Gulf bloc urges end to Syrian bloodshed

Gulf Arab states on Saturday turned up the heat on Damascus, joining a growing chorus of pressure after Syrian security forces shot dead at least 22 people as tens of thousands staged anti-regime protests. The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council called for an “immediate end to violence… and bloodshed.” Its statement urged a “resort to wisdom and introducing serious and necessary reforms that would protect the rights and dignity of the (Syrian) people, and meet their aspirations.”