If it backtracks it fears the markets would force up its borrowing costs, in the way they have done with Spain and Italy.

BBC: France budget: Hollande's grim choices

The Syrian Foreign Ministry statement backtracks on previous public commitments given by the government that it will fully abide by the U.N. six-point plan, which paves the way for a cease-fire, due to be implemented by Tuesday.

WSJ: Syria Sets Conditions on Withdrawing Troops