The Arab League is holding its emergency meeting on Syria in Cairo Saturday amid intense speculation about the country's continued membership in the group.

There has been immense pressure on the organization from Syrian opposition leaders and human-rights groups demanding the suspension or termination of Syria's membership.

Leaders of the Syrian Revolution General Commission, the Local Coordination Committees of Syria, and the High Council for the Syrian Revolution held consultations with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil el-Arabi Friday, as they sought the ouster of Syria from the league. They also have sought the dismissal of the Syrian ambassador to the Cairo-based league.

Advocates of democracy have been vociferous in their campaign on Syria. They allege Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's administration is continuing its crackdown on dissenters, even after it agreed to an Arab League proposal for peace.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has also sought Syria's ouster from the league, along with an arms embargo and sanctions on the country's administration.

Human rights