jones contains names, phone numbers, neighbourhoods, and alleged activities of thousands of dissidents apparently targeted by the Syrian government. Three experts asked separately by Mother Jones to examine the document—essentially a massive spreadsheet, whose contents are in Arabic—say they believe that it is authentic.


• The UN's human rights council is poised to discuss Syria at a special session today in Geneva. Russia said it would not object to holding meeting, but said any written resolution would not be useful to resolving the situation in Syria.

• The UN's human rights council is poised to discuss Syria at a special session today in Geneva. Russia said it would not object to holding meeting, but said any written resolution would not be useful to resolving the situation in Syria.
• A referendum on a new constitution was approved by close to 90% of voters, the Syrian government claimed as international reaction to its ongoing crackdown intensified, with the European Union announcing fresh sanctions against key regime figures. Activist groups said 124 people had been killed the day after the ballot, which had been hailed as a showpiece of reform in the rigidly controlled state.• A referendum on a new constitution was approved by close to 90% of voters, the Syrian government claimed as international reaction to its ongoing crackdown intensified, with the European Union announcing fresh sanctions against key regime figures. Activist groups said 124 people had been killed the day after the ballot, which had been hailed as a showpiece of reform in the rigidly controlled state.
• Fresh attempts to evacuate wounded Western journalists to safety from the Syrian city of Homs have failed again after one of the reporters refused for a second time to get into a Red Crescent vehicle, the BBC reports. Edith Bouvier, a reporter with the French daily Le Figaro, apparently would not board the vehicles and other evacuees stayed behind in solidarity.• Fresh attempts to evacuate wounded Western journalists to safety from the Syrian city of Homs have failed again after one of the reporters refused for a second time to get into a Red Crescent vehicle, the BBC reports. Edith Bouvier, a reporter with the French daily Le Figaro, apparently would not board the vehicles and other evacuees stayed behind in solidarity.
• Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, has urged the international community to provide arms to Syrians rebelling against the Assad regime. "I think we should do whatever is necessary to help them, including giving them weapons to defend themselves," the prime minister said during a visit to Norway.• Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, has urged the international community to provide arms to Syrians rebelling against the Assad regime. "I think we should do whatever is necessary to help them, including giving them weapons to defend themselves," the prime minister said during a visit to Norway.
• New York Times columnist Roger Cohen backs calls for the international community to help arm the Free Syrian Army.• New York Times columnist Roger Cohen backs calls for the international community to help arm the Free Syrian Army.
I hear the outcry already: Arming Assad's opponents will only exacerbate the fears of Syria's minorities and unite them, ensure greater bloodshed, and undermine diplomatic efforts now being led by Kofi Annan, a gifted and astute peacemaker. It risks turning a proxy war into a proxy conflagration.I hear the outcry already: Arming Assad's opponents will only exacerbate the fears of Syria's minorities and unite them, ensure greater bloodshed, and undermine diplomatic efforts now being led by Kofi Annan, a gifted and astute peacemaker. It risks turning a proxy war into a proxy conflagration.
There is no policy for Syria at this stage that does not involve significant risk. But the only cease-fire I can see that will not amount to an ephemeral piece of paper is one based on a rough balance of forces. For that, the Free Syrian Army must be armed.There is no policy for Syria at this stage that does not involve significant risk. But the only cease-fire I can see that will not amount to an ephemeral piece of paper is one based on a rough balance of forces. For that, the Free Syrian Army must be armed.
In the end, this course will support, not undermine, Annan's diplomacy and perhaps open the way for the sort of transition outlined by the Arab League. In return, the divided Syrian opposition must provide a firm commitment to respect the rights of minorities. The treatment of minorities — like that of women — is one of the many pivotal tests of the Arab Spring.In the end, this course will support, not undermine, Annan's diplomacy and perhaps open the way for the sort of transition outlined by the Arab League. In return, the divided Syrian opposition must provide a firm commitment to respect the rights of minorities. The treatment of minorities — like that of women — is one of the many pivotal tests of the Arab Spring.
• Mohammed Zidan, a police defector from Idlib, has been speaking to the Independent's Kim Sengupta. "I feel very worried, guilty. But I have made my choice, I have joined the people."• Mohammed Zidan, a police defector from Idlib, has been speaking to the Independent's Kim Sengupta. "I feel very worried, guilty. But I have made my choice, I have joined the people."
IranIran
• Iran's crackdown on free speech and civil society has dramatically escalated in the run up to this week's parliamentary elections, according to a new report by Amnesty International. The report documented a wave of recent arrests targeting a range of groups, including lawyers, students, journalists, political activists and their relatives, religious and ethnic minorities, filmmakers, and people with international connections, particularly to media.• Iran's crackdown on free speech and civil society has dramatically escalated in the run up to this week's parliamentary elections, according to a new report by Amnesty International. The report documented a wave of recent arrests targeting a range of groups, including lawyers, students, journalists, political activists and their relatives, religious and ethnic minorities, filmmakers, and people with international connections, particularly to media.