The UN special rapporteur on torture says there is compelling evidence that torture is taking place in Syrian medical facilities and detention centres.<br/> <br />Juan Mendez, speaking in Geneva, urged the Security Council to refer the case to the International Criminal Court.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.N. SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON TORTURE JUAN MENDEZ SAYING:<br/> <br />"There's been a pattern of torture and of other crimes amounting to crimes against humanity, and at least in principle there is ample justification for the International Criminal Court to have jurisdiction."<br/> <br />The UN's humanitarian chief Valerie Amos - who was last week refused entry to Syria - today held talks in Damascus with the Syrian foreign minister.<br/> <br />She's on a three-day mission to try to persuade authorities to grant unhindered access for aid workers to deliver life-saving assistance to civilians caught in conflict areas such as the embattled Baba Amr area of Homs.<br/> <br />The Red Cross is currently the only international agency allowed to deploy aid workers in Syria, but even they are barred access to Baba Amr.<br/> <br />Speaking from Ankara, President Abdullah Gul said Turkey had lost all confidence in Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government.<br/> <br />He called the called the situation "a problem for the whole of humanity".<br/> <br />Turkey has abandoned its long-time ally Assad over his violent crackdown on protests.<br/> <br />President Gul said Assad must respond positively to proposals for him to step down peacefully, before it is too late.<br/> <br />Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
