Some Arab countries are ready to support an Arab peacekeeping force in Syria 2709123.

"A peacekeeping operation by Arab nations is something we could well imagine," Marzouki told AFP, calling President Bashar al-Assad "a bloodthirsty dictator."

"We have really pushed for a peaceful solution, but if it is necessary, it must be an Arab peacekeeping force, yes."

On Tuesday, the emir of Qatar called at the UN General Assembly for an Arab intervention in Syria.

Arab League secretary general Nabil al-Arabi told reporters he did not believe the emir intended a "fighting force."

But he told a Security Council meeting on the Middle East that the council must support Brahimi by making its resolutions on Syria "binding on all parties".

Russia and China have used their powers as permanent members of the council three times to block resolutions which could have led to potential sanctions.

Western diplomats say they do not expect Russia, Syria's main ally, to weaken its defence of Assad. But they say China, which does not have the same strategic interests, may now be feeling pressure from Arab and other nations over its position.