Australia will pursue further independent sanctions against the regime of Bashar al-Assad as a result of the worsening situation in Syria, and the killing of at least 200 people in the city of Homs earlier this week.
In a speech to Parliament yesterday the Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd, labelled the escalating violence in Syria, which has seen more than 5000 killed in a little more than a year, as appalling.
He also joined in the fierce international condemnation of United Nations Security Council members China and Russia, who vetoed a proposed resolution on Syria last weekend, describing their decision as an ''abdication of responsibility''.
He also said the regime of Dr Assad had lost all legitimacy and has shown a complete disregard for the rights of the Syrian people.
''The Assad regime is doomed. Assad is isolated and has nowhere to go. Its demise is only a matter of time and, tragically, how many people will die in the process?'' Mr Rudd asked. He also used the speech to also announce further financial sanctions and travel bans, with 109 Syrians and 40 entities associated with Assad regime now listed by the government.
He also announced a further $3million in funding for the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Syria, on top of $3million provided by Australia last year.
He said Australia would continue to push for a resolution on Syria to be voted on in the UN General Assembly. ''Such a resolution would be a critical demonstration of the international community's condemnation of the massacres we continue to witness in Syria.
''The Australian government firmly believes that those committing acts of violence, human rights abuses and war crimes must be held accountable for their action; and that the Syrian people, like the other peoples of the Arab world, should enjoy the political freedoms which we in Australia take for granted.''
A spokeswoman for Mr Rudd also responded to questions about the US and British embassies in Damascus closing yesterday. Australia has no diplomatic staff in Syria, and relies on the Canadian mission there for support for Australians.
''The government's approach balances the clear message to the Syrian regime, condemning its attacks on civilians with the need to maintain channels of communication, in particular to ensure the best possible consular services under difficult circumstances to Australian citizens in Syria,'' she said.
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