By REUTERS
GENEVA - The United Nations voiced fresh alarm on Friday at consistent reports of executions and torture of civilians including children in Syria as well as killings of demonstrators in pro-democracy rallies.The UN Committee against Torture cited "rife or systematic attacks against (the) civilian population, including the killing of peaceful demonstrators."Syria faces increasing international pressure over its bloody crackdown on popular unrest. Damascus had until the end of the day Friday to sign an Arab deal allowing monitors into the country or incur sanctions.
Lebanon hopes for neighborly relations in message to new Syria gov't
