09/07/2011 12:40
U.S. ambassador did not incite Hama protests - State Department
U.S. has rejected a Syrian claim that the US ambassador has been inciting protests in the city of Hama.
The State Department said Ambassador Robert Ford had gone to Hama to show solidarity with the Syrian people and the protesters he met were friendly and peaceful.
U.S. State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland said Mr Ford had been welcomed with flowers and olive branches by protesters.
Syria condemned Ambassador Ford's visit to the restive central city of Hama as proof that Washington was inciting unrest across Syria.
The interior ministry said Mr Ford had met "saboteurs and incited them to violence, protest and rejection of dialogue."
Thousands of people across Syria joined renewed demonstrations against President Bashar al-Assad on Friday and at least 14 people were reported killed, BBC said.