Syria defiant over Arab League suspension

LONDON. November 14. KAZINFORM Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem has reacted defiantly to the Arab League's suspension of Syria over its crackdown on protesters; Kazinform refers to BBC.

He denounced the move as a "dangerous step" and said it was an illegitimate decision prompted by US incitement.

He said Syria would not budge from what he called its strong positions, adding that all "plots" against it would fail.

The Arab League voted on Saturday to suspend Syria's membership over its repression of months of protests.

Mr Muallem's statement came as European foreign ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss tightening sanctions against Syria, on which they reached a preliminary deal.

The sanctions are set to target more individuals associated with the crackdown and to prevent Syria getting funds from the European Investment Bank; Kazinform cites BBC.

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