Mood pessimistic on Syria peace plans

Major powers meeting in Geneva have adopted a watered down version of special envoy Kofi Annan's Syria plan that leaves open whether President Bashar Assad can be part of the transition government.

Annan said today "it is for the people of Syria to come to a political agreement."

He says "the hard work starts now. We must work together to implement what has been agreed.

Russia had refused to back a provision that would call for Assad to step down to make way for a unity government.

AP