The United States of America today welcomed the Arab League’s decision to suspend Syria.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the Arab League took a strong and historic stance aimed at stopping the violence in Syria and protecting Syrian civilians. She said the United States commends the principled stand taken by the Arab League and supports full implementation of its efforts to bring a peaceful end to the crisis.
“The failure of the Assad regime, once again, to heed the call of regional states and the international community underscores the fact that it has lost all credibility.”
– Ms. Clinton
She stressed that the United States reiterates its calls for an immediate end to the violence, for free unfettered access for human rights monitors and journalists to deter and document grave human rights abuses and for Assad to step aside so a peaceful transition can begin.
“As today’s Arab League decision demonstrates, the international pressure will continue to build until the brutal Asad regime heeds the calls of its own people and the world community.”
– Ms. Clinton
Since the protests began on 26th January this year, the Assad regime’s violent response has lead to the death of more than 3,500 people. Many more have been injured, and thousands of protesters have been detained.
Protesters are demanding that President Bashar al-Assad step down, that parties other than the ruling Baath Party be allowed and more political freedom. They also want equal rights for Kurdish people.
The ruling Baath Party has made some attempts at change, but protesters say they are superficial.
