Global General

G8 'appalled' by Syria, warns of 'further measures'

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-05-27 16:58

DEAUVILLE - The Group of Eight leaders said on Friday they were "appalled" at the killing of peaceful protesters by Syrian authorities and demanded an immediate end to the use of force.

But in a communique to be issued later after a two-day G8 summit in France - a copy of which was obtained by Reuters - the leaders of the seven Western powers plus Russia refrained from an explicit proposal, contained in earlier drafts of the document, to act against Damascus in the UN Security Council.

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The shift in language to a vaguer threat of "further measures" may reflect reluctance from Russia, which has a veto in the Security Council and which has generally taken a softer line than Western states against Arab leaders.

"We are appalled by the deaths of many peaceful protesters as a result of the sweeping use of violence in Syria as well as by repeated and serious violations of human rights," the leaders said in the communique.

"We call on the Syrian leadership to immediately stop using force and intimidation against the Syrian people and to respond to their legitimate demands for freedom of expression and universal rights and aspirations. We also call for the release of all political prisoners in Syria."

"Only the path of dialogue and fundamental reforms will lead to democracy, and thus to long-term security and prosperity in Syria."

"Should the Syrian authorities not heed this call, we will consider further measures. We are convinced that only by implementing meaningful reforms will a democratic Syria be able to play a positive role in the region."