Syria Friends group to send aid within 48 hours if assault stops

Western and Arab powers meeting in Tunis on Friday will demand that Syrian authorities allow immediate access for aid to the cities of Homs, Deraa, Zabadani "and other areas under siege", according to an updated draft declaration obtained by Reuters.

The draft conclusion of the "Friends of Syria" meeting also calls on Damascus "immediately to cease all violence" and pledges to deliver humanitarian supplies within 48 hours if Syria "stopped its assault on civilian areas and permitted access". (Reuters)