US officials once again reiterated their call for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down, as the city of Homs came under a fifth consecutive day of shelling by government forces.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice directed comments at President Assad, saying,

"Your days are numbered. It is time and past time for you to transfer power responsibly and peacefully."

Official archives unearthed years after the end of civil war in Guatemala are aiding the prosecution of war crimes suspects, including senior military officials.

The evidence found within the archives is reported to be sufficient enough to start new cases, bringing yet more perpetrators to trial, even now.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been summoned for questioning by members of Parliament, marking the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that that a President has been summoned.

Ahmadinjead’s opponents and MPs have been threatening to take similar steps for some time as Iran faces a sharp economic downturn and rise in inflation and international tension over its nuclear program.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have hailed India’s vote for a UN Security Council resolution calling for Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad to step down.

“By supporting this resolution, South Africa, India and Pakistan rose to the occasion and sided with the Syrian people”

"India has seen through (Bashar) Assad's lies, and shown itself to be an independent world leader," Human Rights Watch said.

After the US delayed its sale of $53 million worth of arms to Bahrain, it was announced last week that a new package of weapons may be sold, without public notification.

The new package would include the sale of patrol boats, communications equipment, and spare parts for helicopters and fighter jets. The US has been accused of making use of a legal loophole, which states sales of under $1 million could be made, without congressional approval. This loophole also allows for multiple sales, all under $1million.

The Burmese election commission has given Aung San Suu Kyi official approval allowing her to stand for parliamentary by-elections later this year.

After announcing her intention to run for elections last month, her candidacy has now been accepted, in a move that will be seen as Burma taking another step towards political openness after nearly 50 years of military rule.

The UK and US have recalled ambassadors from Syria, further increasing pressure on the Assad regime.

Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, said in a statement Monday,

"While we meet, the gravest of crimes are being committed in Syria. Responsibility for those crimes lies overwhelmingly at the door of the Syrian authorities ... We should unite behind the Arab League plan, and that is what I urge all members of the council to do, this week."

France intends to push for further sanctions against the Assad regime, after Russia and China vetoed the UN Security Council resolution on Saturday.

France's foreign minister, Alain Juppe, said,

"The president will take initiatives in the next few days to try to gather everyone who thinks the situation in Syria is completely unacceptable,"

"It's a scandal what is happening today."

The United Nations Security Council is to vote on a resolution regarding Syria on Saturday, with all eyes on Russia, Syria’s strongest ally on the council.

Russia initially rejected parts of the latest draft, but it remains unclear which way they will vote on Saturday, as hope remains that the resolution could still be passed.

Pakistan’s U.N. Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon told reporters that the council was “very close… two words away" from an accord.