Russia blames Syria massacre on 'militants
(AP) — Russia is showing support for the Syrian government's conclusions about the recent massacre in the Houla region of the Arab state, saying the May 25 killings appeared to be "a well-planned action by militants."
The Russian Foreign Ministry statement Friday called the killings of more than 100 people a "crime" aimed at thwarting "political regulation" of the crisis in Syria.
It also implied that Western nations who have blamed the Syrian government for the tragedy "prefer their own agenda" aimed at overthrowing Syrian President Bashar Assad.
U.N. investigators have said there is strong evidence that pro-regime fighters were behind the massacre.