The Syrian capital Damascus has seen some of the heaviest fighting of the conflict so far, according to reports from activists and residents.
Mortar and small-arms fire was reported in several areas as government forces clashed with the Free Syrian Army.
The fighting came as UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan was to urge Russian leaders to put pressure on Damascus.
But Russia said it was being "blackmailed" by the West to get it to back a draft resolution on sanctions.
Speaking ahead of Mr Annan's visit, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the West had told Russia to back a draft resolution on sanctions or it would "refuse to extend the mandate of the observer mission".
It was "not right" to say that pressure should only be brought on the government of President Bashar al-Assad and not the opposition to end the conflict, he added...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18851698