Clinton Says U.S. Sees ‘Momentum Building’ Against Syria’s Assad

The U.S. sees growing pressure on the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said today in Cambodia.

“We do see momentum building” against Assad, Clinton said at a press conference in Phnom Penh, citing the defection of Damascus’ ambassador to Iraq and the crumbling economy.

Clinton said the U.S. is committed to supporting special envoy Kofi Annan’s six-point plan for a political transition that eases out Assad. She called on Russia to join the U.S. in “a serious resolution that gives Annan what he needs, what he’s been asking for and imposes real consequences” for failure to comply.

Assad will not do anything without additional pressure, said Clinton, who called on Syria’s military and business community to reconsider their support for the president.

To contact the reporter on this story: Nicole Gaouette in Washington at ngaouette@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: John Brinsley at jbrinsley@bloomberg.net