An astute use of this week's events and Annan's call to unified action could lead to a Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire and peace conference within 30 days.

CNN: The only glimmer of hope for Syria

Rijkaard's calm exterior at the news conference betrayed the burning fire in his eyes.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Europe | The battle of Stamford Bridge

During his long years at the helm, Mubarak escaped at least two assassination attempts, including a close call in 1995 when Islamic militants opened fire on his motorcade at a pan-African conference in Ethiopia.

CNN: For Mubarak, once Egypt's strongman, a long fall from grace

"I'd put my hand in the fire to get through, " midfielder Andres Iniesta said in news conference last week.

WSJ: Barcelona Has to Pick Itself Up

At a news conference on Friday, Ms Phiyega said police had been forced to open fire to protect themselves.

BBC: South Africa's Lonmin Marikana mine clashes killed 34

Nine unions - including Unison, Unite, the Fire Brigades' Union, Prospect and the GMB - announced at the TUC's annual conference last week that they were preparing to ballot for industrial action or to register "trade disputes" with the government.

BBC: Mass strike ballots will go ahead, say unions

At a recent health and safety conference in Doha, the capital of Qatar, another expert spoke of a huge number of fire incidents that had not been properly investigated.

BBC: 'Towering inferno' fears for Gulf's high-rise blocks