US urges all countries to cut ties with Syria

The US is urging all countries to stop buying oil from Syria and selling weapons to President Bashar al-Assad, as his violent crackdown against civilians continues.

The US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said all countries should cut their political and economic ties with the country.

Her comments came after 16 protestors were killed across the country as the security forces clampdown continues.

More than 1,700 people have died and thousands have been arrested since the uprising began in March.

The US has stopped short of calling on President al-Assad to stand down, and has instead increased pressure on Europe, Russia and China to use the leverage they have.