World News: Security Council condemns Assad's violent crackdown

Published on 03/08/2011 10:15

THE United Nations Security Council has finally responded to the escalating violence in Syria, condemning President Bashar Assad's forces for attacking civilians and committing human rights abuses.

The trigger for the council to act after months of deadlock was the assault launched by the Syrian government over the weekend against the city of Hama, 130 miles north of Damascus, which has a history of defiance. The offensive by Syrian forces, backed by tanks and snipers, is continuing with reports of at least 100 dead in four days.

The presidential statement adopted by the Security Council calls on Syrian authorities to immediately end all violence and launch an inclusive political process that will allow the Syrian people to fully exercise "fundamental freedoms . . . including that of expression and peaceful assembly".

Assad's regime has been using force since mid-March to put down protests demanding reforms. Activists say 1700 civilians have been killed.

The Syrian leader has promised reforms, but the Council expressed regret at "the lack of progress" in implementing them.

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