Syria : Syrian opposition activists have rejected calls by Kofi Annan, the UN and Arab League envoy to Syria, for dialogue with the government. The leader of the main opposition, Burhan Ghalioun, said the comments were disappointing when Syrians were being massacred every day.

Mr. Annan, who is due in Syria tomorrow, had said a solution lies in a political settlement. He also said further militarisation would make things worse. Meanwhile, activists say Syrian troops are massing in northern Idlib province and fear another major assault, as happened in the city of Homs.