Assad calls on People's Assembly to convene for the 1st legislative term

Syrian President Bashar Assad issued on Monday decree No. 172 stipulating for the People's Assembly to convene on Thursday, for the 1st legislative term, SANA reported on Monday.   

Meanwhile, members of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) headed north from Damascus on Monday, to visit the restive towns of Homs, Hama, Idlib, according to officials.    

Among the group was UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous, head of UNSMIS Major General Robert Mood and Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye, who is military adviser to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.   

The UN observer team, with more than 250 members on the ground, has so far failed to quell the bloodshed in Syria, although it says it has had a "calming effect" in certain areas.    

Meanwhile, on several occasions, the team has come close to being caught in an attack, although there is no conclusive proof that it has been targeted.   

The revolt in Syria began 15 months ago, and there are fears the unrest will lead to a regional conflagration that could draw in neighboring countries.