2013-04-29 15:38:55

Syrian PM survives car bomb attack


(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.

Listen to Nathan Morley's report: RealAudioMP3







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