Saudi Arabia recalls Syria envoy

7 August 2011 Last updated at 18:29 ET

Protests have continued in cities across Syria despite the crackdown by security forces

Saudi Arabia says it is withdrawing its ambassador from Syria, in protest against the crackdown on Syrian anti-government demonstrators.

In a statement broadcast across the Arab world, King Abdullah said the violence was “unacceptable”.

It came hours after the Arab League issued its first official condemnation of the repression in Syria.

The BBC’s Middle East correspondent says the move is a major escalation in international pressure on Damascus.

“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia… demands an end to the death machine and bloodshed and calls for acts of wisdom before it is too late,” King Abdullah said in a statement broadcast by al-Arabiya television.

“What is happening in Syria is not acceptable for Saudi Arabia. Either it (Syria) chooses wisdom on its own or it will be pulled down into the depths of turmoil and loss.”

BBC Middle East correspondent Jon Leyne says the statement seems to be a co-ordinated move, following the Arab League’s own communique on Syria.

The 22-member league said it was “alarmed” by the situation in the country and called for an immediate end to the violence.

Our correspondent says the latest developments leave Syrian President Bashar al-Assad even more isolated.

Meanwhile, activists say at least 50 people died on Sunday when the Syrian army stormed Deir al-Zour, the largest city in the east and a scene of frequent protests.

— ’re ’s , . : A ‘Malign Intellectual Subculture’ – George Monbiot Smears Chomsky, Herman, Peterson, Pilger And Media Lens.