The Arab League voted to suspend its meetings in Syria and impose sanctions against Damascus for its inability to stop the government crackdown on demonstrators.
- Syrian Sanctions
He called on member states to withdraw their ambassadors, and urged Damascus to end violence against demonstrators.
The vote came after Syria ignored a proposal by the Arab League, which provides for the establishment of a dialogue with the opposition.
However, the representative of Syria said that the decision violates the rules of the league.
Ahmed Youssef told Syrian state television, said it showed the league was “to serve Western and American agenda.”
The proposals of the Arab League – accepted by the government of President Bashar al-Assad – including the release of prisoners, the withdrawal of security forces in the streets and talks between the government and the opposition.
But violence has continued, with the city of Homs support the weight, according to rights activists. Twelve were killed Saturday.
United States and Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report this week documenting allegations of torture and unlawful killings in the city, and called the Arab League to step up pressure on Damascus.
President Assad has tried to quell demonstrations since March.The UN says more than 3,500 people died in the demonstrations that day.
“The concern of Syria”
Eighteen member states have voted at the meeting of the Arab League in Cairo to suspend Syria, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen voted against and abstention from Iraq.
BBC Jon Leyne in Cairo said that the decision is more than anyone could reasonably expect from the Arab League.
It is a blow to the pride of Syria, and could also be a blow to the practice of their leaders, told our correspondent.
But opposition groups are already calling for more action, he said, including a no-fly zone.
Continue reading the main story
Proposals of the Arab League
To end violence and murder
Access to Arab and international media
The release of prisoners arrested recently
Remove all the military equipment of Syrian cities
Government-opposition dialogue within two weeks
Profile of the Arab League
Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim said Qatar suspension will take effect on Wednesday, adding that the talks be held with Syrian opposition groups in three days.
“We have been criticized for taking a long time, but it was out of our concern about Syria,” he said, quoted by Reuters news agency.
“We needed to have a majority to approve such decisions.
“We call on all parties to the Syrian opposition, at a meeting at the Arab League to agree on a unified vision for the transition period.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15706851
