UN chief: Joint Syria mission, envoy discussed

UNITED NATIONS — U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon says he's been talking with the head of the Arab League about the possibility of a joint observer mission and a joint special envoy to Syria.

Ban's statements to reporters after briefing a closed session of the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday come amid a search for new diplomatic methods of dealing with the protracted violence in Syria.

Ban is reiterating his "deep regret" over the council's inability to speak in one clear voice to stop the bloodshed.

Russia and China used their veto powers on Saturday to block a council resolution backing an Arab League peace plan that calls for Syrian President Bashar Assad to step aside.

The U.N. says more than 5,400 people have died in Syria's 11-month crackdown on protests.