Western powers 'sceptical' over Syria peace move

Western powers have reacted sceptically to Syria's acceptance of the peace plan put forward by UN envoy Kofi Annan.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said President Bashar al-Assad would be judged by events.

"Given Assad's history of over-promising and under-delivering, that commitment must now be matched by immediate actions," she said.

Earlier the UN said more than 9,000 people have now died since the Syria uprising started a year ago.

"If he is ready to bring this dark chapter in Syria's history to a close he can prove it by immediately ordering regime forces to stop firing and begin withdrawing from populated areas," Mrs Clinton said.

Other Western powers have made similar comments.

Mrs Clinton also said President Assad must allow in humanitarian aid and start preparing for a democratic transition.       Read Here