Syria Crisis: Russia 'Hands Chemical Arms Plan To US'

Russia has now handed over to the US its plans for making Syria's chemical weapons safe, Russian media say. Russia announced its plans for placing Syria's stockpile under international control on Monday and Syria said it welcomed the initiative. The proposal led US President Barack Obama to put military action against Syria on hold in favour of diplomacy. Tense negotiations will now follow at the United Nations on the nature of any Security Council resolution. The UN envoys of the permanent council members - the UK, US, France, China and Russia - will meet in New York later on Wednesday, diplomats say. More than 100,000 people have died since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in 2011.