EU condemns latest brutal killings of civilians in Syria

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EU condemns latest brutal killings of civilians in Syria

08-06-2012

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has issued a strong condemnation of the killing of dozens of civilians this week in villages in the Hama province of Syria.

In a statement issued yesterday, the EU High Representative said: "I strongly condemn the brutal violence and killing of dozens of civilians yesterday in the villages of Qubair and Maarzaf in Hama province of Syria, many of them women and children. The Syrian government has the responsibility to protect its people. It is important to establish without delay who is responsible for the killings. It is totally unacceptable and unforgivable that any party to the Syrian conflict, either government or opposition forces, continues to commit these heinous acts of violence against innocent Syrian citizens."

Ashton added that the EU strongly condemned all efforts aimed at obstructing the implementation of Special Envoy Kofi Annan's six point plan.

"I call for a full investigation of the horrendous crimes and support all efforts to this end. There is an imperative need now, more than ever, to support those working to end this dreadful spiral of violence in which the innocent are the victims. Those guilty of these atrocities must be brought rapidly to justice," the statement said.

The High Representative called on the international community to unite behind a political process leading to a democratic transition. "The message is clear: it is time for us to agree on a united way forward. There is no time to lose. The UN Security Council must continue to support Kofi Annan and use all its influence to stop the violence."

The EU today adopted a €23 million special measure to enable a rapid, simple response to the most pressing needs of the Syrian population and Syrian refugees, both in the country itself and in neighbouring Lebanon and Jordan. (EU Neighbourhood Info)

Read more

Ashton statement

EU Neighbourhood Info Centre – Syria: EU releases €23 million to support civilian population and refugees (08-06-12)

European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection – Syrian crisis factsheet (May 2012)

European Commission – Factsheet - The European Union and Syria (May 2012)

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

EU Neighbourhood Info Centre webpage – Syria

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