Clinton, Lavrov, Meet Ahead of Geneva Summit
World leaders meet in Geneva to discuss the grave dangers of a Syrian civil war. The Annan 6 point peace plan is still seen as the only hope for a peaceful resolution. Even as diplomacy persists, violence escalates on the ground. June alone has seen over 1000 casualties in the crackdown on dissent.
Syrian army tanks fired on the town of Houla in Homs province.
Elsewhere in Syria, government troops bombarded a rebellious suburb with tank and artillery shells.
Activists estimate more than 100 people died in violence across the country.
The head of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria is leaving for Geneva.
Major General Robert Mood, head,UN Supervision Mission in Syria: (syriamood) "I look forward to be meeting with the participants in the meeting of Geneva where key players are now gathering to do their utmost to find a peaceful way forward in the crisis in Syria..."
World powers are showing renewed urgency to resolve the crisis, which so far has resisted international efforts.
US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov met ahead of the Geneva summit.
The former Cold War foes have clashed on Syrian matters since violence broke out in 2011
The US wants Assad to leave power while Russia opposes any "external meddling" in Syrian affairs.
AP
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