Syria accepts Annan's plan

Syria has accepted a proposal prepared by UN Arab League special envoy on Syria Kofi Annan that aims to end bloodshed in the strife-hit country. Annan described Syria's acceptance of the six-point plan "as an important initial step," but added that only the implementation of measures would ensure peace. Annan said that Syria's reply was "an important initial step that could bring an end to the violence and the bloodshed, provide aid to the suffering, and create an environment conducive to a political dialogue that would fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people." Annan also said that both China and Russia have offered him their full support. Touching upon Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's decision on his way from Seoul to Iran, Prime Minister Recep  Tayyip Erdogan said that Assad has previously lied so much that he didn't believe in him anymore. Similarly, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu defined Assad's stance as a political move prior to the Syria summit to be held in Istanbul on April 1.