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THE EUROPEAN UNION has expanded its sanctions against Syria, as the army attacks Hama again, killing at least four.
The EU is imposing asset freezes and travel bans on five more military and government officials bringing to 35 the number of individuals Europe’s targeting, including President Bashar Assad. Four government entities are also on the list.
It comes as the city of Hama comes under attack for a second time – more than 100 people are reported by RTÉ to have been killed there yesterday.
The EU accused President Assad’s forces of an indiscriminate massacre of civilians in Hama.
The United Nations Security Council is to meet on the matter today, in an emergency session thought to have been requested by Germany.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton condemned Syria’s crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, a day after one of the bloodiest since the uprising against Assad’s authoritarian rule began.
The Huffington Post writes that activists have called for Ramadan to be like ‘a month of 30 Fridays’, referring to the traditional day of prayer — and the day on which most protests have taken place.
Violence
Syrian rights groups say 74 people were killed throughout the country, 55 of them from Hama and neighbouring villages.
More than 1,600 civilians have been killed in a crackdown on largely peaceful protests since a popular uprising began in Syria in mid-March.
Attacks by the security forces showed that the leadership was “unwilling to implement the reforms it has promised in response to the legitimate requests of the Syrian people,” Ashton said.
The European Union also has an embargo on sales of arms and equipment that can be used to suppress demonstrations.
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“I wish to remind the Syrian authorities of their responsibility to protect the population,” Ashton said. “The brutal violence creates a serious risk of escalating tension and factional divisions and is not consistent with broad reforms.”
The EU said it would release the names of the new officials added to the list on Tuesday.
Pressure
“We are keeping the situation under constant review and we will continue with this policy of putting pressure — economic pressure and political pressure — on the Syrian regime,” EU spokesman Michael Mann said.
France too said political, military and security officials in Syria will be held accountable for their acts.
Syria’s expected to top of the agenda at an informal EU Foreign Ministers meeting next month.
Opposition to UN resolution
Russia, China and other Security Council members have so far opposed resolutions condemning Damascus for its crackdown on protesters, partly because they fear that it may be used as a pretext for armed intervention against Syria.
They say a resolution allowing the use of all means to protect the civilian population in Libya has been misused by NATO to justify five months of air-strikes against Muammar Gadaffi’s regime.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary, William Hague, also called for tougher sanctions against Assad’s government, but cautioned that military action was “not a remote possibility.” He said such sanctions had to come from both Western nations, and Arab countries and regional powers like Turkey.
Speaking on the BBC, Hague said the attacks were “all the more shocking” for the fact that they fell on the eve of the Muslim holy month of fasting.
US President Barack Obama issued a statement yesterday, saying he was “appalled” by the violence and brutality the Syrian government has aimed at its own people, and calling the reports from Hama “horrifying.”
Obama said the United States will continue to increase pressure on the Syrian regime.
- Additional reporting by AP
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Sorry you’re upset that your hero trump and his admin are being satirised John. If you were honest with yourself you could admit that trump, Spicer etc throw fuel on the fire whereas Obama and many more before had the sense to just laugh it off.
I’m not upset that the Trump administration is being satirised merely illustrating that SNL is an attack vehicle of the left and the Democrat party having taken the last 8 years on hiatus from political satire it would seem.
@peterking Are you for real watch RTE BBC CNN Sky news…. This time it’s different …..95% of US media hate Trump…No matter what he does….Obama was able to bomb Muslim countries ship advanced weapons to Jahadi rebels… Deport almost 3 million people from the US without US media even mentioning it…
John, I watch it regularly and they have been satirising Obama for years, but Obama didn’t give a tuppence about it.
Don’t you understand that the reason the Trump administration lampooning is getting so much publicity and being reported over here as well, is solely down to Trump’s comments on Twitter showing it has got under his very sensitive skin. Has he kept his trap shut you’d only have heard of Alec Baldwin’s impression once.
But Trump is just comedy gold to SNL.
Martin have you any totally epic takedowns of Obama and his administration in particular that you could recommend please be sure that it’s as epic a skewering mind you.
@Pat O’Dwyer: The US have killed more than 20 million People in 37 Victim Nations Since World War II – in order to subvert democracy ( In the name of democracy of course) And now ?
by AnonWatcher
Recently, the world commemorated another anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which changed the world as we knew it, and has since, cast a terroristic haze over the planet. The War on Terror was engaged; the premise was a globally united citizen, freedom was under attack, “God Bless America.”
Admitting, in the famous Bush speech, to rally the world to a new war, he stated this:
“The Americans have known wars, but for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941 [Pearl Harbour].”
It is with this quote that I bring the attention to the countless deaths over not 136 years, but only those since World War II, that the United States of America can be partially held culpable. http://anonhq.com/war-on-terror-lest-we-forget-the-u-s-coup-detat/
Do ye not remember the Kate McKinnon-Hillary Clinton impression or the Larry David-Bernie Sanders one? As for the Obama administration, what about Luther the anger translator. Obama had him perform alongside him at the correspondents dinner. As with every US president SNL had an Obama impersonator. Larry Wilmore dropped a drone joke amongst other criticism when he performed at the correspondent dinner. The difference is rather than ignoring/embracing the criticism Trump has openly shown his annoyance at it. Stop being such “snowflakes” and take a joke. You are the establishment now, the window where you can still deflect criticism is closing. Soon Trump will actually have to take responsibility for what he says and does rather than saying “but . . . but her emails.”
Here’s the entire cast of SNL singing “To Sir, with Love” in homage to their messiah Obama leaving office, this is all you need to know: https://youtu.be/6ZqCIy-2myY
For some reason I can’t post links. But I found several videos of snl criticising Obama Search on YouTube: Capitol Hill cold open, Ebola czar cold open, Obama 60 minutes cold open. Anyone have any idea why I can’t post links but others can? Seems a little strange.
Turns out (best I can tell) there’s a block on comments with more than one link. I was literally just asking how other people were getting links in their posts. I was trying to post a comment with 5 links and maybe 10 other words. They were obviously blocking me as spam. I wasn’t aware asking a single question constitutes whining.
@ads2⃣️0⃣️1⃣️0⃣️1⃣️™️: SNL condones the immigration crises created by Obama and Hilary, and also children floating dead in the sea….. Again, created by Obama and Hilary… But Nordstrom! National disaster!
The joke was about how terrifying an unknown the Trump presidency was/is. The “tears” we’re not entirely sincere. Colbert did a similar (but better) bit in character where he feigns crying at the end and begs Obama to stay as he’s the only thing that defines him. I’ve already shown that SNL did critique Obama/Hillary/Sanders. I would guess the writing staff does probably lean left but it didn’t stop them from criticising Obama for numerous things, anyways it’s a comedy program so who gives af. You’re the only one who wants your chosen politician to be free from criticism. Trump is the one who feels the need to attack a comedy show. Funny that the “ideology” of a comedy show is so important to you yet I assume you have no problem with breitbart, fox News etc. However I will definitely cede that you don’t know how to spell cede or trash.
I never said they were biased. I said the writing staff probably does lean left (given geographic/industry etc. context) but still critiqued politicians on the left. That is the opposite of biased. Everyone has a point of view being impartial isn’t about not holding a view it’s about not letting your ideology effect your decisions and who you critique. Which as I have shown SNL have not. I lean left in my ideology but I still critique Obama (and others) for many things, drones, prisons, human rights abuses, etc. You on the other hand are biased as you cannot admit a single fault in one of the most fault-ridden politicians in history.
They may have done so but they were not ever reported on day in day out like the satires on Trump are! That is the “truth” of the matter. It is like the so called “Liberal Left” are trying to compensate for the great disappointment, shock of Trump been elected by taking solace in all things “negative” about him! That to me is the funniest thing of all.
That is a blatant lie with no factual basis. A quick Google Search finds lots of examples of MSNBC, FOX news, breitbart, vanity fair, Washington Post, salon, vox, the blaze and many others covering SNL pieces mocking liberals. Like everyone has pointed out it is Trump’s constant reactions that make the coverage more widespread. Comedy has always been about poking fun at the establishment, Trump is now the establishment, he is a rich vein of comedy gold. His reactions make the comedy bits newsworthy internationally. And his unpopularity drives people to click/share the stories meaning more coverage. If Trump and his supporters could stop being so perpetually offended at everything it wouldn’t get such traction. Understand “snowflake”
The American people elected a buffoon to be president who selected a clown for his press secretary and jackasses for his cabinet. They are entitled to the fruits of their decision which includes the mega mockery SNL dishes out. So could all you critics of SNL’s skits just shut it. The American people have spoken. It’s not for you to question their decision.
@Martello Mulligan: Like you, we happen to live in a free country like Ireland so we can make loads of comments here freely as we much like to whether good or bad. So not very democratic, are you?
@Martello Mulligan:@Martello Mulligan:they spoke when they elected Trump actually. Anything after is meaningless including that stupid show and all who watch it.
Indeed, in fairness Spicer must have the toughest job on the planet. Getting inside the head of Donald Trump and explaining his Tweets and rants to the world, and pretending that was government policy all along.
This article has been up for over 7 hours without a single comment.
SNL is a like a joke. Great the first time you hear it bit really boring when you hear it for the thousandth time.
This is a CNN news story…..Most of the Trump stories on Irish media are just cut and pasted from CNN…..SNL very poor and obvious compared to Spitting Image…
But hey, if it brings a little ray of sunshine into the existence of the anti Trump brigade during the next four years of their Great Depression then who am I to knock it.
@Rudy Rameerez: I’d rather read MAD magazines than watch SNL. Why? This drivel that is called SNL is rarely funny. Take a look at YouTube to see the vids of SNL past & present and you’ll know why…
Did you see Sean’s little motorized podium? Oh how we laughed, we drank champagne, we cried, we group hugged, we stood at the wall and chanted ‘He shall not divide us’
Then we remembered there’s four more years of Donald and we had a Total Meltdown.
Please, someone help us.
@Jason Maguire:
‘At it all week’
Some achievement considering I only signed up today.
I noticed you mentioning this Alez Falcone on other forums I browsed through today.
Is this your gig? Stalking other people and getting them banned?
Weirdo.
“Oh who is this ‘Alez’ character you refer to? I can’t even spell his name because I’m not him!”
You must have browsed a lot of pages, because the last article I replied to him in is now on page 5. And what a memory you have too! Casually noticing interactions between people on your very first day – on articles that have >100 comments! What a clever boy!
@Jason Maguire:
Go ahead, get me banned again if it somehow makes you feel smug and superior.
No skin off my nose. Actually most contributors here have had numerous accounts along the way, that’s par for the course. Including your self I might add.
As I say, tune in, have a laugh.
It’s the Journal ffs, not the Citizen’s Assembly.
@Jason Maguire:
Well if you keep drawing attention to me then you’ll definitely get me banned and I’ll have to open account No 13. Then you’ll get all high and mighty, do your Inspector Clouseau thing again and round and round we’ll go for all eternity.
@Jason Maguire:
‘So did your Alex Falcone account get banned?’
Why do you think I’ve had so many different accounts here? Like most people.
Excessive moderation of anyone who isn’t a card carrying member of the liberal club.
Dissenting views are frowned upon here.
Anyway, I’ll definitely be banned again now so see you in the next cartoon.
Just stop being so ubiquitous & constant, FFS! You stand out like a sore thumb. You’re in nearly every article – pear it back a bit & you can last a few years on 1 account.
Hope it works out for you. Seems to be all you have going on.
@Jason Maguire:
‘Seems to be all you have going on.’
Cmon, admit it, my presence has given you a focus in your life lately.
Some sort of symbiotic bucket of sh*t.
@Rudy Rameerez: You said not too long ago that you kept on forgetting your passwords,dude.You wouldn’t be spoofing us,spoofer? At least you don’t be having conversations with your other accounts on here…oh wait..Yikes!
@John Smith you’re starting to sound like the head Trumpanzee, calling all of his detractors overrated/fake/trash/losers. Is there a phrasebook that you guys use or is it more a follow the leader thing?
First outing last week was brilliant . Last night no so . You can only do a Spicer skit press conference a couple of times more and then there is nothing new . Then it will be the same every week .
It’s not so much the skit that’s funny as the idea of winding up the Trump administration and it’s supporters. In isolation the skit itself wound wear thin very quickly but as long as the people being skewered keep reacting it’ll never get old.
@Robert Preston: For as long as Spicer, Conway and Trump continue behaving as grotesquely as they have, there will be plenty of new material for mockery.
Oh ye they’ve totally pwned the Trump administration I’d say they’re on the verge of quitting and walking away. “#WeAreTheResistance and we just totally and epically SKEWERED the Trump admin”.
@James: Yes but SNL has an audience and ad breaks . If no ones watching and is bored they wont make money . So if its aimed at Trump administration it wont last long
Baldwin to his daughter: “I don’t care that you’re twelve or eleven or whatever, are you pig enough to pick it up? I’m a good father, and you’re a pig. I don’t give a shit. Good father. You think this is abuse? You think this is abuse, you thoughtless pain in the ass? Get mad you daughter-of-a-bitch. Get mad. You know what it takes to answer my call? It takes brass balls to answer my call. Go and do likewise. The phone is ringing, you pick it up, it’s yours, you don’t, I got no sympathy for you. I’d wish you good luck, but you wouldn’t know what to do with it if you got it. You better be ready Friday the 20th to meet with me. Pig. Oh, also, tell your mother I said “Go f**k yourself.” This is Dad, ring me back when you get a chance.
Funny, but…… Spicer seems like one of the very few almost affable members of Drumpfs inner circle. Soft target. Wonder why they seem so reluctant (scared? ) to go after KAC instead?
@Liam Dunne: Guessing you don’t actually watch SNL then since Kate McKinnon plays Kellyanne every week, they even had a musical number about her last week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb9ybImGwkU
@Rochelle: That was a great take on Chicago. It looks like SNL is entering another golden age. It’s the best writing since Tina Fey was taking down Palin 8 years ago. Baldwin may be the best president ever.
What a load of baloney maloney jobloney youse silly people. Trump is in. He will stay in. He will drive youse out of your trees. He has created a situation where the next iSIL attack will be blamed on the democrat better described as demobrats.
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