Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
UN pushes for easier access to aid Syrians
UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos (left) is expected to arrive in Damascus for a two-day visit after the Syrian authorities repeatedly ignored her earlier requests. Amos aims to urge all sides to allow unhindered access for humanitarian relief workers so they can evacuate the wounded and deliver essential supplies. Concerns have been growing about a humanitarian crisis in Syria, where the United Nations estimates more than 7,500 people have been killed over 11 months in the government's crackdown on civilian protesters.
Health check for disgraced Taiwanese president
Taiwan's jailed former president, Chen Shui-bian, who is serving a 171/2-year term on two bribery convictions, visits hospital for further medical checks. Chen's family says he has developed digestive disorders and other symptoms related to his heart and liver and that with a family history of liver cancer, he should be treated at a regular hospital rather than in prison.
North Korean food talks back on table
US Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Robert King (left) is scheduled to meet North Korean officials in Beijing to discuss the distribution of 240,000 tonnes of food aid. Last week the United States and North Korea said the US agreed to provide aid in exchange for a freeze on North Korea's nuclear activities. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi called for all sides to work together to push for the resumption of the nuclear disarmament-for-aid talks, involving the two Koreas, the US, China, Russia and Japan, suspended in 2009.