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'Grotsque violence.' Ford
Photo: AFP
To be slapped with more sanctions? Assad
Photo: AFP

'Syrian army crackdown grotesque'

US ambassador to Damascus tells ABC Network violence against protesters 'abhorrent'; warns US to mull additional sanctions against President Assad

WASHINGTON – United States' Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford slammed Syria for continuing its military crackdown on civilian in the city of Hama.

 

In an interview with ABC's Christiane Amanpour, Ford called the violence perpetrated by President Bashar Assad's security forces "grotesque" and "abhorrent."

 

 

The American ambassador said his country will "try to ratchet up the pressure" on Assad, and consider imposing additional sanctions.

 

"The violence that the Syrian government is inflicting on Syrian protesters, from our point of view, is grotesque. It's abhorrent," Ford said, adding that Washington was "looking at additional unilateral measures, but also measures that we can work with partners to get the Syrian government to stop shooting protesters, to release political prisoners and to stop these arrest campaigns."

 

Ford visited the city of Hama in July in an effort to show solidarity with the protesters – a move that enraged Syrian authorities.

 

"They're certainly angry with my trip to Hama," Ford said, adding "I don't particularly care, because we have to show our solidarity with peaceful protesters. I'd do it again tomorrow if I had to…I'm going keep moving around the country. I can't stop."

 

Speaking of the growing violence in the region, Ford said he was "very nervous about the fate of some of the people. I fear that they're either now under arrest or may be dead.

 

"That's the kind of repression that we're talking about," he added. "It's important to bear witness, and it's important to relay a message of support."

 

Since the beginning of the month of Ramadan, more than 200 protesters have been reportedly killed in Hama by military forces.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.07.11, 23:53
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