Definition: In this task, you will be presented with a passage and have to answer a question based on your understanding of the events inferred from the passage. Try to find the best answer that is most likely to fill in "_". Note that the URLs in the text have been replaced with [Link].
Input: (CNN) -- Arab League members Sunday called for a joint peacekeeping mission in Syria with the United Nations and urged members to support the Syrian opposition as it faces a bloody government crackdown. The moves are aimed at putting additional pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his government, which has unleashed its army on a popular revolt. The proposed peacekeeping mission would oversee the aftermath of a cease-fire, the Cairo-based Arab League announced Sunday. But Syria quickly said it was not on board with the idea. The Arab League suspended Syria's membership in January, and the Syrian government announced that any decision made without it "is not binding."NEW: Arab League names Jordanian diplomat as Syrian envoy, Petra reportsOpposition groups praise the Arab League call for supportSyria rejects Arab League, pointing to "hysteria affecting some Arab governments"Government troops keep up bombardment of Homs, activists say 
 Question:But despite denials by _, virtually all reports from within the country indicate al-Assad's forces are slaughtering protesters and other civilians en masse.

Syria