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>> and now "bbc world news." syriana's a fragile cease- fire, the u.n. security council set to vote on a resolution to send monitors. after north korea's failed rocket test, the united states vows to for their isolate p'yongyang. britain's prime and mr. calls for sanctions to be suspended as the country moves towards democracy. welcome to "bbc world news," broadcast on pbs in america and around the globe. coming up later, british customers stockpile steps ahead of a price hike by the royal mail. taking the long view, how satellite technology could play a key role in protecting life on earth.

members of the u.n. security council has finalized a draft of a resolution to send a team of observers to syria to monitor the cease-fire. the vote is expected later saturday. the resolution has been revised following objections from russia. the need for additional measures to keep the peace has been thrown into focus by the deaths of several demonstrators. we have this report from neighboring favorite. >> -- from a route. >> after friday prayers, they tried to break into the main center of the city. troops opened fire, causing pandemonium. activists say at least one protester was killed by gunfire, and more than 20 others wounded. security forces intervened to break up demonstrations in many places like this one south of

damascus, where teargas was used. but despite the risk, thousands turned out in many parts of the country to voice their opposition to the regime. in some places, security forces did not move in. the overall casualty figures were much lower than many people had feared. but away from the demonstrations, the military is still around with its tanks and heavy weapons in many trouble spots like homs, the third biggest city. activists say there has been a resumption of bombardment, although not on the scale that claimed dozens of people per day before the cease-fire. they also say there has been a wave of arrests. this footage shows troops apparently randomly detaining suspects, beating and kicking him before taking him away. the government says people are only arrested with little warrants. the soldiers also seem to be shooting at random.

getting them back to barracks with their tanks and heavy weapons is one of kofi annan's highest priorities in trying to stabilize the shaky truce. so is getting international observers into the country. while the u.n. security council potters' a resolution to cover the deployment, a first group is waiting for the signal to move. >> at the moment, we have the response team standing by to board airplanes and to put themselves on the ground as soon as possible. >> but kofi annan still has a lot to do before it is truly stable. when only then can he get on with the equally daunting task of trying to foster a political agreement on the country's future. richard murphy, the former u.s. assistant secretary of state for near eastern affairs at and who has served as u.s. ambassador in syria and saudi

arabia, says getting u.n. observers on the ground as soon as possible is a priority. >> the lack of resolution is keeping the international monitors from leaving to open that new phase and syria. it is urgent to get it passed, and i would imagine it would be passed in the coming day or at the most to days. as the differences between the russians and the chinese on one hand and the rest of the security council will resolve their differences in wording. >> you have seen a lot in your time, but roles that you have performed. do you think this peace plan stands a good chance of holding for any time? >> it is very hard to say. both sides, for the moment, need the peace plan. a point of reference, and that the relative calm that has

settled on syria. the opposition needs to get its act together, get a more coherent position and platform for negotiations with the regime. and there are those in the opposition who do not wish to negotiate, but i think the standoff tells us that the opposition cannot beat the regime militarily, and the regime for its part cannot put the opposition out of business on the ground that it, either, so talk is in the future, and the sooner, the better. >> bearing in mind the opposition cannot win militarily and the government cannot crush them, with elections on may 7, what would your advice be to world leaders like david cameron and barack obama? >> i would hope the elections can be delayed. the country is not in shape to conduct true, free elections,

and predictably, the regime will try to manipulate the elections so that it can say and have its supporters say, look, we fully support the powers that be, and we just had a resounding victory. so everyone should just go away, leave us alone. >> richard murphy, the former u.s. ambassador in syria. the united nations -- the united states says it has canceled planned food aid deliveries to north korea after the government in p'yongyang went ahead with a rocket launch friday morning, defying security council resolutions. the lots at the launch failed shortly after takeoff. >> the swagger is that of a man bread for power. kim jong-un is in his 20's, and when it supreme leader, the

third generation of the kin dynasty. a statue of his father next to his grandfather was unveiled this afternoon. north koreans are taught to revere them like dogs. his elevation was supposed to be accompanied by news that north korea had successfully put a satellite into space. it would have helped him reinforce his right to the mantle of power. there is no mention here of the rocket blowing up a minute into flight, just a brief statement earlier in the day things had not gone as planned. they have placed a huge importance on the satellite launch. its failure is embarrassing. the question is, what effect will it have on the regime? twiddling by hand, gangs of workers lined the streets. the rocket was meant to be a way of showing north koreans this

socialist state they have created is technologically advanced. though america and neighbors said that it was a disguise to test an intercontinental missile. his father also tested nuclear bombs. strength and self reliance. they are taught to all north koreans. neighborsountry's feared that its young leader, who has suffered a blow to his prestige, may be tempted to respond with a new show of power, perhaps by testing a nuclear bomb. this is already deeply isolated place, under sanctions. developing both missile technology and nuclear weapons. today, it was only reference to the kim dynasty. north koreans oblivious or

unconcerned that the rocket was a failure and that america, britain, and others may seek at the un to isolate this country further. david cameron says he backs up the suspension of many sanctions against burma and recognition of the country's gradual move towards democracy. the prime minister made the comments during an historic visit to the country, during which he held talks with the pro-democracy leader and the burmese president. our deputy political ad there has been traveling with mr. cameron, and this report contains flash photography. >> this was the moment a british prime minister stepped foot in burma for the first time in more than 60 years, the moment that he met the woman whose confinement in this house for more than 40 years captured the world's attention. today, she was free to receive our guests, no longer a political prisoner. instead, after historic elections, a new member of

parliament. her aim, to persuade mr. cameron that the move towards reform is genuine. his is to win support to the change. as a result, he said that european union's sanctions towards burma should not be lifted but suspended. >> of course we must respond with caution, with care. we must always be skeptical in questioning because we want to know those changes are irreversible. but as we have discussed, i think is right to suspend the sanctions that there are against burma, to suspend them, not lift them, and also to include the arms embargo. >> this would have taken place because of the steps taken by the president and other reformers, and it would also make it quite clear that should they try to obstruct the way of the reformers, then sanctions could come back. >> david cameron has never met the leader before, but the smiles and body language show

that he was true inspired by what she said. >> you are sitting in a garden where you were barely allowed to walk or to stand up a. only three years ago you were threatened with prison. >> this is another example of david cameron's willingness to place a broad stroke on the international stage. for all the significance of the meeting, the real impact will only be known if sanctions are lifted, and all of that depends on how the military-backed government response. the prime minister traveled along the often empty 20-lane roads that leads to the power central. he went to meet a man once at the heart of the dictatorship, and now he has started his country's move towards democracy, perhaps telling them along the way he was greeted by the traditional water festivities that they believe it

wash away people since. the smiles were gone, the meeting more formal, but the president will the decision to allow new elections and charged him to go further releasing political prisoners. he left convinced that they were sincere. this is a country there -- or one-third of its citizens live in poverty and have waited so many decades for change. leaving thurmont today, david cameron believes that change is deep-seated, and he is inviting her to london this summer. she has never felt comfortable enough to leave her country before, but today she said she just might. this is "bbc world news." still ahead, the grand prix gets the green light despite ongoing concerns over human rights and safety. the net trade union has said it will put a deal to its members that could avert a strike by fuel tanker drivers.

the union has been holding talks with fuel distributors to resolve a route over issues including pay and safety concerns. the threat of a strike caused panic buying at petrol stations last month. one of the world's largest cigarette manufacturers, imperial tobacco, has criticized health secretary forcing the industry should have no business in the u.k. the firm said the remark was very unhelpful and dismissed it as a preposterous plan to remove brannon from cigarette packets. the government will began a consultation on the idea next week. a man has admitted planting a woman, his ex-girlfriend, and an attack lasting -- has admitted blinding a woman come his ex girlfriend, during an attack that lasted 12 hours. he admitted grievous bodily harm and he will be sentenced next month. this is "bbc world news." the headlines this hour --

violence has marked syria's fragile cease-fire. the u.n. has so far agreed to fail to agree to plans to send peace monitors. the u.s. has pledged to further isolate north korea following friday's failed rocket test. more now on north korea. the director of u.s. operations at the north institute for security and stability says the failure was embarrassing for the north koreans. >> it blew up 90 seconds after takeoff. what is more is that north korea announced the failure of the rocket launched its own population, which has never done before. in the past it would describe as a glorious success, even though it was typically an abject failure. >> you are surprised that was announced? >> i'm very surprised. my guess is because it failed just off the coast of north korea that people in the country could have seen it explode and

hit the water, and therefore the regime realized it could not sell the story that was a magnificent success. >> they might have found out, by the sound of it. what about will happen now? what will the new leader actually do next? >> that remains to be seen. in part it will be based on what happens at the u.n. security council. there is a vicious cycle at work, the same that we saw in 2006 and 2009. north korea has a provocative rocket launch, the u.s. pushes for sanctions at the u.n. security council, moderated by china and russia, but go through, and north korea responds with a nuclear twist. -- with a nuclear test. so far we appeared to be on that track. >> what in your opinion would be the response from the outside world, or should be read the response? >> i think there is one way of looking at this that says north korea has attempted to launch a rocket four times. four times it has been a dismal

failure. maybe the concern should be on north korea's nuclear program instead of this absolute failure of a missile program. and continue to read engage in negotiations, to see what is possible in the nuclear program, which think is a real problem. however, it is an election year and the u.s., it is an election year and south korea, citing their will be strong pressure to take a firm and strong response. >> how advanced is their nuclear program? >> we know that they have a plutonium program that has produced enough fissile material for 5 to 9 nuclear weapons. they have tested to of those. they also have some uranium program, which we cannot know the full scope. that is something we would like to enter negotiations, to try to figure how far advanced that is and what we can do to roll back or contain it. two small bombs have exploded near the u.s. embassy

and the colombian capital bogota. it took place after president obama crofton columbia for a summit of the americas. the police said a small bomb exploded in a city where the summit is taking place in colombia. the u.s. has recalled several secret agents providing security for president obama following allegations of misconduct. a spokesman said they had been replaced by other personnel. formula one says next sunday's bahrain grand prix will go ahead, despite calls for -- from pro-democracy protesters for to be canceled. last year's race was called off after a crackdown by the authorities and widespread violence. air security correspondent reports. -- our security correspondent reports. >> a man was shot dead two days ago, during one of the daily protests, hardly the past backdrop for a formula one grand prix.

but the racetrack is some way away in the desert and the police say they will insure a team safety and the decision to go ahead rests with formula one bosses. >> what has been discussed? >> nothing. >> we are going to bahrain? >> yes. >> the row goes well beyond sport. it is worth an estimated 21 billion pounds -- 21 million pounds for formula one. the royal family owns more than 50% of the formula one team at mclaren, so there's a lot of stake if it is canceled. the question is, let aggravate or diffuse the troubled atmosphere? the fundamental conflict is between those who support the sunni ruling elite and those who oppose them. sectarian deficience -- divisions are growing.

today, this video came out of the looting of a shia-owned supermarket. the police appeared to be colluding with looters, warning them of the cameras. they announced a full investigation. the civil unrest is not going away. as protests continued, amnesty international says the human rights crisis is not over. the opposition fears that the government will exploit the grand prix to delay reforms. >> they may abuse it not to move ahead because they will feel they have more time because they have communicated to the and national community that everything is normal. unfortunately, this is the mentality of the dictatorship. >> the police are becoming kern increasingly under attack. one night this was filmed this week, a pipe bomb sent seven officers to the hospital. many want to see the government take a tougher line with

rioters. the last grand prix in the country was two years ago. the racetrack will be full once more, but it will masked deep and dangerous divisions. the royal mail is rationing the number of stamps that it issues to shops and head of a sharp increase in prices at the end of the month. it says the move is intended to protect its revenue. first class stamps will increase to 60 pence. but as we report, some customers are starting to stockpile stamps. >> whether it is first class or second, many it seems are stocking up before the stamps go up in price. supplies are running low, and the store cannot get any more steps before the end of the month. these other stores told us today they had seen a significant increase in demand, although supplies were still good.

it is small businesses like this that are most affected by the price rises. richard spruce is an eye specialist in central scotland and relies on royal mail. >> we have to save the money or pass along the cost to the patients. >> he does not want to do that, so today richard went to stock up. >> can i have 3000 second-class status, please? >> not likely, it is too big of an order, but he does get a few hundred. royal mail says it can meet the demand, but that it has more than adequate stock, but it has kept supplies to retailers. they cannot buy more than 20% of their annual publication. royal mail says it does not want retailers profiteering, but buying and selling more later. they also want to protect our revenues. >> royal mail is losing money,

the volume is declining rapidly as we switched to email and text messaging, and consequently something has to be done to retain the service we all cherish. >> some consumers are not trying to beat the price rises. at this small, they have been busier than christmas. >> it is amazing. people are buy hundreds at a time. we have very few stamps. we are ordering more monday, but we do not know if it will last. >> the country has plenty of stamps, but the stockpiling shows how keen people are to save every penny they can. an international team of scientists has been using a high-resolution satellite images from space to count penguins. they have found there are twice as many occur penguins and and are to cut than previously thought, the first time an entire species has been trucked from space, as our science correspondent reports. -- has a contract from space.

>> the long march of the emperor penguin. every year, they journey 100 miles from the ocean, in land, to their breeding ground. it is a time that conservationists it used to monitor their numbers. but it is hard to count them. they look the same, and comic inconveniently for researchers, they move around. -- and inconveniently for researchers, they move around. it is easy to take a picture from all of them -- of all of them from space. at the dark areas are colonies of hundreds. the satellite images have shown nearly 600,000 emperor penguins here, twice as many as previous estimates. >> is almost impossible to count them on the ground because of the harsh, remote environment, but with a satellite could take every snapshot and look at the whole population. >> it is only recently that carries on satellites have become powerful enough to track

individual animals. on the top left-hand corner, this is a scene, with ice. at the bottom right, the land. looking pristine and desolate. but if you zoo man, these areas are brown. these are actually penguins, stretching for miles. that alerts scientist to the fact nearby there must be a colony. let's zoom in further and we see them, this area and black. using statistical techniques, computer programs calculate where the individuals are and count them. conservationists believe this kind of satellite tracking could enable them to study how many species across the world are doing. >> the technology is being increasingly used in a number of different applications and conservation biology, and refining those techniques will be crucial to our understanding of how what life is changing in reaction to human pressures. >> although the latest results

suggest there are more emperor penguins than previously thought, many other species are endangered, and satellite techniques could enable researchers to track their numbers with greater accuracy than before. it does not get any more dramatic than this. three men had a very lucky escape in new york friday. they were working on the outside of a 17th floor apartment when there scaffolding broke. they were left dangling precariously from one side of the scaffolding, high above the streets of manhattan. firefighters had to break into an apartment and smash open windows to save them. nobody was seriously injured. angelina jolie and brad pitt have got engaged. the couple, among hollywood's most recognize celebrities, have been together since 2005. no wedding date has been set.

they have six children together, including three adopted children. this is "bbc world news." >> make sense of international news at bbc.com/news. >> funding was made possible by -- the freeman foundation of new york, stowe, vermont, and honolulu, newman's own foundation, union bank, and shell. >> this is kim, about to feel one of his favorite sensations. at shell, we're developing more efficient fuels in countries like malaysia that can help us get the most from our energy resources. let's use energy more

efficiently. let's go. >> "bbc world news america" was presented by kcet los angeles.