BRATISLAVA, April 23, (WEBNOVINY)- The Slovak Foreign Ministry condemns inappropriate actions of Syrian armed forces against participants in peaceful anti-government protests resulting in dozens of civilian deaths. The ministry appeals on the leadership of the country to instantly halt violence against protesters and reminds it of its duty to honor commitments ensuing from international conventions on basic freedoms and protection of human rights.
The Slovak Foreign Ministry urges the new Syrian government to immediately start implementing the announce political reforms, create conditions for opening political dialogue with representatives of the opposition and punish persons responsible for the deaths of civilians, informed the ministry’s press department.
Scores of people have been killed in the latest deadly protests in Syria, where security forces have again opened fire on demonstrators. The death toll is put as high as 74. More than 200 people have reportedly died in Syria since the protests began last month. Syria’s government approved lifting the country’s nearly 50-year-old state of emergency Tuesday to meet a key demand of anti-government protesters. The opposition however dismissed it as President Bashar Assad’s attempt to claim reforms but maintain his hard-line rule.
SITA
