BEIRUT, June 22, 2011 (AP)
BEIRUT, June 22, 2011 (AP)
Syria’s foreign minister has denied that Iran and Hezbollah are helping the regime put down unrest.
Foreign Minister Walid Moallem spoke in a televised address Wednesday to throw his support behind President Bashar Assad.
The country has come under increasing international pressure and sanctions over its brutal crackdown on a growing protest movement. The opposition estimates some 1,400 people have been killed.
The U.S. has accused Iran of helping Syria crack down on dissent.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
BEIRUT (AP) _ Syria’s foreign minister has dismissed European sanctions on his country, saying “we will forget Europe is on the map.”
Foreign Minister Walid Moallem spoke in a televised address Wednesday to throw his support behind President Bashar Assad.
The country has come under increasing international pressure and sanctions over its brutal crackdown on a growing protest movement. The opposition estimates some 1,400 people have been killed.
Assad has offered a vague promise of reform to quell the unrest. But the opposition is seeking an end to the Assad family’s 40-year authoritarian rule.
