Syrian security forces kill at least 18 in Hama

PanARMENIAN.Net - Shells fired by Syrian security forces have killed at least 18 people in the central city of Hama, activists say. Dozens have reportedly also been hurt in the district of Mashaa al-Arbaeen, BBC News reported.

EU foreign ministers meanwhile imposed a new round of sanctions, banning the export of luxury products and goods that could be used to repress dissent.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said Damascus was "not in full compliance of the ceasefire requirements" of the peace plan negotiated by Kofi Annan, , the UN and Arab League envoy to Syria.

On Sunday, April 22 Annan described as a "pivotal moment" the UN Security Council's decision to deploy up to 300 observers to Syria.

A UNSMIS advance team arrived in the country in the past week, and on Saturday several visited the central city of Homs, which has been under almost constant bombardment since the ceasefire began 10 days ago.

Opposition activists said about 20 people were killed across Syria on Sunday, including six shot dead by security forces in and around Homs.

The UN says about 9,000 people have died since pro-democracy protests began in March 2011. In February, the Syrian government put the death toll at 3,838 - 2,493 civilians and 1,345 security forces personnel.