Global leaders yesterday accused Syria of failing to begin implementing a ceasefire deal as regime forces pounded protest hubs on the deadline day, with 28 civilians among more than 50 people killed.

The UN Security Council called on President Bashar al-Assad to keep a Thursday (tomorrow) deadline for a complete ceasefire in the Syria conflict, after his forces and heavy weapons did not pull back from key cities in the crackdown.

Syria said it was abiding by the deal, but UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan accused it of pulling troops from some areas and moving them elsewhere.

At the same time, the rebel Free Syrian Army warned it would resume attacks if the government offensive does not stop.

In a statement read by US ambassador Susan Rice, the Security Council backed a demand by UN-Arab League envoy Annan for Syria to make a “fundamental change of course” to end hostilities by 6 a.m. Damascus time tomorrow.

Rebel Free Syrian Army warns it will resume attacks

After Mr Annan appealed for new UN backing, council members expressed “deep concern” at the Syrian government’s failure to withdraw its forces and “stressed the importance that the parties meet the deadline of April 12”.

Council members also “underscored” Mr Annan’s statement that “the Syrian leadership should now seize the opportunity to make a change of course,” Ms Rice said.“It is essential that the next 48 hours bring visible signs of immediate and indisputable change in the military posture of the government forces throughout the country” as set out in Mr Annan’s six-point plan.

Washington said it hoped the Security Council would consider action if Annan concludes that Damascus broke its commitment on yesterday’s deadline.

In Moscow, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem claimed Damascus had begun carrying out the deal by withdrawing some troops out of certain provinces.

But Mr Annan, visiting Syrian refugees in Turkey, said that while the army had indicated it was withdrawing from some areas he had received reports of troops moving into other parts of the country.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.