Syria’s government has agreed to accept the peace plan put forward by the United Nations and Arab League envoy, Kofi Annan, his spokesman has said.

Mr Annan said he considered it “an important initial step that could bring an end to the violence and the bloodshed”, but implementation was key.

The plan calls for an end to the fighting in a UN-supervised ceasefire.

The opposition has dismissed Mr Annan’s initiative, saying it will allow the government to continue its repression.

The government has been criticised for not keeping earlier promises to reform.

Mr Annan has written to the Syrian government urging it to put its commitments into immediate effect.

His spokesman said there was hope that this will create the right environment for a political dialogue to fulfil the aspirations of the Syrian people.

Mr Annan also thanked countries that have supported his attempts to mediate in the conflict.