Annan: Syria ceasefire imminent

**Rough cut - no reporter narration**

U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan says he has received assurances from the Syrian government that it will respect a ceasefire with rebel forces.

Annan was speaking in Tehran, where Iranian authorities have voiced support for his six point plan to resolve the Syrian conflict which has been raging since a bloody uprising against President Bashar al Assad began last year.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.N.-ARAB LEAGUE ENVOY KOFI ANNAN:

"There has been clarification from the Syrian authorities that what they mean and want is an assurance that the other forces, the opposition forces would also stop the fighting so we can see a cessation of all violence. And we have been in touch with them and have had positive answers from them and have also approached governments with influence to ensure that all parties respect the ceasefire and ensure that if everyone respects it by 6 o clock in the morning on Thursday the 12th we should see a much improved situation on the ground."