Clinton urges all countries to abandon ties with Syria

Hillary Clinton urges all countries to cut political, economic ties with Syria-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged all countries to cut their political and economic ties with Syria. She said buying oil and gas from Syria and exporting arms there were giving President Bashar al-Assad "comfort in his brutality". Mrs Clinton's comments came as large anti-government protests continued despite a harsh army crackdown. Activists said at least 16 people died yesterday as protesters came under fire in towns and cities across the country. More than 1,700 people have died and tens of thousands have reportedly been arrested since the uprising against the 41-year rule of Mr Assad's family began in March. Washington has stopped short of calling for Mr Assad to stand down, instead seeking unity in the international community so Mr Assad cannot say it is only the US or the West that is against him. The US has imposed sanctions against Damascus and has said these could be increased, while calling on other countries to follow. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait have all recalled their ambassadors from Damascus while Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has described the methods used by the Syrian security forces as "unacceptable".