EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Statement on Syria
The EU condemns in the strongest terms the brutal campaign Bashar al-Assad and his regime are waging against their own people. In recent weeks the Syrian leadership has stepped up its violent crackdown against peaceful protesters and resorted to large-scale use of military force in the cities of Hama, Deir al-Zour and Lattakia. This has led to the killing or injury of many Syrian citizens. Further casualties and new refugees were reported after the Palestinian camp of al-Ramal was attacked. These developments are unacceptable and intolerable.
The EU
has repeatedly emphasised that the brutal repression must
be
stopped, detained protesters released, free access by
international
humanitarian and human rights organizations
and media allowed, and a
genuine and inclusive national
dialogue launched. The Syrian leadership, however, has
remained defiant to calls from the EU as well as the broad
international community including Syria's own neighbours.
This shows that the Syrian regime is unwilling to change.
The President's promises of reform have lost all credibility
as reforms cannot succeed under permanent
repression.
The EU notes the complete loss of Bashar
al-Assad's legitimacy in the eyes of the Syrian people and
the necessity for him to step aside. At the same time, the
EU is proceeding to further action. We have been reaching
out to our partners in the region and calling for a Special
Session of the UN Human Rights Council on Syria. The
addition of further names to the list of those targeted by
the EU restrictive measures is under preparation.
Moreover, the EU is moving ahead with discussing further
restrictive
measures that will broaden its sanctions
against the Syrian regime. By these efforts we continue to
aim at assisting the Syrian people to achieve their
legitimate
aspirations.
ENDS