DAMASCUS - Russia says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is ''fully committed'' to ending the bloodshed, as his regime pounded the city of Homs for a fourth day.
Several European nations pulled their ambassadors from Syria and a US senator called for the arming of rebels fighting Assad's rule.
Tank and artillery fire rained on Homs, killing at least 15 civilians as the interior ministry vowed to keep up its onslaught against ''terrorist groups''.
More than 6000 people have died as Mr Assad's regime seeks to snuff out a revolt that began with peaceful protests in March 2011 amid the Arab Spring.
Russia, which along with China vetoed a UN resolution condemning the government crackdown, has staunchly stood by its last ally in the region.
''We confirmed our readiness to act for a rapid solution based on the plan put forward by the Arab League,'' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
''President Assad assured (us) that he is committed to the cessation of violence.''
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