UN condemns Syria for intensifying crackdown

The United Nations and the Arab League have condemned Syria for escalating its use of force against anti-government protestors.

Major rallies were organized across the country on Friday. A human rights group says the Syrian military opened fire against demonstrators and people gathered at mosques.

On Saturday, military tanks shelled a residential area in the central city of Homs to break up protests.

The group says about 50 people were killed over the 2 days.

The UN and the Arab League issued statements, urging Assad to stop all violence against citizens.

The protestors have asked the international community to intervene and protect them from military crackdowns by the government of President Bashar al-Assad.

The Arab League is expected to hold talks with the Syrian government on Sunday, to appeal for an immediate end to the violence.

Sunday, October 30, 2011 09:00 +0900 (JST)