(Vatican Radio) Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi has survived a car bomb attack
in the capital, Damascus, according to state media. The blast targeted Mr Halqi's
convoy and there were reported to be a number of casualties. UK-based activist
group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the Prime Ministers bodyguard
had been killed. It is unclear whether the blast was a suicide bombing or a planted
device. Syrian forces and rebels have been fighting around Damascus for months
but with neither side gaining the upper hand. Meanwhile, the head of the UN fact-finding
mission on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria will be in New York later
to hold consultations with the UN Secretary General. UN spokesman Martin Nesirky
said the UN remains in close contact with the Syrian authorities and has urged the
government to grant "unconditional and unfettered access" to the mission. "The
Secretary-General urges the Syrian government to respond swiftly and favourably so
that this mission can carry out its work in Syria. It's precisely because of such
serious allegations about possible chemical weapons use that the mission must be allowed
immediate and unfettered access, he said. The fact-finding mission is on stand-by
here in neighboring Cyprus and ready to deploy within 24 to 48 hours, according to
the UN Secretary-General.