Hague: Violent repression in Syria 'must stop'

Published on Tuesday 26 April 2011 15:40

FOREIGN Secretary William Hague today condemned "utterly" the bloody crackdown on protests in Syria and called for an end to violent repression.

Mr Hague confirmed that Britain is working with partners in the United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the Middle East region to send a "strong signal" to Syrian President Bashar Assad that he must halt violence against civilians.

The UK has joined France, Germany and Portugal in drawing up a draft statement on Syria which is being circulated at the UN, according to Government sources.

The move comes amid growing concern over the brutal tactics being employed by the Syrian regime to quell unrest and silence calls for President Assad to go.

At least 11 people were killed yesterday in an escalation of the crackdown on the city of Daraa, where the uprising began last month.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office in London today, Mr Hague said: "I condemn utterly any violence and killings perpetrated by the Syrian security forces against civilians who are expressing their views in peaceful protests. This violent repression must stop."

Thousands of soldiers backed by tanks were yesterday reported to have poured into Daraa before dawn, opening fire indiscriminately on civilians. Tanks later moved in as electricity, water and mobile phone services were cut.

Knife-wielding security agents made house-to-house sweeps in what activists called a campaign to intimidate protesters.

Other crackdowns and arrest sweeps were reported on the outskirts of Damascus and the coastal town of Jableh, bringing more international condemnation.

Human rights groups estimate that around 350 people have died since the start of the unrest in March.