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.
‘All violence must stop’Mr Annan’s talks with Mr Assad lasted for more than two hours, before Mr Annan met Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem over lunch.
Syrian state television said the meetings were held in a “positive” atmosphere. More
No one in their right mind would call the situation in Syria 'terrorism', however, it could be argued that it stems from from a drastic lack of democracy. The al Asad family have no Mandate from Allah to govern nor to commit crimes against humanity. Editor
