“What is happening in Syria is not acceptable for Saudi Arabia,” he said in a speech aired on Al-Arabiya satellite television.
King Abdullah said he was recalling Ambassador Abdullah Al-Aifan for consultation on developments in the troubled Arab nation.
“Syria should think wisely before it’s too late and issue and enact reforms that are not merely promises but actual reforms,” he said. “Either it chooses wisdom on its own or it will be pulled down into the depths of turmoil and loss.
"The events are grave and cannot be justified, and this has resulted in the loss of large numbers of lives and left many injured. This cannot be contemplated by any sane Muslim, Arab or other human being," he said. He added that all should be aware that what's happening in Syria cannot be condoned by Islam.
He said that what is happening in Syria "cannot be justified by reasons, and the Syrian leadership should quickly implement comprehensive reforms."
"The future of Syria lies between two options: either to choose a course dictated by wisdom, or drift into the depths of chaos and loss, God forbid," King Abdullah said.
He added, "Syria knows the Kingdom's stand with it in the past. Today, the Kingdom demands a stop to the killing machine, and the shedding of blood, and a rational approach to bring the situation under control. Before it is too late, Syria must launch reforms that are not mere promises but actually realized, so our brothers in Syria can feel it and live it with ... dignity ... and pride ..."
King Abdullah's speech comes a day after Syrian troops fired on mourners at a funeral and raided an eastern city, killing at least 59 protesters in blatant disregard of appeals by the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperating Council (GCC) to halt the violence.
The Syrian government’s crackdown since a popular uprising started five months ago has left more than 1,700 dead, including more than 300 people in the past week.
On Sunday, Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby and Pope Benedict XVI added their voices and urged Syrian authorities to refrain from using violence against peaceful protesters demanding political reforms.
Elaraby issued a statement expressing “growing concern and strong distress over the deteriorating security conditions in Syria due to escalating violence and military operations in Hama and Deir Al-Zor and other areas of Syria.”
In the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI urged the Syrian government to respond appropriately to “the legitimate aspirations of citizens” and urged both sides to "return to a peaceful coexistence."
