Thousands of Syrians have protested against the Arab League’s move to sanction President Bashar al-Assad’s regime over its repression of dissent.
In the wake of Syria’s suspension from the Arab League, Jordan’s king has become the first Arab leader to call on President al-Assad to step down.
United States House speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Syria on Tuesday for a controversial two-day visit amid protests from the White House that she is undermining US policy. Pelosi, an ardent opponent of US President George Bush, smiled and shook hands with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem.
Syria called for an unrestricted dialogue with Washington on Monday as a senior United States official made the highest-level visit to Damascus in two years for talks limited to the Iraqi refugee crisis. Ellen Sauerbrey, Assistant Secretary of State for Refugees and Migration, discussed the plight of the refugees, who now number about two million among Iraq’s neighbours.
Exiled Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal said on Monday an Israeli soldier captured by Palestinian militants would not be freed without a prisoner swap but pledged that his life would be protected. ”They talk about one soldier, we have 10Â 000 detainees … this is why we are seeking a prisoner exchange,” he said. ”The solution is simple: an exchange.”