During its visit to Egypt the Syrian opposition delegation demanded that the Egyptian government withdraw its ambassador to Damascus and expel the Syrian ambassador to Cairo. The delegation seeks to force the Syrian regime led by President Bashar al-Assad to end the massacres against peaceful demonstrators. The delegation also warned the Egyptian people of Iranian attempts to restore relations with Egypt. “The Syrian people demand international intervention under the auspices of the UN to protect the Syrian people from regime atrocities,” said Monzer Makhoos, a leader in the March 15 Movement. He also criticized the resounding “Arab silence” in the face of Syrian regime brutality. The revolutionary leader also condemned what he feels are soft sanctions on the Syrian regime – the freezing of assets – and instead suggested that sanctions should start with the expulsion of ambassadors and the severing of diplomatic ties with the Syrian regime. “The delegation came to Egypt to form a bloc and pressure the Syrian regime,” said political activist Fares al-Shofy, while urging Egyptians to organize demonstrations to support Syrian people. “Egypt is the heart of the Arab nation and it can put international pressure on Syria,” he added. The activist also demanded that Egyptian people participate in the demonstrations scheduled for next Friday to support Syrians. “People who can overthrow a tyrannical regime in 18 days can support the Syrians and overthrow al-Assad and his Iranian allies,” he added.
