Head of UN observer mission to Syria rejects offer to arm delegates

The head of the UN observer mission to Syria, General Robert Mood, rejected Damascus' offer to arm the 300 monitors under his charge, claiming that such a move would radically alter the delegates' relationship with the population.

"Giving weapons to a small observer force is not the right option. Our engagement with the Syrian people, with Syrian families, is based on the fact that we are unarmed. We are honored to accept and the hospitality that the people offer us," he told reporters in the Syrian capital. (AFP)