Syrian rebels give Assad ultimatum

The rebel Free Syrian Army has given the country's government an ultimatum - withdraw all of its forces from Syrian cities and villages, or it will abandon the international peace plan.

Western leaders are still scrambling to find a way to stem the violence.

A few hours ago US President Barack Obama discussed the situation in Syria with the leaders of France, Germany and Italy. The US also imposed new economic sanctions against the Assad regime.

Tom Esslemont reports.