Syria's staunchest ally Russia, have made comments that they believe Assad's government could lose the conflict.

Mikhail Bogdanov, the country's deputy foreign minister, was quoted as saying by the ITAR-Tass news agency."We must look at the facts: there is a trend for the government to progressively lose control over an increasing part of the territory," Adding "The opposition victory can't be excluded."

Meanwhile, as the talking continues, the fighting shows no sign of let up and this Video obtained by Reuters show the neighbourhood of Karm al Jabal which has been destroyed after clashes between FSA fighters and forces loyal to the regime of President al-Assad.

And the mother of freelance Ukrainian journalist Ankhar Kotchnevea, who is threatened with execution today by her Syrian rebel captors, has made a plea for her release. She said "You also have mothers and children. Please, why commit a sin? I beg you, set her free. Ukraine, Russia, please, save her before it is too late."

I am Ann Salter thanks for watching. Stay tuned for the latest news and updates with me at ibtimes.co.uk

Written and presented by Ann Salter