We are caught in the middle ---- this was the message Syrians in the border town of Zabadani had for U.N. observers.
SOUNDBITE: Unidentified Zabadani resident saying (Arabic:
"We do not know from where we are hit whether from pro- or anti-Assad. Let us be realistic. We are living in fear."
Anti-Assad demonstrations took place here early in January but were crushed after the Syrian army reportedly bombarded the town.
Elsewhere, monitors urged observers to press for the release of family members they say have been unfairly imprisoned. Monitors also spoke with Syrian soldiers and examined tanks in different locations.
Violence has continued in the country despite a U.N. brokered ceasefire.
The UN this week accused both pro- and anti-Assad forces of violating the truce, and said more than 30 children have been killed.
In Damascus, President Bashar al Assad made no public remarks as he visited the monument of the unknown solider as part of a Martyr's Day ceremony.
Deborah Gembara, Reuters
