Russian foreign minister in Syria, violence escalates

Sacramento Sun Tuesday 7th February, 2012

BEIRUT - At least 21 civilians and four soldiers were reported killed Tuesday in an escalated violence across Syria with government forces renewing their assault on Homs, while visiting Russian foreign minister held talks in Damascus with President Bashar Assad.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a statement that "nine civilians, including a woman, were killed by gunfire and shelling as (forces) attempted an assault on the Khaldiyeh neighborhood of the city".

It said six civilians were killed in Baba Amr neighborhood and four Syrian troops were killed in the assault on Khaldiyeh. Another five civilians were killed in Zabadani, on the outskirts of the capital Damascus.

The renewed violence was reported as the Syrian army resumed heavy shelling in the restive city of Homs - a rebel stronghold.

At least 95 people were killed Monday, according to activists. Foreign journalists are barred from reporting from Syria.

The heavy use of force by Syrian military has drawn flak from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who denounced the bombardment saying it was "unacceptable before humanity".

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is visiting Syria days after his country and China vetoed a West- and Arab-backed UN resolution condemning the Assad crackdown on dissent and calling on him to transfer some of his powers to his deputy.

The minister has said it was important that Arab nations "live in peace and harmony" as "each leader in each country ought to be aware of their share of responsibility.

"You are aware of yours," Lavrov told Assad according to Russian news agencies Ria Novosti and ITAR-Tass.