Activists in Syria are reporting new violence by government forces less than 24 hours before a U.N.-backed ceasefire is scheduled to take effect. The violence is reported to include shelling in areas of Homs still under rebel control, as well as intense shooting in the southern town of Maaraba. Groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad say more than 800 Syrians have been killed since Assad accepted the peace deal late last month, including 38 killed on Tuesday alone. U.N.-Arab League special envoy Kofi Annan says he has received government assurances that Syria will respect the ceasefire, which is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on Thursday. Speaking after a meeting with Iranian officials in Tehran, Annan said Iran should be part of the diplomatic effort to mediate the Syria crisis.

Kofi Annan: “I’m leading a process of mediation, which is supported by the whole international community. And I think if we stick together, support this process, and work with the Syrians, we should be able to find a solution. And I am grateful for the support of Iran, given its special relations with Syria, and I believe Iran can be part of the solution.”