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Syria crisis: UNHRC emergency meeting - live updates Syria crisis: UNHRC emergency meeting - live updates
(40 minutes later)
11.57am: The request for today's UNHRC session on Syria came from Qatar, Turkey, United States, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Denmark and the European Union, the council has confirmed.
The request was signed by the following members of the Council: Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Maldives, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, United States and Uruguay.
The request was also supported by the following observer States: Australia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
11.53am: Here are more direct quotes from Syria's representative to human rights council, Faysal Khabbaz Hamoui.
He claimed armed terrorist carried out last week's Houla massacre. Speaking through a translator Hamoui said:
The main motive for those murderers was to ignite sectarian strife, in an area made up of multi-sectarian social fabric, which until now has lived in peace.
The initial investigation found that some of those who had been arrested were not Syrian nationals. The intent of those attackers was to create an area outside the authority of the state, close to the Lebanese border.
It is now something familiar for the armed terrorist groups and gangs to carry out those massacres at specified times, so that the crimes take place immediately before the convening of the UN security council, or a visit by the UN-Arab League special envoy, Kofi Annan. The purpose of these massacres is to bring about special sessions against Syria, and statements of condemnations full of hate, like the one we see before us today.
Such resolutions and decisions support the murderers, and have paragraphs full of blind hatred. Syria rejects these totally.
It is truly despicable of states sponsoring this session to support armed terrorists groups in Syria and supply them with modern weaponry - most Israeli-made.
Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, the United States has not hidden its support for the armed opposition. It is guiding the opposition not to surrender arms and not to enter dialogue with the government.
Those countries who instigated this session have the common objectives of causing more bloodshed amongst the Syrian people and trying to ignite a civil war.
11.37am: The Kuwaiti representative to the UNHRC said "failure of [Kofi Annan's] plan could lead to disastrous consequences for Syria and the region". He called for "an effective and peaceful solution" that attains the legitimate demands of the Syrian people.
The US representative, Eileen Donahue, said the facts of the Houla massacre are clear: summary executions at close range of people in their own homes, including children. This was preceded by attacks from tanks and artillery which only the Syrian government possesses.
President Assad's "brutal rule by murder and fear will ultimately come to an end," she added.
11.20am: The representative of Venezuela (which is sympathetic towards the Syrian regime) called for a far-reaching inquiry, but added that it "should not be used as a pretext for foreign intervention".
He said he welcomed the reforms in Syria giving people the right to peacefully demonstration. But he said the current draft resolution before the council reflects a desire to interfere in Syria's internal affairs.
11.16am: The Danish representative to the UNHRC, speaking on behalf of the EU, called on the Syrian government to "comply with the legitimate demands" of the human rights council.11.16am: The Danish representative to the UNHRC, speaking on behalf of the EU, called on the Syrian government to "comply with the legitimate demands" of the human rights council.
All violence must be brought to an end immediately, he said. The Syrian government must protect its population and there must be no impunity for the perpetrators.All violence must be brought to an end immediately, he said. The Syrian government must protect its population and there must be no impunity for the perpetrators.
He also spoke of a possible referral to international criminal court by the UN security council. A speaker on behalf of the Nordic countries echoed his calls.He also spoke of a possible referral to international criminal court by the UN security council. A speaker on behalf of the Nordic countries echoed his calls.
11.07am: Faysal Khabbaz Hamoui, the Syrian representative at the UNHRC, said groups of armed terrorists numbering 600-800 attacked al-Houla. The Syrian government announced a committee of inquiry to find out what the truth was, he said.11.07am: Faysal Khabbaz Hamoui, the Syrian representative at the UNHRC, said groups of armed terrorists numbering 600-800 attacked al-Houla. The Syrian government announced a committee of inquiry to find out what the truth was, he said.
The committee's initial report found the main motive of the murderers was to ignite sectarian strife, Hamoui told the council.The committee's initial report found the main motive of the murderers was to ignite sectarian strife, Hamoui told the council.
The committee also concluded there were no traces of artillery shelling on the bodies of the victims. The committee affirmed that the killings had occurred at close range, he said.The committee also concluded there were no traces of artillery shelling on the bodies of the victims. The committee affirmed that the killings had occurred at close range, he said.
Some non-Syrian nationals have been arrested, Hamoui claimed. The timing and purposes of such massacre are aimed at prompting special sessions of the UN, he added.Some non-Syrian nationals have been arrested, Hamoui claimed. The timing and purposes of such massacre are aimed at prompting special sessions of the UN, he added.
"No rational person could believe what is being said by some of the sponsors of this session ... it is truly despicable," he said."No rational person could believe what is being said by some of the sponsors of this session ... it is truly despicable," he said.
The Syrian representative went on say that the sponsors of the UN session were also sponsoring violence in Syria. He also said the armed fighters were being provided with Israeli-made weapons.The Syrian representative went on say that the sponsors of the UN session were also sponsoring violence in Syria. He also said the armed fighters were being provided with Israeli-made weapons.
"Those who truly wish to assist Syria, should stop the cheap media war launched against us, and stop offering weapons and financial support to the murderers who engage in suicide attacks," Hamoui said."Those who truly wish to assist Syria, should stop the cheap media war launched against us, and stop offering weapons and financial support to the murderers who engage in suicide attacks," Hamoui said.
After Hamoui's remarks, a representative from Denmark spoke on behalf of the EU.After Hamoui's remarks, a representative from Denmark spoke on behalf of the EU.
10.51am: Syrian activists have dismiss the UNHRC meeting as an irrelevance. 10.51am: Syrian activists have dismissed the UNHRC meeting as an irrelevance.
British-based Syrian blogger Maysaloon comments:British-based Syrian blogger Maysaloon comments:
UNHR is meeting about #Syria for the fourth time. Assad and his regime are pissing on the world's face and then telling us it's raining.UNHR is meeting about #Syria for the fourth time. Assad and his regime are pissing on the world's face and then telling us it's raining.
— Maysaloon (@Maysaloon) June 1, 2012— Maysaloon (@Maysaloon) June 1, 2012
US based Syrian NMSyria tweets:US based Syrian NMSyria tweets:
UNHR meeting now to discuss the #HoulaMassacre. If you have a strong stomach and a lot of time to waste, tune in to the freak show..#SyriaUNHR meeting now to discuss the #HoulaMassacre. If you have a strong stomach and a lot of time to waste, tune in to the freak show..#Syria
— NMSyria (@NMSyria) June 1, 2012— NMSyria (@NMSyria) June 1, 2012
10.46am: Speeches by member countries of the UNHRC be limited to three minutes, those from observers to two minutes. 10.46am: Speeches by member countries of the UNHRC will be limited to three minutes, those from observers to two minutes.
The first speaker is UNHRC representative, speaking on behalf of UN human rights chief Navi Pillay. She calls for an immediate end to all forms of violence and human rights violations by all parties.The first speaker is UNHRC representative, speaking on behalf of UN human rights chief Navi Pillay. She calls for an immediate end to all forms of violence and human rights violations by all parties.
After outlining the allegations relating to the Houla massacre, the speaker calls for independent and international investigations, and end to impunity and accountability for perpetrators.After outlining the allegations relating to the Houla massacre, the speaker calls for independent and international investigations, and end to impunity and accountability for perpetrators.
She says that despite repeated requests, the commission has still not been granted access to Syria.She says that despite repeated requests, the commission has still not been granted access to Syria.
10.33am: The UN's human rights council emergency session on the Syrian crisis and last week's massacre in Houla has begun in Geneva.10.33am: The UN's human rights council emergency session on the Syrian crisis and last week's massacre in Houla has begun in Geneva.
You can follow a live feed of the session here (click channel 11).You can follow a live feed of the session here (click channel 11).

The council will debate the issue then vote on a draft resolution tabled by Qatar, Turkey and the US.

The council will debate the issue then vote on a draft resolution tabled by Qatar, Turkey and the US.

The UN says a representative of the Syria government is due to address the council.The UN says a representative of the Syria government is due to address the council.
A representative of the Syrian Government will also address the @UN_HRC, speaking as the concerned country. #SpecialSession #SyriaA representative of the Syrian Government will also address the @UN_HRC, speaking as the concerned country. #SpecialSession #Syria
— UN Geneva (@unisgeneva) June 1, 2012— UN Geneva (@unisgeneva) June 1, 2012
10.29am: Children in Houla, scene of last week's massacre, have held a protest against the Assad regime on rooftop in town, according to footage from activists.10.29am: Children in Houla, scene of last week's massacre, have held a protest against the Assad regime on rooftop in town, according to footage from activists.
Now Lebanon warns that activists claimed there would be "a volcano of rage" in Friday protests today, following last Friday's killings.Now Lebanon warns that activists claimed there would be "a volcano of rage" in Friday protests today, following last Friday's killings.
10.14am: The BBC has more on the killing of factory workers in a village near al-Qusair (see 8.56am).10.14am: The BBC has more on the killing of factory workers in a village near al-Qusair (see 8.56am).
It says 13 factory workers were executed by shabiha gangs, citing activists.It says 13 factory workers were executed by shabiha gangs, citing activists.
9.59am: Russian president Vladimir Putin is expected to face pressure for a change of policy over Syria today when he visits Berlin and Paris, the Associated Press reports.9.59am: Russian president Vladimir Putin is expected to face pressure for a change of policy over Syria today when he visits Berlin and Paris, the Associated Press reports.
Putin's meetings with German chancellor Angela Merkel and later with new French president Francois Hollande are part of his first foreign trip since returning to the Russian presidency. AP continues:Putin's meetings with German chancellor Angela Merkel and later with new French president Francois Hollande are part of his first foreign trip since returning to the Russian presidency. AP continues:
Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said this week the chancellor would try to persuade the Russians "to ensure, like us, that the right decisions regarding the Assad regime are made at the UN".Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said this week the chancellor would try to persuade the Russians "to ensure, like us, that the right decisions regarding the Assad regime are made at the UN".
Merkel herself declined to spell out her expectations on Thursday. While she conceded differences with Russia, she said that "we also have a certain amount of common ground when it comes to securing human rights and bringing these terrible human rights violations to an end."Merkel herself declined to spell out her expectations on Thursday. While she conceded differences with Russia, she said that "we also have a certain amount of common ground when it comes to securing human rights and bringing these terrible human rights violations to an end."
"What Mr. Assad is doing there can in no way be reconciled with what human rights demand of us," she said. "What is happening in Syria is a catastrophe and we will do everything to ease people's suffering" ..."What Mr. Assad is doing there can in no way be reconciled with what human rights demand of us," she said. "What is happening in Syria is a catastrophe and we will do everything to ease people's suffering" ...
On Wednesday, Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, was quoted as saying by the ITAR-Tass news agency that "there can be no talk" about a shift in Russia's stance on Syria under foreign pressure. He said Russia's course has been "consistent and well-balanced."On Wednesday, Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, was quoted as saying by the ITAR-Tass news agency that "there can be no talk" about a shift in Russia's stance on Syria under foreign pressure. He said Russia's course has been "consistent and well-balanced."
9.35am: Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, said situation in Syria is "now so grave, so serious and so rapidly deteriorating" that no option for future international action can be ruled out, William Hague warned s reported fresh killings by security forces.9.35am: Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, said situation in Syria is "now so grave, so serious and so rapidly deteriorating" that no option for future international action can be ruled out, William Hague warned s reported fresh killings by security forces.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme as he prepared to hold talks with opposition groups in Turkey, Hague said Britain was not yet ready to supply arms to the Syrian opposition groups or to consider the possibility of military intervention in order to create safe zones within the country for refugees.Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme as he prepared to hold talks with opposition groups in Turkey, Hague said Britain was not yet ready to supply arms to the Syrian opposition groups or to consider the possibility of military intervention in order to create safe zones within the country for refugees.
But he said that, if the Annan plan failed, Syria could face "collapse" and "we would have to look at all options".But he said that, if the Annan plan failed, Syria could face "collapse" and "we would have to look at all options".
Hague said: "We would do that with our allies, bearing in mind, of course, what can be secured at the UN security council and what is practical and effective. So we're not ruling anything out, but a military intervention in Syria, as I've always pointed out, would have to be vastly greater scale than was the case in Libya and it would have to enjoy very broad international support. So we're not at that stage at this point now."Hague said: "We would do that with our allies, bearing in mind, of course, what can be secured at the UN security council and what is practical and effective. So we're not ruling anything out, but a military intervention in Syria, as I've always pointed out, would have to be vastly greater scale than was the case in Libya and it would have to enjoy very broad international support. So we're not at that stage at this point now."
9.21am: Damascus university has organised a blood donation campaign to show "appreciation of sacrifices of the Syrian army and law-enforcement forces", the government news agency, Sana reports.9.21am: Damascus university has organised a blood donation campaign to show "appreciation of sacrifices of the Syrian army and law-enforcement forces", the government news agency, Sana reports.
Deputy rector for scientific affairs, Hiyam Bashour, said that the campaign is a humble contribution to appreciate those who offered their souls to protect the homeland.Deputy rector for scientific affairs, Hiyam Bashour, said that the campaign is a humble contribution to appreciate those who offered their souls to protect the homeland.
A worker at the faculty of pharmacy, Wafaa Husaini, said that it is the duty of every Syrian citizen to express gratitude for those who sacrificed themselves to safeguard the country.A worker at the faculty of pharmacy, Wafaa Husaini, said that it is the duty of every Syrian citizen to express gratitude for those who sacrificed themselves to safeguard the country.
Another donator, Ammar Mhrez, stressed that the Syrian blood is united against conspiracies and schemes hatched against Syria.Another donator, Ammar Mhrez, stressed that the Syrian blood is united against conspiracies and schemes hatched against Syria.
8.56am: Another massacre has been committed in Syria according to activists. The Syrian Revolution General Commission claimed 13 men were shot at close range by shabiha militia - or armed supporters of President Assad, in al-Buweyda in Homs.8.56am: Another massacre has been committed in Syria according to activists. The Syrian Revolution General Commission claimed 13 men were shot at close range by shabiha militia - or armed supporters of President Assad, in al-Buweyda in Homs.
In an unverified account of what took place, it said:In an unverified account of what took place, it said:
Around 3pm the regime army searched a bus that was carrying workers from the village fertiliser plant as it passed a checkpoint. As the bus moved on past the checkpoint, around 300m on, a yellow car with 5 armed shabiha stopped the bus and stole what was inside while verbally humiliating the passengers. They then forced everyone off the bus with their hands in the air and they were forced to chant for Bashar Al-Assad. The men were then shot at close-range which led to their death as the regime thugs emptied their bullets and beat the dead bodies.Around 3pm the regime army searched a bus that was carrying workers from the village fertiliser plant as it passed a checkpoint. As the bus moved on past the checkpoint, around 300m on, a yellow car with 5 armed shabiha stopped the bus and stole what was inside while verbally humiliating the passengers. They then forced everyone off the bus with their hands in the air and they were forced to chant for Bashar Al-Assad. The men were then shot at close-range which led to their death as the regime thugs emptied their bullets and beat the dead bodies.
Graphic video footage claimed to show the victims of shootings. [Warning: disturbing content].Graphic video footage claimed to show the victims of shootings. [Warning: disturbing content].
The SRGC also claimed 12 people were killed when the army shelled the nearby town al-Qusair.The SRGC also claimed 12 people were killed when the army shelled the nearby town al-Qusair.
It highlights this footage which purports to show the town being shelled.It highlights this footage which purports to show the town being shelled.
The SRGC said shelling came from the al-Mashtal military checkpoint and has continued this morning after resistance from rebel Free Syrian Army.The SRGC said shelling came from the al-Mashtal military checkpoint and has continued this morning after resistance from rebel Free Syrian Army.
8.37am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.8.37am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live.
Here's a round up of the latest developments:Here's a round up of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• The UN human rights council in Geneva is set to call for an inquiry into the Houla massacre at an emergency session on the Syria crisis. A draft version of resolution to be put to the council "condemns in the strongest possible terms such an outrageous use of force against the civilian population which constitutes a violation of applicable international law". It also calls for an investigation by the UN.• The UN human rights council in Geneva is set to call for an inquiry into the Houla massacre at an emergency session on the Syria crisis. A draft version of resolution to be put to the council "condemns in the strongest possible terms such an outrageous use of force against the civilian population which constitutes a violation of applicable international law". It also calls for an investigation by the UN.
• Syria said "preliminary" findings of it own investigation showed the massacre in Houla was the work of 600-800 "armed men". Brigadier-General Qasim Jamal Suleiman, who is leading the inquiry, said the army had not been present in the area when the killings were carried out last Friday. The victims had refused to join anti-regime demonstrations and some bodies were of armed men killed in clashes, he said. None had been killed by shellfire. Susan Rice the US ambassador to the UN dismissed the findings as a "blatant lie".• Syria said "preliminary" findings of it own investigation showed the massacre in Houla was the work of 600-800 "armed men". Brigadier-General Qasim Jamal Suleiman, who is leading the inquiry, said the army had not been present in the area when the killings were carried out last Friday. The victims had refused to join anti-regime demonstrations and some bodies were of armed men killed in clashes, he said. None had been killed by shellfire. Susan Rice the US ambassador to the UN dismissed the findings as a "blatant lie".
#Syria regime says the opposition is responsible for the massacre in #Houla. Another blatant lie.#Syria regime says the opposition is responsible for the massacre in #Houla. Another blatant lie.
— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) May 31, 2012— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) May 31, 2012
• Alex Thomson, from Channel 4 News, who has just returned from Houla, said the conclusions of Syrian government's inquiry "would be laughable were the events that took place in Houla not so revolting, brutal and tragic".• Alex Thomson, from Channel 4 News, who has just returned from Houla, said the conclusions of Syrian government's inquiry "would be laughable were the events that took place in Houla not so revolting, brutal and tragic".

He said:

He said:

We know, and all sides agree, there was a long artillery barrage, and then we know, and all sides agree, these militia entered a zone which had been subject to heavy shelling. They conducted a massacre and not a single shell landed anywhere near them, not a single mortar, not a single bullet round - fired by the Syrian army. So you have to believe that that was either a fantastically lucky coincidence for the people doing the massacre, or they were acting in co-ordination with the army. I invite our viewers to make their own judgement.We know, and all sides agree, there was a long artillery barrage, and then we know, and all sides agree, these militia entered a zone which had been subject to heavy shelling. They conducted a massacre and not a single shell landed anywhere near them, not a single mortar, not a single bullet round - fired by the Syrian army. So you have to believe that that was either a fantastically lucky coincidence for the people doing the massacre, or they were acting in co-ordination with the army. I invite our viewers to make their own judgement.
• A previously unknown Syrian rebel group says it is holding 11 Lebanese Shia pilgrims kidnapped in Syria last week. The group, calling itself Syrian Rebels in Aleppo, said in a statement obtained by al-Jazeera TV that the hostages are in good health.• A previously unknown Syrian rebel group says it is holding 11 Lebanese Shia pilgrims kidnapped in Syria last week. The group, calling itself Syrian Rebels in Aleppo, said in a statement obtained by al-Jazeera TV that the hostages are in good health.
• The US described Moscow's latest arms sale to Syria as "reprehensible" after a Russian cargo ship heavily laden with weapons arrived in Syria last weekend, Reuters reports. Western officials confirmed that the ship arrived on Saturday, bringing to the Syrian port of Tartus a cache of heavy weapons for Syria.• The US described Moscow's latest arms sale to Syria as "reprehensible" after a Russian cargo ship heavily laden with weapons arrived in Syria last weekend, Reuters reports. Western officials confirmed that the ship arrived on Saturday, bringing to the Syrian port of Tartus a cache of heavy weapons for Syria.
• Calls by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, to arm the rebels would not make a bad situation worse, according to former state department adviser Heather Hurlburt.• Calls by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, to arm the rebels would not make a bad situation worse, according to former state department adviser Heather Hurlburt.
First, the militias have not, in fact, been able to hold their own with Syria's army and security forces anywhere, with foreign guns or without them. Second, observers say that as fighting drags on and atrocities mount, the militias are growing increasingly focused on sectarian violence and local feuds. Arms sent to fight the government may well heighten killing among Syria's ethnic groups.First, the militias have not, in fact, been able to hold their own with Syria's army and security forces anywhere, with foreign guns or without them. Second, observers say that as fighting drags on and atrocities mount, the militias are growing increasingly focused on sectarian violence and local feuds. Arms sent to fight the government may well heighten killing among Syria's ethnic groups.
This could make the stability of any post-Assad settlement harder to establish, rather than easier.This could make the stability of any post-Assad settlement harder to establish, rather than easier.
EgyptEgypt
• Human rights campaigners have welcomed the end of Egypt's infamous emergency law, which was allowed to expire yesterday, the Washington Post reports. Heba Morayef, a Cairo-based researcher for Human Rights Watch, said: "It's a law that symbolized the extraordinary powers given to the police, which created an environment in which forced disappearances and torture happened regularly."• Human rights campaigners have welcomed the end of Egypt's infamous emergency law, which was allowed to expire yesterday, the Washington Post reports. Heba Morayef, a Cairo-based researcher for Human Rights Watch, said: "It's a law that symbolized the extraordinary powers given to the police, which created an environment in which forced disappearances and torture happened regularly."
BahrainBahrain
• Recent apparent concessions are no more than gestures aimed at concealing a redoubling of efforts to subdue the opposition by increasingly powerful hardliners in the royal family, according to Frederic Wehrey senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.• Recent apparent concessions are no more than gestures aimed at concealing a redoubling of efforts to subdue the opposition by increasingly powerful hardliners in the royal family, according to Frederic Wehrey senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Buoyed by the successful convening of the Formula One Grand Prix in April, hardliners have taken a number of steps to further consolidate control. Much of the kingdom's political power resides in a conservative triumvirate comprised of Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, Royal Court Minister Khalid bin Ahmad bin Salman al-Khalifa, and the commander of the Bahrain Defense Forces Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Khalifa—with the latter two being brothers, part of the al-Khawalid branch of the al-Khalifa family.Buoyed by the successful convening of the Formula One Grand Prix in April, hardliners have taken a number of steps to further consolidate control. Much of the kingdom's political power resides in a conservative triumvirate comprised of Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, Royal Court Minister Khalid bin Ahmad bin Salman al-Khalifa, and the commander of the Bahrain Defense Forces Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Khalifa—with the latter two being brothers, part of the al-Khawalid branch of the al-Khalifa family.
The Crown Prince, considered to be the member of the royal family most open to the idea of responding to the unrest with reforms and dialogue, has seen his influence steadily decline since mid-2011...The Crown Prince, considered to be the member of the royal family most open to the idea of responding to the unrest with reforms and dialogue, has seen his influence steadily decline since mid-2011...
The hardline faction, which controls the security forces as well as the instruments of censorship, is now very open about its intention to silence the opposition.The hardline faction, which controls the security forces as well as the instruments of censorship, is now very open about its intention to silence the opposition.
Apparent concessions such as the retrial of political detainees, and the release of some prominent activists are no more than cosmetic, Wehrey said.Apparent concessions such as the retrial of political detainees, and the release of some prominent activists are no more than cosmetic, Wehrey said.
Given the current balance of power within the royal family, it is doubtful that these gestures presage deeper structural reforms. Most likely, as the opposition charges, they are tactical stop-gap measures to remove the regime from the spotlight of international scrutiny.Given the current balance of power within the royal family, it is doubtful that these gestures presage deeper structural reforms. Most likely, as the opposition charges, they are tactical stop-gap measures to remove the regime from the spotlight of international scrutiny.