Syria rebels give regime Friday deadline

Armed rebels have given Syria's regime until Friday 0900 GMT (5pm Singapore time) to observe Mr Kofi Annan's plan for ending bloodshed in Syria, warning they will take 'courageous decisions' if the deadline is not met.

The ultimatum by the Free Syrian Army (FSA) was followed by a demand from United Nations (UN) chief Ban Ki Moon that the regime implement Mr Annan's six-point plan, which includes a ceasefire that should have taken effect on April 12 but has been violated daily.
A statement issued by the Free Syrian Army command inside Syria said that if the regime 'does not meet the deadline by Friday midday, the command... will no longer be tied by any commitment to the Annan plan... and our duty will be... to defend civilians.'