Global community responds to Syrian bloodshed

People are still on the streets in Syria, despite a fresh crackdown by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. The defiance continues and is somewhat reflected by events in Brussels, where EU member states have agreed to extend sanctions against Damascus even further.

This adds to the voice of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev who has warned the Syrian President that he will face a “sad fate” if he does not introduce reforms and open talks with the opposition.

It comes a day after Russia backed a UN Security Council statement condemning the Syrian government crackdown on protesters, and underlines Moscow’s hardening stance towards the Syrian regime.

The international community is reacting directly to fresh reports of bloodshed. Scores of people have reportedly died in the city of Hama in a fresh offensive against anti-government dissent.

Rights campaigners say at least 1,600 people have been killed in the five-month uprising.

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