Washington – The United States will work with other countries to increase pressure on the Syrian government following weeks of brutal crackdowns on protesters, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday.
Clinton called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to end the violence against his people, warning that he faced additional international isolation if the violence continued.
‘President Assad faces increasing isolation, and we will continue to work with our international partners in the EU and elsewhere on additional steps to hold Syria responsible for its gross human rights abuses,’ Clinton told reporters while visiting Nuuk, Greenland.
Clinton accused al-Assad’s regime of killing hundreds of people since the demonstrations began in March, as well as using torture and detaining individuals illegally to quell the protests.
‘There may be some who think that this is a sign of strength, but treating ones own people in this way is, in fact, a sign of remarkable weakness,’ Clinton said.
The mass protests show that Syria cannot return to the ways of the past, Clinton said, while urging the regime to reconsider its close relationship with Iran.
‘Tanks and bullets and clubs will not solve Syrias political and economic challenges. And relying on Iran as your best friend and your only strategic ally is not a viable way forward,’ Clinton said.
‘Syrias future will only be secured by a government that reflects the popular will of all of the people and protects their welfare,’ she added.
The US also already placed sanctions on officials in Syria behind the violent crackdown.
