Syria accepts Arab League settlement

In a press conference following the closed-door meeting of the Arab League, Qatari FM Hamad bin Jassir and Arab League chief Nabil el-Araby announced the Syrian acceptance of all points included in the arab initiative aimed at ending violence in Syria. 

Syria has agreed to releasing all prisoners arrested during the 9-month uprising, halt military activity in all cities and initiate a national dialogue within the next two weeks. An Arab follow-up committee will be put in place to monitor progress in Syria, and if Damascus does not meet the stipulations embodied in the agreement, the Arab League Council will take the final decision as to further actions. 
 
The meeting kicked off with a behind closed door session to discuss the plan that aims at ending violence, withdrawing military vehicles from residential areas and conducting a dialogue between the Syrian authority and the opposition under the patronage of the Arab League.  

Arab ministers and Arab League officials did not issue any statements before the meeting. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem did not attend the meeting and the Syrian delegation was presided over by Syrian Ambassador to the League Youssef Ahmad.