Syria opposition strikes as Arab League holds talks

[pampango]

Source: BBC

Syria's opposition is holding a general strike in Homs and several other cities, as Arab League officials arrive for talks with the government. In Homs, a focal point of anti-government protests, most employees stayed at home, and shops were closed.

The opposition called for a nationwide general strike on Wednesday. The Local Coordination Committees, which organise protests, said the strike call was widely followed in Deraa, southern Syria; in areas of Damascus; in Idlib province; and in the cities of Hama and Homs in the centre of the country, AFP reports.

Envoys from six Arab nations - Qatar, Egypt, Algeria, Oman, Sudan, Yemen - have arrived in Damascus later for talks with Mr Assad. "What is hoped is that the violence will end, a dialogue will start and reforms will be achieved," Arab League head Nabil al-Arabi said.

The visit follows a call by the Arab League for talks between the Syrian government and opposition forces to take place within 15 days. At the meeting on 17 October, the League decided not to suspend Syria from the organisation.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15465855

[Arctic Dave]

1. LOL. Talk about the pots calling the kettle black.