Syria opposition fails to convince Russia over Ass

Burhan Ghalioun speaks in Moscow. Photo: 15 November 2011 Burhan Ghalioun has ruled out engaging in talks with President Bashar al-Assad
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Syria's opposition leader says he has failed to convince Russia to back calls for the resignation of President Bashar al-Assad over his violent crackdown on anti-government protests.

Burhan Ghalioun, who the heads Syrian National Council, was speaking after talks with Russian diplomats in Moscow.

The Kremlin again urged the Syrian opposition to immediately start a dialogue with Mr Assad's government.

More than 70 people were reportedly killed in clashes in Syria on Monday.

On Sunday, a 14-year-old boy was shot dead after he refused to join a pro-government meeting, activists say.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Mohammed Mlaessa was shot in the chest and head.

Such claims are impossible to verify as the Syrian government has severely restricted access for foreign journalists.

The UN says more than 3,500 people have died since the start of the protests in March. The Syrian authorities blame the violence on armed gangs and militants.

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