The head of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, has recommended that its mission in Syria should be scaled back and refocused on political mediation, after a UN-backed truce failed to take hold.
In a report to the Security Council, Ban said the mission should concentrate on fostering dialogue instead of monitoring the truce.
Violence has escalated in Syria, despite the ceasefire agreed in April and the 300-strong UN mission's mandate expires in two weeks.
The council is due to discuss the mission on Wednesday, ahead of a vote whether to extend its mission on the 18th of July.
The UN secretary general's report suggests that the number of military observers be reduced, but not completely withdrawn.
The move is aimed at sending the message that the international community is not abandoning Syria.
