PARIS: International condemnation of Syria mounted Saturday after its security forces reportedly killed more than 80 people in one of the bloodiest days of a month-long uprising. Russia, Germany, Greece and Italy joined the chorus of criticism which includes US President Barack Obama and UN chief Ban Ki-moon, while France increased its pressure. Russia, the first of Syria's allies to speak out, urged Damascus to accelerate its reforms, saying Moscow was “concerned by the heightening of tensions and signs of a confrontation that is leading to the suffering of innocent people.” A Foreign Ministry statement said Russia viewed Syria as its “friend” but added, “We are firmly convinced that only constructive dialogue and accelerated broad-scale political, social and economic reforms outlined by the Syrian leadership can achieve stable and democratic development.” Moscow also called on all sides “to suspend violence and continue searching for fair solutions to existing problems.” “The new violence against peaceful demonstrators in Syria is unacceptable,” Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said. The crackdown Friday targeted thousands of protesters who demonstrated in cities across Syria, chanting “freedom, freedom,” and calling for the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime. Witnesses said snipers and security forces killed at least 20 mourners Saturday as Syrians swarmed the streets to bury scores of demonstrators killed in massive protests and two MPs resigned in frustration at the bloodshed. Activists said the death toll from Friday's nationwide protests could top 100, pending confirmation of a list of names. “The right to demonstrate peacefully must be respected. We urge all sides to show calm and moderation and we issue a sincere call to the Syrian authorities to implement promised reforms rapidly,” an Italian Foreign Ministry statement said. Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas voiced similar views, saying that “the right of assembly and free expression are basic elements of democracy.” In a statement expressing “great concern” he called for “the immediate implementation by the government of Syria of the required reforms to benefit the Syrian people and stabilize the country.”
