The Syrian government has told Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan that it has started withdrawing its troops from civilian areas in line with his six-point peace plan.

But the UN is concerned that the violence continues and the death toll which it estimates to be at 9,000, is rising.

Meanwhile, Mr. Annan is calling for a UN presence on the ground to monitor the situation. He briefed the UN General Assembly Thursday by video conference from Geneva.

Julie Walker reports.

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