Syria to Boycott Arab Games in Qatar

Syria says it will boycott upcoming Arab Games in Qatar's capital Doha to protest against an Arab League decision to suspend the country's membership.

The 22-member bloc voted for the suspension Saturday over Syria's bloody crackdown against an eight-month uprising and failure to implement an Arab League-brokered peace plan.

In a joint statement, the Syrian Olympic Committee and the General Sports Federation said Sunday that Syrian athletes will not take part in the games scheduled for Dec. 9-23.

The statement carried by the state-run news agency SANA said the Arab League's decision was a "black point" in the organization's history and that Syrian athletes will confront the conspiracy against their country.