Libya: Russia has announced its refusal to recognize the Libyan Transitional Council as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people. The countries of the Libya Contact Group recognized the Transitional Council during their last meeting in Istanbul. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that recognizing the council would constitute taking sides in a civil war. Lavrov added that his country is in contact with both Tripoli and Benghazi with the aim of taking a constructive position to help with in negotiations with both sides.

Syria: Military forces have been surrounding the town of al-Bukamal in eastern Syria since this morning. This comes amid reports that a number of members of the army in al-Bukamal have defected and joined the popular revolution. In Homs, reports said that about 30 people were killed in the last two days in what was described as sectarian clashes between Sunnis and Alawites. British Foreign Minister William Hague reiterated his call to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to move forward with reforms or step down.

Yemen: The army launched an attack on the southern town of Zinjibar in an attempt to regain control of the town from extremists who have been controlling it for months. Witnesses said dozens were injured in the clashes and one official reported that dozens of extremists have been killed since the attack on the city began two days ago. Meanwhile, protests against Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh continue for the sixth consecutive month. Witnesses said dozens were killed and injured when forces loyal to President Saleh fired at an anti-regime protest.