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.
