UN observers in Syria suspend activities

BEIRUT - The chief of UN observers in Syria says the mission is suspending its activities and patrols because of escalating violence in the country.

Maj. Gen. Robert Mood said in a statement Saturday that the bloodshed is posing significant risks to the observers and is impeding their ability to carry out their mandate.

He says the observers will not be conducting patrols and will stay in their locations in the country "until further notice." The suspension will be reviewed on a daily basis.

The suspension is the latest sign that a peace plan brokered by international envoy Kofi Annan is disintegrating. The regime and the opposition have both ignored the cease-fire, which was supposed to go into effect April 12.