Today in History March 10

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by AssociatedPress

Here is a look at some of the notable events that took place on this day in history, March 10.

Syria - Kofi Annan Bashar al-Assad meeting in Damascus., State TV reports a "positive atmosphere".

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ The UN and Arab League's special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, has met President Bashar al-Assad to call for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict.

Syrian state TV said the meeting in Damascus took place in a "positive atmosphere".

It came a day after government forces are said to have killed more than 70 people across Syria, mainly in Homs and the northern province of Idlib.

Last week the UN's refugee agency said neighbouring Lebanon had received more than 1,500 people, mostly women and children, who'd crossed the border from Syria fleeing the violence.

One hospital in northern Lebanon has witnessed a steady flow of wounded arriving from Syria: 180 in February, almost another 40 this month.

Some say they dare not seek treatment in Syrian hospitals because they claim security forces seek out opponents of the regime among the injured and kill them.

Kofi Annan was also expected to call on President Assad to allow access for humanitarian aid.

Russia - protests in key anti-Putin test 50,000 in Moscow / Россия - протесты в ключевых антипутинской тест 50 000 в Москве

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ Thousands of people have turned out for more protest rallies in Russia against the election of Vladimir Putin as president.

In Moscow activists say up to 50,000 gathered in the city centre - the police say 10,000 - hoping to keep up the momentum over allegations of electoral fraud.

It is a key moment for the opposition, for whom large numbers are essential to keep up the pressure on those in power.

The Moscow rally has been approved by the authorities, but observers say the venue's large size may make numbers look smaller.

International election monitors say the presidential election was weighted in Putin's favour, although Russia's Central Election Commission said there were no serious violations.

Vladimir Putin is preparing for a third term as president after spending the last four years as prime minister.

One opposition leader who was barred from running in the election has said people should be patient in seeking to change a political system dominated by Putin.

Coke and Pepsi alter colouring process over cancer listing

Published on Mar 10, 2012 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.com/ Coca-Cola has denied reports that it is changing its drinks formula because of health concerns over an ingredient in the US.

Like its rival Pepsi, it is making changes to the production of a caramel colouring - beginning in California where a chemical ingredient, 4-MEI, has been added to a list linked to cancer.

A US watchdog, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, has told the consumer protection agency the Food and Drug Administration that it found unsafe levels of the chemical in various colas.

"Even the amount of 4-methylimidazole that remains in California colas exceeds the amount that the FDA considers acceptable. We've urged the FDA to take action and get this caramel colouring off the market," said Michael Jacobson, the CSPI's Executive Director.

The FDA said last week that it was reviewing the group's petition.

It has described the colas as safe, saying people would need to drink 1,000 cans a day to absorb doses of the chemical that have shown links to cancer in mice and rats.

"There is no link to cancer in humans. The dose consumed each day is extremely small, so that's why there's no risk," said French scientist Jean-François Narbonne, Professor of Toxicology at Bordeaux University.

By reducing the amount of 4-MEI in the colouring, manufacturers will avoid having to add health warnings in California.

Coca Cola and Pepsi say their products remain safe and consumers will notice no difference.