CRI听力:Syrian Government Accepts Annan Plan

Kofi Annan is describing the Syrian government's acceptance of his plan as "important initial step."

But he adds implementation is key.

"I had a six-point plan which the Security Council has endorsed, dealing with issues of political discussions, withdrawal of heavy weapons and troops and populations centres; humanitarian assistance being allowed in unimpeded; release of prisoners; freedom of movement, and access for journalists to go in and out, so we will need to see how we move ahead and implement this agreement that they have accepted."

Annan's plan has been on the table for two weeks now, and has garnered wide support after being unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council last week.

Despite the acceptance of the plan, the main opposition coalition is openly questioning whether Bashar al-Assad's government will honour the pledge.

Basma Kodmani is a spokeswoman for the Syrian National Council, which is now the blanket organization for Syria's opposition.

"Mr. Annan's initiative for us should lead to developments of clear terms of reference for negotiation on the modalities of change. Not on whether change should happen or not."

Kofi Annan has written directly to Assad, urging him to put his commitments into immediate effect.

At the same time, the UN-Arab League Special Envoy say he will continue working with all parties to secure implementation of the plan.

Annan is now in Beijing for a two-day visit, and has received support for his plan from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

"We totally believe that under your mediation, the Syrian issue will see some further progress and finally be solved in an impartial, peaceful and proper manner."

Meanwhile, reports on the ground in the region say clashes between Syrian security forces and armed rebels have spilled across the border into Lebanon.

At the same time, Bashar al-Assad has made a stop in the restive town of Homs to inspect an army unit.

Reports say some 7-hundred people have been killed in shelling in that town over the course of March.

The Syrian government is pinning the blame on terrorists.

For CRI, I'm Shen Chengcheng.