Omani minister says optimistic Syria will sign accord soon

Omani Foreign Minister Youssef bin Alawi bin Abdullah said on Sunday he was optimistic Syria will sign an Arab peace plan to end a violent crackdown on anti-government protests before an Arab League meeting later this week.

"We are optimistic that Syria will join the Arab League in signing the protocol, which is ready now, within 24 hours," Abdullah said ahead of a Gulf Cooperation Council in the Saudi capital due to start on Monday. (Reuters)