First Signs of Heavy Violence With Damascus in Rebellion as Assad Loses Support of Russia | Democracy, elections, and voting at Democracy Chronicles

Russia joins Syria truce calls as fighting rages

Syria’s ally Russia added its voice Monday 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, meanwhile, pressed the UN Security Council to adopt a statement backing international action.