Norway condemns Syrian authorities’ killing of civilians

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre said, “We condemn the Syrian authorities’ repeated attacks on civilians. I am shocked at the army crackdown in several Syrian towns and cities on Sunday. The killing of civilians who are asking for reform is indefensible.”

According to reports, more than 100 people have been killed in several towns and cities in Syria, including Hama and Deir al-Zour.

“The brutality of these assaults shows that the Syrian regime is not willing to listen to the protestors’ demands for reform. I urge the Syrian authorities to refrain from the use of violence and to introduce real democratic reform. They must also allow international observers access to the country. It is encouraging that the UN Security Council is today holding an emergency meeting on the situation in Syria.

“It is particularly shocking that these attacks took place at the start of Ramadan, which should be a time for peace and contemplation,” said Mr Støre.