Arab monitors reach Homs

BEIRUT - Arab League peace monitors arrived in the Syrian city of Homs on Tuesday for a first look of anti-government unrest where hundreds have been killed during nine months of violence.

The team of monitors were expected to see for themselves whether President Bashar al-Assad is keeping a promise to cease military action in Syria's cities to crack down on demonstrations that began in March. At least 5,000 people have been killed in the spreading bloodshed by a UN count.

The observers began their visit by meeting the governor of Homs, Syria's Dunia television channel said. According to opposition activists at least 34 people were killed in the city on Monday as tanks fired at targets among apartment blocks.