The Egyptian government on Monday warned against the “unacceptable escalation” of violence in Homs and other Syrian cities.
The government rejected the use of violence against civilians and called on Syria to listen to its people’s demands.
“Egypt’s stance toward the Syrian crisis is based on several elements, the most important of which is immediately implementing terms of an Arab action plan, as it is the only way to achieve the legitimate demands of the Syrian people for freedom, democracy and change,” Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr told reporters.
Amr emphasized the government’s position against military intervention in Syria and said an Arab action plan would be supported by international efforts. He highlighted halting violence against civilians, achieving peaceful change that achieves Syrians’ demands and preserving Syrian unity as priorities.
The situation in Syria is deteriorating quickly, Amr said. He added that it is time for the required change before the situation grows worse, which could lead to catastrophic consequences for the region’s stability.
Al-Azhar Grand Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb called on Tuesday for Arab countries and liberals worldwide to work to stop the bloodshed in Syria, calling the situation there “dangerous.”
More than 6,000 people have been killed since the uprising began in March, according to United Nations estimates.
International efforts to halt President Bashar al-Assad’s crackdown on protesters and rebel fighters have stalled amid opposition from two of Syria’s remaining allies, Russia and China.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
