The Arab League readmitted Syria on Sunday after more than a decade of suspension, consolidating a regional push to normalise ties with President Bashar al-Assad in a move criticised by Washington.

The decision said Syria could resume its participation in Arab League meetings immediately, while calling for a resolution of the crisis resulting from Syria's civil war, including the flight of refugees to neighbouring countries and drug smuggling across the region.

"We do not believe Syria merits readmission into the Arab League at this time," the spokesperson said, adding that U.S. sanctions would remain in full effect.

But Russia, an Assad ally, hailed Syria's readmission.

Image - Reuters