Syrian government accepts Annan peace plan

Syria's government has agreed to accept the peace plan put forward by the United Nations and Arab League envoy, Kofi Annan, his spokesman has said.

Mr Annan said he considered it "an important initial step that could bring an end to the violence and the bloodshed", but implementation was key.

The plan calls for an end to the fighting in a UN-supervised ceasefire.

The opposition, however, says a peacekeeping mission would give President Bashar al-Assad more time.

Humphrey Hawksley reports.