European Forum

Again heavy attacks on Syrian demonstrators: EU expands sanctions

On 1 Augustus Syrian security forces renewed attacks on the city of Hama on the second day of a crackdown on anti-government protesters. Activists say on 31 July about 130 people died across the country, making it one of the bloodiest days since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in mid-March. Reporters in Beirut say Hama still seems to be largely under the control of its own inhabitants rather than the government. Tanks and troops which had tried to take control of the city on 31 July, withdrew to the outskirts overnight and seem to be pushing ahead again on 1 August. 

Hama and Deir al-Zour
Mr Hamawi, speaking from Hama by telephone to BBC reporters on 1 August, said the city's streets were full of barriers and thousands of men were "ready to defend the city with stones". "People will not surrender this time. We will not allow a repetition of what happened in 1982," he said, referring to a notorious massacre by President Assad's late father. Mr Hamawi said residents in villages and towns around Hama had blocked roads to cut military supply lines. Intense shooting also broke out in the eastern city of Deir al-Zour overnight, Rami Abdul-Rahman, the head of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said. International journalists have been denied access to Syria and it is not possible to verify accounts by witnesses and activists.

UN security council; EU sanctions
The UN Security Council is to hold an emergency meeting on 1 August to discuss the situation in Syria and the European Union expanded its sanctions against Syria the same day by imposing asset freezes and travel bans against five more military and government officials. The decision brings the number of individuals targeted by the EU to 35, including President Bashar Assad. Four government entities are also on the list. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton condemned Syria's latest crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. She said the attacks on Hama and other Syrian cities by the security forces showed that the leadership was "unwilling to implement the reforms it has promised in response to the legitimate requests of the Syrian people." The European Union also has an embargo on sales of arms and equipment that can be used to suppress demonstrations.

Some UN security council members including Russia and China have so far opposed resolutions condemning Damascus. However, Russia on 1 August called for an end to "repressions" in Syria. "The use of force against both peaceful civilians and representatives of state structures is unacceptable and should be stopped immediately," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Analysts say it is Moscow's strongest criticism yet of President Assad.

Sources: AP, AlJazeera, BBC, RFE/RL, Photo: Flickr erjkprunczyk