Saudi Arabia recalls its ambassador from Syria

RIYADH (RIA Novosti) - Saudi Arabia has recalled its ambassador from Syria for consultations amid ongoing violent clashes between the Syrian government and protesters, Saudi Arabian media reported on Monday.

"Saudi Arabia announces that it recalls its ambassador for consultations," King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz said.

The king called on the Syrian authorities "to stop the machine of murders and bloodshed... until it is not too late," adding that Saudi Arabia cannot justify the ongoing violence in the country.

On Sunday, Syrian security forces backed by tanks launched fresh assaults on protesters, killing over 50 people and wounding dozens.

The attack came hours after UN leader Ban Ki-moon told Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who has been refusing to take his calls, to immediately end his deadly military campaign against opponents.

Over 1,600 civilians have been killed and some 3,000 are missing since protests against the regime of President Assad began in March.