Syria gov't denies fault in childrens' deaths

This image made from amateur video released by Shaam News Network and accessed Saturday, May 26, 2012 purports to show covered bodies after a government assault on Houla, Syria. Government troops shelled a string of villages in central Syria before pro-regime thugs swept through the area, shooting people in the streets and in their homes in attacks that killed more than 90 people, activists said Saturday. The assault on Houla, an area northwest of the central city of Homs, is one of the bloodiest single events in Syria's 15-month-old uprising. / AP Photo/Shaam News Network via AP video

(AP) DAMASCUS, Syria - The Syrian government denied Sunday its troops were behind an attack on a string of villages that left more than 90 people dead, blaming the killings on "hundreds of heavily-armed gunmen" who also attacked soldiers in the area.

Friday's assault on Houla, an area northwest of the central city of Homs, was one of the bloodiest single events in Syria's 15-month-old uprising. The U.N. says 32 children under 10 were among the dead. The international body and others have issued statements appearing to hold the Syrian regime responsible.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi told reporters in Damascus at a news conference that Syria is being subjected to a "tsunami of lies" on Houla. "We categorically deny the responsibility of government forces for the massacre," Makdissi said.

Makdissi said a committee was set up to investigate the incident and results should be out within three days. He added that U.N. envoy Kofi Annan will be in Syria on Monday.

The attacks sparked outrage from American and other international leaders, and renewed concerns about the relevance of a month-old international peace plan that has not stopped almost daily violence.

U.N. observers, among more than 250 who were dispatched in recent weeks to salvage the cease-fire plan, found spent artillery and tank shells at the site Saturday — a finding which would point toward the government's heavily-armed mechanized units.

"Those who use violence for their own agenda will create more instability, more unpredictability and may lead the country to civil war," warned the observers' chief Maj. Gen. Robert Mood in a statement.

U.N. observer head: 32 children killed in Syria
Activists claim Syria death toll above 90

Makdissi however said "hundreds of heavily-armed gunmen carrying machineguns, mortars and anti-tank missiles" launched the attack, that started at about 2 p.m. and lasted nine hours, simultaneously from several locations. He added that five army positions in the area came under attack at the same time leaving three soldiers dead and 16 wounded.

Syrian foreign ministry spokesman Jihad al-Makdissi addresses journalists in Damascus on May 27, 2012, stressing that the Syrian government was "not at all" responsible for the massacre of at least 92 people in the central town of Houla which has sparked an international outcry.

/ LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images

"There were no Syrian tanks or artillery in the vicinity" of Houla, Makdissi said. He added that gunmen used anti-tank missiles and "Syrian troops retaliated in defense of their positions."

Kuwait, which currently heads the 22-member Cairo-based Arab League, announced it is calling for an Arab ministerial meeting that aims to "take steps to put an end to the oppressive practices against the Syrian people."

An unnamed foreign ministry official was quoted by Kuwait's official news agency, KUNA, as condemning the attack in Houla and blamed regime forces for the "ugly crime." The official said Kuwait is making contacts so that the international community can "assume its responsibilities to stop the blood shedding of Syrian brothers."

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[ali massey]

All I can say is nothing shocks me from the Assad regime as they are fighting for their life,Assad and his Alawite kingdom will fall revenge will take place Bashar and his family will hang,I hope that I am here to see the ending,my ALLAH bless the people of Syria the Sunni/Shia/ Christians and others that is what makes a nation

[Ourdoc1]

Assad and his spokes people lie so much no one can ever believe them, yet they just don't get it.

BTW, what would America look lie after two years of Romney? Just like Syria does now.

[jonnyooh]

No sane person believes Assad. I don't know if that applies to Americans who get their information from Fox News.

[nonpolitico]

"Not their fault" eh?
Who has the tanks? Not rebels.
Who has control of Army? Not rebels.
Who is controlling mind of the violence and genocide? Not rebels.
UN completely USELESS!!!
It failed in old Yugoslavia, it has failed in Syria!
Only strong action to take out all tanks and air assets will give relief to the people of Syria being slaughtered in their thousands.
The UN Charter outlines a guarantee to life, Liberty and Property.
It has been hijacked by two totalitarian regimes.Perhaps they should be banned from membership if they are so openly totalitarian and fascist! The Cold War ended in 89, the old USSR and China are still run similar to the old system.
Perhaps the people of the Free world should end their affair with cheap (Chinese) goods and Russian Gas?
If they do not know that it is unacceptable to allow Fascist type genocide, then they have no part in civilisation!
The Left wing agitators, usually fill the streets when USA is involved. I see that NO demonstrations being organised against Russia and China!!
Is that because the Left in Western society are funded and in thrall to the anti democratic forces seeking to undermine the freedoms demonstrated for in the Arab Spring?
It seems that demonstrations are only held when they are liable to embarrass democratic nations. Seems demonstrators, from Ban the Bomb, through Troops Out and Animal rights to the Climate Change loons only take action if it will disadvantage the democracies.
Obama should give Assad an ultimatum, (regardless of Russia and China), stop the genocide or expect your presidential palace to be targeted. Along with your tanks and ALL the Russian Aircraft and air traffic systems!
The Arab Spring must not have been acceptable to the closed systems of China and Russia.
Time they were ignored across the world, as THEIR world view belongs back with Ghengis khan!
Syrian people need the US Navy.not the toothless talking shop of the UN.
Still Mr Obama so obviously is not up to standing up for freedom that it is embarrassing.
We should bear this in mind in November!

[netjunkie1]

You're assuming America is a democratic nation. It used to be before the banks took over.

[chyenna-2009]

This story makes me sick at my stomach. I know there will be "Collateral Damage" but who ever did this are Murderers. Killing people is bad enough but killing children purposely is murder. Not civil war. This goes beyond EVIL!!!!!!!!

[Lerianis4]

Unfortunately, when you are fighting a civil war, civilians are going to be harmed during that conflict. Children, teenagers and adults.