JPG

Catholic bishops issue a press release on the country’s situation that differs from previous statements of unconditional support for the regime. Syrian media ignore a proposed Russian resolution in the UN Security Council to solve the crisis.

Final results have not been released. Nothing is known of the turnout and the number of eligible voters who did not participate. Despite the vote, the crackdown continues. Christians pray for peace and reiterate their loyalty to Syria. They also call for Christian-Muslim dialogue and reject foreign intervention.

Syrian TV will broadcast the president’s full interview today (in translation), but Syria’s Foreign Ministry voiced criticism about it yesterday. Assad denies UN figures about the death toll caused by the unrest. He denies that he is in command of Syria’s armed forces. He also denies that most of the dead are from the ranks of the opposition. Next Monday’s local elections could see a lower voter turnout.

League delegates arrived in Damascus today to find an agreement between government and opposition. State media ignore the event. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators continue. Some soldiers now oppose the regime. The annual meeting of Syrian Catholic bishops is set for 7-9 November.

Amnesty international had reported the young woman dead, killed after being tortured. On TV, she said she had fled home. Meanwhile, Assad issues decree for local elections before the end of the year.

Policy statement issued yesterday from Istanbul, also reported on Syrian television. The NSC rejects any foreign military intervention, but asks for help to "protect the Syrian people." Attacks on roads and trains.

Divisions continue among the various opposition groups inside and outside the country; the appropriateness of foreign intervention is discussed. Favour for the military option grows among the opposition. The Battle of Rastan.

Christian and Muslim exponents gathered at the headquarters of the Grand Mufti of Lebanon to discuss the situation, while the Syrian Grand Mufti backed out at the last minute. The final communiqué warns of fundamentalist "drift" in the opposition movements.

Christian and Muslim representatives are discretely meeting today at the headquarters of the Grand Mufti of Lebanon, to discuss the situation in the neighbouring country, as well as political and social perspectives. Samir Geagea to Christians: "Do not be afraid! Be leaders of the Arab liberation movement".

At least three Committees and various Councils have been formed in recent days: in Turkey, Paris and Syria, with the aim of reforming the country. A growing risk of an armed struggle, while the repression continues. The arrest of the psychoanalyst Rafah Nashed.

Nabil Al-Arabi met with the Syrian president two days ago. Today and tomorrow, Arab League will discuss a proposed settlement to the Syrian crisis. Reforms begin as crackdown and bans continue. Maronite patriarch calls on the world to show patience with Assad, stirring a hornet’s nest back home in Lebanon.

By postponing the visit of the Arab League secretary, Damascus could undermine its own power. Could Arab forces act against it?