Russia 'categorically against' Syria intervention

Hopes of a new international initiative over Syria have suffered a setback after a Russian minister ruled out any action by the UN Security Council soon.

Russia “categorically” opposed foreign intervention in Syria, he said, as outrage grew over the massacre of 108 people in Houla last week.

Turkey is expelling all Syrian diplomatic staff from Ankara, following similar moves by Western states.

UN observers have verified what appears to have been another multiple killing.

Thirteen bodies were found in al-Sukar, east of the city of Deir al-Zour, with their hands tied behind their backs and signs that some had been shot in the head from close range.

Maj Gen Robert Mood, head of the UN observer mission which recently deployed in Syria, said he was “deeply disturbed by this appalling and inexcusable act”.

Thousands of people, perhaps as many as 15,000, have been killed since the revolt against the rule of President Bashar al-Assad began in March of last year.