Syria crisis: Obama condemns 'outrageous' use of force
Rallies supporting the Syrian protesters, like this one in New York, have taken place around the worldUS President Barack Obama has accused Syria of using "outrageous" force against protesters and of seeking Iranian help to quell weeks of unrest.
He condemned "in the strongest possible terms" Friday's violence in which more than 70 protesters were killed.
He said President Bashar al-Assad refused to respect the rights of protesters, and had instead used the same tactics as his Iranian allies.
Friday's reported death toll was the highest in five weeks of unrest.
Large crowds were due to attend funerals on Saturday for many of those killed, raising fears of further bloody confrontations.
Syria's state news agency said security forces had used only tear gas and water cannon to prevent clashes.
"This outrageous use of violence to quell protests must come to an end now," Mr Obama said in a statement.
"Instead of listening to their own people, President Assad is blaming outsiders while seeking Iranian assistance in repressing Syria's citizens through the same brutal tactics that have been used by his Iranian allies."
Tougher lineSyria is widely believed to be a key part of an alliance that includes Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and other more radical Palestinian groups opposed to peace with Israel.
The US designates Syria a state sponsor of terrorism and already has sanctions in place.
Protests took place across Syria following Friday prayersBut some in Washington are now demanding a tougher line, the BBC's Steve Kingstone says. They believe the US could benefit if President Assad were to fall - in part because he is seen as a vital ally of Tehran.
Friday's bloodshed - which came a day after President Assad scrapped decades of emergency rule - brought strong international condemnation.
France said it was "extremely concerned" and condemned the violence.
"Light should be shed on these crimes and those responsible must be identified, arrested and brought to justice," foreign ministry deputy spokeswoman Christine Fages said.
Syrian authorities should "renounce the use of violence against their citizens", she added.
Human rights groups and witnesses said many deaths occurred in a village near Deraa in the south, and in a suburb of the capital, Damascus.
Video footage showed protesters scattering as they apparently came under fire.
In their first joint statement since anti-government protests broke out, activists co-ordinating the mass demonstrations demanded the establishment of a democratic political system.
Correspondents say President Assad's concessions may have been too late and too symbolic to appease protesters.
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