Syria's President Bashar Assad has agreed to an April 10 deadline to start implementing the peace plan proposed by Kofi Annan, the UN-Arab League envoy told the UN Security Council on Monday.
Annan's six-point plan, which the Security Council has endorsed, focuses on a UN-supervised ceasefire, withdrawal of heavy weapons and troops from population centers, granting access to humanitarian assistance, release of prisoners, freedom of movement and access to journalists.
The partial implementation of Annan's plan would include a complete ceasefire within 48 hours of the deadline, diplomats who attended the closed session told AFP, according to Al Jazeera.
Syria's ambassador to the UN confirmed that Damascus has accepted the deadline, according to Al Jazeera, but said he expects the same commitment from the opposition.
"The Syrian government is committed, but we are expecting Mr. Kofi Annan and some parties in the Security Council also to get the same kind of commitments from the (opposition). A plan wouldn't be successful unless everybody is committed to it," said Bashar Ja'afari.
U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said past experience would lead the United States to be skeptical about Assad's commitment and to worry that violence will escalate instead of diminish.
"We certainly hope that is not so, we hope Syrian authorities will implement fully commitments they've made without any conditions," Rice said. "Should they do so, we would expect the opposition to follow suit within 48 hours as specified by Annan."
Syria accepted the peace plan last week, but the diplomatic breakthrough was swiftly overshadowed by intense clashes between government soldiers and rebels that sent bullets flying into Lebanon.
One diplomat said Annan confirmed to council members that there had been "no progress on the ground" toward halting the violence, which continues with daily reports of army shelling and shooting, and clashes with the rebel Free Syrian Army.
"Today doesn't feel much different than yesterday or the day before, or the day before that," opposition activist Waleed Fares said from inside Homs. "Shelling and killing."
Clinton tells Syria at Istanbul peace summit: 'The time for excuses is over'
On Sunday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ramped up her pressure on the Syrian regime in a stern speech to a summit in Istanbul, Turkey, warning of “serious consequences” if Assad fails to implement Annan's ceasefire plan.
She told the 60-nation Friends of Syria conference that "the time for excuses is over."
"Nearly a week has gone by, and we have to conclude that the regime is adding to its long list of broken promises," she said.
Clinton added that the United States is adding $12 million to its non-lethal aid to the opposition, bringing the total to $25 million, and for the first time, is also providing communication equipment to the rebels "to help activists organize, evade attacks by the regime, and connect to the outside world.”
The BBC reported that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are creating a trust fund with millions of dollars to pay rebel troops. Those who defect from Assad's army would be paid to encourage defections.
The UN says more than 9,000 people have been killed in clashes in Syria this past year.
NBC News and Reuters contributed to this report.
More from msnbc.com and NBC News:
Follow us on Twitter: @msnbc_world


Asad's a liar. I'll believe this one when I see it.
If the people win this one, they will elect a muslim brotherhood, sharia law pushing, hard core, west hating government, so why do we bother? Stay home and tighten up the immigraion laws.
As long as it's also an Iran/Russia-hating government, it's a net gain for America.
The enemy of your enemy is not necessarilly your friend.
Ah, Russia is the enemy again according to you? So when do we start the nuclear wars?
You must have no children I'm guessing, either that or insane.
Iran won't let Syria have Peace. Iran is in charge of Syria, so is Russia, and China.
Syrian Government doesn't want Peace.
Forget them all---it is a lost cause to try and fix their problems---I indeed feel sorry for the innocent citizens who are being slaughtered.
There is no way Assad will hold his promise---just like Palestine, enforced by their Terrorist Group HAMAS, Syria has their own Terrorist Force---the Military; and Assad himself, with the help of Iran's multi-group Terrorists.
This is not news---the news broke out for the public to see thousands of years ago.
Hopefully, our President, and Sec. of State do not believe this compromise.
That's just like the US. Give our money away when there is unemployment, homeless, people losing their homes, hunger and so many other problems. Sure, it's not their money, North Korea and all the other militant nations also get aid from us. No wonder we are in a big deficit.
hey FRED ASSAD is a liar , what did he lie about , the ALQUIDA rebels that fighting in SYRIA hell our own generals already told us they are . did you see all the massacres and all the Christians they killed or you only believe CNN AND FOX AND all these paid off news media , didn't you learn from the IRAQ war build up , we want to tell everybody how to live and enforce our democracy , why don't we do that in Saudi Arabia and all these gulf states , oh oh sorry they our friends and we cannot do that its OK for them to whatever they want after all they have oil and they let us put bases over there , how about ISRAEL they over 200 nukes , oh sorry again did you ISRAEL well they our allies and they can do anything they want too , I am sorry but don't you think that little BS . Sorry I am just saying .
Why April 10!!
Why not Now?!
Who are you kidding!
We tried now. It didn't work.
I guess they figure if they keep giving Assad enough rope, maybe he'll finally hang himself with it.
hey if I was ASSAD i will tell everybody to to hell its his people his defending from these thugs , i guess we have not learned yet we are always on the wrong side , look in kosovo we went killed the Christian's SERBS and installed bunch of thugs in the gov. they selling human parts from their poisoners , that's who we helped now we helping ALQUIDA against ASSAD because the SAUDI ES AND QATARI ES wants to . what a crock of bull.
Let's not forget that if Assad falls, the Christians and Jews living in Syria are majorly screwed. The rebels are elements of Alqueda and the Muslim Brotherhood, just like in Libya.
What does that have to do with it?
This country is not governed by religion, in the Iran model... or is it?
The Syrian ambassador to the UN is right.The rebels,who still speak in different voices,have not accepted the peace plan of Mr.Kofi Annan.Without their acceptance of the plan there can be no ceasefire,even if the government forces withdraw as stipulated and stop fighting.The strategy of the NATO powers and the Arab League seems to be to let the government forces implement the ceasefire and then encourage the rebels to spread themselves once again among the civilians in the cities and towns vacated by the government forces.There is also the " pot of gold " for the rebels this time provided by Hillary Clinton and William Hague along with the Arab League.The NATO countries and the Arab League are now deliberately planning for a prolonged civil war in Syria that could easily flare up into a regional conflict.
Well, given that this fiasco started with the military killing Syrian civilians, there is reason to believe they can be reigned in if the government stops. But nobody seriously expects the military to stop at this point.
There are other uses for the money besides armed revolution, too; I read earlier that they were going to use some of it to pay defecting soldiers their salaries, which is an outstanding idea. At present there are only three reasons for a soldier to fight for Assad (putting aside sectarianism, since the military is majority Sunni): pay, loyalty, and fear. Assad is rapidly running out of loyalty, and if the SFA gets its money and can pay its men, that eliminates the simple financial incentive to work for the regime.
I wonder how long a government can stand on fear alone.
Wouldn't they be better off throwing their lazy a$$es in jail like we do with protesters here? You think these moron 'rebels' would get a job and quit worrying about getting free American handouts from the long suffering Johhny Taxpayer.
if there is anyone who believes him, please contact me directly. I have several bridges i would like to sell you at a very reasonable price
Why now? Are they running out of ammo? When I see it I will believe it.
Again?
"A COMMITMENT TO A BETTER WAY OF DEALING WITH PROBLEMS INVOLVES CHANGING THE WAY ONE THINKS"
"THINK PEACE, COMPROMISE , BUT FORGIVE FIRST, FOR WITH OUT THIS THERE CAN BE NO PEACE OR HEALING"
"PUT THE PAST IN THE PAST, THAT'S WERE IT BELONGS, THEN YOU CAN LOOK FOR A BETTER TOMORROW"
From: Peace it Together <info@peaceittogether.com>
Subject: Re: "CHILDREN SEEKING WORLD PEACE" SHORT FILM SCRIPT
To: "Michael V. Caldwell" <mikezz32@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, March 19, 2012, 10:49 AM
Hi Michael,
Thanks for sending along your beautiful scripts
It's encouraging to read your words and envision your hope for peace
That hope is badly needed in our world
thanks for carrying it
peace to you
Emily Parsons Dickau
On Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 2:48 PM, Michael V. Caldwell <mikezz32@yahoo.com> wrote:
"CHILDREN SEEKING WORLD PEACE" (Short Film Script)
Opening Scene;
We see the Outside of the United Nations Building next we see a man dressed in a suite carrying a brief case walking into the building he approaches the Desk of the Chairman of the United Nations, pulls out a very large manila envelope and hands it to the Chairman. The Chairman opens the envelope, reads the paper work and scratches his head, looks up at the Special Carrier with a bewildered look on his face and says; Wow this is an Extremely Unusual Request and it comes from very unusual sources this is a First for me.
Carrier
What do you mean unusual request, who sent the letter ?
Chairman
Did you notice the Post Marks on this letter ?
Carrier
Yes I did, and it also has so many different kinds of stamps on it from around the World.
I have never seen so many Stamps on one envelope in my life, so who is it from and what are they want ?
Chairman
It appears that they are following up on an idea that originated from a Film Script Writer in America who came up with an Idea of writing a short Film Script he Calls "Children Seeking World Peace" The writer posted it on line and some of the Country Leaders around the World liked the idea so that they implemented it.
Carrier
Implement what ?
Chairman
Every Country in the World picked two Young Students from one of their schools a boy and a girl to represent their Country and are asking for a "SPECIAL UNITED NATION'S MEETING" that will be attended by all of the Leaders in the World but this is the Catch.
The adults are not to speak at this meeting, only the Children will be allowed to speak at this Special meeting called "CHILDREN SEEKING WORLD PEACE"
Carrier
Wow, I see what you mean when you said an unusual request and that is comes from an unusual source you were right about that.
Chairman
There's more this request gets even more stranger they are requesting that we install a large garden area next to the United Nation Building before this meeting takes place that we don't plant anything in the garden area just leave it bare dirt, there are to be small signs placed every two feet next to the rows in this garden area with the names of each Country in the World next to each one of these signs there will also be a watering can containing water.
Carrier
Do you think that the Board will consider this bizarr & unusual request ?
Chairman
Yes I do after all these are the Children of the World, the next Generation seeking the opportunity for them to be part of the Peace Process from their Generation and we should give them the opportunity to do so.
Scene Two;
We see the inside of the United Nations building where many young children are standing paired off one boy and one girl facing all of the Adult Leaders from around the World these Children are from all walks of life all different nationalities and all dressed differently.
Every Girl is holding a small pot containing a different flower in it in one hand and a small shovel in their other hand.
Each Boy is holding a small pot containing a different kind of plant in one hand and a small shovel in his other hand.
(all of these flowers and plants are beautiful and very colorful)
Every Boy & Girl from their Country are wearing Name tags with their Countries names on the tags. The Children are just standing there in silence.
The inside of this building is silent at first then we hear whispers coming from the Adult Leaders, what is this all about, what do they want, this is strange.
Next we see a girl step forward from the row of children following behind her is another girl and a boy they are all three standing there for a minute and the room gets silent.
Then the boy speaks,
I have been chosen to speak on behalf of all of the Children in this room. We are standing here before all of you representing the Worlds Next Generation, Your Worlds Next Generation. We only have a few words to say to all of you here today.
All of us had several things that we wanted to say to all of you today but we all decided that words are not enough without all of Our WORLD LEADERS making a Solid Commitment to end all Wars in Our World Today ! ! !
So, we only have three words to say to all of you here today... " PLEASE JUST STOP"
(one of the girls standing next to this young boy translates this message in all languages)
The three young children stand there for a minute in silence then one of the two girls step forward she says, we only have one more request to ask from all of you in this building today, please follow us to the garden area located just outside this building.
(the other girl translates this request in all languages)
The other children in the building follow the three children exiting the building followed by the Adults.
Third Scene;
We see all of the children lined up still holding their flowers and plants in one hand and their shovels in their other hand they are paired off one boy and one girl standing along side of the garden rows facing their Countries signs that are placed in two foot sections of their Special Garden.
(we see all of the Adult Leaders standing around this garden in groups whispering to each other we can't make out what they are saying to each other but they have a confused look on their faces)
Next the same Girl that spoke earlier in the building is holding a flower in one hand and a small shovel in her other hand says, I would like all of the Adult Leaders from their Countries to stand in front of their Countries signs facing each of us. (translated by the girl standing next to this girl)
The Adult Leaders line up in front of their Countries garden signs facing these children then every child bends down at the same time and digs a small hole in the ground in their two foot section of this Special Garden. (each two foot garden section now has two small holes dug in them and everyone is silent)
Next we see the same girl that spoke earlier stand up after digging her hole in the garden she hands her Adult Counter Part Leader her Potted Flower and says, each one of these Flowers that all of us has brought here today Represent WORLD PEACE for Our Future.
she continues..
All of the Children Around the World requested this SPECIAL UNITED NATIONS MEETING to beg all of the Leaders of Our world to help us Plant our Flowers here today to end all Wars in our World Immediately and all of the Plants that the Boys brought here today represent Commitment To Do So.
(translated again by the girl standing next to her)
Next we see the Boy that spoke earlier at the meeting hand his Adult Counter Part his potted plant then the Girl that is speaking looks over at all of the other Children that are still standing next to their garden and she nodes her head.
Then, All of the Children say the words together, in their own languages in a loud & begging tone. "PLEASE JUST STOP"
Next, We see all of the Children reach in their pockets, pull out a small bag and pour out a few of seeds into each of their Adult Counter Parts hands.
The Girl speaker then says,
we are giving all of you our seeds to take home with you so you can plant them in your gardens as a reminder of your Commitment all of you made here today to; END ALL WARS In Our World IMMEDIATELY..THESE SEEDS ALSO REPRESENT FORGIVENESS for without forgiveness there can be no PEACE, so please pass these seeds on to your transgressor so the Peace Process can begin. (translated by the girl standing next to her)
Last Scene
We see all of the Adult Leaders bent down next to the Children planting the Children's Flowers & Plants together in their "Special World Peace Garden" Located in Front Of the "UNITED NATIONS BUILDING"
Fade Out..
Written by, Michael V. Caldwell, Always Striving To Be Part Of The Solution, Using Respect & Common Sense As My Guidelines To Follow At All Times...
Respectfully,Thank all of You, for taking the time to read this IMPORTANT & Very Badly Needed message.
"DREAM BIG DO BIG"
________________________________________________________________________________________
"ROAD TO PEACE" (film short story)
Opening Scene: (filmed in black & white, silent film)
We see an old Soldier walking down a dirt road with a machine gun under his arm
and carrying his young son on his shoulders.
The young boy and his father are dressed in their combat clothing and the boy
also has a machine gun gun tucked under his arm, suddenly they stop.
(our camera pans to a person sitting on a large rock on the side of the road)
We see the back of this person only, the person is wearing a black hooded robe
with their hood raised up.
(we pan back to the old soldier and his son)
The old soldier places his son on the road then pushes him in the direction
of the hooded stranger.
The young boy walks cautiously up to the stranger with his gun drawn
upwards as he gets closer we notice the person is small in stature then the boy
points
the gun at the back of the strangers head.
The stranger turns around slowly then we see it is a young girl, the girl
is the same age as the boy.
The young girl places a daisy in the barrel of the boy's gun.
(at that instant our film changes to color and remains in color)
Next, we see they young boy standing there with a blank look on his face he
then drops the gun on the ground, the gun vanishes and where the gun was we see
three books there instead.
The boy picks up the books curiously, then turns and looks in the direction
where his father was with an astonishment look.
(we show a close-up on boys face then we pan our camera to the father)
The boy's father is now standing there dressed in a white shirt and slacks and
holding sets of plans tucked under his arm in the place of a gun.
(we pan back to boy and girl)
We see the boy standing there dressed in the same attire as his father, with
three books tucked under his arm in place of his gun staring at the girl that
is still sitting on the rock, the girl has long curly brown hair and is now
wearing white clothing, she also has three books sitting next to her.
Closing Scene:
We see the backs of all three of them walking down the road towards the setting
sun, the boy and the girl are holding hands both of them carrying three books
tucked under their arms.
The father has three sets of building plans tucked under his arm and is walking
with his head up high..
Fade Out End...Or Beginning Of A Brighter Badly Needed Future For Our World.
Everyone from the right and left have a great evening, I look at Mr. Assad like this sooner or later he's going to have everybody turn againist him and he doen't wnt to get attacked. Plus with the sanctions come disruption of money and with the disruption of money from a poor country the more the everyday citzens will start turning againist him. Just don't close your eyes to this dude.
10 more days, 8 days plus 48 hours, just to come up with another excuse, The only thing that changes between now and then is more killing, nothing else changes, why is any time needed other than to continue the killing
Whatever Assad chooses to do, including that stupid 6-point plan, he is really screwed.
He is on his way out... from power, he´ll be overthrown, worse with Annan´s plan. He´ll move his troops and his toys...
I only hope he gets killed in the process, alongside his brother Naher and the rest of his filthy, god forsaken family...!!
Syria has merely agreed to the date. Assad has NOT said he will rein in his murder squads or stop torturing citizens. He just said the date for 'peace' is OK, since he already claims the 'uprising' is over. He will continue to have citizens killed or tortured as he sees fit, and no deadline will change that.
you guys are right, the rebels do need too give up!
I'm so glad Assad agreed. very good.
Now, let's bomb him.
That is was thinking. Why April 10? Why wouldn't you want a peace plan now? They will cry out "peace and security" and then the end will come.
you all do not have a diddly idea what the heck you talking about , lets see you want ASSAD to stop his troops from shooting while HILLARY CLINTON ,TURKEY , SAUDI ARABIA , QATAR , FRANCE , AND BRITTAN . Want to send arms to these ALQUIDA thugs in SYRIA , another fing prime example how we interfere in everybody bus. Now look at CNN and other TV channels you see these rebels shooting at people and we keep saying ASSAD does not allow reporters in SYRIA then the dumb a??s reporter speak to WOLF BLISTER and he was in SYRIA with the rebels , and if you check he was in LIBYA with the rebels hugging the ALQUIDA fighters there , ARWA DEMON the CNN reporter was in SYRIA , then ANDERSON COOPER said ASSAD won't allow them in there , give me a fing break these guys lie so much and you all believe all that bull , then they say we can not verify these report why in the hell you show them knowing its fake and lies , I bet you all the same people that want to to to IRAQ for the WMD , I remember 95% OF US HERE WANT TO GO TO IRAQ on pure and simple lies , and so bad about the whole mess is that we already forgot that , we are bunch of hypocrites , sorry but most the things i read here is .