Most economists believe the Reserve Bank will keep interest rates on hold when it meets today. Recent economic figures mean the decision is likely to a be close call. Inflation remains low and retail sales have rebounded, but unemployment is on the rise.

 

Emergency services will this morning begin searching for two residents who remain unaccounted for after a fire at a Retirement Village in Melbourne's east. A community center at Lilydale was destroyed in the blaze, which began just after six o'clock last night. Police conducted a doorknock in the village to check on residents, but have been unable to contact two people.

 

A leading U.N. investigator says there is evidence that Syria's rebels have used chemical weapons. Carla Del Ponte says testimony from victims and doctors strongly suggest that Opposition forces have used the nerve gas, Sarin. She says however, there is no concrete prove, the Syrian Opposition has rejected the claim.

 

Malaysia's Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is urging his supporters to protest against what he says was a fraudulent election. Najib Razak has been sworn in as prime minister. His ruling coalition secured 133 seats in the 222 seat parliament in the closest poll since independence.