Arab ministers support Syria plan

Foreign ministers from across the Arab world arrive at the Arab League summit in Iraq, where Syria again tops the agenda.

The ministers will discuss how to implement a U.N.-backed peace plan which Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to.

The initiative, put forward by special envoy Kofi Annan, seeks a ceasefire and political dialogue but does not demand that Assad step down.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said this was the last chance for the Assad administration.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) IRAQ'S FOREIGN MINISTER HOSHIYAR ZEBARI:

"The acceptance is an important step but everyone agrees the important thing is the implementation. The plan must be implemented. The plan is the last chance for the Syrian government."

Syria has been suspended from the Arab League as a result of the violent government crackdown on the year-long pro-democracy uprising.

The peace plan calls for the withdrawal of heavy weapons and troops from population centres, humanitarian assistance, the release of prisoners, and free movement for journalists.

Simon Hanna, Reuters.