Ashton condemns Syria violence on anniversary of protests

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Ashton condemns Syria violence on anniversary of protests

16-03-2012

The European Union’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has condemned the violence in Syria in a press statement on 15 March, a year since the Syrian people started their struggle for freedom and democracy.

“I strongly condemn the continued brutal attacks by the Syrian regime, in particular in the cities of Idlib and Deraa, on this first anniversary of the uprising. The repression has reached unspeakable levels of violence,” said High Representative Ashton.

“I fully support the efforts of the Joint UN and League of Arab States Special Envoy, Kofi Annan, to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The Syrian regime needs to continue to engage with Kofi Annan and fully cooperate with him. It is crucial to immediately end the killing of civilians, withdraw the Syrian army from besieged towns and cities and engage in a peaceful transition for the sake of the Syrian population. There must be immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.”

She also said that “there must be a full investigation of the findings of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, which pointed to crimes against humanity and other gross violations of human rights committed by the regime. There can be no impunity for the perpetrators of such alleged crimes. The recent allegations of the use of anti-personnel landmines on the borders of Turkey and Lebanon are another cause of serious concern that require immediate investigation. I stand by the Syrian people in their struggle for freedom, human rights and democracy on this anniversary of the uprising." (ENPI Info Centre)

Read more

Press release

Factsheet - The European Union and Syria (01-03-12)

European External Action Service – Frequently Asked Questions on EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime

ENPI Info Centre webpage – Syria

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