Clinton: 'Reform still possible in Syria'

WASHINGTON, May 6

Reuters

-" U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Friday Syria's government could still make reforms despite mounting political violence that has sparked worldwide condemnation.Clinton, speaking in an interview with an Italian journalist on a visit to Rome, said the United States had been outspoken about Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's political crackdown but that the situation there was "complex.".. "There are deep concerns about what is going on inside Syria, and we are pushing hard for the government of Syria to live up to its own stated commitment to reforms," Clinton said in remarks released by the State Department.

Clinton said the situation in Syria was "poignant" but rejected comparisons with Libya, where the United States has helped to lead international efforts to support rebels fighting longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. "What I do know is that they have an opportunity still to bring about a reform agenda," Clinton said. "Nobody believed Gaddafi would do that. People do believe there is a possible path forward with Syria. So we're going to continue joining with all of our allies to keep pressing very hard on that."..."