UN observers in Syria in suspend mode

UN observers in Syria say they have suspended all cease-fire monitoring activities in the country because of escalating violence between government and opposition forces.Syria's crisis has apparently spiraled into an all-out civil war. Fierce battles between government troops and the opposition Free Syria Army have spread to almost every part of the country.A ceasefire brokered by the United Nations is no longer in place.

UN mission Chief Robert Mood spoke to reporters on Saturday in the capital Damascus. He said rising bloodshed over the past 10 days was posing significant risks to UN observers.Mood said the observers will not be conducting patrols and the suspension will be reviewed on a daily basis.

  Mood added that operations will resume when the observers feel the situation is safe for them to carry out their mandated activities.