6 Killed in Syria's Anti-Government Protests
Photo: AP
In this undated citizen journalism image made on a mobile phone and acquired by AP, Syrian soldiers patrol streets in an undisclosed location in Syria
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Activists in Syria say at least six people were killed in anti-government protests across the country Friday, as the government promised to hold a national dialogue in the coming days.
Rights activists say the deaths took place in the cities of Damascus, Homs and Daraa, after security forces and snipers opened fire on protesters. Witnesses say security forces used batons and tear gas to quash protests elsewhere in the country.
Although thousands of people took part in Friday's rallies, witnesses say the crowds were generally smaller than in previous protests. It could be an indication that President Bashar al-Assad's military crackdown is having an impact on demonstrations. Assad had ordered tanks and thousands of troops into cities and towns across the country ahead of the protests.
Meanwhile, Syrian Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud said Friday that President Assad planned to hold a national dialogue soon, after having already consulted with local officials.
Hundreds of people have been killed since protesters began calling for Assad's resignation in mid-March. U.N. human rights office spokesman Rupert Colville said Friday that reports from activists that the death toll is probably in the range of 700 to 850 are "quite likely to be genuine."
The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Syria. And on Friday, Britain summoned Syria's ambassador, warning there could be additional sanctions if the violence persists.
Rights activists say the deaths took place in the cities of Damascus, Homs and Daraa, after security forces and snipers opened fire on protesters. Witnesses say security forces used batons and tear gas to quash protests elsewhere in the country.
Although thousands of people took part in Friday's rallies, witnesses say the crowds were generally smaller than in previous protests. It could be an indication that President Bashar al-Assad's military crackdown is having an impact on demonstrations. Assad had ordered tanks and thousands of troops into cities and towns across the country ahead of the protests.
Meanwhile, Syrian Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud said Friday that President Assad planned to hold a national dialogue soon, after having already consulted with local officials.
Hundreds of people have been killed since protesters began calling for Assad's resignation in mid-March. U.N. human rights office spokesman Rupert Colville said Friday that reports from activists that the death toll is probably in the range of 700 to 850 are "quite likely to be genuine."
The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Syria. And on Friday, Britain summoned Syria's ambassador, warning there could be additional sanctions if the violence persists.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
(source:VOA)
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