BBC News with Neil Nunes
King Abdullah of Jordan has told the BBC that if the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had the interests of his country at heart, he would prepare the way for wide-ranging political change and step down. The king said that if he were in President Assad's shoes, he would go. His comments come after Syria was suspended from the Arab League. Lyse Doucet reports.
King Abdullah's remarks coupled with the Arab League's decision marks a turning point in the Arab world's approach to Syria. King Abdullah admitted no one was clear how to move forward. He said the Syrian regime still believed it was in a fairly comfortable position. He warned that outside intervention in a country with so many ethnic and religious groups would be like opening a Pandora's box. Jordan has already taken in thousands of Syrian refugees and, like all of Syria's neighbours, will be affected by whatever unfolds across its borders.
Meanwhile, European ministers meeting in Brussels have agreed to tighten sanctions against Syria. They have frozen loans to it from the European Investment Bank and imposed travel and visa bans on a further 18 Syrians, mostly members of the military, accused of involvement in the violent suppression of protesters.
The new Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos has said current economic policies in Greece have worsened the recession and unemployment. Outlining his government's programme to parliament, he said the sacrifices of the Greek people must not be in vain. From Athens, here's Mark Lowen.