Statement Regarding the Ongoing Violence in Syria

Floor Speech

* Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern regarding the loss of life in Syria. In Hama, the site of massive anti-regime protests, dozens of innocent citizens chanting for freedom and democracy have been ruthlessly murdered by Syrian security forces under orders from the Syrian regime led by President Bashar Assad.

* This heartless attack came on the eve before the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan, which only makes this assault on the Syrian people all the more despicable. Assad has yet again failed to understand that the Syrian people are no longer afraid. Violence will only further convince the Syrian people that Assad is no longer their legitimate president.

* Assad has ruled with an iron fist for too long. During this uprising, Assad has made fake reforms designed to give the world a false impression that he is a reformer. Reports of inhumane torture of innocent men, women, and children clearly show that the last thing he is interested in is reform. The Syrian people have spoken: they want the Assad regime to fall. I therefore reiterate my call for Assad to step down, before any more innocents are murdered.

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