Iran blames Jordan, Saudi Arabia for Syria

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TEHRAN, April 10 (UPI) -- Iran Sunday accused Jordan and Saudi Arabia of being behind the wave of anti-government protests in Syria.

"A probe into the root causes of the latest events in Syria shows that the revolt is mainly supported by Saudi Arabia and Jordan," Iran's Press TV said.

In an effort to justify the accusations, Press TV noted the anti-regime protests began in the southern Syrian city of Daraa, which is located near the border with Jordan.

"Daraa is the birthplace of Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood, which has close ties to the people in the Syrian city," the report said.

"Saudi Arabia and Jordan continued their attempts to cause unrest in Syria," the report said. "Saudi Arabia, which often bows to U.S. and Israel's policies in the region, tried to destabilize Bashar Assad's government by undermining his rule."

Meanwhile, Israel Radio reported clashes erupted in the Syrian port city of Baniyas on Sunday between anti- and pro-regime protesters. Five people were injured, the radio said.

At least 37 people have been killed in Syria in violence that began following Friday prayers in Damascus, Daraa, Homs, Harasta, Latakia, Baniyas and Tartous, The Washington Post reported.

Prior to the weekend protests, Amnesty International estimated 171 people died in the three weeks of unrest in Syria.