Syrian troops intensified shelling of rebel-held neighbourhoods in central Homs yesterday, according to activists who say humanitarian conditions are growing more dire and are pressing for the evacuation of 1,000 families and dozens of wounded people who can’t get adequate medical care.

The United Nations failed the people of Syria because of Security Council power games, writes Colm O’Gorman

Syrian government forces shelled the city of Homs yesterday, resident opposition activists and a rights activist said, as a six-person advance party of UN observers was due to arrive in Syria to monitor a ceasefire meant to start four days ago.

It is understood the first international ceasefire monitors will arrive in Syria tomorrow.

About 1,000 people have been killed by Syrian government forces in the last eight days, according to the country’s main opposition group.

At least 28 people have been killed by Syrian government shelling and offensives against rebel-held towns, activists said today.

Kofi Annan was set to leave Kenya today after brokering a power-sharing deal between the country’s feuding politicians to end a bloody post-election crisis.

Ireland is pledging €100,000 to support the current Kofi Annan led mediation efforts in Kenya, following a request from the United Nations.

America branded 10 leading Kenyan politicians “criminals” today and banned them from entering the country.

Britain today welcomed the appointment of a new top United Nations envoy to Iraq.

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Darfur human rights activist Mossaad Mohamed Ali were today named winners of the Olof Palme Prize for 2006 for their work to protect human rights, peace and security.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern today revealed his hectic schedule as United Nations special envoy will take him to the Middle East.

QUESTIONS raised by a probe of the UN oil-for-food programme for Iraq may have given critics more ammunition against the world body, even though Secretary-General Kofi Annan was cleared of corrupt practices.

British agents spied on United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in the run-up to the Iraqi war, former British International Development Secretary Clare Short has claimed.

Iraq has accused the United Nations Secretary General of helping the US-led attack on Iraq by withdrawing peacekeepers and weapons inspectors from their country.

Ireland would support requests by UN weapons inspectors for more time to investigate Iraq’s weapons programme, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today said.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has warned that despite the Taliban's apparent retreat from its Afghanistan strongholds the coalition's objectives have not been met.