Beirut  - Around 30 women cyclists from Europe, Asia and Arab countries were Monday inside Syria after crossing from Lebanon on a tour aimed at promoting peace in the region, local radios reported.

One, 65-year-old German Marta Sara, said: "We are doing this to help end the bloodshed and the miseries of people living here in the troubled regions, especially in Palestine."

The tour is part of the of an international "Women for Peace" event which has been held since 2004. The tour takes in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and the Palestinian territories. (dpa)