Jordan urges Syria return to dialogue

Amman, Jordan: Jordan's top diplomat has urged Syria to return to dialogue, expressing concern over spiraling bloodshed but stopping short of condemning the Arab neighbour.

Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh was quoted by Jodan's official Petra News Agency on Monday describing the escalation in violence by President Bashar Assad's regime as "disturbing." He urged Damascus to follow through on promised reforms.

But Judeh noted that Syria's unity, security and stability is a "red line" for Jordan, and that Amman does not interfere in Damascus' internal affairs.

Arab nations have joined a growing chorus of international condemnation over the crackdown by Syrian forces looking to quash a five-month old uprising.