Syrians protest in ‘Day of Martyrs’

Tens of thousands of people marched in towns and cities across Syria on 1 April 2011 in support of greater freedoms, as at least three people were killed in Damascus, the capital, during a crackdown by security forces, according to activists.

For the first time since mass protests erupted two weeks ago, ethnic Kurds, who account for 10 to 15 per cent of Syria’s population of 20m, joined the protests in the north-eastern towns of Qamishli and Hassakeh.

Syrian activists designated the 1 of april 2011 a 'day of martyrs' to honour those killed by security forces in the southern city of Deraa and the port city of Latakia last week.

EUObserver, 11.4.11: EU ministers to 'deplore' Syria killings, threaten sanctions http://euobserver.com/9/32151

EEAS: Countries: Syria and the European Union http://eeas.europa.eu/syria/index_en.htm

ESO: Background information: EU diplomats ponder if Syria next to fall http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-diplomats-ponder-if-syria-next-to-fall/

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