At an emergency meeting in Egypt, Arab foreign ministers decided not to suspend Syria from the organization.

Damascus expressed reservations about the plan, which proposes the two sides meet for talks at the League's headquarters in Cairo.

Meanwhile, heavy fighting has continued in several areas of Syria. The unrest has killed at least 3,000 people, mostly unarmed protesters, since demonstrations broke out in March against President Bashar al-Assad.

In Cairo, Arab foreign ministers met for an initial three-hour session without Syria's representative, before later holding talks with Syrian diplomats.

Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani, the chair of the meeting, announced that the League had decided to make contact with the Syrian government and oppposition in order to bring about "national dialogue within the seat of the Arab League and under its guidance within 15 days."

The Arab League resolution was endorsed by all the member states, although Syria expressed reservations.

Some delegates had called for Syria to be suspended from the Arab League - a move which would require the backing of two thirds of the members.