» 11/09/2011 13:56 SYRIA Death toll from crackdown hits 3,550, UN says UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reports latest casualty figures. Arab League meets opposition officials and prepares emergency meeting, prompted by "the continuation of violence and because the Syrian government did not implement its commitments in the Arab plan to resolve the Syrian crisis". The city of Homs endures sixth day of siege, with more than 110 people dead. Food, water and medicines are in short supply.
Beirut (AsiaNews) – More than 3,500 people have died in months of anti-government protests in Syria. "Syrian troops continue to use tanks and heavy weaponry to attack residential areas in the city of Homs," said Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which provided the latest figures.
The continued crackdown by Syrian security forces contradicts the commitment made by the Syrian government on 2 November to the Arab League plan. The latter called for an end to violence, the release of those detained and the withdrawal of the army from urban areas.
In light of President Bashar al-Assad’s actions, the Arab League is taking certain steps. Today, Nabil el-Araby, secretary general of the Arab League, is scheduled to meet with leading members of the opposition.
On Sunday, the organisation will hold a meeting of ministers prompted by "the continuation of violence and because the Syrian government did not implement its commitments in the Arab plan to resolve the Syrian crisis".
The opposition Syrian National Council, based in Turkey, has urged the league "to take a strong and effective position against the Syrian regime commensurate with the dangerous development of the situation in Syria, especially in Homs".
The fighting in Homs, Syria's third-largest city, entered its sixth day yesterday, and has left more than 110 people dead, this according to opposition activists.
Meanwhile, in Hama, tanks and armoured vehicles could be seen moving towards the city centre.
The authorities say the army and security forces are engaged in fighting armed gangs and that at least 1,100 members of the security forces have been killed.
The government also said that it released political prisoners last weekend as a first step to implementing the Arab League proposals.
However, Ms Shamdasani noted that despite the release, "thousands continue to remain in detention and dozens continue to be arbitrarily arrested every day". (PD)
