Two further Syrian diplomats defect from government
The image of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad imposed on pro-government posters
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Syrian troops and rebels have clashed in the capital Damascus and Aleppo. |  |
Thursday, 26, Jul 2012 09:35
By Mark Fordham
The US has confirmed the defection of two further Syrian government officials, amid increasing pressure on the regime of president Bashar al-Assad.
Both were representatives for the country in the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus respectively.
The pair, who are husband and wife, are reported to have fled to Qatar and there move comes and fighting continues in the city of Aleppo as government troops try and repel the rebels.
It follows the defection of the envoy to Iraq and a senior general in the army in recent weeks.
Earlier, UN general secretary general Ban Ki-moon urged the world to "act now to stop the slaughter". Despite this, Security Council members remain at an impasse as to deciding what action to take.
Fighting in Aleppo broke out earlier this week as government forces tried to defend the land they had, while also retaking Damascus from rebel control.
"We can confirm the defections of Syrian ambassadors to both the UAE and Cyprus," White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters.