January 23rd, 2012
09:49 AM ET

Head of Arab League observers in Syria rejects criticism

The head of Arab League observers in Syria rejected criticisms Monday that his team had failed to stop killing in the country, where thousands of people have died in clashes between government protesters and opposition forces demanding the end of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Sudanese Gen. Mohammed Ahmed al-Dabi said Monday at a news conference in Cairo that the mission was designed not to bring an immediate end to violence but to investigate and observe the situation.

Rising concerns about the government's violent crackdown prompted the European Commission to widen sanctions Monday against Syrian officials and organizations. The group imposed asset freezes and travel bans to 22 more Syrian officials it said were responsible for human rights violations and eight entities that give financial support to al-Assad's regime.

"Today's decision will put further pressure on those who are responsible for the unacceptable violence and repression in Syria," European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton said. "The message from the European Union is clear: The crackdown must stop immediately. We will continue to do all we can to help the Syrian people achieve their legitimate political rights."

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soundoff (6 Responses)
  1. bobcat (in a hat)©

    The head of the observers rejects criticism. Well, how about the rest of the body.

    January 23, 2012 at 10:32 am | Report abuse |
  2. Joey Isotta-Fraschini©™

    USA, stay home.

    January 23, 2012 at 11:02 am | Report abuse |
  3. Nwafor Paschal

    Let the will of the masses be done please Syria Government please do the will of the people.

    January 23, 2012 at 11:08 am | Report abuse |
  4. banasy©

    bc(iah):
    Bad da da! Chiiiiing.
    Who *doesn't* reject criticism?
    What is the AL supposed to say? "Yea, I guess you're right....."?

    JIF:
    I concur.
    The USA needs to stay out of Syria.

    January 23, 2012 at 12:04 pm | Report abuse |
  5. BOMBO ©

    I don't know this guy's background, but he is a Sudanese general..........

    January 23, 2012 at 12:06 pm | Report abuse |
  6. chrissy

    Nothing different in that part of the world than last month...Last year...Last century....Last millenium.....

    January 24, 2012 at 1:17 am | Report abuse |
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