Thursday, November 17, 2011

#Syria #ArabLeague chief receives death threats from Syrian regime

Dalia Ezzat
 chief receives death threats from Syrian regime loyalists  
<p>Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil al-Arabi speaks during a joint press conference with his German counterpart Guido Weseterwelle after a meeting, Cairo, April 19, 2011.</p>
Photographed by AFP
Nabil al-Araby, secretary general of the Arab League, changed his mobile and landline numbers because he has been receiving threats from loyalists of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, sources close to Araby told Al-Masry Al-Youm.
The ruling Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF) was informed of the threats, the sources added, and decided to intensify Araby's security.
Arab foreign ministers suspended Syria's participation in Arab League meetings and recommended member countries withdraw their ambassadors from Damascus during an urgent league meeting in Cairo Saturday.
Damascus attacked the league's decision, but welcomed the idea of receiving Arab observers. However, Araby said he would only send observers if the Syrian regime provided written guarantees it would secure their safety.
The Arab League on Wednesday granted Syria three days to end the violence against its people, or else have its league membership officially suspended.
Translated from the Arabic Edition