Foreign Office calls in Syrian ambassador as anger builds over killings
By Ian Dunt
Syrian ambassador Sami Khiyami has been called in by Foreign Office officials as the UK strengthens its rhetoric over violence in Syria.
Thousands of protestors took to the streets again today despite vicious attacks from government forces on previous demonstrations, as they tried to maintain the momentum of the campaign against president Bashar al-Asaad.
This morning, Foreign Office political director Sir Geoffrey Adams called in the Syrian ambassador to express the UK’s “strong concerns” about the situation.
The meeting saw Sir Geoffrey threaten further sanctions against the Syrian regime, including travel bans and asset freezing for senior members of the regime.
“Sir Geoffrey emphasised the UK’s profound concern about the Syrian government’s violent repression of its own citizens, and called on the Syrian authorities to respect universal human rights, including freedom of expression,” a Foreign Office spokesman said.
“Sir Geoffrey also expressed concern about the continued denial of access of international media into Syria.”
The UK has also demanded access for humanitarian organisations to besieged Syrian cities.
Reporting of events in Syria has been hindered by journalists’ inability to get into the country, but it is clear that hundreds have been killed and thousands detained in a wave of protest.
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