Syria's leadership is under mounting pressure from other Arab states to halt its continuing violent repression of pro-democracy protests.
The head of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, said the organisation was "studying mechanisms it could implement to protect civilians in Syria".He spoke after the League voted to freeze Syria's membership, a move that sparked pro-government riots in Syria.
France has joined the condemnation of President Bashar al-Assad's government.
It summoned the Syrian ambassador to Paris on Sunday to demand an explanation for attacks by Assad loyalists on diplomatic missions in Syria, including its own, following Saturday's suspension.
Turkey, which has begun withdrawing non-essential diplomatic personnel and families of diplomatic staff, called on the international community to "respond with a united voice to the serious developments in Syria".
The Saudi and Qatari embassies were stormed during Saturday's pro-Assad protests, and new mass rallies by loyalists were held on Sunday.
With Syria's suspension not due to take effect until Wednesday, Damascus has called for an urgent Arab summit and invited Arab League officials to visit.
Meanwhile, opposition sources said the repression of dissent continued on Sunday, with nine people reportedly killed by security forces.
According to a report which could not be verified independently, security forces shot and bludgeoned to death a schoolboy, 14, in the town of Dir Az-Zour after he refused to join a pro-government march.
The UN says more than 3,500 people have died since the start of the protests in March while the Syrian authorities blame the violence on terrorists.
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