The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution extending the 300-strong UN observer force in Syria for a final 30 days while leaving open the possibility of an extension, Belfast Telegraph said.

Russia said it would veto the original British draft but joined the 14 other council members July 20 in supporting a revised British text.

It would end the observer mission in 30 days but renew it if Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council confirm that the use of heavy weapons has ended and the level of violence in Syria is reduced.

Pressure is mounting on the regime of President Bashar Assad to end the civil war.