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Syria crisis, Libya unrest – Monday 2 July 2012 Syria crisis, Libya unrest – Monday 2 July 2012
(9 months later)
4.03pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:4.03pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• Russia has agreed to meet representatives of the Syrian opposition later this month, the RIA Novosti agency is reporting (see 11.02am).• Russia has agreed to meet representatives of the Syrian opposition later this month, the RIA Novosti agency is reporting (see 11.02am).
• A presenter from the Assad regime's main television channel has defected to the opposition and revealed he had secretly provided intelligence to rebels for the past seven months (see 11.49am).• A presenter from the Assad regime's main television channel has defected to the opposition and revealed he had secretly provided intelligence to rebels for the past seven months (see 11.49am).
• Turkey scrambled six F-16 warplanes in three separate incidents yesterday after Syrian helicopters approached the border, Today's Zaman reports citing military sources (see 11.57am).• Turkey scrambled six F-16 warplanes in three separate incidents yesterday after Syrian helicopters approached the border, Today's Zaman reports citing military sources (see 11.57am).
• The head of the Arab League has called on the Syrian opposition to unite, but the Free Syrian Army and some other elements are boycotting an opposition conference sponsored by the league in Cairo (see 12.38pm).• The head of the Arab League has called on the Syrian opposition to unite, but the Free Syrian Army and some other elements are boycotting an opposition conference sponsored by the league in Cairo (see 12.38pm).
• In a statement posted on the internet, the shadowy al-Nusra Front appears to have claimed responsibility for the attack on the pro-Assad al-Ikhbariya TV station last week (see 2.33pm).• In a statement posted on the internet, the shadowy al-Nusra Front appears to have claimed responsibility for the attack on the pro-Assad al-Ikhbariya TV station last week (see 2.33pm).
LibyaLibya
• Four staff of the International Criminal Court detained in Libya since early June are reported to have been released today (see 3.50pm).• Four staff of the International Criminal Court detained in Libya since early June are reported to have been released today (see 3.50pm).
• Protesters and militiamen calling for more autonomy for Libya's eastern region stormed the headquarters of the election commission in Benghazi on Sunday, burning materials and breaking computer equipment outside, less than a week before the country is due to go to the polls. • Protesters and militiamen calling for more autonomy for Libya's eastern region stormed the headquarters of the election commission in Benghazi on Sunday, burning materials and breaking computer equipment outside, less than a week before the country is due to go to the polls.
BahrainBahrain
• A team of British police from Scotland Yard are reported to be in Bahrain "advising" local police hunting explosives (see 9.46am).• A team of British police from Scotland Yard are reported to be in Bahrain "advising" local police hunting explosives (see 9.46am).
3.50pm: Libya: The BBC reports that the four staff members from the International Criminal Court held by a militia in Libya have now been released.3.50pm: Libya: The BBC reports that the four staff members from the International Criminal Court held by a militia in Libya have now been released.
3.42pm: Libya: A brief flash from Reuters says the head of the International Criminal Court has apologised to Libya (presumably over the behaviour of his staff) and says the Libyan government has "made arrangements for their release".3.42pm: Libya: A brief flash from Reuters says the head of the International Criminal Court has apologised to Libya (presumably over the behaviour of his staff) and says the Libyan government has "made arrangements for their release".
Four ICC staff were detained almost a month ago in the western city of Zintan after local officials accused one of them of spying.Four ICC staff were detained almost a month ago in the western city of Zintan after local officials accused one of them of spying.
3.31pm: Syria: Activists say 73 people have been killed by security forces in Syria so far today, al-Arabiya reports.3.31pm: Syria: Activists say 73 people have been killed by security forces in Syria so far today, al-Arabiya reports.
Al-Jazeera, again citing activists, says Syrian forces shelled the Latakia town of Salma; meanwhile, two people were killed and others injured in the shelling Aazaz and Tal Refaat in Aleppo province.Al-Jazeera, again citing activists, says Syrian forces shelled the Latakia town of Salma; meanwhile, two people were killed and others injured in the shelling Aazaz and Tal Refaat in Aleppo province.
The video above, posted on Youtube today, is said to show a blazing tank destroyed by the Free Syrian Army in Atareb, Aleppo province.The video above, posted on Youtube today, is said to show a blazing tank destroyed by the Free Syrian Army in Atareb, Aleppo province.
3.25pm: Syria/Lebanon: Lebanese president Michel Sleiman has condemned Syrian forces' temporary detention of two Lebanese General Security members earlier today. In a statement quoted by NOW Lebanon, Sleiman said:3.25pm: Syria/Lebanon: Lebanese president Michel Sleiman has condemned Syrian forces' temporary detention of two Lebanese General Security members earlier today. In a statement quoted by NOW Lebanon, Sleiman said:
[We condemn] the Syrian military unit's crossing of the Lebanese border and their [brief] detention of two Lebanese General Security members.[We condemn] the Syrian military unit's crossing of the Lebanese border and their [brief] detention of two Lebanese General Security members.
[Their act] violates international laws and transgresses the principle of coordination between the two countries.[Their act] violates international laws and transgresses the principle of coordination between the two countries.
The cross-border incident apparently began when a rocket was fired from Lebanon into Syria, wounding two Syrian border police (see 10.19am).The cross-border incident apparently began when a rocket was fired from Lebanon into Syria, wounding two Syrian border police (see 10.19am).
Syrian forces then crossed into Lebanon. The Lebanese Daily Star, citing security sources, says:Syrian forces then crossed into Lebanon. The Lebanese Daily Star, citing security sources, says:
Syrian soldiers briefly abducted the two members of Lebanon's General Security in the morning at Lebanon's Bqayaa border crossing, where they also fired randomly at offices belonging to General Security and of the joint Lebanese army task force.Syrian soldiers briefly abducted the two members of Lebanon's General Security in the morning at Lebanon's Bqayaa border crossing, where they also fired randomly at offices belonging to General Security and of the joint Lebanese army task force.
The Syrian soldiers, who crossed 100 meters into the country and stayed in Lebanese territory for 30 minutes, warned their Lebanese counterparts not to allow armed men to shoot at Syria from the Bqayaa area and threatened to escalate their measures in the future should their instructions not be met.The Syrian soldiers, who crossed 100 meters into the country and stayed in Lebanese territory for 30 minutes, warned their Lebanese counterparts not to allow armed men to shoot at Syria from the Bqayaa area and threatened to escalate their measures in the future should their instructions not be met.
The offices as well as two cars were damaged in the incident, the sources said.The offices as well as two cars were damaged in the incident, the sources said.
2.52pm: Libya: Some rare advance coverage of the elections scheduled for next Saturday. In an article for Open Democracy, Rhiannon Smith – described as a trainer, researcher and translator based in Tripoli – says the elections will be far from perfect and largely symbolic.2.52pm: Libya: Some rare advance coverage of the elections scheduled for next Saturday. In an article for Open Democracy, Rhiannon Smith – described as a trainer, researcher and translator based in Tripoli – says the elections will be far from perfect and largely symbolic.
The reality is that despite the current noise about elections, many Libyans are still none the wiser about what they are actually voting for, let alone who they are going to vote for.The reality is that despite the current noise about elections, many Libyans are still none the wiser about what they are actually voting for, let alone who they are going to vote for.
When I asked a Libyan friend a few days ago about who she was going to vote for, her response was 'well I don't want [Abdul Hakim] Belhaj to be president, but I like [Mahmoud] Jibril so maybe I will vote for him.'When I asked a Libyan friend a few days ago about who she was going to vote for, her response was 'well I don't want [Abdul Hakim] Belhaj to be president, but I like [Mahmoud] Jibril so maybe I will vote for him.'
It seems Libyans are finding it hard to escape from Gaddafi's 'strong leader' legacy. They are judging parties based on their patrons rather than on their values, and judging candidates on whether they look the part of a leader or not ...It seems Libyans are finding it hard to escape from Gaddafi's 'strong leader' legacy. They are judging parties based on their patrons rather than on their values, and judging candidates on whether they look the part of a leader or not ...
Lack of awareness among both voters and candidates means that it is unclear whether the majority of Libyans will share the same vision for Libya's future as the people that are elected to represent them. Despite this however, it is important that these elections take place now.Lack of awareness among both voters and candidates means that it is unclear whether the majority of Libyans will share the same vision for Libya's future as the people that are elected to represent them. Despite this however, it is important that these elections take place now.
2.33pm: Syria: Our colleague Mona Mahmood has located what we think is the statement from al-Nusra Front mentioned by Sana (see 1.53pm).2.33pm: Syria: Our colleague Mona Mahmood has located what we think is the statement from al-Nusra Front mentioned by Sana (see 1.53pm).
It's Communique No 32 on the website alnusraa.blogspot.co.uk. The relevant part, in Arabic, says:It's Communique No 32 on the website alnusraa.blogspot.co.uk. The relevant part, in Arabic, says:
As for the process of the operation, the target was chosen and moves of its staff were under surveillance as well as its entrances and exits. At 4am on Wednesday 8 Shaaban 1433 (27-6-2012), with the blessing of God the building was stormed by the lions of al-Jabha, may God bless them, and they engaged with the security members some of whom were killed, wounded and others taken as prisoners. Then, the Mujahideen completed the mission to destroy the administration offices and studios with explosive devices and returned safely, with the blessing of God.As for the process of the operation, the target was chosen and moves of its staff were under surveillance as well as its entrances and exits. At 4am on Wednesday 8 Shaaban 1433 (27-6-2012), with the blessing of God the building was stormed by the lions of al-Jabha, may God bless them, and they engaged with the security members some of whom were killed, wounded and others taken as prisoners. Then, the Mujahideen completed the mission to destroy the administration offices and studios with explosive devices and returned safely, with the blessing of God.
1.53pm: Syria: The government news agency, Sana, says al-Nusra Front (Jabhat al-Nusra) has claimed responsibility for the attack on al-Ikhbariya TV channel last week.1.53pm: Syria: The government news agency, Sana, says al-Nusra Front (Jabhat al-Nusra) has claimed responsibility for the attack on al-Ikhbariya TV channel last week.
The station's studios were badly damaged and seven employees were reportedly killed in the attack.The station's studios were badly damaged and seven employees were reportedly killed in the attack.
1.26pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:1.26pm: Here's a roundup of the latest developments:
SyriaSyria
• Russia has agreed to meet representatives of the Syrian opposition later this month, the RIA Novosti agency is reporting (see 11.02am).• Russia has agreed to meet representatives of the Syrian opposition later this month, the RIA Novosti agency is reporting (see 11.02am).
• A presenter from the Assad regime's main television channel has defected to the opposition and revealed he had secretly provided intelligence to rebels for the past seven months (see 11.49am).• A presenter from the Assad regime's main television channel has defected to the opposition and revealed he had secretly provided intelligence to rebels for the past seven months (see 11.49am).
• Turkey scrambled six F-16 warplanes in three separate incidents yesterday after Syrian helicopters approached the border, Today's Zaman reports citing military sources (see 11.57am).• Turkey scrambled six F-16 warplanes in three separate incidents yesterday after Syrian helicopters approached the border, Today's Zaman reports citing military sources (see 11.57am).
• The head of the Arab League has called on the Syrian opposition to unite, but the Free Syrian Army and some other elements are boycotting an opposition conference sponsored by the league in Cairo (see 12.38pm).• The head of the Arab League has called on the Syrian opposition to unite, but the Free Syrian Army and some other elements are boycotting an opposition conference sponsored by the league in Cairo (see 12.38pm).
LibyaLibya
• Protesters and militiamen calling for more autonomy for Libya's eastern region stormed the headquarters of the election commission in Benghazi on Sunday, burning materials and breaking computer equipment outside, less than a week before the country is due to go to the polls. • Protesters and militiamen calling for more autonomy for Libya's eastern region stormed the headquarters of the election commission in Benghazi on Sunday, burning materials and breaking computer equipment outside, less than a week before the country is due to go to the polls.
• Four staff of the International Criminal Court detained in Libya since early June are expected to be released on today, the ICC said. • Four staff of the International Criminal Court detained in Libya since early June are expected to be released on today, the ICC said.
BahrainBahrain
• A team of British police from Scotland Yard are reported to be in Bahrain "advising" local police hunting explosives (see 9.46am).• A team of British police from Scotland Yard are reported to be in Bahrain "advising" local police hunting explosives (see 9.46am).
1.11pm: Libya: The head of the International Criminal Court arrived in Libya today ahead of the expected release of four staff members who have been detained since early June, Reuters reports.1.11pm: Libya: The head of the International Criminal Court arrived in Libya today ahead of the expected release of four staff members who have been detained since early June, Reuters reports.
Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor and Lebanese-born interpreter Helene Assaf were detained in the town of Zintan and accused of smuggling documents and hidden recording devices to Muammar Gaddafi's captured son Saif al-Islam (pictured). Two male ICC staff who were travelling with Taylor and Assaf have stayed with them.Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor and Lebanese-born interpreter Helene Assaf were detained in the town of Zintan and accused of smuggling documents and hidden recording devices to Muammar Gaddafi's captured son Saif al-Islam (pictured). Two male ICC staff who were travelling with Taylor and Assaf have stayed with them.
Taylor had been sent to Libya to represent Saif al-Islam, whom the ICC wants extradited to face charges of war crimes allegedly committed during the uprising that toppled his father last year. Libya has so far refused to extradite Saif al-Islam, saying it would prefer to try him in its own courts.Taylor had been sent to Libya to represent Saif al-Islam, whom the ICC wants extradited to face charges of war crimes allegedly committed during the uprising that toppled his father last year. Libya has so far refused to extradite Saif al-Islam, saying it would prefer to try him in its own courts.
The Hague-based court, the UN security council, the head of Nato and human rights groups have urged Libya to free the ICC delegates in what has become its most serious diplomatic row since last year's uprising ended Gaddafi's 42-year rule.The Hague-based court, the UN security council, the head of Nato and human rights groups have urged Libya to free the ICC delegates in what has become its most serious diplomatic row since last year's uprising ended Gaddafi's 42-year rule.
Judicial experts say Saif al-Islam is unlikely to get a fair trial in Libya, where the arrests of the ICC officials have only served to highlight the challenges the interim government faces in imposing its authority on the myriad militias who helped topple Gaddafi and are now vying for power.Judicial experts say Saif al-Islam is unlikely to get a fair trial in Libya, where the arrests of the ICC officials have only served to highlight the challenges the interim government faces in imposing its authority on the myriad militias who helped topple Gaddafi and are now vying for power.
1.06pm: Syria: Tensions between Syria and Turkey have spread to Twitter. The Turkish daily Hürriyet says Syrian foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi has unfollowed Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoğlu after following him for a day.1.06pm: Syria: Tensions between Syria and Turkey have spread to Twitter. The Turkish daily Hürriyet says Syrian foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi has unfollowed Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoğlu after following him for a day.
12.57pm: Syria: Turkey scrambled six F-16 warplanes in three separate incidents yesterday, Today's Zaman reports citing military sources.12.57pm: Syria: Turkey scrambled six F-16 warplanes in three separate incidents yesterday, Today's Zaman reports citing military sources.
Turkey's armed forces command said the fighter jets were scrambled from Incirlik air base in response to Syrian helicopters flying south of the Turkish province of Hatay, within two to 2.5 miles of the Turkish border.Turkey's armed forces command said the fighter jets were scrambled from Incirlik air base in response to Syrian helicopters flying south of the Turkish province of Hatay, within two to 2.5 miles of the Turkish border.
In similar incidents on Saturday, Syrian helicopters were said to have come as close as four miles from the border.In similar incidents on Saturday, Syrian helicopters were said to have come as close as four miles from the border.
12.38pm: Syria: The head of the Arab League has called on the Syrian opposition to unite, AP reports. Secretary-general Nabil Elaraby addressed almost 250 opposition members at the meeting today in Cairo.12.38pm: Syria: The head of the Arab League has called on the Syrian opposition to unite, AP reports. Secretary-general Nabil Elaraby addressed almost 250 opposition members at the meeting today in Cairo.
"There is an opportunity before the conference of Syrian opposition today that must be seized, and I say and repeat that this opportunity must not be wasted under any circumstance," Elaraby said. "The sacrifices of the Syrian people are bigger than us and more valuable than any narrow differences or factional disputes,""There is an opportunity before the conference of Syrian opposition today that must be seized, and I say and repeat that this opportunity must not be wasted under any circumstance," Elaraby said. "The sacrifices of the Syrian people are bigger than us and more valuable than any narrow differences or factional disputes,"
The UN-backed plan for a "transitional authority" in Syria, which was discussed by foreign ministers in Geneva on Saturday, appears to have deepened existing divisions within the opposition.The UN-backed plan for a "transitional authority" in Syria, which was discussed by foreign ministers in Geneva on Saturday, appears to have deepened existing divisions within the opposition.
The Free Syrian Army and some other elements are boycotting the Cairo meeting (see 10.53am).The Free Syrian Army and some other elements are boycotting the Cairo meeting (see 10.53am).
11.49am: Syria: A presenter from the Assad regime's main television channel has defected to the opposition and revealed he had secretly provided intelligence to rebels for the past seven months, Guardian journalist Martin Chulov reports.11.49am: Syria: A presenter from the Assad regime's main television channel has defected to the opposition and revealed he had secretly provided intelligence to rebels for the past seven months, Guardian journalist Martin Chulov reports.
Ghatan Sleiba, a long-time anchor and reporter for the al-Dunya channel, is believed to be the first high-profile defector from Damascus's powerful propaganda arm. "I am the first and I will probably be the last," he said in an interview with the Guardian in southern Turkey.Ghatan Sleiba, a long-time anchor and reporter for the al-Dunya channel, is believed to be the first high-profile defector from Damascus's powerful propaganda arm. "I am the first and I will probably be the last," he said in an interview with the Guardian in southern Turkey.
"There are some others who also want to run, but there are more who love the regime from the depths of their hearts," he said."There are some others who also want to run, but there are more who love the regime from the depths of their hearts," he said.
Sleiba, 33, arrived in Turkey last Wednesday after a long journey from Hassaka in eastern Syria, where he had been responsible for coverage of the east of the country. He is now being hosted by rebel groups.Sleiba, 33, arrived in Turkey last Wednesday after a long journey from Hassaka in eastern Syria, where he had been responsible for coverage of the east of the country. He is now being hosted by rebel groups.
He claimed opposition guerillas were now in quasi-control of much of the east, especially the countryside surrounding major towns and cities.He claimed opposition guerillas were now in quasi-control of much of the east, especially the countryside surrounding major towns and cities.
"This is one of the things that they never wanted us to talk about. What we were doing was not reporting. It was simply acting as the tongue of the regime. I stayed as long as I could to help the revolutionaries, but I couldn't take it any more."This is one of the things that they never wanted us to talk about. What we were doing was not reporting. It was simply acting as the tongue of the regime. I stayed as long as I could to help the revolutionaries, but I couldn't take it any more.
11.27am: Egypt will approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other financial institutions to help get its economy back on track once President Morsi appoints a government, one of his financial advisers has told Reuters.11.27am: Egypt will approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other financial institutions to help get its economy back on track once President Morsi appoints a government, one of his financial advisers has told Reuters.
"We intend to approach the IMF again," said Amr Abu-Zeid, development finance adviser to Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood."We intend to approach the IMF again," said Amr Abu-Zeid, development finance adviser to Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood.
"Give him one week or two weeks, so at least he has a cabinet... I believe these issues will not go further until they have a cabinet at least.""Give him one week or two weeks, so at least he has a cabinet... I believe these issues will not go further until they have a cabinet at least."
The country's army-backed interim government kept the economy under the cosh since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in February 2011 through a series of short-term measures that include financing a burgeoning budget deficit by borrowing short-term from local banks at high interest rates and by draining the country's foreign reserves.The country's army-backed interim government kept the economy under the cosh since the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in February 2011 through a series of short-term measures that include financing a burgeoning budget deficit by borrowing short-term from local banks at high interest rates and by draining the country's foreign reserves.
The military council that took power from Mubarak rejected an agreement that Egypt negotiated with the IMF in mid-2011, then resumed talks for a $3.2bn loan early this year.The military council that took power from Mubarak rejected an agreement that Egypt negotiated with the IMF in mid-2011, then resumed talks for a $3.2bn loan early this year.
The economy contracted by 4.3% in the first quarter of 2011 and stagnated in the following three quarters.The economy contracted by 4.3% in the first quarter of 2011 and stagnated in the following three quarters.
"We are going back. We will negotiate with the IMF, with the World Bank, with the Islamic Development Bank, with anybody who wants to help. We are very open to this," Abu-Zeid said."We are going back. We will negotiate with the IMF, with the World Bank, with the Islamic Development Bank, with anybody who wants to help. We are very open to this," Abu-Zeid said.
11.02am: Syria: A few more details from AP about Russia's forthcoming talks with the Syrian opposition:11.02am: Syria: A few more details from AP about Russia's forthcoming talks with the Syrian opposition:
Deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov was quoted by the RIA Novosti agency as saying Monday that the first group headed by opposition leader Michel Kilo will will arrive later this week.Deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov was quoted by the RIA Novosti agency as saying Monday that the first group headed by opposition leader Michel Kilo will will arrive later this week.
He added that another group with Abdulbaset Sieda, the new head of the Syrian National Council, as its head will visit Moscow after July 10.He added that another group with Abdulbaset Sieda, the new head of the Syrian National Council, as its head will visit Moscow after July 10.
An anonymous Russian diplomat also told RIA that Annan is expected in Moscow by mid-July. The diplomat spoke off the record because he was not authorised to discuss the issue with the press.An anonymous Russian diplomat also told RIA that Annan is expected in Moscow by mid-July. The diplomat spoke off the record because he was not authorised to discuss the issue with the press.
10.53am: Syria: Some 250 members of the Syrian opposition, including the Syrian National Council, are meeting in Cairo for two days of talks on a political transition plan backed by the United Nations, Russia, and the US. The conference is sponsored by the Arab League.10.53am: Syria: Some 250 members of the Syrian opposition, including the Syrian National Council, are meeting in Cairo for two days of talks on a political transition plan backed by the United Nations, Russia, and the US. The conference is sponsored by the Arab League.
However, the Free Syrian Army and some other activists are boycotting the meeting, describing it as a "conspiracy" that serves the policy goals of the Syrian regime's allies, Russia and Iran. Ahram Online reports:However, the Free Syrian Army and some other activists are boycotting the meeting, describing it as a "conspiracy" that serves the policy goals of the Syrian regime's allies, Russia and Iran. Ahram Online reports:
"We refuse all kinds of dialogue and negotiation with the killer gangs ... and we will not allow anyone to impose on Syria and its people the Russian and Iranian agendas," said a statement signed by the rebel Free Syrian Army and "independent" activists."We refuse all kinds of dialogue and negotiation with the killer gangs ... and we will not allow anyone to impose on Syria and its people the Russian and Iranian agendas," said a statement signed by the rebel Free Syrian Army and "independent" activists.
The signatories criticised the agenda of the Cairo talks for "rejecting the idea of a foreign military intervention to save the people... and ignoring the question of buffer zones protected by the international community, humanitarian corridors, an air embargo and the arming of rebel fighters."The signatories criticised the agenda of the Cairo talks for "rejecting the idea of a foreign military intervention to save the people... and ignoring the question of buffer zones protected by the international community, humanitarian corridors, an air embargo and the arming of rebel fighters."
The Cairo talks come after world powers meeting in Geneva on Saturday agreed a transition plan that was branded a failure by both the opposition and the Syrian state media.The Cairo talks come after world powers meeting in Geneva on Saturday agreed a transition plan that was branded a failure by both the opposition and the Syrian state media.
The boycotters said the talks follow the "dangerous decisions of the Geneva conference, which aim to safeguard the regime, to create a dialogue with it and to form a unity government with the assassins of our children."The boycotters said the talks follow the "dangerous decisions of the Geneva conference, which aim to safeguard the regime, to create a dialogue with it and to form a unity government with the assassins of our children."
"The Cairo conference aims to give a new chance to (UN-Arab League) envoy Kofi Annan to try again to convince Assad to implement his six-point plan... while forgetting that thousands have been martyred since the plan came into force," they said."The Cairo conference aims to give a new chance to (UN-Arab League) envoy Kofi Annan to try again to convince Assad to implement his six-point plan... while forgetting that thousands have been martyred since the plan came into force," they said.
10.34am: Syria: AP is reporting that Russia has agreed to hold talks with the Syrian opposition later this month.10.34am: Syria: AP is reporting that Russia has agreed to hold talks with the Syrian opposition later this month.
10.31am: Syria: Relief workers have evacuated 26 Syrian civilians from the besieged Damascus suburb of Douma, AP reports citing a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).10.31am: Syria: Relief workers have evacuated 26 Syrian civilians from the besieged Damascus suburb of Douma, AP reports citing a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Syrian troops flushed out rebels from the suburb on Saturday after a 10-day assault that left dozens dead, hundreds wounded and caused a major humanitarian crisis.Syrian troops flushed out rebels from the suburb on Saturday after a 10-day assault that left dozens dead, hundreds wounded and caused a major humanitarian crisis.
Rabab Rifai said on Monday that a team from the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent entered Douma Sunday to assess humanitarian conditions and evacuated the 26, mostly children and elderly people. She said a team will go in again soon.Rabab Rifai said on Monday that a team from the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent entered Douma Sunday to assess humanitarian conditions and evacuated the 26, mostly children and elderly people. She said a team will go in again soon.
The state-run news agency SANA said maintenance workers have started to repair damaged electricity networks and other infrastructure destroyed by "terrorists" in Douma.The state-run news agency SANA said maintenance workers have started to repair damaged electricity networks and other infrastructure destroyed by "terrorists" in Douma.
10.25am: Syria: There are reports of an explosion at the central prison in Homs, followed by a power cut. It's unclear whether this was caused by a bomb. Activist Dima Moussa suggests there was an electrical fault.10.25am: Syria: There are reports of an explosion at the central prison in Homs, followed by a power cut. It's unclear whether this was caused by a bomb. Activist Dima Moussa suggests there was an electrical fault.
UPDATE Re: #Homs Central Prison: a power unit exploded, causing power outage & commotion among prisoners. No shooting, no massacres. #SyriaUPDATE Re: #Homs Central Prison: a power unit exploded, causing power outage & commotion among prisoners. No shooting, no massacres. #Syria
— Dima Moussa (@dimam78) July 2, 2012— Dima Moussa (@dimam78) July 2, 2012
10.19am: Syria/Lebanon: A rocket fired from Lebanon wounded two Syrian border police early today, NOW Lebanon reports. It quotes a statment from Lebanon's General Security department:10.19am: Syria/Lebanon: A rocket fired from Lebanon wounded two Syrian border police early today, NOW Lebanon reports. It quotes a statment from Lebanon's General Security department:
On Monday at dawn, gunmen fired a rocket from Bqaiaa, in Lebanese territory, towards Syria, hitting a Syrian immigration post and wounding two border police.On Monday at dawn, gunmen fired a rocket from Bqaiaa, in Lebanese territory, towards Syria, hitting a Syrian immigration post and wounding two border police.
During the operation, a Syrian force arrived at the General Security office in Bqaiaa and took two of its members to Syria and [later] released them.During the operation, a Syrian force arrived at the General Security office in Bqaiaa and took two of its members to Syria and [later] released them.
10.09am: Syria: Addressing police in Aleppo, interior minister Lieut-Gen Mohammad al-Shaar urged them "to confront the armed terrorist groups which commit murders and sabotage acts", the government news agency reports.10.09am: Syria: Addressing police in Aleppo, interior minister Lieut-Gen Mohammad al-Shaar urged them "to confront the armed terrorist groups which commit murders and sabotage acts", the government news agency reports.
Al-Shaar stressed that law-enforcement personnel should be brave and wise during implementing their missions with the aim of foiling the conspiracy against the country.Al-Shaar stressed that law-enforcement personnel should be brave and wise during implementing their missions with the aim of foiling the conspiracy against the country.
He added that people should feel safe and secure in the presence of the policemen as they preserve the stability of the country and security of the citizens.He added that people should feel safe and secure in the presence of the policemen as they preserve the stability of the country and security of the citizens.
He underlined the need to promote the work up to face the plot that is targeting the country, adding that the misleading media campaign against Syria aims at escalating the situation and affecting the international opinion.He underlined the need to promote the work up to face the plot that is targeting the country, adding that the misleading media campaign against Syria aims at escalating the situation and affecting the international opinion.
10.00am: Egypt: "There is a fox in Tahrir Square. Bushy tailed and thickly furred, he claims to hear everything," Robert Fisk writes in The Independent. Fisk appears to have met the fox, and interviewed it.10.00am: Egypt: "There is a fox in Tahrir Square. Bushy tailed and thickly furred, he claims to hear everything," Robert Fisk writes in The Independent. Fisk appears to have met the fox, and interviewed it.
When he wanted to show that he was a revolutionary animal, the fox held out his back paw. And there was a very severe year-old bullet wound in it.When he wanted to show that he was a revolutionary animal, the fox held out his back paw. And there was a very severe year-old bullet wound in it.
9.46am: Bahrain: A team of British police from Scotland Yard is "located in Bahrain to give advice" to local police hunting explosives, al-Watan reports (in Arabic), citing unnamed official sources.9.46am: Bahrain: A team of British police from Scotland Yard is "located in Bahrain to give advice" to local police hunting explosives, al-Watan reports (in Arabic), citing unnamed official sources.
John Yates, a former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police, has also been in Bahrain for several months, advising the government on police reform.John Yates, a former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police, has also been in Bahrain for several months, advising the government on police reform.
Referring to recently-reported discoveries of explosives in the kingdom, al-Watan quotes sources as saying that those involved in the manufacture of explosives had been trained in "Hezbollah camps" in Lebanon.Referring to recently-reported discoveries of explosives in the kingdom, al-Watan quotes sources as saying that those involved in the manufacture of explosives had been trained in "Hezbollah camps" in Lebanon.
9.33am: Egypt: Since the Muslim Brotherhood decided to contest the presidential election, al-Jazeera has spared no effort in promoting the candidate through its various TV channels, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi writes in an article for Al-Monitor.9.33am: Egypt: Since the Muslim Brotherhood decided to contest the presidential election, al-Jazeera has spared no effort in promoting the candidate through its various TV channels, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi writes in an article for Al-Monitor.
"When it comes to the coverage of the Muslim Brotherhood, the once-great channel's famous slogan, 'The Opinion and the Other Opinion', no longer holds true, he says, arguing that al-Jazeera is engaged in "a dangerous romance"."When it comes to the coverage of the Muslim Brotherhood, the once-great channel's famous slogan, 'The Opinion and the Other Opinion', no longer holds true, he says, arguing that al-Jazeera is engaged in "a dangerous romance".
Al-Jazeera is compromising the opportunity that Arabs may have today to finally witness a human president instead of the infallible deities that dot the Arab world. Al-Jazeera's endless praise of President Morsi, reminiscent of the discredited Abdul Nasser propaganda outlet Sawt al-Arab, may in fact backfire one day ...Al-Jazeera is compromising the opportunity that Arabs may have today to finally witness a human president instead of the infallible deities that dot the Arab world. Al-Jazeera's endless praise of President Morsi, reminiscent of the discredited Abdul Nasser propaganda outlet Sawt al-Arab, may in fact backfire one day ...
Al-Jazeera Arabic's pro-Brotherhood methodology is two-pronged. First, it predominantly hosts guests that it can be fairly certain would be gentle in their criticism of the Muslim Brotherhood, and second, its anchors refrain from asking Muslim Brotherhood members and spokesmen embarrassing questions ...Al-Jazeera Arabic's pro-Brotherhood methodology is two-pronged. First, it predominantly hosts guests that it can be fairly certain would be gentle in their criticism of the Muslim Brotherhood, and second, its anchors refrain from asking Muslim Brotherhood members and spokesmen embarrassing questions ...
In fact, al-Jazeera Arabic's love affair with the Muslim Brotherhood has done damage to more than one country's revolutionary cause. In Syria, al-Jazeera Arabic's championing of the Muslim Brotherhood-dominated and highly ineffective opposition Syrian National Council has cost the channel much credibility.In fact, al-Jazeera Arabic's love affair with the Muslim Brotherhood has done damage to more than one country's revolutionary cause. In Syria, al-Jazeera Arabic's championing of the Muslim Brotherhood-dominated and highly ineffective opposition Syrian National Council has cost the channel much credibility.
9.09am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Here's a roundup on the latest developments and analysis:9.09am: (all times BST) Welcome to Middle East Live. Here's a roundup on the latest developments and analysis:
SyriaSyria
• Britain and France say a UN communique drawn up in Geneva on Saturday with the inclusion of Russia and China means President Assad will have to step down. • Britain and France say a UN communique drawn up in Geneva on Saturday with the inclusion of Russia and China means President Assad will have to step down.
The communique, which agreed terms for a transitional authority in Syria, said members of the present Syrian government could be included in the new body by "mutual consent". A Foreign Office spokesperson said later that the "mutual consent" phrase is important because there is no chance of opposition members agreeing to Assad or his closest allies joining a unity government.The communique, which agreed terms for a transitional authority in Syria, said members of the present Syrian government could be included in the new body by "mutual consent". A Foreign Office spokesperson said later that the "mutual consent" phrase is important because there is no chance of opposition members agreeing to Assad or his closest allies joining a unity government.
The Syrian opposition quickly dismissed the proposal as a waste of time and with "no value on the ground", AP reports.The Syrian opposition quickly dismissed the proposal as a waste of time and with "no value on the ground", AP reports.
• Turkey says it scrambled F-16 warplanes on Saturday after Syrian helicopters flew as close as four miles from its border at least three occasions.• Turkey says it scrambled F-16 warplanes on Saturday after Syrian helicopters flew as close as four miles from its border at least three occasions.
LibyaLibya
• Protesters and militiamen calling for more autonomy for Libya's eastern region stormed the headquarters of the election commission in Benghazi on Sunday, burning materials and breaking computer equipment outside, less than a week before the country is due to go to the polls. • Protesters and militiamen calling for more autonomy for Libya's eastern region stormed the headquarters of the election commission in Benghazi on Sunday, burning materials and breaking computer equipment outside, less than a week before the country is due to go to the polls.
• Four staff of the International Criminal Court detained in Libya since early June are expected to be released on today, the ICC said. • Four staff of the International Criminal Court detained in Libya since early June are expected to be released on today, the ICC said.
The four were detained in the western mountain city of Zintan after local officials levelled accusations of spying at one of them, Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor, who was sent by the ICC to represent the son of the late dictator, Muammar Gaddafi.The four were detained in the western mountain city of Zintan after local officials levelled accusations of spying at one of them, Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor, who was sent by the ICC to represent the son of the late dictator, Muammar Gaddafi.
EgyptEgypt
• Mohamed Morsi was sworn in as president of Egypt before the constitutional court on Saturday.• Mohamed Morsi was sworn in as president of Egypt before the constitutional court on Saturday.
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