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Fierce clashes erupt on Damascus'' outskirts

KUWAIT, June 1 (KUNA) -- Fierce armed clashes broke out between troops of the opposition Syrian Liberation Army and the government Syrian Army in the town of Daraya on outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus on Friday.
The opposition group, the Local Coordination Committees, said in a statement the fighting coincided with heavy bombardment, sound of which rumbled across the capital.
Other towns and areas close to Damascus, namely Doma, Maadamiah and Arbeen, were targeted with fierce artillery shelling.
In central city of Homs, the districts of Al-Khaldiah and Al-Qosoor, were subjected to artillery and mortar barrages, Other villages in Deir Al-Zor and Hama were subjected to such attacks.
The LCC said "international observers are now present in the district of Sheikh Alwan in Hama, amid a demonstration chanting for downfall of the Syrian regime." The opposition army has set noon time today as the deadline for the regime to respect the Arab-League-international peace plan. "If the regime fails to respond, the Liberation Army will consider itself absolved of obligations stipulated by the plan and defend the civilians and protect their villages and towns and safeguard their dignity." Up to 12,000 people have been reportedly killed in Syria's popular uprising that broke out some 14 months ago. (end) am.rk KUNA 011315 Jun 12NNNN