Obama condemns Syrian regime’s “outrageous use” of violence
April 23rd, 2011 - 8:11 am ICT by ANI
Washington, Apr. 23 (ANI): United States President Barack Obama has condemned Syria’s “outrageous” use of violence, while accusing the Bashar-al-Assad regime of seeking Iran’s help in a brutal month-long crackdown which has left more than 70 people dead.
Obama also dismissed President Bashar al-Assad’s move to scrap the emergency rule - imposed by the ruling Baath Party when it seized power in 1963 - and allow for peaceful demonstrations as “not serious” in light of the violence against protesters.
“The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of force by the Syrian Government against demonstrators. This outrageous use of violence to quell protests must come to an end now,” the Daily Telegraph quoted Obama, as saying in a statement.
He added: “We call on President Assad to change course now, and heed the calls of his own people.”
He denounced the Assad regime’s use of force and “outrageous human rights’ abuses,” saying it had chosen to reject the rights and aspirations of the Syrian people.
“Instead of listening to their own people, President Assad is blaming outsiders while seeking Iranian assistance in repressing Syria’s citizens through the same brutal tactics that have been used by his Iranian allies,” Obama added.
“We strongly oppose the Syrian Government’s treatment of its citizens and we continue to oppose its continued destabilising behaviour more generally, including support for terrorism and terrorist groups.”
Obama’s comments came after activists and rights groups said the bloodiest day in more than a month of protests saw Syrian government forces kill at least 72 people when they opened fire on demonstrators, seeking to disperse thousands who took to the streets for “Good Friday” protests.
The latest deaths bring to almost 300 the number of Syrian people killed in pro-democracy protests since mid-March. (ANI)
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Tags: baath party, barack obama, bashar al assad, brutal tactics, crackdown, daily telegraph, demonstrators, emergency rule, good friday, government forces, human rights abuses, mid march, peaceful demonstrations, president assad, president bashar, rights groups, syrian government, syrian regime, terrorist groups, use of force