Violence continues in Syria

DAMASCUS, Syria, March 31 (UPI) -- United Nations envoy Kofi Annan prodded Syria to accept a cease-fire plan as continuing clashes left two dozen people dead, officials said.

Opposition leaders said 24 people were killed in fighting in Damascus and other areas despite the government' contention it was preparing to halt the fighting.

A spokesman for the Foreign and Expatriates Ministry said Friday the Syrian army would pull out of contested areas, but only after "peace and security prevail."

Annan, however, insisted the government take the step immediately without waiting for the rebels to make concessions, CNN reported Saturday.

The plan brokered by Annan, who is also representing the Arab League, calls for a cease-fire by both sides, free movement of humanitarian aid and respect for peaceful demonstrations and rallies.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was in the Middle East Saturday to attend a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council. She will be in Turkey Sunday for a summit of the Friends of Syria to discuss ways of quelling the violence.