Guy Verhofstadt, Leader of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament has stepped up calls for action this weekend to halt the killings in Syria following failure of the UN Security Council to approve an Arab League sponsored resolution. He calls into question the credibility of the UN body when a resolution on Syria supported by 13 of its members can be blocked by China and Russia.

“The blockage by Russia and Syria is unacceptable – especially from two countries which have no lessons to give on human rights and democracy.  Authoritarian regimes who believe they can survive by simply denying the massacres in Syria are wrong and guilty by association.”

“I call for all EU Member States as well as EU/HR Baroness Ashton to ask for the immediate departure of all Syrian ambassadors from within the territory of the EU."

“Furthermore, safe heavens on the Syrian border - and possibly even within – must be established as soon as possible to protect the civilian population.”

“For months Assad has been given the chance to bring about change. Instead he has escalated repression and massacred his own people. Enough is enough. Russia and China cannot be allowed to prevent action to save lives. If nothing is done, more courageous people who want an end to tyranny will die and the UN's legitimacy will be undermined.”