New massacre claims as Annan's Syria talks end without progress Syrian opposition activists say dozens of civilians were killed in a cold blooded "massacre" over the weekend in Homs. Rebels discovered a blood-drenched room full of dead men, women and children. One group claimed at least 45 women and children had been stabbed and burned to death, in the district of Karm al-Zeitoun. The latest bloodshed came as talks between the UN/Arab League envoy Kofi Annan and Syrian President Bashar al Assad concluded without progress. Officials said there was no clear response from Assad to proposals for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. Assad told Annan that what he called "terrorists" were blocking any political solution. But Annan told reporters he remained hopeful. I am optimistic for several reasons. First of all I have been here for a very short period. Almost every Syrian I have met wants peace, they want the violence to stop, they want to move on with their lives," said Annan. More about: Bashar al-Assad, Diplomatic mission, Kofi Annan, Syria, United Nations, Victims