AlArabiya on Jun 29, 2011
US Congressman Dennis Kucinich, a Democrat from Ohio, visited Syria earlier this week on what he called a "fact-finding mission."
Mr. Kucinich has met Syrian President Bashar Al Assad on June 28 to explore possibilities for a peaceful resolution to the violence that has rocked Syria for more than three months.
Mr. Kucinich, an advocate of peace and non-violence has also met with figures from the opposition, as well as government authorities. He is heading to Lebanon to meet with President Michel Suleiman.
Human Rights groups say 1,300 civilians have been killed in demonstrations against the rule of Bashar Al Assad and 12,000 people have been arrested since the start of the protests three months ago. Authorities say more than 250 soldiers and police have died in clashes with militant groups.
The violent reaction of Syrian security forces to the demonstrations has sparked international criticism.