Syria

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church invites political leaders to listen to the needs of the population. The concern for Christians in Egypt, Libya and Iraq. The three day visit to Syria and Lebanon ended yesterday.

Ankara threatens to cut off power supplies, predicting a tragic end for Assad. Arab League summit in Rabat is set to suspend formally Syria. Some 500 League observers arrive in Damascus to monitor the situation of civilians. Rebels attack military base in Harasta.

The Arab League is preparing to send 500 observers to Damascus: the decision, which will be taken tomorrow, subject to Syria ensuring the safety of the delegation. The Syrian foreign minister calls Arab League's decision to suspend his country "very dangerous", and demands an urgent meeting of the organization, renewing accusations against the U.S. and praising Russian and Chinaese opposition to sanctions against Damascus.

The Assad government in trouble after suspension vote, due to take effect Nov. 16. Yesterday large pro-regime demonstrations and attacks on the embassies of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. More deaths over the weekend in clashes between security forces and opponents.

After a visit to Syria, Lebanon is next. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church prays for the dialogue between churches and between Christians and Muslims and meets political leaders to "restore stability".

Hong Kong is up by 2.4 per cent, Tokyo by 1.21 and Seoul by 2.11. The appointment of a new Italian prime minister is the cause, analysts say. Many believe he will bring Italy’s and Europe’s sovereign debt crisis under control. However, some wonder if the “seizure” of national sovereignty will lead to a world government under international finance.

At the opening of the APEC summit, US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said member states must do more to boost demand and improve currency exchanges. For China, this is “too ambitious” as well as a potential problem for the Asian juggernaut. Clinton appeals to Beijing to improve human rights at home.

Hong Kong loses 4.5 per cent; Tokyo, 2.86; Seoul, 3.79; Shanghai, 1.05. Currencies are also down. Filipino exports decline. China’s exports only grew by 15.9 per cent in October, the lowest rise in two years. Chinese imports climb by 28.7 per cent.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reports latest casualty figures. Arab League meets opposition officials and prepares emergency meeting, prompted by "the continuation of violence and because the Syrian government did not implement its commitments in the Arab plan to resolve the Syrian crisis". The city of Homs endures sixth day of siege, with more than 110 people dead. Food, water and medicines are in short supply.

The agreement calls for an end to the violence, the withdrawal of the army from the cities, the release of political prisoners and the start of dialogue with the opposition. However, for the Syrian National Council, “What happened today is an attempt to buy more time” by a “regime [that] is notorious for manoeuvring and for giving promises and not implementing any of them." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the death three people killed this morning in Homs where “heavy machine fire is still being heard”.

Syrian media announce agreement, but the official document has not yet been released. The Arab League calls on Syria to stop killing civilians and open a dialogue with all the opposition forces. The Syrian government calls on the “rebels” to lay down their weapons and on foreign media to stop their anti-Syrian campaign.

From bonds of friendship and solidarity between the Church in China and the Universal Church, to the battle for religious freedom. The attempt to understand the real reasons for the Arab Spring and denunciation of Islamic persecution against Christians. Faith in Jesus the most precious gift for the Christians of East and West.