Leading Syrian opposition groups have called for a boycott of the country's parliamentary elections scheduled for May 7.

Government media say a massive blast in Syria's central city of Hama has killed at least 16 people and was caused by rebels who mishandled explosives.

Civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence in Syria, the head of the United Nations-appointed panel probing human rights abuses in the country said today, noting that the use of force by security forces and the military against armed groups has often led to collective punishment.

Syrian state media is denying army forces are to blame for the reported killing of more than 200 people in the central city of Homs.

The Syrian opposition wants the United Nations to help Arab League monitors on the ground in Syria who are trying to bring an end to ten months of violence.

The Syrian opposition says at least six Syrian Army soldiers have been killed in clashes with deserters in the restive province of Homs.