Arab League confirms Syria's suspension

RABAT, Morocco -- The Arab League confirmed the suspension of Syria from the organization on Wednesday and gave its government three days to halt the violence and accept an observer mission or face economic sanctions.

The suspension -- first announced by the Arab League on Saturday and confirmed during the meeting -- is a highly unusual move for a member of Syria's standing.

Qatari Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim told reporters following the daylong meeting in Rabat, Morocco, that Syria is being offered the chance to end the violence against civilians and implement a peace plan that the Arab League outlined Nov. 2. The U.N. estimates that more than 3,500 people have been killed in Syria's 8-month-old uprising.