Annan demands end to Syrian violence

Syrian troops have shelled and raided opposition strongholds nationwide, activists said, prompting an urgent appeal by international envoy Kofi Annan to the Syrian regime to halt violence “without conditions” and give his truce plan a chance.

Syria’s foreign minister claimed that regime forces have begun withdrawing from some areas in compliance with Mr Annan’s plan, which requires Syrian forces to pull back from towns and villages on Tuesday and both sides to cease all hostilities by 6am on Thursday, local time.