A/HRC/21/50 17. The efforts of the international community channelled through the joint special envoy resulted in the presentation of a six-point plan on 10 March 2012. The plan outlined steps to bring about a cessation of violence by all parties and a commitment to a political process. The ceasefire came into effect on 12 April, followed by the deployment by the Security Council of the United Nations Supervision Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic (UNSMIS) on 21 April for an initial period of 90 days to monitor the plan‘s implementation. The arrival of UNSMIS observers had an initial positive impact on the ground, and levels of violence decreased in April. Thereafter, however, military operations intensified to such a level that, by 15 June, UNSMIS had to suspend its activities temporarily. On 20 July, the mandate of UNSMIS was extended for a final period of 30 days. Further renewal was conditional on the cessation of the use of heavy weapons and a reduction in violence by all sides. 18. Opposition groups represented in the Syrian National Council refused to engage with President Assad, calling for him to leave power. Both the Syrian National Council and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) accepted the six-point plan, including the ceasefire. In March, an agreement was signed by the Council and the FSA to cooperate on channelling funds to the FSA via a liaison office within the Council; it was not implemented, however, and each group continued to operate independently. 19. Positions varied in the international community on how to deal with the conflict. Some States demanded the immediate departure of the President; others focused on preventing any form of outside intervention. Others continued to provide military supplies to the Government. Still others called for funding, and provided communication and material support to anti-Government armed groups. The alleged presence of foreign advisers was also a point of contention among States, as was the use of sanctions. The uncertain international context undermined the efforts of the joint special envoy to achieve a political solution to the conflict. 20. On 30 June 2012, the joint special envoy convened a meeting of an action group consisting of the United Nations, the League of Arab States and the European Union, as well as countries with an influence over the parties to the conflict, including the five Permanent Members of the Security Council. In a communiqué, the Action Group renewed a commitment to the six-point plan and set out principles and guidelines for a Syrian-led political transition. Opposition groups criticized the proposed transition for leaving the door open for President Assad to be part of a transitional Government. In a meeting held in Cairo on 2 and 3 July under the auspices of the League of Arab States, the Syrian opposition issued a common vision of a political transition and a national pact establishing justice, democracy and pluralism as the constitutional foundations of the future Syria. However, they were unable to agree on the election of a body that would represent them at the international level. Military situation2 B. 21. During the reporting period, the security situation deteriorated significantly, with armed violence increasing in intensity and spreading to new areas. Active hostilities increased between Government forces (and pro-Government militia) and anti-Government armed groups. Sporadic clashes between the armed actors evolved into continuous combat, involving more brutal tactics and new military capabilities on both sides. Levels of armed violence varied throughout the country. 2 See also annex III. 7