The chief diplomats from the 27 EU member states are to meet on Thursday in Brussels and Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad's vicious crackdown on a popular revolt in his country will be high on the agenda.

"We have proposed that Turkey be invited to the foreign ministers' council to discuss the situation in Syria and the secretary general of the Arab League will make a presentation," French spokesman Bernard Valero said.

Syria's Arab neighbours and Turkey have been stepping up pressure on Assad to halt his repressive tactics and allow a transition of power, and France has raised the prospect of "humanitarian corridors" to protect Syrian civilians.