Observer mission in Syria is suspended

The Arab League’s controversial observer mission in Syria was suspended after the death toll for the last four days amounted to more than 210.

The Syrian government was said by the Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi to have chosen the option of escalation resulting in the increased number of civilian victims following crackdowns on anti-regime protests.

After several consultation meetings with Arab foreign ministers, Arab League chief said the decision to suspend the mission was taken.

The announcement of the suspension of the observer mission came after the opposition Syrian National Council claimed that its leader would be travelling to New York to urge the UN Security Council for protection.