Hillary Clinton to meet Syrian opposition leaders in Geneva

More than 4,000 people have died since protests broke out in March against the Assad family's 41-year rule, according to the United Nations. A top UN human rights forum recently condemned gross and systematic violations by Syrian forces, including executions and the imprisonment of some 14,000 people.

Mrs Clinton is expected to speak with seven opposition members in Geneva, where she is to give a speech on human rights. It will be her second meeting with opposition members in six months, following a similar gathering in Washington in July.

The United States, the European Union and Turkey have all imposed sanctions on Syria for the violence and the Arab League has announced plans to try to pressure President Assad to end the violence.

Syrian authorities say they are fighting foreign-backed terrorist groups trying to spark civil war who they claim have killed some 1,100 soldiers and police since March.

US officials offered no further details on Mrs Clintons planned meeting, which will take place on the second day of a five-nation trip to Europe.