U.S. Italy Warn on Iran, Urge End to Violence in Syria
The United States and Italy called for an immediate end to the crackdown in Syria on Thursday and warned about the rising influence of Iran amid the multiple crises shaking the Arab world, Agence France Presse reported.
"The Syrian government must immediately stop the violence and resume a path of dialogue with those who want reform," Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said at a joint news conference with Clinton in Rome.
He also said: "We share a concern over Iran's rising presence in the region... Iran is very active and is taking advantage of these crises."
Clinton said she supported planned European Union sanctions on Syria and spoke of her "deep concern about the alarming situation in Syria."
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Syria last week and Europe has an arms embargo in place. Frattini said additional European sanctions should include travel bans and a suspension of EU talks with Syria on an association agreement.
Source: Agence France Presse
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