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EAMON GILMORE HAS called for an end to the regime of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad amid a further brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in the country.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs condemned the violence and said: “The Assad regime must make way for a genuine political transition.”
He said protesters were merely trying “to uphold basic human rights and freedoms”. The UN estimates that 5,000 people have been killed in the country since protests broke out as part of the Arab Spring earlier this year.
His words came as observers said Syrian security forces had attacked a town in the north of the country, killing 23 civilians. It was reported earlier today that dozens of soldiers attempting to desert the army were shot dead as they tried to escape.
Gilmore welcomed a plan by the Arab League group of countries, which would see army troops withdrawn from besieged towns and cities, and the beginning of a process of political dialogue.
After stalling for weeks, Syria yesterday signed the deal to allow Arab League monitors into the country. However, the opposition has dismissed the deal as a stalling tactic, and the violence continued unabated, with reports by activists that more than 100 people were killed on the same day the pact was signed.
“This is the only way forward,” Gilmore said. “If the Assad regime does not take this route, it will find itself exposed to a steady escalation of international pressure, sanctions and isolation.”
- Additional reporting from AP
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I blame the parents is a much overused term but… I blame the parents.
Not a bleeding hope would mine be online whenever they want. They like to be out playing like normal kids.
@John Barry: To be fair John, its great for you, your kids have a safe place to go out and play, that isnt the case for everyone, which is where tablet, xbox and playstations come into their own to reduce social isolation etc. Really the kids can not go on whenever they want as they must go to school etc but a better approach here would be to educate parents on safeguarding online for example the family link app etc for when kids are online, rather than saying they should be outside like “normal” kids.
@Sarah Lou: I totally get where you’re coming from Sarah. & Didn’t mean to sound condescending there. They do have a safe place when with their mother but not me as I live in an apartment right beside a main road. But I make sure I’m out with them for walks & play in the green around the corner. But yes you are right, a lot more education for parents is needed. I have their tablets timed for use & they can do nothing or download nothing without it coming to my phone.
Ah sure it keeps them quite
@i.Have.it.Me.: quite what?
@Philip Kennedy: Quite pedantic perhaps?
@G Row.: perhaps? If you’re not sure, don’t post.
@Philip Kennedy: I’m sure you are a pedant.
That’s why I posted.
@G Row.: if you say ‘Perhaps’ you’re uncertain.
@Philip Kennedy: No I was sure.
That means 70% cannot go online whenever they want.. Surely that is against their human rights..
have your say