The Syrian regime organized a show of support on Monday, December 19, as expectations rose that it was finally set to admit observers to monitor implementation of an Arab deal to end nine months of bloodshed.

Diplomats at the Arab League in Cairo said they expected Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Maqdad to sign an agreement on details of the observer mission later in the day, ending weeks of procrastination that prompted the pan-Arab bloc to approve a raft of sanctions late last month.

The Syrian minister flew into the Egyptian capital during the morning, airport officials confirmed.

In Damascus, hundreds of supporters of President Bashar al-Assad gathered in Sabaa Bahrat Square in the city center chanting slogans in support of their beleaguered leader and against the sanctions ordered by the Arab League.

Huge flags of countries that have opposed punitive measures against the regime hung from surrounding office blocks, alongside the colors of Damascus's regional allies, The Daily Star reported.