William Hague 'extremely concerned at Syria violence'

By Jamie Smith

The foreign secretary, William Hague, has stated he is "extremely concerned" about the violence currently taking place throughout Syria.

It is thought as many as 60 people have been killed by security forces in the country today (April 22nd 2011), making it the worst day for deaths since protests against the president Bashar al-Assad began over a month ago, reports BBC News.

"Political reforms should be brought forward and implemented without delay," said Mr Hague.

"The Emergency Law should be lifted in practice, not just in word."

It is reported that at least 260 Syrians have been killed in the country since the start of the protests around five weeks ago.

A witness to shootings in Ezra told the Associated Press news agency that bullets rained down on the crowd like "heavy rain".

The Guardian reported that people chanted "The people want to topple the regime" at protests which took place in Damascus.

Much of the Middle East and north Africa is currently being affected by various political upheaval, with Egypt and Libya among the countries where regimes are being toppled.