Netherlands summons Syrian ambassador to condemn violence

2011-07-16 00:46:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

THE HAGUE (BNO NEWS) -- Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal on Thursday summoned the Syrian ambassador to condemn the reported violence against peaceful demonstrators who are demanding more freedom, the Dutch government said on Friday.

A statement from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Netherlands is 'extremely concerned' about the continuing use of violence by Syrian security forces against protesters. "The killing of demonstrators is unacceptable and undermines the credibility of the regime," the ministry said.

Rosenthal told the Syrian ambassador that the Syrian regime fails to lead political reform. "Promises of reform and violence can not go together. That's why the Netherlands has called on Syria to immediately stop the use of force, pass the necessary reform and start a dialogue with the opposition," the ministry said.

The Netherlands further urged Syria to allow free access to journalists and strongly condemned this week's attacks on the French and U.S. embassies in Syria.

In mid-March, pro-democracy demonstrations began in Syria and have continued across the country, which has been ruled by the Baath Party since 1963. Protesters are demanding the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, who took over his father in 2000.

Assad previously said that the recent events in the country are a conspiracy against national unity and the Syrian government has repeatedly claimed that the violent acts have been instigated by terrorists who use military uniforms and weaponry to pose as soldiers while attacking citizens.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-16

The Dutch have a quite a sense of humour. Imagine the Syrian Ambassador being summoned from Bruxelles to Den Haag to receive a stern talking to from Professor. Rosenthal. Even though Dr. Rosenthal is a non religious jew, I'm sure the Syrian was probably fuming that it was a "jew" conveying the Dutch government's position.

If I were Dr Rosenthal the temptation to meet the Syrian ambassador whilst dressed like an ultra-orthodox Jew would be overwhelming.