Elaraby confirms ongoing violence in Syria, may hold meeting soon

Nabil Elaraby said pro-regime snipers continue to operate in Syria and he demanded a complete cease-fire. But despite the regime's ongoing crackdown, he listed the achievements of the Arab League monitors since they began their work. Elaraby did not rule out the possibility of an Arab foreign ministers meeting next week to assess the Arab League monitors’ mission.         

The Arab League’s monitoring mission is touring the different Syrian provinces, visiting the city of Rastan, and the Baba Amro neighborhood in Homs. A delegation also toured Daraa and went to see the injured in hospitals.           

In this regard, the spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bernard Valero called on all parties to provide the means to facilitate the Arab monitors’ mission in Syria.           

On the ground, crowds flocked from Deir al Zour to al-Bassel square down town at noon to voice support for the independent national decision, national unity, and the comprehensive reform program and to express rejection of all forms of foreign intervention.            

The Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag reported that Switzerland refused to give Hafez Makhlouf, the Syrian president’s cousin, a visa to visit his lawyers in Switzerland.