UN observers discover 13 bodies in eastern Syria

Source: The Australian

May 30, 20128:54PM

UN observers today reported the discovery of 13 bodies in eastern Syria, with many of the victims found to have bullet wounds to the head from gunshots inflicted at close range.

The bodies were found in Assukar, about 50 miles (80km) from the eastern city of Deir Ezzor, today. All of the bodies were discovered with their hands tied behind their backs.

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Today, Turkey joined in the condemnation by ordering all Syrian diplomats in the country to leave within 72 hours.

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Japan also asked Mohamed Ghassan al Habash, the Syrian ambassador to Tokyo, to depart "as soon as possible".



Read more: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/un-observers-discover-13-bodies-in-eastern-syria/story-fn3dxity-1226375573398

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Annan Leaves Syria Without Government Steps to Implement Plan
May 30, 2012


A U.N. official says international envoy Kofi Annan has left Syria without securing any major steps from the Syrian government to implement his faltering peace plan for the country.

Speaking by phone from Damascus, U.N. spokeswoman Sausan Ghosheh says that Annan flew out of Syria on Wednesday morning local time.

The U.N.-Arab League envoy met with President Bashar al-Assad the previous day and later told reporters that he appealed to the Syrian leader for "bold steps" to create momentum for the peace plan "now, not tomorrow." Ghosheh said she was not aware of any such steps being taken.

Annan's plan called on the Syrian government to withdraw heavy weapons from civilian areas and abide by a truce with rebels last month, but attacks by both sides have continued.

More: http://www.voanews.com/content/annan-leaves-syria-government-steps-to-implement-plan/1121021.html