Zam-Zam
Senator
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has told visiting UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan that no political dialogue can succeed in his country while "armed terrorist groups" are operating.
Mr Assad said Syria would back "any honest effort to find a solution".
The UN said Mr Annan's task was to call for an immediate ceasefire by the army and the opposition.
As Mr Annan arrived, there were reports of fresh army shelling of the north-western city of Idlib.
Earlier, UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said "limited progress" had been made on aid but much more was needed.
Calls for reform that began with pro-democracy protests a year ago have degenerated into violence that has brought Syria to the brink of civil war.
The UN says more than 7,500 people have died as a result of the violence.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17323093
That's a pretty dire forecast. I believe this puts the ball squarely in the U.N.'s court.
Mr Assad said Syria would back "any honest effort to find a solution".
The UN said Mr Annan's task was to call for an immediate ceasefire by the army and the opposition.
As Mr Annan arrived, there were reports of fresh army shelling of the north-western city of Idlib.
Earlier, UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos said "limited progress" had been made on aid but much more was needed.
Calls for reform that began with pro-democracy protests a year ago have degenerated into violence that has brought Syria to the brink of civil war.
The UN says more than 7,500 people have died as a result of the violence.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17323093
That's a pretty dire forecast. I believe this puts the ball squarely in the U.N.'s court.
