CAIRO: Egypt's leading Islamic institution has condemned the ongoing violence in Syria against protesters and civilians. The Sunni institution said that the government of Bashar al-Assad must end the attacks on its people and the use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters. In the statement, al-Azhar said it “has been patient” for a while in avoiding interfering in Syrian affairs, but that now, with hundreds of Syrians having been killed in the past week, al-Azhar said it was their duty to condemn the bloodshed. “The situation in Syria has exceeded the limitations. It is the time to put an end to this Arab Islamic tragedy,” said the statement. Al-Azhar's statement condemned the use of violence, suppression, arrests, and terrorizing the Syrian people. “Using violence causes more agitation,” said the statement. Al-Azhar also demanded the Syrian regime respect the Syrian people's rights and freedoms and meet the legitimate demands of Syrian people. “If Syrian authorities achieve the people's will quickly, they will destroy any plans to harm Syria,” said the statement. BM
