Arson suspected as fire destroys Syrian consulate in Kazakhstan

In a disturbing sign that the violence in Syria may be spreading beyond its borders, police in Almaty are investigating an attack that seriously damaged the Arab Republic’s Consulate offices.

The upper floors of the building sustained heavy damage in the attack, which Syrian diplomats believe was intentionally targeted, according to the KTK television station."The second and third floors of this country's one and only diplomatic mission in Kazakhstan were completely destroyed,” according to the station. “Diplomats believe the arsonists targeted the third floor intentionally.”The Consulate’s third floor housed the offices of the Syrian honorary consul, together with important documents.The fire also damaged guest rooms and a meeting hall.“Consulate employees believe Molotov cocktails were thrown at the building,” according to the report. “However, valuable items inside of the Consulate were not damaged.”Police are now investigating the incident, the station said.Meanwhile, the Syrian diplomats are blaming the attack on “radical religious organizations” and individuals who could potentially "resort to anything.”Syria's Honorary Consul to Kazakhstan Samir al-Dara explained in an interview with KTK the level of violence that has hit the Syrian community in Kazakhstan.“They set fire to a house today and they could kill someone tomorrow,” he said. “I have no idea. I cannot live here any longer."Robert Bridge, RT