Russian ally says Assad's days numbered
- 12 years ago
EDIT CONTAINS 4:3 MATERIAL
Tough words from Syria's most important ally.
Russia Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian with English translation) RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER DMITRY MEDVEDEV SAYING :
"I think that with every day, with every week, with every month, the chances of him surviving are becoming less and less. But once again, it should be decided by the Syrian people - not Russia, not the U.S., not any other country. The most important thing right now is to support the process of national reconciliation."
The words are the most vocal statement to date from Russia, which has blocked three U.N Security Council resolutions aimed at ending Bashar al-Assad's rule.
On the ground in Syria, the fighting continues.
(nats people screaming)
In amateur video, not independently verified by Reuters, people run for cover as bombs fly over head. One witness said more than 20 people were killed in the city of Homs-- the heart of the 22 month uprising.
Syrian authorities haven't commented on the latest fighting.
The United Nations reports at least 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's civil war so far.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
7122-SWITZERLAND-MEDVEDEV SYRIA
7093-SYRIA AIRSTRIKE/SHELLING
Tough words from Syria's most important ally.
Russia Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian with English translation) RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER DMITRY MEDVEDEV SAYING :
"I think that with every day, with every week, with every month, the chances of him surviving are becoming less and less. But once again, it should be decided by the Syrian people - not Russia, not the U.S., not any other country. The most important thing right now is to support the process of national reconciliation."
The words are the most vocal statement to date from Russia, which has blocked three U.N Security Council resolutions aimed at ending Bashar al-Assad's rule.
On the ground in Syria, the fighting continues.
(nats people screaming)
In amateur video, not independently verified by Reuters, people run for cover as bombs fly over head. One witness said more than 20 people were killed in the city of Homs-- the heart of the 22 month uprising.
Syrian authorities haven't commented on the latest fighting.
The United Nations reports at least 60,000 people have been killed in Syria's civil war so far.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
7122-SWITZERLAND-MEDVEDEV SYRIA
7093-SYRIA AIRSTRIKE/SHELLING