United Nations observers visiting the site of a massacre in Syria said they saw blood on walls and smelled "burned flesh" but were unable to confirm reports that nearly 80 people had been killed.
More than 20 observers on June 8 entered the massacre site in Mazraat al-Qubeir after being shot at and prevented from entering the village the previous day.
A UN spokeswoman said observers saw evidence that a "horrific crime" had been committed.
Activists say 78 people were shot, hacked, and burned to death by government militiamen loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The government has denied responsibility. The revelations came as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with international envoy Kofi Annan in Washington to discuss how to salvage a plan to end 15 months of bloodshed in Syria.
More than 20 observers on June 8 entered the massacre site in Mazraat al-Qubeir after being shot at and prevented from entering the village the previous day.
A UN spokeswoman said observers saw evidence that a "horrific crime" had been committed.
Activists say 78 people were shot, hacked, and burned to death by government militiamen loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The government has denied responsibility. The revelations came as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with international envoy Kofi Annan in Washington to discuss how to salvage a plan to end 15 months of bloodshed in Syria.
