Clinton says a peaceful democratic Syria impossible with Assad. And Panetta says the U.S. is loosing patience with Pakistan. I’m Frances Alonzo reporting from Washington.
International pressure is increasing after another massacre is reported in Syria with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying that Syria can not be peaceful, stable or democratic with President Bashar al-Assad in power. Speaking to reporters Thursday in Istanbul after reports of 78 people killed in Syria, Clinton said Mr. Assad has doubled down on his (brutality and duplicity), and that the time has come for the international community to plan for a post-Assad Syria.
“We have to unite the international community behind a plan that is achievable and keeps faith with those inside Syria who are protesting and (demonstrating), suffering and dying for their universal human rights.”
Clinton also said it was important to give the peace plan of the United Nations and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, the last support the international community can (muster), so that others in the Security Council can come to the frame of mind to see that action beyond the plan is needed.
A regional security alliance led by China and Russia stand its opposition to outside intervention in the Syrian crisis. Shannon Van Sant reports from Beijing.
The annual summit of central Asian, Russian and Chinese leaders released the statement opposing any military intervention in Syria. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO consisting of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, says its favors a peaceful resolution of the Syrian problem through (political dialogue). China and Russia have come under increasing pressure from Western nations to back sanctions or outside interventions since Mr. Annan’s peace effort failed to stop the violence. Shannon Van Sant for VOA News, Beijing.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has urged Pakistan to take action against insurgents who attack U.S. forces in Afghanistan, saying the United States is reaching the limit of its (patience). Speaking Thursday in Kabul, Panetta said it is an increasing concern that terrorist safe havens exist in Pakistan, and the group like the al-Qaeda-linked Haqqani Network make use of them to attack coalition forces.
Online petitioners are calling for China to investigate what they called the (suspicious death) of a prominent dissident jailed for his involvement in the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests. Li Wangyang was found dead by his family on Wednesday in his hospital room in Hunan province, apparently hanged by a bandage around his neck.
Chinese Internet censors are considering widening their control over what is posted on the country’s popular microblog websites and other online forums. The government released a list of proposed changes Thursday to its Internet law, that aim to put greater pressure on social media websites to (crack down) on users posting anonymous comments.
The Kenyan military and police are at risk of loosing funding from the United States government. Alex Pena reports from Nairobi.
U.S. lawmakers are asking for an end to funding for Kenyan military and police after (allegations) of human rights abuses by its soldiers. The legislators are seeking to do that through a bill in the Senate Appropriations Committee. They have also asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to ensure that no training, equipment or any other assistance is provided for Kenyan defense forces and police who are alleged to have violated human rights. The proposed senate action follows a report from the Human Rights Watch which says that in 2008 government troops joined guerrilla forces in Mt. Elgon committing murder, torture and rape. Alex Pena for VOA News, Nairobi.
The Obama administration is set to announce rewards of up to $33 million for information leading to the whereabouts of leaders of the al-Qaeda-linked militant group in Somalia, al-Shabab. U.S. media reports said the State Department will make the announcement through its Rewards for Justice program on Thursday.
A huge dock that was cast away by last year’s devastating Japanese (tsunami) has washed ashore 8,000 kilometers away on an Oregon beach. The 20-meter-long concrete and metal structure came ashore early Tuesday morning about 170 kilometers southwest of Portland, ending a nearly 15-month journey across the Pacific Ocean.
More details at voanews.com. I’m Frances Alonzo, VOA News.