Syria risks sanctions imposed by Arab League

Syria faces a deadline to either be subject to sanctions or allow an observer mission by the Arab League into the country

If Syria fails to sign an agreement in Cairo to allow the Arab League to send 500 observers into the country, the Arab League will meet on Saturday to discuss sanctions to be imposed.

Sanctions to be imposed include a suspension of commercial flights to Syria and a halt on all dealings with the central bank.

Syria has been warned of other unspecified sanctions to be imposed by the Arab League for not implementing a peace plan.

Since anti-government protests began, the United Nations has estimated the death of 3,500 people since March.

Activists said that at least 40 people, including six children, have been killed during protests across the country.

Violence has been blamed on armed gangs and militants by the government.