Belgium's Foreign Minister Didier Reynders has recalled the country's ambassador to Syria for consultations, news agency Belga reported Monday.

Reynders has also asked the European Union's top diplomat Catherine Ashton to coordinate with the bloc's 27 member states to decide what measures can be taken given the escalating violence wrought by the Syrian regime on its people.

The foreign minister had said Sunday that new restrictions should be imposed on the Syrian regime.

After one of the bloodiest weekends since the popular uprising began some 11 months ago, Syrian forces rained rockets and shells on protest hubs on Monday, killing at least 66 civilians, activists said.

Britain has also recalled its ambassador to Syria for consultations, while Washington has closed its Damascus embassy.