This citizen journalist image shot through a broken car window shows smoke billowing from a building after fighting between rebels and Syrian troops in the Yarmouk camp for Palestinian refugees in south Damascus, Syria, Saturday, July 21, 2012. This week, fierce fighting between troops and rebels reached the Syrian capital, the central bastion of Bashar Assad's rule, shattering parts of the city and sending thousands of people fleeing to neighboring Lebanon and Iraq. Activists and residents reported a tense calm in Damascus Saturday but said sporadic gunfire and explosions could be heard throughout the night. (AP Photo)
July 23, 2012 - 2:31 AM
DOHA, Qatar - The Arab League's secretary general has offered Syrian President Bashar Assad a "safe exit" for him and his family if he steps down.
Nabil Elaraby gave no further details on his proposal at an Arab League foreign ministers' meeting in Doha, Qatar, early Monday morning.
The League also promised $100 million for Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries.
Tunisian President President Moncef Marzouki also offered Assad asylum in February if it would end the conflict.
Assad has shown little inclination to step down. On Sunday, his forces attacked remaining rebel pockets of resistance in the capital Damascus.
In his first public statements since a devastating rebel bombing wiped out his top security officers, Assad told his new army chief of staff Sunday to "continue the armed forces' pursuit of terrorists."
News from © The Associated Press, 2012