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Fresh protests at Syrian embassy in London | Fresh protests at Syrian embassy in London |
(1 day later) | |
Fresh protests have taken place outside the Syrian embassy in London amid reports that at least 55 people were killed by shelling in the country. | |
Twenty two people were arrested on Saturday after crowds had initially gathered during the early hours, with some trying to enter the building. | |
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office condemned the attack on the embassy and said security was being reviewed. | |
Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "horrified" at reports from Syria. | Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "horrified" at reports from Syria. |
'Cold-blooded cynicism' | 'Cold-blooded cynicism' |
His comments come as an Arab and Western-backed resolution condemning the violent crackdown in Syria was vetoed at the UN Security Council by Russia and China. | |
Mr Hague said he "unequivocally" condemned the use of tanks, mortars and artillery in civilian areas in the city of Homs. | Mr Hague said he "unequivocally" condemned the use of tanks, mortars and artillery in civilian areas in the city of Homs. |
"It is all the more chilling that these events occurred on the 30th anniversary of the Hama massacre, in which it is estimated that 20,000 people were killed," he added. | "It is all the more chilling that these events occurred on the 30th anniversary of the Hama massacre, in which it is estimated that 20,000 people were killed," he added. |
"The Syrian regime's actions display President Assad's cold-blooded cynicism in the face of mounting international pressure for the UN Security Council to do its utmost to end the bloodshed in Syria." | "The Syrian regime's actions display President Assad's cold-blooded cynicism in the face of mounting international pressure for the UN Security Council to do its utmost to end the bloodshed in Syria." |
After the UN vote, Mr Hague issued a statement to say that the veto "lets the Syrian people down and will only encourage President Assad's brutal regime to increase the killing". | |
"It did not impose any sanctions, nor did it authorise military action. At every stage we worked to accommodate the concerns of some Council members and tabled a text which did just that," he added. | |
In London, crowds of people, chanting and waving flags, turned up outside the embassy in Belgrave Square calling for the Syrian Ambassador to be expelled by the UK. | |
Two police officers were taken to hospital with minor injuries after an attempt was made to break in overnight. | |
Scotland Yard said of the arrests, 21 were on suspicion of public order offences including entering the embassy, and another was on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. | |
During the day, rocks and bottles were thrown at the building, which was being guarded by police. | |
The clashes came as protesters forced their way into four other Syrian embassies in European and Middle Eastern cities. | The clashes came as protesters forced their way into four other Syrian embassies in European and Middle Eastern cities. |
The FCO said the Met were reviewing security arrangements at the Embassy and would take "appropriate action" to ensure the safety of its staff inside. | |
"The UK takes seriously its obligations to protect the staff and premises of foreign states in the UK," a spokesman said. | "The UK takes seriously its obligations to protect the staff and premises of foreign states in the UK," a spokesman said. |
"The FCO commends the swift action of the Metropolitan Police who have arrested a number of the protesters involved in the break-in. | "The FCO commends the swift action of the Metropolitan Police who have arrested a number of the protesters involved in the break-in. |
"Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the two officers who were hospitalised as a result of injuries sustained while responding to the protests." | "Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the two officers who were hospitalised as a result of injuries sustained while responding to the protests." |
Are you taking part in the protests? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below. | Are you taking part in the protests? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below. |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. |
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