Opposition suporters rally in Hula, Syria, 13 November
Outside pressure builds on Syria as violence continues
Jon Leyne, reporting from Cairo, says it is unclear how many of the protesters are there of their own volition. Footage from Syrian state TV
Syria's leadership is under mounting pressure from other Arab states to halt its continuing violent repression of pro-democracy protests.
The head of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, said the organisation was "studying mechanisms it could implement to protect civilians in Syria".
He spoke after the League voted to freeze Syria's membership, a move that sparked pro-government riots in Syria.
France has joined the condemnation of President Bashar al-Assad's government.
It summoned the Syrian ambassador to Paris on Sunday to demand an explanation for attacks by Assad loyalists on diplomatic missions in Syria, including its own, following Saturday's suspension.
Turkey, which has begun withdrawing non-essential diplomatic personnel and families of diplomatic staff, called on the international community to "respond with a united voice to the serious developments in Syria".
The Saudi and Qatari embassies were stormed during Saturday's pro-Assad protests, and new mass rallies by loyalists were held on Sunday.
With Syria's suspension not due to take effect until Wednesday, Damascus has called for an urgent Arab summit and invited Arab League officials to visit.
Meanwhile, opposition sources said the repression of dissent continued on Sunday, with four people reportedly shot dead by security forces in the city of Hama.
The UN says more than 3,500 people have died since the start of the protests in March while the Syrian authorities blame the violence on terrorists.
'UN role'
Speaking on a visit to the Libyan capital Tripoli, the Arab League's secretary general did not give details of what further action the organisation could take to protect Syrian civilians.
Describing the 22-member League's decision to suspend Syria as "historic", Mr Arabi called for "international protection" for civilians as the League lacked the means to act alone.
"There is nothing wrong with going to the UN Security Council because it is the only organisation able to impose" such measures, he added.
The BBC's Jon Leyne in Cairo says the Arab League's aim now is to isolate Syria.
Eighteen member states of the League - which is chaired by Qatar - voted for the suspension of Syria, with Syria, Lebanon and Yemen voting against and Iraq abstaining.
The vote was taken after Syria appeared to ignore a League plan - which it had initially accepted - that would involve releasing prisoners, withdrawing security forces from the streets and beginning a dialogue with the opposition.
Syria called on Sunday for an emergency Arab summit, saying Saturday's vote was "illegal" and it had already begun implementing the peace plan.
Correspondents say the invitation for League officials to visit Syria is a significant concession by Damascus.
Syria is aware that Libya's suspension from the Arab League helped persuade the UN Security Council to authorise the military action which helped topple Col Muammar Gaddafi.
'Tails of Obama'
Summoning the Syrian ambassador, the French foreign ministry said Saturday's attacks on diplomatic missions were "an attempt to intimidate the international community after the Arab League's courageous decision".
"The Syrian regime is held entirely responsible for these excesses and will have to give an explanation," it said.
A Turkish Airlines plane flew to Damascus early on Sunday to pick up Turkish diplomatic staff and families, but Ambassador Omer Onhon and other staff planned to stay on.
Mass rallies in support of Mr Assad took place in Damascus and other Syrian cities on Sunday.
"You Arab leaders are the tails of Obama," read one banner seen by the Associated Press, accusing the Arab League of bowing to pressure from the US president.
In Hama, security forces are said to have opened fire after opposition activists began a counter-protest at a march in support of President Assad.
At least two other deaths in clashes with security forces in Syria were also reported.
The government has restricted foreign journalists from entering the country, making it difficult to confirm events on the ground.
Arab League proposals
.End to violence and killing
.Access to Arab and international media
.Releasing prisoners recently detained
.Withdrawing all military equipment from Syrian cities
.Government-opposition dialogue within two weeks
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