The Netherlands has recalled its ambassador from Syria for consultation about the security situation. In addition, the Syrian ambassador in The Hague has been called to the foreign ministry for talks, website nu.nl reports.

The Dutch embassy in Syria will remain open to keep contact with opposition forces and Dutch nationals who remain in the country.
Recalling the ambassador is a way of putting pressure on president Bashar al-Assad to stop the violence against opposition forces in the Middle Eastern country, foreign minister Uri Rosenthal is quoted by nu.nl as saying.