Syrian authorities signed a deal on Monday allowing an Arab League observer mission into the country.
Under the deal Syria is to withdraw troops from insurgent towns, free thousands of political prisoners, open dialogue with the opposition and allowing observers into the country.
The deal was signed by Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Cairo.
The Arab peace initiative aims to end eight months of violent unrest.
The United Nations says Assad's crackdown on the protests, inspired by uprisings across the Arab world this year, has killed more than 5,000 people. Authorities blame armed gangs for the violence and say 1,100 soldiers and police have been killed.
The Arab League suspended Syria and imposed economic sanctions, joining the United States, the European Union and neighboring Turkey who have also imposed sanctions.