More than 150 Syrian intellectuals and activists, including some of the country's most prominent opposition figures, met Monday to discuss how to end months of violent upheaval and initiate a peaceful transition to democratic rule.

The gathering Monday in the capital, Damascus, began with a singing of the country's national anthem and a minute of silence to honor those killed in anti-government protests since the unrest began in March.

Those attending the meeting – the first to take place inside Syria during the anti-government uprising – said it would be a discussion among independent figures with no ties to the government or any political parties.

It was to include veteran figures such as Louay Hussein and Aref Dalila, who were among a group of four activists who previously met emissaries from President Bashar al-Assad but have refused further contact while the killing continues.

Some opposition figures refused to attend Monday's conference, saying any sanctioned meeting could be used by Mr. Assad's government to “bestow legitimacy” on itself. One youth activist said any decisions made at the gathering “will have no bearing for protesters on the ground.”

Syrian authorities were informed of the event and did not block it.

Demonstrators calling for Mr. Assad's ouster have been under assault by pro-government forces for more than 100 days.

More than 12,000 Syrians have fled into Turkey and hundreds more into Lebanon to escape the escalating violence in their homeland.

Rights groups say more than 1,400 people have been killed in the violence, most of them unarmed protesters.