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U.S., French and German leaders discuss sanctions against Syria

06 August 2011 03:41 (UTC +04:00)

"The leaders condemned the [Syrian President Bashar] Assad regime’s continued use of indiscriminate violence against the Syrian people," the statement said.

"They welcomed the August 3 presidential statement by the UN Security Council condemning Syria’s actions, but also agreed to consider additional steps to pressure the Assad regime and support the Syrian people," the statement added.

On Wednesday, the UN Security Council adopted a statement condemning the widespread violations of human rights and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities.

Washington has already imposed sanctions on Assad and members of his government. A group of U.S. senators introduced a bill on Tuesday that would expand sanctions on Syria’s energy sector.

More than 1,600 civilians are thought to have been killed since protests against the regime of President Assad began in March.