Syria - The US has said it is consulting international partners over steps to take over Syria, after UN observers suspended their activities.

  Norwegian Gen Robert Mood, the head of the UN Stabilisation Mission (UNSMIS), said observers would cease operations because of the escalating violence.

  But he said the mission remained committed to ending the violence.

  The UK foreign secretary said the decision called into question the mission's viability.

  William Hague blamed the government of President Bashar al-Assad for the worsening situation.

  In a statement, he said the suspension of patrols and restriction of staff movements "underlines the extent of the deterioration of security and stability in Syria, and calls into serious question the viability of the UN Mission".