First 30 Arab League observers to arrive in Syria today

In an attempt to end the violent crackdown on anti-government protests, Syria accepted to receive around 30 observers from the Arab League.

Members of the media will also be accompanying the observers and have been given permission to stay for a month or longer if agreed by both sides.

A second group of monitors will be arriving in Syria on Sunday and more will be joining to complete a group of 150 monitors.

Since protests began in March, 5,000 people have been killed according to the UN although numbers may be higher if right groups are correct.

‘Armed gangs’ wanting to weaken Syria were been blamed for the conflict by Damascus.

The observers will ensure that Syria will comply with the initiative drawn up by the Arab League to bring an end to the violence between troops and free protesters who had been arrested.