The Syrian ambassador to the Netherlands, who is based in Brussels, has been summoned to The Hague. Dutch Foreign Minister Uri Rosenthal says the ambassador has been informed of the deep concern about the ongoing violence in Syria in “the strongest possible terms”.

Mr Rosenthal, who was in Prague at the time, says the ambassador was told that Syrian President Bashar Assad should stand down to “make way for a non-violent transition of power”. He was also informed that the Netherlands “strongly condemns the killing of innocent citizens who are fighting for freedom and legitimate rights”. The minister went on to say that "the Netherlands holds President Assad responsible for the violence.”

The Dutch ambassador was recalled from Damascus on Tuesday in response to the violence in Syria. The Dutch embassy, however, remains open. The Foreign Ministry has advised Dutch citizens to leave the country. Those who decide to stay may expect only limited help from the embassy in future.

(nc/mw/tf)

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