Houla massacre: Ashton condemns 'heinous act perpetrated by Syrian regime'

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Houla massacre: Ashton condemns 'heinous act perpetrated by Syrian regime'

28-05-2012

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton has condemned "in the strongest terms" the "brutal massacre" in the Syrian town of Houla, describing the mass killing of civilians as a "heinous act" perpetrated by the regime.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs said:

"I am appalled by the reports of the brutal massacre by the Syrian armed forces in the town of Houla, Syria, today, claiming the lives of over 90 people of whom many are children. I condemn in the strongest terms this heinous act perpetrated by the Syrian regime against its own civilian population, despite the agreed ceasefire and presence of UN observers."

Ashton called on the Syrian regime to immediately cease all forms of violence and provide its full support to the UN observation mission. The High Representative said she would talk today to UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan to affirm the EU's full support.

"I also urge the members of the UN Security Council to remain seized of the matter. The international community must continue to speak with one voice, demanding an end to the bloodshed and urging Assad to step aside and allow a democratic transition." (EU Neighbourhood Info)

Read more

Ashton statement

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

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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