WORLD_ Syrian diplomats 'defect' as Aleppo fighting worsens

Syrian diplomats 'defect' as Aleppo fighting worsens
BBC


Activists say government tanks and armoured vehicles have been redeployed from their positions near the Turkish border to Aleppo. Ian Pannell's report contains unverified graphic images of the victims of Syria's conflict


The US has confirmed the defection of two more senior Syrian diplomats, amid mounting pressure on the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria's representatives in the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus - who are husband and wife - are reported to have fled to Qatar.

It comes amid intensifying clashes in the key city of Aleppo, where troops are trying to halt a rebel advance.

UN members have traded more accusations of blame amid the diplomatic impasse.

Earlier, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the world to "act now to stop the slaughter", but Security Council members remain deadlocked over what action it should take.

The Syrian government has rushed troops and tanks to Aleppo, Syria's second city and commercial centre, parts of which were seized by rebels.

The heightening of the crisis is causing regional concern, say correspondents, amid a growing exodus of refugees and fears the fighting could draw in Syria's neighbours.

'Days numbered'

"We can confirm the defections of Syrian ambassadors to both the UAE and Cyprus," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters aboard Air Force One.

Mr Carney said the move showed that "senior officials around the Assad inner circle are fleeing the government because of the heinous actions taken by Assad against his own people, and the recognition that Assad's days are numbered".

The diplomats in question are Lamia al-Hariri, Syria's charge d'affaires in Cyprus, and her husband Abdelatif al-Dabbagh, ambassador to the UAE.

A military attache at the Syrian embassy in Oman - Mohammed Tahseen al-Faqir - is also reported to have defected.

Earlier this month, Nawaf Fares, Syria's ambassador to Iraq, left for Qatar.

A senior state department official told AFP news agency: "These defections serve as a reminder that the bottom is starting to fall out of the regime. It is crumbling and losing its grip on power."

Meanwhile the BBC's Ian Pannell, who has been in Aleppo, says the city is now the focus of a battle which neither regime nor opposition forces can afford to lose.

He says restive neighbourhoods are being pounded by artillery, mortars and helicopter gunfire, and there are multiple reports of reinforcements heading to the city.

One activist based in the city, Mohammed Saeed, told Associated Press news agency they were expecting a big assault to try to reassert government control.


Adrien Jaulmes, of French newspaper Le Figaro, said that many people had fled Aleppo and others remained off the streets and in their homes.

"All afternoon, helicopters and Syrian jet fighters have been circling above the city, with the Free Syrian Army fighters firing at them with all the weapons they have," he said, adding that the situation remained fluid and difficult to assess.

The fighting has caused renewed regional concern, with Turkey tightening its border controls with Syria, though it says it will allow refugees to get through.


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At the scene

Ian Pannell BBC News, Syria

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The battle for Aleppo is now raging and it is one neither side can afford to lose. The historic city is not only the largest in the country but its economic heart. The government derives material support from its merchant class and vital industries that supply the rest of the country.

The stakes could not be higher. For the armed opposition, losing would be a disastrous setback that, at the very least, could neuter their revolution for months. For President Bashar al-Assad, losing Aleppo could be the tipping point that presages the downfall of his government.

Despite their confidence and commitment, the rebels remain vastly outgunned and - with reinforcements from the army - outmanned, and it is hard to see how they   can prevail. But many people here are desperate for the rebels to succeed.
Rebels surprise regime in Aleppo





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