Algerian diplomat confirmed as Syria peace envoy

Veteran Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi was approved by the United Nations to replace Kofi Annan as the international mediator on Syria.
Syrian Vice President Farouk a-Shara, whom opposition reported had escaped to Jordan and defected to the rebel side, has still not been seen in Damascus – even at Eid worship attended by President Bashar Assad and his top officials Sunday morning. The government claims he is at work as usual in his office.