UN condemns Syrian government crackdown on protests

The condemnation comes as the Syrian army attacks Hama, a centre of opposition protest, with reports surfacing of much loss of life.

Dozens of people are believed to have been killed in the action against Hama, with residents saying tanks have now shot their way into Assi (Orontes) Square, in the centre of the city of 800,000 people.

So far, human rights groups say at least 140 people have been killed in the Syrian unrest since Sunday, mainly in Hama, adding to a civilian death toll believed to be more than 1,600 since March.

Protesters have vowed to rally every evening during the holy month of Ramadan, after nightly prayers.

There were reports of large demonstrations in several Syrian cities late on Wednesday.

The Un Security Council’s statement was adopted on Wednesday over the fears of some members that any action could lead to Libya-style intervention.

The council says it "condemns the widespread violations of human rights and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities", adding that those responsible for the violence should be held accountable.

European members of the 15-nation council had pushed for a strong resolution condemning the Syrian government and calling for a rights inquiry.

The BBC is reporting that while the statement is weaker than what the European states wanted, it is stronger than might have been expected given the opposition from some members to saying anything on Syria.

The statement stressed that the only solution to the crisis was a Syrian-led political process, in effect ruling out outside intervention, says our UN correspondent.

It also called for "an immediate end to all violence and urges all sides to act with utmost restraint, and to refrain from reprisals, including attacks against state institutions."

Observers say the phrase is a concession to Russia and other governments that said they wanted a balanced statement that placed some blame with both sides.

Syria's neighbour, Lebanon, while not blocking the statement, disassociated itself from the text after it was adopted - a procedure last used decades ago.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the statement represented "the clear message of the international community" to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

"The world has watched the deteriorating situation in Syria with the most profound concern. But the events of the past few days have been brutally shocking," Ban said.

"Just continuing like this is not sustainable. He cannot and they cannot carry on like this, killing their people."

Anti-government protests began in March, inspired by the successful uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, and soon spread to many cities across the country.

Initially, Assad has promised reforms, but now blames the violence on "armed criminal gangs" backed by unspecified foreign powers.

Access to events in Syria has been severely restricted for international journalists and it is rarely possible to verify accounts by witnesses and opposition activists.

Communication with the city is all but completely cut off, as are water and electricity, correspondents say.