Saudi Arabia pressurizing the Syrian government to end the violence
August 8, 2011
News Worldwide
Saudi Arabia withdrew its ambassador from Syria to the international community to accelerate the pressure on the Syrian government to end its crackdown on opposition protesters.
Saudi King Abdullah on Monday issued a statement urging Syria to end the bloodshed. He says the situation is not consistent with the religion, values and ethics.
Saudi king’s message follows similar statements by the Arab League and the Gulf countries, consisting of six Arab states like Saudi Arabia. At this point, the Arab leaders were largely silent on the subject.
In the meantime, Syrian activists and residents say that the bombing resumed Monday in the eastern town of Deir el-Zour, where security forces backed by armored vehicles were carrying out an attack since Sunday. Human rights groups say at least 42 people died in the city on Sunday.
The activists said that the Syrian forces also stormed Maar al-Numan in the northern province of Idlib Monday, preventing residents from entering or leaving the city.
President Bashar al-Assad defended his violent attack on Sunday, saying he is a national duty to address what he calls bandits cut roads and terrorize the population. Speaking in talks with foreign minister visiting Lebanon, Mr. Assad also said Syria is on the path of reform.
The Syrian president faces growing international pressure to end the repression.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday he lost patience with Syria’s repression, and to send Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Damascus on Tuesday, transmit this message in a decisive way.
Assad adviser Buthaina Shaaban criticized Turkey for Sunday, saying he did not condemn the armed groups, which Damascus says the Syrian, was brutally murdered civilians and security forces. He said that Syria clarify this point in his Davutoglu in a stronger way.
Posted by Sid A · Filed Under World news
