Tensions grow in Syria

Reuters 2012-01-20

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Amateur video out of Syria shows thousands of people on the streets of Homs.
The video, which could not be independently verified by Reuters shows demonstrators chanting slogans against president Bashar al-Assad.
They say "Don't worry Homs, we will sacrifice our blood and soul for you.''
More footage shows demonstrators carrying a giant Syrian flag. They chant
CHANTING "There is no God but Allah and Assad is the enemy of Allah.''
Activists say at least six people were killed in Syria on Friday. They say the bodies of six others were turned over to their families, two days before the Arab League decides whether to keep monitors on the ground in Syria.
Footage purportedly out of Deraa shows crowds filling the streets. They tell Assad to prepare for execution.
Hundreds have been killed in Syria since monitors arrived about a month ago.
A very different scene in Damascus.
Reuters footage shows dozens of people gathering in the capital in a sign of support for Assad.
The demonstrations come as Arab League monitors are wrapping up a month-long mission -- a mission that Assad's supporters have little faith in.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ROUBA, SYRIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORTER SAYING:
"Since we have lost our faith in the Arab League long time ago so we don't have faith in their report either you know. So what's the point? In Damascus Syrians said they had no faith in that mission."
Qatar, which heads the League's committee on Syria, say the mission has already failed. The League meets Sunday to decide what to do going forward.
Critics of the peace mission say it has done little more than provide diplomatic cover for Assad to pursue a crackdown that has already killed more then 5,000 people according to the U.N. Others believe it provided a diplomatic conduit to the remote Assad government.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters

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