The Arab League on Sunday called for the formation of a joint UN-AL peacekeeping force for Syria to replace the AL's observation mission.

The Arab League on Feb. 12, 2012, called for the formation of a joint UN-AL peacekeeping force for Syria to replace the AL's observation mission.?[Xinhua photo]

The joint force is proposed to stop all violence against civilians in the turmoil-hit country, said a resolution by Arab foreign ministers in Egypt's capital Cairo.

The AL asked its members to stop all diplomatic cooperation with the regime of Syria in international conferences and institutions, said the resolution.

It called on the Syrian military forces to withdraw from towns and villages and bear all responsibilities to protest civilians, Xinhua reported.

The resolution asserted the procedures for an economic embargo over Syria and for an end to trade dealings with the Syrian regime.

It welcomed a decision by Tunisia to hold an international conference over Syria on Feb. 24 as suggested, asserting the participation of Arab countries in this conference.

The AL also called for opening connection channels with the Syrian opposition and providing it with all forms of political and financial supports.

The regional bloc decided to end the Arab observing mission in Syria and open the door for Arab and international relief organizations to work in Syria.

In accordance to the resolution, the Secretary General of the Arab League Nabil al-Arabi was assigned to name a special convoy to follow up the suggested political process in light of Arab initiative.

The resolution also called for setting up a mechanism to provide humanitarian support and assistance to Syrian people, in addition to organizing companies for collecting donations to help the Syrians and ease their sufferings.