UN urges Syrians to back Annan plan

The previously divided UN Security Council has sent a united message to the Syrian government and opposition calling on them to immediately implement proposals by international envoy Kofi Annan to end the bloodshed.

A non-binding statement approved by the 15 council members and read at a formal meeting spells out Mr Annan’s six proposals which include a ceasefire first by the Syrian government, a daily two-hour halt to fighting to evacuate the injured and provide humanitarian aid, and inclusive Syrian-led political talks “to address the legitimate concerns of the Syrian people”.