Arab League observers greeted by protesters in Syria

The Arab League observers are in Syria to verify a peace plan aiming to end to violence and clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters. Baba Amr and other parts of Homs came under heavy shellfire on Monday. Anti-government activists said at least 30 people were killed in the attacks.

It is believed Homs residents are asking the observers to protect them from government security forces. The Arab League said the first day of the mission had been "very good".

Activists said Syrian security forces have fired tear gas at thousands of protesters who rallied in Homs on Tuesday as the monitors visited the flashpoint city to track the government's crackdown on dissent. 

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said around 70,000 anti-government protesters were trying to rally in the city centre.

Video footage posted on YouTube appeared to show residents arguing with the Arab League monitors, trying to convince them to visit the city's Baba Amr district to see the victims of attacks.

In the video residents can be heard shouting slogans directed towards the observers "We want international protection" and "Where is the world?"

The Syrian state-run television station said the monitors had concluded their first day of observations in Homs, but did not give a detailed account.

The UN said more than 5,000 people have been killed in pro-democracy protests since March.