Freedom House Welcomes Arab League Suspension of Syria
Washington
Freedom House commends the November 12 decision by the Arab League to suspend Syria’s membership in the organization and calls on the Arab League to consider further sanctions against Damascus. The decision intensifies pressure on the Syrian government to halt its increasing violence against pro-democracy activists, and was welcomed by Syria’s oppressed people.
“Syria’s growing international isolation will hasten the day when President Bashar al-Assad leaves power,” said Charles Dunne, director for the Middle East and North Africa at Freedom House. “The Arab League now needs to take additional firm steps to force Syria to comply with the demands of the international community.” These steps include imposition of meaningful sanctions and measures to protect Syrian civilians in coordination with Turkey and other concerned powers.
Now that the Arab League has spoken, the United Nations Security Council needs to engage more actively in addressing the crisis in Syria.
“The Arab League and international community should recognize the Syrian National Council,” Dunne added. “The Council is a strong voice for the Syrian people and provides a credible alternative to Assad’s regime.”
President Assad has ignored international calls for him to cease attacks on civilians in the cities of Hama, Deir Ezzor, Bokamel, Arben, and Madameya. The escalating government crackdown has left more than 3,500 people dead, and thousands more have been arrested.
Syria is ranked Not Free in Freedom in the World 2011, Freedom House's survey of political rights and civil liberties, and Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2011.
“Syria’s growing international isolation will hasten the day when President Bashar al-Assad leaves power,” said Charles Dunne, director for the Middle East and North Africa at Freedom House. “The Arab League now needs to take additional firm steps to force Syria to comply with the demands of the international community.” These steps include imposition of meaningful sanctions and measures to protect Syrian civilians in coordination with Turkey and other concerned powers.
Now that the Arab League has spoken, the United Nations Security Council needs to engage more actively in addressing the crisis in Syria.
“The Arab League and international community should recognize the Syrian National Council,” Dunne added. “The Council is a strong voice for the Syrian people and provides a credible alternative to Assad’s regime.”
President Assad has ignored international calls for him to cease attacks on civilians in the cities of Hama, Deir Ezzor, Bokamel, Arben, and Madameya. The escalating government crackdown has left more than 3,500 people dead, and thousands more have been arrested.
Syria is ranked Not Free in Freedom in the World 2011, Freedom House's survey of political rights and civil liberties, and Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2011.
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