The diplomatic move means the US and other countries will now be able to

unblock

some $30bn in frozen assets and assist the Libyan opposition. It's a financial boost for the National Transitional Council of Libya, but it also adds to their credibility. Because the United States only recognises states and not governments, the wording was chosen carefully. Hillary Clinton, the secretary of state, said the United States would recognise the TNC as the legitimate governing authority for Libya until an interim authority is in place.

At least 20 protesters have been killed in Syria during mass demonstrations against President Assad. Security forces opened fire on demonstrators in the centre of the capital Damascus and in other cities. The protests are said to be the biggest in some areas since the uprising began in March.

Jordanian police and government supporters have attacked pro-democracy demonstrators to stop them gathering in the main square of the capital Amman. At least 15 people including several journalists were injured in the clashes.

Hundreds of BBC journalists working for both domestic and international services have been on strike in protest at

compulsory

redundancies caused by BBC cutbacks. Several news programmes have been taken off the air, though other services are broadcasting normally.

The journalists' trade union, the NUJ, says the compulsory redundancies are not inevitable.

The BBC says redundancies including those at the World Service are