US government welcomes Arab moves on Syria

The US State Department said on Monday that it was "heartened" by Arab condemnation of Syria, calling the moves a further sign that the international community is repulsed by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's actions.

Department spokesman Mark Toner addressed the issue after Kuwait and Bahrain, following the lead of Saudi Arabia, announced they were recalling their ambassadors from Damascus. On Sunday, Saudi's King Abdullah called for an end to the violence and urged reforms in Syria. (Reuters)