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Syrian Uprising
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Suicide Bomber kills 25 people
Suicide bomber detonates himself in central district of al-Maidan killing at least 25 and 46 wounded. The opposition believes this was staged by the government to deter thousands of people gathering for anti-government protests.
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French journalist killed in Homs
Gilles Jacquier was a TV journalist who was killed in Homs. He was with a group of 15 other journalist when they were attacked. Nine Syrians were also killed, 25 injured. Paris is conducting a murder investigation because they feel the attack was deliberate. Syrian soldiers withdrew once attacks started leaving the reporters exposed.
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Arab League urges Assad to step down
In a meeting in Cairo, Arab League calls on both the government and opposition to unite in order to end bloodshed. The governent says that the Arab League is interfering with Syria's internal affairs.
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Red Crescent official killed in Syria
Red Cross demanded that the Syrian government investigates the murder of top aid official, Abdulrazaq Jbeiro. He was shot while driving to Idlib from Damascas. An official Syrian news agency states that he was assassinated by "a terrorist group."
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Arab League calls United Nations to take action in Syria
Arab League urges the United Nations to come up with a resolution in ending the year long conflict in Syria. The Arab League is working on a peace plan calling for President Assad to hand over his power to his deputy.
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Russia and China veto UN resolution
Thirteen countries voted for the resolution proposed by European and Arab nations to back the Arab League's plan to end violence in Syria. The Russian ambassador of the UN says that it sends an unbalanced signal to Syrian parties and that it is interfering with Syria's government plans. The Chinese representative of the UN feels the resolution will not maintain unity or help the issues.
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US closes Embassy in Damascus
The US closed the embassy in Damascus due to the increased violience in Syria. Robert Ford, the US ambassador and 17 other US officials have been pulled out of the country. London has also called their ambassador in Damascus to return to the UK.
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Tanks mass in Homs
State media reports attacks on military intelligence buildings and security forces headquarters. They blame the attacks on "armed terrorist gangs." 28 people were killed and more than 200 soldiers and civilians were wounded. The Free Syrian Army admit to carring out an attack but were not responsible for the bombings.
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Security forces open fire on Damascus funeral
Shootings started in a Mazzeh neighbourhood during the funerals of three protesters that were killed a day earlier. Crowds grew as they funeral march started to near the Iranian embassy. 60 people were arrested for protesting.
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Foreign journalists killed in Homs
Marie Colvin, a US reporter, and Remi Ochlik, a French photographer, were killed during the shelling of a media centre. 9 others were killed and 3 other reporters injured. The French embassy has asked Syrian authorities to provide secure medical access to assist the victims with the support of the Red Cross.
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Syria drafts a new constitution
Today the newly revised constitution will be voted on. If this is approved Parliament elections will be held in 90 days. If passed, it would restrict the president from serving a maximum of two, seven year terms. The president would still hold power over the parliament and prime minister. Opposition leaders who were exiled by the regime will not be able to run for president. The Syrians are divided over the draft. Many think it is in bad timing.
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Syrian fighters withdraw from Homs
Lack of food, medicine, and weapons force rebels to leave Homs. A Red Cross spokesman says they were given the "green light" to bring emergency supplies and evacuate wounded civilians. For several months regime forces have surrounded the neighborhood and have been firing tank shells into homes. The wounded are unable to reach doctors and electricity, internet, and telephone services have been disrupted.
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Kofi Annan calls for action on Syria
Kofi Annan has not been able to meet with President Assad and Valerie Amos, the UN secretary general for humanitarian affairs has not been able to enter the country. Annan's message is to allow humanitarian agencies to be given acces to injured civilians. Chinese foreign minister would back international efforts to send humanitarian aid to Syria.
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Assad sets parliament poll date
President Assad issues parliament elections to be held on May 7th. It is unclear whether the elections are part of the six-point peace plan proposed by Annan. International monitors are observing the implementation of a simultaneous ceasefire between government troops and armed opposition fighters.
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Syrians hit first anniversary of year long uprising
Government troops continue to press ahead, trying to reduce opposition fighters in key cities. Assad supporters held their own rallies across the country. Opposition activists say that about 130 tanks and armoured vehicles flooded the streets of Deraa with machine gun firing and house-to-house raids. The military has caused about 230,000 Syrians to flee from their homes. Many took refuge in Lebanon and Turkey.
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Assad's family targeted by new EU sanctions
European Union has imposed sanctions of President Assad's wife to increase pressure to end violence in Syria. They also imposed asset freezes and bans on travel to the European Union. President Assad and family have been reported to be buying luxury items while their country is in bloodshed and in need of medical aid. The EU have already banned Syrian oil imports to Europe.
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Syrian opposition presses for 'serious action'
The leader of the opposition Syrian National Council, Burhan Ghalioun, called for urgent relief aid and setting up humanitarian corridors to support the Free Syrian Army. He says the SNC will take charge of payment of salaries for the FSA.
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UN steps up pressure in Syria
The UN estimates about 9,000 people have died in this year long uprising. They also estimate about a million people who are in need of healthcare and access to food. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that fierce battles were taking place in the villages of al-Tiba, al-Qabu and Shniyeh in central Homs province.
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Annan says that Iran can be part of Syria solution
Kofi Annan, member of United Nations-Arab League, welcomes Iran to support their efforts to secure peace in Syria. Annan was speaking in Tehran during talks with Ali Akbar Salehi, the Iranian foreign minister. Tehran is considered a key regional ally of President Assad.
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UN monitors arrive in Syria
Six unarmed military observers arrived in Damascus Sunday evening. These six were part of an intiial batch of 30 UN monitors due to enforce ceasefire. Their mission is to have about 250 monitors. These missions will include civilians, political officers, and human rights experts to observe the full implementation of the six-point plan.
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