Force 'could be considered in Syria', says France

The French foreign minister, Alain Juppe, says the UN Security Council may have to consider action backed up by military force in Syria, if the current peace plan fails.

He said if it failed "we would have to move to a new stage with a Chapter Seven resolution (which allows for action that could be backed by force) to stop this tragedy".

He made the comments following a meeting with Syrian opposition members in Paris.