30/08/2012 19:12
Syrian delegation walked out during Mursi’s speech
Syria's delegation to a Non-Aligned Movement summit in Tehran walked out on Thursday after Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi called for solidarity with the rebels fighting the "oppressive regime" of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the france24 reports.
Mursi, a moderate Egyptian Islamist, said in his speech that solidarity with the Syrian people “against an oppressive regime that has lost its legitimacy is an ethical duty” and a strategic necessity.
“We all have to announce our full solidarity with the struggle of those seeking freedom and justice in Syria, and translate this sympathy into a clear political vision that supports a peaceful transition to a democratic system of rule that reflects the demands of the Syrian people for freedom.”
His words prompted Syrian delegates to leave the hall.
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem said the delegation withdrew “in rejection of the incitement in the speech to continue the shedding of Syrian blood”, and returned after Mursi’s address was over, Syrian state television reported.