TUNIS - Participants from 60 countries and regions gathering at the Friends of Syria Conference in Tunisia's capital Tunis on Friday endorsed the Syrian National Council (SNC) as the "legitimate representative" of the Syrian people, the Arab League (AL) Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi said.

In spite of the divisions revealed, a large consensus has been reached on avoiding a militarization of the conflict, moving instead towards a political solution, as advocated by the host country Tunisia's President Moncef Marzouki.

One of the main decisions adopted by the conference was to call on the UN to call for an immediate ceasefire in order to enable humanitarian aid to enter the country.

Other decisions include applying more sanctions on the Syrian regime, reducing diplomatic ties and adding pressure on the Syrian government.

It was also agreed to set up an Arab peacekeeping force to ensure stability during Syria's democratic transition.

Efforts to open up corridors of humanitarian aid for civilians will also be stepped up, Arabi said.

As the conference began on Friday, some 200 pro-Syrian protestors waving Tunisian and Syrian flags tried to force their way into the hotel where the conference was held. They were stopped by the police from entering the hotel.