WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama accused his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad of seeking Iranian aid in the brutal crackdown on his own people after a bloody day of protests left over 70 people dead.
“Instead of listening to their own people, President Assad is blaming outsiders while seeking Iranian assistance in repressing Syria’s citizens through the same brutal tactics that have been used by his Iranian allies,” Obama said in a statement.
“We call on President Assad to change course now, and heed the calls of his own people.”
US diplomats voiced similar concerns last week amid reports that Tehran was providing Syria with equipment to put down anti-government protests and monitor opposition groups.
