Syria today moved armored vehicles into the capital Damascus as opposition fighters battled the government forces in what residents described as the fiercest fighting yet inside the capital. Activists today said the fighting had spread to several neighborhoods and in the centre of the city.

The spread of fighting came as U.N. peace mediator Kofi Annan was due to fly to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin who has resisted Western calls to increase pressure on Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Yesterday, the International Committee of the Red Cross said there is a state of civil war across more parts of Syria, widening its earlier designation.

U. N. Special envoy Kofi Annan has convened an urgent meeting of five permanent members of UN security Council along with European Union, Turkey and Qabtar on Saturday to discuss the crisis in Syria. The objective of the proposed Action Group for Syria is to identify steps and measures to secure full implementation of Annan's six-point plan, including an immediate end to violence in all its forms.

Meanwhile, Turkey has deployed anti-aircraft guns and other weapons alongside its border with Syria. Turkish state television reported today. The development comes days after the downing of a Turkish military jet by Syrian forces that heightened the tensions between the two countries. A Syrian minister said yesterday his country's forces may have mistaken the Turkish plane they shot down for an Israeli one. Turkey has repeatedly called on Syria's President Bashar Assad to step down as 33,000 Syrians have sought refuge in Turkey, fleeing a government crackdown on a popular uprising.

United Nations Special envoy Kofi Annan has asked Syria to act immediately on the six point peace plan to end the bloodshed in the country. Opposition activists reported 17 deaths in the ongoing violence across the country on Tuesday.

Arab League has also prepared a draft resolution urging the Syrian Government and the opposition to respond positively to Annan’s efforts by halting the violence and starting a serious national dialogue.

Kofi Annan’s spokesman Ahmad Fawzi issued a statement in Geneva confirming Syria’s acceptance of the six point peace plan. He said Annan sees it as an important initial step to end the violence and bloodshed , provide aid to the affected people and create environment for a political dialogue.

The plan calls for a daily two hours ceasefire for relief and humanitarian aid.

The UN Special envoy held talks with Russian and Chinese leaders to seek support for his peace mission. He is scheduled to meet Arab leaders at the Arab summit and will report to Security Council on the progression Monday.

Meanwhile Arab League has prepared a draft resolution which calls for a dialogue between the Syrian regime and the opposition. It has also asked the opposition factions to unite.Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Arab leaders won’t ask President Assad to step down.