Syrian Expats Rally in Beirut to Condemn Arab League Decision
Syrian expatriates in Lebanon on Sunday organized a rally outside the Syrian embassy in Beirut’s Hamra district in support for embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and to condemn the Arab League’s decision to suspend Syria’s membership.
“The Arab League has died,” read a sign carried by demonstrators in front of the embassy.
Addressing protesters, the mission’s representative Bashar al-Asaad said: “We have gathered here today to stress that Syria will pursue the path of reform launched by President Bashar al-Assad, which will not be hindered by any obstacles because it reflects what our people wants and the principles of our leadership.”
“Mistaken are those who think that pressures and conspiracies are capable of forcing us to relinquish our rights and principles,” he added.
Arab League foreign ministers on Saturday voted 18-22 to suspend Syria over its failure to comply with an agreement to end the crackdown on a nationwide protest movement calling for Assad's resignation.
It called for the withdrawal of Arab envoys from Damascus and agreed on sanctions while inviting "all currents in the Syrian opposition to meet at Arab League headquarters in three days to draw up a joint vision for the coming transitional period."
The move won widespread praise in the international community, and was hailed by the opposition Syrian National Council, which said it was ready to take part in proposed talks regarding a transitional period.
But Assad's government on Sunday called for an urgent Arab summit.
"Syria demands an emergency Arab summit to address the crisis and its negative consequences in the Arab world," state television reported.
In central Damascus, tens of thousands of people turned out in support of Assad, waving Syrian flags and portraits of the embattled leader.
"The people want Bashar al-Assad," yelled demonstrators gathered at Sebaa Bahrat Square, as state television broadcast footage of another massive rally in Omayad Square, also in the capital.
"The Syrian people are filling the squares of the nation and announce their rejection of the Arab League decision," state television said, showing more protests in the commercial hub of Aleppo and other cities.
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