The value of the Syrian currency has plummeted over the last year, but those with an interest in keeping it afloat are cushioning the fall.

Ahead of Kofi Annan’s visit to Syria for the UN and Arab League, President Bashar al-Assad’s troops have spread across Dera’a after overnight clashes.

Syrian forces entered the town of Tafas near Dera’a in the south-western Hauran Plain on Sunday, residents said.

Syrian forces killed at least 12 people on Saturday when they fired on mourners calling for the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

Thousands of mourners called on Saturday for "revolution" at the funeral of protesters killed by Syrian security forces.