SYRIA has said it will accept observers as part of an Arab League plan to end deadly unrest if its conditions are met, in a last-ditch bid to stave off crippling sanctions.

THOUSANDS of Syrians called for the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad yesterday at a funeral for protesters killed by security forces in the southern town of Nawa, a witness said.

Angry villagers briefly blocked roads today in earthquake-ravaged regions of Indian-controlled Kashmir, protesting at the slow pace of rescue and aid efforts in reaching their destroyed homes.