Bahrain, Kuwait Join Saudi Arabia in Recalling Envoys from Syria
VOA News August 08, 2011
Bahrain and Kuwait have joined Saudi Arabia in recalling their ambassadors from Damascus to protest Syria's deadly crackdown on political dissidents who began protesting against the government almost five months ago.
The foreign ministers of Bahrain and Kuwait said Monday they were recalling their envoys in the Syrian capital for consultations. Saudi Arabia became the first Arab nation to do so late Sunday, intensifying international pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to stop using force against protesters demanding an end to his rule.
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed al-Sabah also said he would meet his counterparts from the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council soon to discuss the situation in Syria.
The ambassador recalls follow the bloodiest week of the five-month uprising. Rights activists say Syrian troops backed by tanks have killed hundreds of people in the central town of Hama, the eastern town of Deir el-Zour and other areas in recent days.
Activists and residents say artillery fire resumed Monday in Deir el-Zour, where security forces backed by armored vehicles have been carrying out an assault since Sunday. Rights groups say at least 42 people were killed in the city on Sunday.
Activists say Syrian troops also stormed Maaret al-Numan in the northern province of Idlib Monday and are preventing residents from entering or leaving the city.
President Bashar al-Assad defended his violent crackdown Sunday, saying it is a "national duty" to deal with what he calls "outlaws" who cut off roads and "terrorize" people. Speaking during talks with Lebanon's visiting foreign minister, Mr. Assad also said Syria is on a path to reform.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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