Thousands criticize suspension of Syria
Source: Agencies |
November 14, 2011, Monday
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TENS of thousands of Syrian government supporters poured into the streets yesterday to protest against an Arab League vote to suspend the country's membership, as Turkey sent planes to evacuate diplomatic staff and their families after a night of attacks on embassies.
The Syrian government called for an urgent Arab summit to discuss the deepening crisis and invited Arab League officials to visit before its membership suspension was to take effect on Wednesday.
The government said the officials could bring any civilian or military observers they deem appropriate to oversee implementation of an Arab League plan for ending the violence.
The United Nations estimates government forces have killed more than 3,500 people since mid-March. The violence continued yesterday, with activists reporting at least 11 people killed by security forces in several parts of the country.
Yesterday's protests in support of the government drew large numbers in the capital, Damascus, and other cities. "You Arab leaders are the tails of Obama," read one banner held by protesters accusing the Arab League of bowing to US pressure.
Thousands of people carried Syrian flags and posters of President Bashar Assad in Damascus. Similar demonstrations were held in Aleppo, Latakia, Tartous and Hasakeh.
The Syrian leader claims extremists pushing a foreign agenda to destabilize Syria are behind the country's unrest. Yesterday's demonstrators accused Arab countries of being complicit in this conspiracy.
The government called the Arab League decision "illegal," claiming it was intended to set the stage for foreign military intervention such as that in Libya.
The pro-government protests came after a night of assaults by demonstrators on the diplomatic offices of countries critical of the Syrian government, including break-ins at the Saudi and Qatari embassies and attacks at Turkish diplomatic posts.
Syrian security forces confronted Saturday night's protesters at embassies with batons and teargas but were unable to stop a group from breaking into the Qatari embassy and replacing the Qatari flag with a Syrian flag.
Others entered Saudi Arabia's embassy compound, broke windows and ransacked some areas. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack and said Syrian authorities are responsible for protecting its interests.
Protesters also tried to break into the Turkish Embassy in Damascus on Saturday and into the country's consulates in Aleppo and Latakia. Turkey is not a member of the Arab League but has welcomed the league's decision.
The Syrian government called for an urgent Arab summit to discuss the deepening crisis and invited Arab League officials to visit before its membership suspension was to take effect on Wednesday.
The government said the officials could bring any civilian or military observers they deem appropriate to oversee implementation of an Arab League plan for ending the violence.
The United Nations estimates government forces have killed more than 3,500 people since mid-March. The violence continued yesterday, with activists reporting at least 11 people killed by security forces in several parts of the country.
Yesterday's protests in support of the government drew large numbers in the capital, Damascus, and other cities. "You Arab leaders are the tails of Obama," read one banner held by protesters accusing the Arab League of bowing to US pressure.
Thousands of people carried Syrian flags and posters of President Bashar Assad in Damascus. Similar demonstrations were held in Aleppo, Latakia, Tartous and Hasakeh.
The Syrian leader claims extremists pushing a foreign agenda to destabilize Syria are behind the country's unrest. Yesterday's demonstrators accused Arab countries of being complicit in this conspiracy.
The government called the Arab League decision "illegal," claiming it was intended to set the stage for foreign military intervention such as that in Libya.
The pro-government protests came after a night of assaults by demonstrators on the diplomatic offices of countries critical of the Syrian government, including break-ins at the Saudi and Qatari embassies and attacks at Turkish diplomatic posts.
Syrian security forces confronted Saturday night's protesters at embassies with batons and teargas but were unable to stop a group from breaking into the Qatari embassy and replacing the Qatari flag with a Syrian flag.
Others entered Saudi Arabia's embassy compound, broke windows and ransacked some areas. Saudi Arabia condemned the attack and said Syrian authorities are responsible for protecting its interests.
Protesters also tried to break into the Turkish Embassy in Damascus on Saturday and into the country's consulates in Aleppo and Latakia. Turkey is not a member of the Arab League but has welcomed the league's decision.
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