Syrian ambassador called to meeting

Feb 6 2012

Syria's ambassador in London has been summoned to the Foreign Office for the Government to make clear its "abhorrence" at the violence in the country, William Hague told MPs.

The UK's ambassador in Damascus has been recalled to London for talks on the situation in Syria, the Foreign Secretary added.

Mr Hague condemned President Bashar Assad's "doomed" and "murdering" regime in a strongly worded Commons statement on the crisis.

He was also highly critical of China and Russia for vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at ending the bloodshed.

Mr Hague said their actions were a "betrayal of the Syrian people" and increased the likelihood of civil war.

He said: "We will use our remaining channels to the Syrian regime to make clear our abhorrence at the violence that is utterly unacceptable to the civilised world. The Syrian ambassador to London was today summoned to the Foreign Office to receive this message."

Over the weekend a dozen protesters were arrested amid violent scenes at the Syrian embassy in London.

Mr Hague said: "Despite our deteriorating relations with the Syrian government we remain committed to ensuring the safety of its embassy and staff in London. We expect the Syrian authorities to provide the same protection to our embassy in Damascus."

Explaining the recall of ambassador Simon Collis, Mr Hague said: "I have today recalled to London our ambassador from Damascus for consultations. He and his team work in extremely difficult conditions to ensure that we have an accurate picture of what is happening in Syria."

Mr Hague told MPs: "The human suffering in Syria is already unimaginable and is in grave danger of escalating further. The position taken by Russia and China has regrettably made this more likely. However this Government, this House, and our country and our allies will not forget the people of Syria. We will redouble our efforts to put pressure on this appalling regime and to stop this indefensible violence."