The international peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi has warned after meeting the Syrian President, Bashar al -Assad, that the worsening conflict in the country threatens the region and the world at large.''The crisis is dangerous and getting worse, and it is a threat to the Syrian people, the region and the world,'' said Mr Brahimi, who took over as envoy this month from the former United Nations chief Kofi Annan.
Mr Assad told state television that dialogue between Syrians held the key to a solution, and called on foreign countries to stop supplying arms to his foes.
''The real problem in Syria is that of combining politics with the work being done on the ground,'' he said.
Mr Brahimi said he had ''no plan'' to tackle the crisis but a strategy will be ''set … after listening to all internal, regional and international parties''.
Russia, a strong ally of Syria's government, insisted it was not ''clinging'' to any particular Syrian leader but said it would block any new UN resolution aimed at putting pressure on Mr Assad.
Pope Benedict, while on a visit to neighbouring Lebanon, identified with the victims of the Syrian conflict.
''I want to tell you how much I admire your courage,'' the pontiff said, adding that he was ''sad because of your suffering and your bereavement''.
He also spoke at an open-air encounter that organisers said attracted more than 350,000 worshippers, as well as Muslim and Christian officials. He addressed young people at the Maronite Christian patriarchate in Bkerke, a village outside Beirut.
The meeting was open to youth from all faiths and none, and the Pope also had warm words for those Muslims there.
''Together with the young Christians, you are the future of this fine country and of the Middle East in general,'' he said. ''Seek to build it up together! And when you are older, continue to live in unity and harmony with Christians.''
Benedict arrived in the Popemobile in a joyous atmosphere of music and dance.
He said the ''beauty of Lebanon is found in this fine symbiosis [between religions]''.
''It is vital that the Middle East in general, looking at you, should understand that … Islam and Christianity, can live side by side without hatred, with respect for the beliefs of each person, so as to build together a free and humane society''.
The Pope urged the young Christians not to despair of their situation and emigrate.
''You are faced with many serious challenges, but not even unemployment and uncertainty should lead you to taste the bitter sweetness of emigration, which involves an uprooting and a separation for the sake of an uncertain future.''