Russia adds voice to calls for truce as Damascus hit

Syria’s ally, Russia, added its voice to rising calls for a truce so aid can be sent to violence-hit cities, after deadly clashes rocked a district of the capital near the heart of the embattled regime.

France pressed the UN Security Council to adopt a statement backing international envoy Kofi Annan’s mission to end bloodshed that has cost more than an estimated 9,100 lives in the past year.

President Bashar al-Assad’s security forces launched attacks in several regions, opposition activists said.