Discussions are also expected to centre on Iran's nuclear programme and the video that has prompted anti-US protests across the Muslim world.

 

President Barack Obama is due to focus on the Middle East when he gives one of the opening speeches on Tuesday.

 

His address comes six weeks before the US presidential election.

 

But it is not to be seen as a campaign speech, according to White House spokesman Jay Carney.

 

"I would expect the president to address the recent unrest in the Muslim world and the broader context of the democratic transitions of the Arab World." 

 

 

Syria's 18-month conflict is not formally on the UN General Assembly's agenda but it is likely to be addressed by several speakers on the opening day, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, French President Francois Hollande and Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin² Khalifa Al-Thani.

 

Mr Hollande, in his first appearance at the assembly, is also expected to call for backing for an international force to be sent to the West African state of Mali to help dislodge Islamist militants³ who have taken over the north of the country.

 

The UN Security Council has been unable to reach agreement on the Syria crisis and on Monday UN envoy⁴ Lakhdar Brahimi warned that the situation was "extremely bad and getting worse".

 

While he did not have a full plan, he said he had "a few ideas". Mr Brahimi has just visited Damascus as well as refugee camps in neighbouring Jordan and Turkey.

 

The BBC's Barbara Plett says that diplomats⁵ have played down expectations for Mr Brahimi's mission, with no sign of fundamental divisions on the council being bridged.

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