US, Germany, France mull new measures on Syria

US, French and German leaders condemn Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for indiscriminate violence.

Washington: US President Barack Obama and the leaders of Germany and France on Friday pledged to consider new steps to punish Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his government over "indiscriminate" attacks on civilians.

Obama spoke to France`s President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in separate calls as Western nations cranked up pressure on Assad, on a day when another 14 people were killed in Ramadan protests in Syria.

"The leaders condemned the Assad regime`s continued use of indiscriminate violence against the Syrian people," a White House statement said.

"They welcomed the August 03 presidential statement by the UN Security Council condemning Syria`s actions, but also agreed to consider additional steps to pressure the Assad regime and support the Syrian people."

The telephone consultations come as Washington appears to be moving towards a direct call for Assad to leave, after saying this week his presence was now fomenting instability and leading the Middle East down a dangerous path.

The Obama administration had also said in recent days that it will press its allies in Europe and the Arab world to do more to pressure Assad.

Earlier, activists said that Syrian security forces shot dead at least 14 people as thousands of people rallied in the streets against Assad on the first Friday of Ramadan to support the protest hub of Hama.

The Assad government has sought to crush the democracy movement with brutal force, killing more than 1,649 civilians and arresting thousands of dissenters, according to an updated list from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Group.

Bureau Report

Zee News App: Read latest news of India and world, bollywood news, business updates, cricket scores, etc. Download the Zee news app now to keep up with daily breaking news and live news event coverage.