英语新闻阅读：美国说阿萨德“失去合法性”

英语自学网

　　The United States says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has "lost
legitimacy," while France has renewed its call for the United Nations Security
Council to take action in the on-going crisis.In Washington's strongest
condemnation of Mr. Assad since his security forces launched a violent crackdown
on pro-democracy protesters in March, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said
the authoritarian leader "is not indispensable," and that the U.S. has "nothing
invested in him remaining in power."
        　　French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said Tuesday it becomes more
difficult for Mr. Assad to remain in power with each passing day. He also told
Europe-1 radio that the U.N. Security Council's "silence" on Syria has become
untenable, and that Russia and China are blocking a U.N. resolution.Clinton
condemned recent mob attacks on the U.S. embassy and the American ambassador's
residence in Damascus, as well as separate assaults against French diplomatic
missions in the country.She accused Mr. Assad's government of attempting to
divert attention from its brutal domestic crackdown, and she demanded that Syria
uphold international treaty obligations to protect foreign diplomats and
missions. She also charged that Damascus has accepted aid from Iran to repress
the Syrian people.Crowds of Syrians loyal to Mr. Assad surged into the U.S.
embassy compound in Damascus Monday. Attackers broke windows, raised a Syrian
flag on the grounds and wrote anti-U.S. graffiti on walls. The mob left after
the brief incursion was pushed back by U.S. Marine guards.